Your search found 7162 results.

Descriptors:
Information Sources; Stakeholders; Statistical Analysis; Foreign Countries; Internet; Printed Materials; Marketing; Information Systems; Researchers; Role Models; Agricultural Production; Identification; Questionnaires; Incentives; Economics; Workshops; Agricultural Occupations

Abstract:
Purpose: To identify and review production and marketing information sources and flows for smallholder cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) growers in Tanzania and recommend systems improvements for better technology uptake. Design/methodology/approach: Two-stage purposive samples were drawn. First, two districts in the main cashew producing areas, one with significant research investment and good marketing infrastructure and the other a counterfactual. Second, two villages were purposively selected from each district to provide the maximum contrast of variables pertinent to the study. Field data were collected using a semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire complimented by field verification and a wrap-up stakeholders' workshop. The data were analysed using chi-square test and the orderly probit model. Findings: Sources of information and flows varied between districts and villages. For production, the most reliable sources were role model farmers (RMFs), extensionists, radio, on-farm demonstrations, researchers, cashew development centres (CDCs), print media and mobile phones in order of popularity. RMFs, radio programmes, extensionists, interactions with researchers, CDCs and print were the main pathways. For marketing, primary society notice boards, radio announcements, RMFs, extensionists, mobile phones and print were listed in order of popularity. Print media was the least popular due to a low level of literacy among growers. RMFs were popular actors in the information systems irrespective of social-economic background. Practical implications: Policy change and additional resources are required for improvement of existing information systems. Additionally, incentive structures that will enhance and sustain continued investment in cashew production should be emphasized. Originality and value: This is the first attempt in the Tanzanian cashew sector to analyse and link social economics of growers with information sources, communication channels and technology uptake. (Contains 7 figures, 4 tables and 1 note.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Preservice Teacher Education; Teacher Education Programs; Information Systems; Phenomenology; Course Content; Preservice Teachers; Educational Experience; Learning Experience; Virtual Classrooms; Interviews; Student Teacher Attitudes; Teacher Placement; Field Experience Programs; Supervisor Supervisee Relationship; Delivery Systems; Technological Literacy; Expectation; Distance Education; Educational Technology

Abstract:
Situated in the theoretical perspective of phenomenology, the purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of three preservice teachers who voluntarily participated in a field placement in a virtual school in the southeastern United States. The preservice teachers were paired with online teachers for four weeks. Their experiences were documented via four phenomenological interviews. Using phenomenological analysis, the interview data were analyzed, resulting in the essence of the virtual school field placement. The essence of the virtual school field placement was made up of six shared horizons, consisting of (1) communication with supervising teacher, (2) information systems at the virtual school, (3) modification of course content, (4) exposure to new technologies, (5) balancing act, and (6) unmet expectations. The results have implications for preservice teachers, teacher education programs, virtual schools, education policymakers, and teacher certification organizations. Suggestions for future research are provided. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Handheld Devices; Electronic Publishing; Educational Technology; Computer Science Education; Information Systems; Usability; Use Studies; Comparative Analysis; Pretests Posttests; Student Attitudes; Pilot Projects; Feedback (Response); Textbooks; Computer Uses in Education; Technology Integration; College Instruction; Student Surveys; Online Surveys; Statistical Analysis; Questionnaires; Educational Policy; School Policy

Abstract:
An eTextbook and iPad were used in a pilot program, and the impact on the course was assessed to guide the development of a college policy. Students in the course completed three questionnaires to provide feedback about their perceptions of the eTextbook and iPad. During the pilot program, students' perceptions of the usefulness, ease of use, and extent to which they enjoyed using the eTextbook increased. Students reported that the eTextbook made it easier for them to learn, and they preferred the eTextbook to a printed textbook. Students were neutral about the iPad's usefulness, but found it easy and enjoyable to use. Based on the students' feedback, it is recommended that an interactive eTextbook be used; that a course be redesigned to take advantage of eReader technology, especially if a tablet computer (iPad) is used; and that students be allowed to choose between an eTextbook and a printed textbook. (Contains 11 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Academic Achievement; Educational Policy; Evidence; Information Systems; Educational Resources; Models; Data; Information Utilization; Data Analysis; Educational Research; Teacher Evaluation; Measurement Techniques; Evaluation Methods

Abstract:
For better or worse, many educational decisions that were once handled on a personal level by teachers or administrators now increasingly rely upon data and information. To be successful in this era, educators need to understand this broad sociotechnical revolution and how it is realigning traditional roles and responsibilities. In this book, the author draws on his unique background in learning sciences, education policy, and information systems to provide valuable insights for both policy and practice. The text discusses many current topics including value-added modeling for teacher evaluation, big data and analytics, longitudinal data systems, open educational resources, blended and personalized learning models, and new designs for teaching. This comprehensive book: (1) Examines the social and historical context of the educational data movement as it unfolds across educational levels; (2) Synthesizes different research traditions from inside and outside of education; (3) Assesses the successes, challenges, and potential of data analytics; (4) Helps educators and innovators design technology-rich solutions for greater student success; and (5) Discusses the catalytic role that foundations have played in making education a more informational and evidence-based practice. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Foreign Countries; Agricultural Occupations; Attitudes; Rural Extension; Technical Assistance; Experience; Innovation; Information Systems; Case Studies; Focus Groups; Semi Structured Interviews

Abstract:
Purpose: Malawi's current extension policy supports pluralism and advocates responsiveness to farmer demand. We investigate whether smallholder farmers' experience supports the assumption that access to multiple service providers leads to extension and advisory services that respond to the needs of farmers. Design/methodology/approach: Within a case study approach, two villages were purposively selected for in-depth qualitative analysis of available services and farmers' experiences. Focus group discussions were held separately with male and female farmers in each village, followed by semi-structured interviews with 12 key informants selected through snowball sampling. Transcripts were analysed by themes, and summaries of themes were made from cross-case analysis. Findings: Farmers appreciate having access to a variety of sources of technical advice and enterprise-specific technology. However, most service providers continue to dominate and dictate what they will offer. Market access remains a challenge, as providers still emphasize pushing a particular technology to increase farm productivity rather than addressing farmers' expressed needs. Although farmers work in groups, providers do not seek to strengthen these to enable active interaction and to link them to input and produce markets. This limits farmers' capacity to continue with innovations after service providers pull out. Poor coordination between providers limits exploitation of potential synergies amongst actors. Practical Implications: Services providers can adapt their approach to engage farmers in discussion of their needs and work collaboratively to address them. At a system level, institutions that have a coordination function can play a more dynamic role in brokering interaction between providers and farmers to ensure coverage and responsiveness. Originality/Value: The study provides a new farmer perspective on the implementation of extension reforms. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Web Sites; Electronic Libraries; Information Systems; Online Systems; Library Services; Case Studies; Research Universities; Academic Libraries

Abstract:
Smartphone users expect the presentation of Web sites on their mobile browsers to look and feel like native applications. With the pressure on library Web developers to produce app-like mobile sites, there is often a rush to get a site up without considering the importance of reusing or even restructuring the data driving the Web sites. An additional challenge is the content maintenance required of any Web site, regardless of platform, underscoring the advantage of pulling content from other systems to decrease redundancy. This article highlights case studies from two large research universities, examines how each one is streamlining its data for multiple Web-based platforms, and discusses how to work toward making data more flexible so content is delivered from single source points rather than duplicated on individual delivery platforms. (Contains 2 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Academic Libraries; Best Practices; Librarians; Management Systems; Information Systems; Computer Software; Compliance (Legal); Higher Education

Abstract:
In this article, the author discusses the future potential of electronic resources management (ERM) organization, within the development of the next-generation integrated library systems (ILS), as a very promising strategy. This also presents enormous challenges to ERM librarians though, especially on how to determine standards and workflows. The author's premise is to look beyond the way librarians might manage locally at their libraries or the ways they feel most comfortable to the larger landscape for more effective solutions. She discusses expanded approaches to ERM work when planning for these solutions. Ultimately, understanding historical pitfalls and pushing to develop prevailing system standards based on workflow best practices may lead to more effective solutions. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Information Retrieval; Information Systems; Holistic Approach; Models; Equations (Mathematics); Systems Approach; Evaluation

Abstract:
Introduction: This paper presents an initial proposal for a formal framework that, by studying the metric variables involved in information retrieval, can establish the sequence of events involved and how to perform it. Method: A systematic approach from the equations of Shannon and Weaver to establish the decidability of information retrieval systems and Conrad's equation is used to interweave the ecosystem components. Analysis: This work was developed from a detailed analysis of the scientific literature on information retrieval and through a set of inductive processes; it has been possible to build each of the components of this proposal. Results: First, we have proposed a simple way of assessing the implications of the sequence of events that occur in a search related to the overall response. Secondly, we obtain a formal equation that determines all the interrelated human and technological elements in the information retrieval processes. Conclusions: The establishment of this formal framework allows us to ascertain why we evaluate information retrieval and how one has to intervene in times of imbalance. (Contains 3 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

 ERIC Full Text (415K) |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library

Descriptors:
Comparative Analysis; Records (Forms); School Districts; Information Systems; Immunization Programs; Clinics; Counties; Rural Schools; Classification; Health Education; Parent Education; Elementary School Students; Secondary School Students; Health Promotion

Abstract:
Washington State has some of the highest percentages of school immunization exemptions in the country. We compared school immunization records in a rural school district in Pierce County, Washington, to immunization records in the state immunization information system (IIS) and parent-held records. Correcting school immunization records resulted in an increase in the number of students classified as fully immunized from 1,189 to 1,564 (p less than 0.0001). We conducted school-based immunization clinics that increased the number of fully immunized students to 1,624 (p = 0.013). Immunized students with certificates of exemption on file suggest exemptions of convenience. Strategies to improve school immunization services include assigning IIS access to school administrative staff and educating school staff and parents on the importance of immunization. (Contains 1 table.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Misconceptions; Technology Planning; Best Practices; Technology Uses in Education; Delivery Systems; Gateway Systems; Information Systems; Human Factors Engineering; Performance Technology; Higher Education; Barriers; Performance Factors

Abstract:
Half of servers in higher ed are virtualized. But that number's not high enough for Link Alander, interim vice chancellor and CIO at the Lone Star College System (Texas). He aspires to see 100 percent of the system's infrastructure requirements delivered as IT services from its own virtualized data centers or other cloud-based operators. Back in 2008, Lone Star suffered from unreliable services with constant outages. Most of the hardware components in the data center were at end-of-life, and the student ERP system couldn't keep up during registration--a highly visible bruise to IT's reputation. Since then, Lone Star's IT has undergone a methodical transformation in its organization, infrastructure, and business operations, all in pursuit of hyper-virtualization. As a result, it can now boast "five nines" service levels, a standard set in 2009 and achieved regularly by late 2010. This level of performance allows for only six minutes of unplanned downtime for any given service each year. Getting to that point of IT maturity and high availability hasn't been without challenges. Typically, though, it's misplaced concerns about virtualization that get in the way. In this article, Alander and Cory Bradfield, Lone Star's infrastructure architect, address 10 common myths that can stop campuses from getting 100 percent out of their virtualization efforts. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website