Abstract: Engineering graphics courses are typically a requirement for engineering students around the world. Besides understanding and depicting graphic representation of engineering objects, the goal of these courses is to provide students with an understanding of the relationship between three-dimensional (3D) objects and their projections. However, in the classroom, where time is limited, it is very difficult to explain 3D geometry using only drawings on paper or at the blackboard. The research presented herein aims to develop two teaching aids; a tangible model and an augmented reality (AR) model, to help students better understand the relationship between 3D objects and their projections. Tangible models refer to the physical objects which are comprised of a set of differently shaped pieces. The tangible model we developed includes eight wooden blocks that include all the main geometrical features with respect to their 3D projections. The AR models are the virtual models which can superimpose 3D graphics of t...

Abstract: The use of learning management systems (LMS) has grown considerably in universities around the world. The University of Minho (UM) has pioneered in this area in Portugal, adopting Blackboard as its official LMS. Moodle is also used in UM in scattered initiatives, allowing for interesting comparisons. Previous studies comparing Blackboard and Moodle have been confined to limited samples and focused on students' perceptions only. In this paper, we also try to relate those perceptions to the impact of the LMSs on student level of engagement. We assess the extent and depth of use of the two LMSs, presenting the results of a study of students' perceptions and experience with both Blackboard and Moodle. Unlike previous studies, more students (46.5%) stated a preference for Blackboard over Moodle, while 34.7% preferred Moodle, and nearly 20% had no preference. Factors that might explain these results are explored in some detail. By and large, a basic utilisation is made of both platforms, as little more than electronic document repositories, in what Francis and Raftery, in 2005, designate as a Mode 1 level of engagement. We could, however, detect some instances of a more sophisticated Mode 2 utilisation, particularly with Moodle, underlining the role of faculty in integrating a sophisticated use of LMSs when designing their courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Zero Tolerance and the Case of Los Angeles * Discipline before Zero Tolerance, 1800-1950 * Bureaucratizing Discipline in the Blackboard Jungle * Struggle for Control in the 1960s * The Death of in Loco Parentis * Reclaiming School Discipline

Abstract: This research tested the efficacy of a blended learning iteration with iPad tablet computers, an etextbook and Blackboard's Mobile Learn application connected with a learning management system (LMS). Mobile learning was embedded into the pedagogical design of an undergraduate subject run in two semesters with 135 students. Using design-based research (DBR), an empirical investigation examined four variables including: iPad use; mobile technology use; attitude, including the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) scale; and academic performance. Quantitative analysis with PASW Statistics included descriptive, scaling, correlations, partial correlations and ANCOVAs. Results suggested that students were positive about mobile learning, but were unconvinced that it made a difference to their learning. Performance variables demonstrated that age and self-managed learning attitudes were important covariates with academic success, and mobile learning per se was important but not independent from curriculum design and student engagement IMS, Learning Tools Interoperability, LTI, learning application, innovation, community of enquiry. © 2011 Jeffrey E. Brand, Shelley Kinash, Trishita Mathew & Ron Kordyban.

Abstract: Learning the nervous system has always been a difficult task for undergraduate students. In particular, the complexity of the system and the condensed time available present a difficult challenge. Regardless of audiovisual aids (blackboard, PowerPoint presentations, ready-made models, or CD-ROMs),

Abstract: Universities and Colleges have been offering online classes without assessing the tools used for online learning management to determine student perceptions. An understanding of the benefits and concerns as perceived by the student population is essential to implementing an online education environment that is conducive to a student’s learning. This paper provides a quantitative assessment of Blackboard, an online learning management system (LMS), at a small rural MidAtlantic university. A survey was distributed to 119 undergraduate and graduate students to discover their perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of the technology. This survey was based upon a study that was conducted at the University of Denver in 2006. The results of the survey were analyzed to understand the students’ perceptions of this technology and to identify areas for improvement.

Abstract: The influence of asynchronous discussion in a virtual learning environment, Blackboard, on subsequent coursework grades was examined with 166 psychology students to determine whether asking questions of the tutor online, and/or reading the questions and the given advice, influenced the grades on the report they were writing. A repeated-measures quasiexperimental design was used, with and without Blackboard available, to control for confounding variables. The grades on the assignment with Blackboard available were significantly higher than those on the previous assignment (when Blackboard was unavailable). Students who never used Blackboard had significantly lower grades on the assignment than the students who had used it. There was a positive relationship between the number of messages read and the grade achieved on the assignment. Students who read the most discussion board posts wrote significantly better reports (up by 4%) than they had previously. No improvement in grades occurred for the people who read no posts at all. Both the students who asked questions and those who just read the questions and answers ('lurkers') ended up with significantly better grades than they had done before Blackboard was introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Information technology and information systems (IT/IS) have been widely adopted in the US educational institutions during the last three decades. Recently the internet-based educational technology has emerged and become an important education tool. WebCT/blackboard is an online learning system implemented by Portland State University (PSU). The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the factors influencing instructors' use of WebCT/blackboard online learning system. The data is based on a survey conducted in spring 2008 by the Advisory Committee on Academic Information Technologies (ACAIT) of PSU. An ordinal logistic regression model is formulated to analyse the factors' influence. Results show that user training (UT) and user satisfaction (US) are the significant factors influencing instructor's intention to use WebCT/blackboard system.

Abstract: In recent years, several researchers have been developing methodologies, technologies and systems to support the assembly of learning services, tools and resources in personal learning environments (PLEs). The overall goal is to enrich or even replace traditional learning management systems like Moodle and Blackboard with mash-ups of widgets and services that can be combined and configured in a flexible way, according to the specific needs of the user. In this paper, we describe our approach to visualize user interactions with widgets and services within such personal learning environments. These visualizations enable the exploration of learner behavior within PLEs. The major objective is to improve and evolve PLE related research and development according to feedback mechanisms based on empirical observation. In this paper, we present an overview of our method to capture usage behavior and a first prototype of a visualization dashboard that enables the analysis and interpretation of these data as a basis for evaluation.

Abstract: The invention discloses a multifunctional electric self-cleaning teaching blackboard The blackboard comprises an outer frame and an electric self-cleaning assembly consisting of a strip-type blackboard brush and a driving mechanism; an either-rotation motor and a corresponding electric control board are arranged at one side edge of the outer frame, and the driving mechanism is composed of a feed screw nut moving mechanism; the bottom of the outer frame is provided with a guide track groove; the strip-type blackboard brush is composed of a U-shaped brush body, a hollow strip-type wiping rod in the long groove of the brush body and two bristles arranged at two sides of the hollow strip-type wiping rod, the bottom of the strip-type blackboard brush is positioned in the guide track groove, and the top of the strip-type blackboard brush is fixed on the nut which is used as a driving connecting block, the strip-type blackboard brush can horizontally move back and forth along the guide track groove under the driving of the feed screw nut so as to complete the wiping operation; and two sides of the hollow strip-type wiping rod are provided with dust absorption holes, and the bottom of the hollow strip-type wiping rod is connected with a dust absorption pipe The electric self-cleaning assembly can be manufactured in a bilaterally symmetric structure The blackboard is adapted to large blackboards of large size and length in the middle and elementary schools, and has the advantages of simple structure, multiple use functions and convenience in operation; and the blackboard is in favor of reducing the dust pollution and establishing a dustless environmentally-friendly classroom environment

Abstract: With the advent of distributed computing, particularly since the emergence of Grids, Clouds and other Service Oriented Computing paradigms, the querying of huge datasets of distributed databases or data repositories on a global scale has become a challenging research question. Currently, beside various other topics, two major concerns in this research area have to be addressed: data access & integration and query execution planning. Our research effort addresses the second issue, namely the query optimization of distributed database queries. Hereby we consider a variety of different heterogeneous and homogeneous infrastructures, parallel algorithms, and huge datasets, which span across several virtual organizations (VOs) with usually no centralized authority. This paper introduces a novel heuristic framework for the optimization of query execution plans (QEP) on a world-wide scale. Our work is based on a multi-staged blackboard mechanism to determine which available data, resources and operations have to be considered to perform a query optimally. Moreover, an evaluation scenario proves our findings that even small changes in the selection of e.g. sort operations for a query execution tree (QET) lead to significant performance improvements.

Abstract: Increasingly at West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC), English 101, English 102, and Enrichment 091 are taught online, allowing students more work availability and time with family, while decreasing commute time and expense. In order to meet the library orientation needs of these online students and provide other options for “missed” on-campus sessions, the Library Instruction Team, unfamiliar with possible software products available for this purpose, set out to develop online tutorials. In the beginning, the Team looked at several software options, Jing, SoftChalk, and Camtasia Studio, as well as researching the tutorial/orientation efforts of other libraries. Still experimenting, the Team decided to make their tutorial(s) available through Blackboard, the course management software used for WKCTC online classes. The adventure began. PowerPoint presentations were revised; scripts were written; and tutorials were recorded and posted on Blackboard.

Abstract: The invention belongs to interactive teaching articles, and discloses an electronic display and writing device of an interactive teaching system, which aims at the problems that a blackboard may produce reflection sometimes, that chalks may product too much dust, that animations cannot be demonstrated on the blackboard, that an electronic display screen is not so visualized and convenient as the blackboard in calligraphy classes and drawing classes and that the electronic display cannot be used for teaching after a power failure. The electronic display and writing device of the interactive teaching system consists of the blackboard and the electronic display screen (4), wherein the electronic display screen (4) is arranged on a wall; the left and right sides of the electronic display screen (4) are provided with a left backboard (2) and a right backboard (6) respectively; sliding chutes (7) are formed on the upper and lower borders of the left backboard (2), the electronic display screen (4) and the right backboard (6); and a left front plate (3) and a right front plate (5) are embedded into the sliding chutes (7). The electronic display and writing device of the interactive teaching system has the advantages of improvements in flexibility, stability and class efficiency, simple structure, increasing of interests of students, and convenience for use and popularization.

Abstract: The problem of identifying patterns in large data sets arises in applications such as the analysis of surveillance data as well as for more general situational awareness needs. Often input data arrives in bits and pieces, in random order from multiple sensors. Conjecturing high-level patterns from such data is often referred to as information fusion. Blackboard-based algorithms have been used to automatically identify such patterns. However, when the volume of data is large and includes noise, a naive blackboard-based algorithm can be inefficient due to the large number of combinations of inputs that a knowledge source could be applied on. Here we present an approach to improve the performance of blackboard-based algorithms under the assumption that each knowledge source is ‘locally-selective’. The number of combinations to explore can then be pruned using locality sensitive hashing (LSH) We formally define a generic Blackboard architecture using Bayesian knowledge sources, with which we model three problems including a real-life example of monitoring Twitter news feeds. We also present experimental results demonstrating the advantage of LSH over a naive blackboard algorithm.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing a collaborative learning based method for multi-user dynamic spectrum access in a cognitive radio system. The collaborative learning based method comprises the steps of: combining a blackboard model, a fusion algorithm and a reinforcement learning method together, firstly non-linearizing a function value of a state-action pair through a Boltzmann machine, selecting an action by adopting a roulette algorithm, and then determining a reward function to realize a blackboard model, that is to say, all the cognitive users transmit respective current Q values to a blackboard through a public control channel, and can obtain the Q values of other cognitive users from the blackboard, and then calculate the Q values by utilizing the fusion algorithm, and on the basis, each cognitive user selects an action according to the fused Q value. In the collaborative learning based method for the multi-user dynamic spectrum access in the cognitive radio system, all the cognitive users execute the reinforcement learning algorithm independently, cooperate mutually, and share the states, strategies and rewards so as to accelerate learning.

Abstract: Sketching is an intuitive way to explain spatial relationships between complex objects. The French community of Anatomists are used to teaching didactic lectures on a blackboard with their colored chalks. The increasing complexity of the sketches affords to the students an opportunity to work out a mental representation of anatomical structures in 3D. To help students perform this labored step, we present a new interactive blackboard which constructs plausible 3D models of branching vessels from a single sketch. We exploit the sketching conventions used in anatomical drawings to infer depth and curvature. We then model the set of branching vessels as a convolution surface generated by a graph of skeleton curves. Classic situations, focused on arteries, have been analyzed to manage vessels' curvatures, subdivisions and overlaps. Original sketches and 3D models are presented for each case. No specific training is required to use the interface. The anatomists have begun to embrace a new generation of 3D digital modeling applications as tools for anatomical teaching. We discuss the future use of this system as a step towards the interactive teaching of anatomy.

Abstract: University at Buffalo undergraduate students are required to complete a non-credit-bearing information competency assessment prior to graduation, preferably within their first year of study. Called the Library Skills Workbook, this assessment has evolved from a short, print-based quiz into a sophisticated, multi-module tutorial and assessment on the Blackboard courseware platform (http://www.blackboard.com). The author presents a case study describing the usefulness of a large-scale, online information competency requirement to meet the developing research needs of undergraduate students. The case presented includes specifics of measured information proficiencies, the benefits and challenges of using Blackboard courseware, student learning outcomes, user and faculty feedback, and the introduction of a new, alternate version of the Workbook that is targeted to engineering students. Practical issues regarding the administration, maintenance, and marketing of the requirement are addressed as well. The author...

Abstract: The utility model relates to an integrated blackboard used for multimedia teaching, which is characterized by comprising a frame body (1), a flat-panel display (2), at least one sliding blackboard (3) capable of moving left and right, and at least one moving blackboard (4) capable of moving front and back, wherein the frame body (1) is fixed on a wall body, the plat-panel display (2) is positioned in the frame body (1) and is fixedly arranged on the wall body, the frame body (1) is provided with transverse guide rails (5) for the sliding blackboard (3) to move and longitudinal guide rails (6) for the moving blackboard (4) to move front and back, the transverse guide rails (5) are perpendicular to the longitudinal guide rails (6), and the moving blackboard (4) is provided with a moving mechanism (12) for making the moving blackboard (4) move front and back. The utility model solves the problems in dust prevention of the flat-panel display and a blackboard writing area, and has the advantages of attractive overall appearance and good dustproof performance. The whole blackboard is smooth and attractive in a blackboard writing state, and the overall thickness of the blackboard can be greatly reduced when an ultra-thin flat-panel display is matched for use.

Abstract: A folding multifunctional blackboard comprises a board and two auxiliary boards, the obverse sides of the auxiliary boards are blackboards, the reverse sides of the auxiliary boards are white projection screens, the two auxiliary board bodies are respectively connected to both sides of the board through positioning hinges, an eraser is arranged on the board, and comprises an eraser holder and erasing brushes, the erasing brushes are arranged on the obverse side and the reverse side of the eraser holder, the upper and the lower edges of the board are provided with eraser slide ways, and the eraser holder is slidably connected with the eraser slide ways. The folding multifunctional blackboard can be used as a blackboard as well as a projection screen, meanwhile, the erasing efficiency is relatively high, and the dust is relatively little during erasing.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent correspondence between distributed teaching materials and taken notes from being unrecognized.SOLUTION: A server 2 performing communication between an electronic blackboard 3 and student terminals 4, comprises: a teaching material database 241 for storing a plurality of pieces of teaching material data D; a blackboard writing database 242 for storing blackboard writing data D1 with contents to be written on the electronic blackboard 3 and a teaching material name of the teaching material data D in association as a blackboard writing plan file F; a CPU 25 which displays the teaching material data D corresponding to a teaching material name of a specified blackboard writing plan file FS as specified teaching material data DS on the electronic blackboard 3 on the basis of a user operation, displays a teaching material display area E1 and a note area E4 on the student terminals 4, displays the specified teaching material data DS corresponding to the teaching material name of the specified blackboard writing plan file FS in the teaching material display area E1, and also displays the teaching material name in the note area E4; and a note database 243 for storing display contents in the note area E4.

Abstract: The invention discloses an electronic education learning system which is designed for solving the problems of simple teaching method and backward learning tools The electronic education learning system comprises a teacher working station, an electronic teaching machine, an electronic learning machine and an electronic blackboard and/or a projector, wherein the teacher working station is connected with a school management system for receiving teaching management requirements output by the school management system and outputting feedback information statistical data and teaching quality assessment information to the school management system; the electronic teaching machine is used for receiving the teaching management requirements output by the teacher working station and planning corresponding teaching contents, as well as making feedback information statistics and teaching quality assessment and transmitting the feedback information statistics and the teaching quality assessment to the teacher working station; the electronic learning machine is used for receiving the teaching contents output by the electronic teaching machine and transmitting feedback information to the electronic teaching machine, the electronic blackboard and/or the projector; and the electronic blackboard and/or the projector are/is used for receiving the teaching contents output by the electronic teaching machine or the feedback information output by the electronic learning machine and displaying the teaching contents and the feedback information The invention can effectively improve teaching quality and efficiency

Abstract: E-learning can provide a learning environment without the boundaries limit of time and location. Our previous assumption for teaching and learning is Pen, Paper, Blackboard, and a class room but now we have lots of different technologies which change the view of learning concepts and put striking effect on teaching and learning through which teaching and learning can be made more effective, powerful and easily accessible. Here we have defined some of the tools and technologies through their use teacher can provide interactive and challenging learning. These are the Course Management System (Moodle, Joomla, OLAT, JOJO CMS), Interactive Board (eBeam, SMART boards) and SmartPen

Abstract: During the academic year 2004-2005, SWK 4500 Social Work Values and Ethics was taught both in a face-to-face format and on Blackboard. In the Blackboard class, n = 23; while in the face-to-face class, n = 16. The professor, content and syllabi for both courses were identical. Most importantly, both classes took the identical final exam on Blackboard. An unmatched t-test indicated that there was a significant difference between exam scores [t = 2.42; df =18; p < .026]. An item analysis of the exam uncovered that the Blackboard students were troubled with the test items especially addressing the application of abstract ethical concepts to practice situations. Separate factor analyses for the two groups found that the performance of face-to-face students differed primarily on the understanding of ethical theory while Blackboard students were widely divided by their knowledge for ethical theory as well as applying ethics to practice situations. Thus, the factor analysis supported the t-test results. The final was the only test given and there were no differences for any other class assignments.

Abstract: With less staff time and more things to do, providing consistent and thorough training is sometimes a challenge. In order to streamline training and provide for more effective communication among staff and student assistants, a Blackboard course was created to provide a graded, self-paced, and interactive training tutorial. The tutorials were compiled using Powerpoint, Camtasia, and Snag-It, as well as Blackboard's internal test system.

Abstract: In distributed, service-oriented systems, in which several concrete service instances need to be composed in order to respond to a request, it is important to select service deployments in an optimal and efficient way. Quality of Service attributes of deployments and network links are taken into account to decide between workflows that are identical in terms of their functionality. Several heuristic approaches have been proposed to solve the resulting QoS-aware service selection problem, known to be NP-hard. In our previous work, motivated by two concrete application scenarios, we proposed a blackboard and a genetic algorithm and compared them in terms of solution quality, performance and scalability. In order to seamlessly run and evaluate further approaches and parallel versions of the current algorithms in a distributed environment, a general framework for service selection optimization has been implemented using Cloud Computing resources. A performance study on sequential and parallel blackboard and genetic algorithms for solving service selection problems has been carried out in the Cloud.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a blackboard for Chinese language teaching. The blackboard comprises a board body (1), wherein luminous bodies (2) capable of emitting linear light rays are uniformly arranged at intervals at the side edge of the board body (1); a group of transverse luminous bodies (2) and a group of longitudinal luminous bodies (2) are provided; and the two groups of the luminous bodies (2) form a grid pattern on the surface of the blackboard during laminating. The light rays can form a grid pattern on the surface of the board body (1), so that a teacher can show the frame structures of Chinese characters conveniently, and the trouble of grid drawing is avoided.