Automatic Fault Detection for Deep Learning Programs Using Graph Transformations

Nowadays, we are witnessing an increasing demand in both corporates and academia for exploiting Deep Learning ( DL ) to solve complex real-world problems. A DL program encodes the network structure of a desirable DL model and the process by which the model learns from the training dataset. Like any software, a DL program can be faulty, which implies substantial challenges of software quality assurance, especially in safety-critical domains. It is therefore crucial to equip DL development teams with efficient fault detection techniques and tools. In this article, we propose NeuraLint , a model-based fault detection approach for DL programs, using meta-modeling and graph transformations. First, we design a meta-model for DL programs that includes their base skeleton and fundamental properties. Then, we construct a graph-based verification process that covers 23 rules defined on top of the meta-model and implemented as graph transformations to detect faults and design inefficiencies in the generated models (i.e., instances of the meta-model). First, the proposed approach is evaluated by finding faults and design inefficiencies in 28 synthesized examples built from common problems reported in the literature. Then NeuraLint successfully finds 64 faults and design inefficiencies in 34 real-world DL programs extracted from Stack Overflow posts and GitHub repositories. The results show that NeuraLint effectively detects faults and design issues in both synthesized and real-world examples with a recall of 70.5% and a precision of 100%. Although the proposed meta-model is designed for feedforward neural networks, it can be extended to support other neural network architectures such as recurrent neural networks. Researchers can also expand our set of verification rules to cover more types of issues in DL programs.

Entrepreneurship Education: The Effects of Challenge-Based Learning on the Entrepreneurial Mindset of University Students

The aim of this paper is to investigate the implications of Challenge-Based Learning programs on entrepreneurial skills, and on the mindset and intentions of university students, through a quantitative approach. Resorting to an original database, we analyzed the pre- and post-levels of entrepreneurial skills, mindset and intention of 127 students who attended a Challenge-Based Learning program. Results show a positive and significant effect of Challenge-Based Learning programs on the entrepreneurial mindset and skills—that is, financial literacy, creativity, and planning—of the students.

Perspectives on Socio-Educational Inclusion of Children with Special Educational Needs

The socio-educational inclusion of children with special educational needs is an insufficiently explored topic in Romania, despite the fact that we are part of many international organizations that support human rights and an increasing number of nationally ratified conventions. This paper aims to capture the perception and attitude of teachers on the rights and possibilities of these children to integrate into mainstream education, identifying obstacles and possible solutions. The study was conducted through an opinion poll and a focus group with the participation of teachers from mainstream education units.The main conclusions show that regular education will not be able to integrate children with special educational needs, in the absence of differentiated teaching/ learning, programs and assessments tailored to the specifics of each child, a thorough training of teachers and support of specialized staff, parents and community.

Launching an Online Business Program at Scale: A Retrospective Case Study of Disruptive Innovation Before the Pandemic

How does an online graduate business program become the fastest growing program in a short span of 5 years, in a category that has been showing constant decline in the last decade? This article takes a retrospective look at the journey from conception to launch and early implementation of an innovative online program at a large public university about half a decade before the pandemic. Extant research about online learning focuses on educational strategies, the changing roles of faculty in a new environment, or students’ satisfaction and performance in online learning programs or courses. This article takes a broad-based view to discuss details on the strategy, design, and development of a disruptive online graduate program built for scale. Given the accelerated transition into remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, our journey also has important implications from the forward-looking approach of half a decade ago for how higher education should navigate the digital future.

A Suggested Proposal to Develop Distance Learning Programs in Border Schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The aim of this research is to find a proposed vision for developing distance education programs in border schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to explore the reality of the proposed educational programs for developing distance education programs. In order to achieve the research objectives, the descriptive and analytical approach was used for its suitability for this research, as the questionnaire was used as a research tool. The research sample consisted of (150) female teachers from border schools. The results of the research revealed that the reality of female teachers ’practice on distance learning programs in border schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is central. And that the use of technology is the most important requirement for developing distance education programs in border schools from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results also showed the achievement of leadership in diversifying and developing teaching and learning methods through the distance education system based on employing modern information and communication technology, equipping schools with all technological equipment, and supporting students with modern equipment and teachers with modern training to achieve the goals of distance education. In light of the results, the research paper presented a proposal for developing distance education programs in border schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Virtual Simulation

Virtual simulation is a learning tool that employs specific hardware and software technology for simulation-based provider training within a digital domain. Extended reality or XR software includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) programs that represent a rapidly growing area within the field of virtual simulation. This training may provide either provider- or patient-centered learning modules, with dedicated hardware and software centered on skill-based, 3D modeling or case-based learning. Demand for these learning programs in healthcare education was fueled by the remote learning needs of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to this growing demand, there is a significant role for many virtual simulation software programs within the traditional classroom and lecture hall. This is a previously untapped resource for simulation education. The flipped classroom model provides an opportune framework for the incorporation of immersive, virtual simulation learning programs within spaces previously limited to the more passive, podium-based lecture.

Digital Communication in the Inclusive Classroom

Digital communication is being extensively used, and during COVID-19 pandemic, it has transformed the way teaching is delivered and how learning happens which became even more problematic for children with learning difficulties. The digitalization of education during the lockdown period has forced teachers, children, and parents to develop and enhance their digital skills to maintain and keep ensuring efficient learning. Digital communication can be provided in the educational system by the simple use of email or WhatsApp groups up to the integration of complex digitalized learning programs and software adapted to the specific educational needs of each student. Being digital natives, students nowadays seem more engaged if learning is mediated by the use of digital communication tools. They are opened and interested in participating in educational activities that are technology-based.

Implementation of Multilingual Education for Sustainable Development in the Netherlands and Kazakhstan

The chapter presents a comparative analysis of the implementation of multilingual/bilingual education in Kazakhstan and the Netherlands. The study explores the origin and role of multilingualism, for socio-economic development, relevant regional and international practices in multilingual education, the growth of trilingual instruction, English language training and the use of digital technologies (distant, e-learning programs) in the Eurasian region, Major common features and differences of implementing multilingual/bilingual teaching between the two case studies and the main findings from research trips are identified. A theoretical analysis of scholarly approaches, as well as practical and methodological implications, are made on the example of implementing multilingual instruction at the Kazakhstani agricultural higher educational institutions, particularly Kazakh National Agrarian University and Kazakh S. Seifullin Agritechnical University and Dutch counterparts - Wageningen University, and the Hague University of Applied Sciences.

Integrating Service Learning With Systemic Change

This chapter examines the redesign of the Petey Greene Program (the PGP), which prepares undergraduate and graduate student volunteers at 30 higher education institutions to tutor people in prison. Through a redesign process, the PGP shifted from a service learning organization that only supplements existing prison education programs with volunteer tutors to one that also pursues systemic improvement in educational access for justice-impacted people and facilitates volunteer activism. The chapter explores how service learning programs may perpetuate unjust systems if they are not integrated into systemic change initiatives and offers a guide for using service learning programs as a platform for pursuing systemic change. The case study illustrates how higher education institutions can partner with external organizations to educate justice-oriented citizens who understand and address the structural root causes of injustice.