1,011 research outputs found
Letting in the Trojan mouse: Using an eportfolio system to re-think pedagogy.
No full textCopyright statement: Copyright 2008 Julie Hughes. The author assigns to ascilite and educational non-profit institutions a non-exclusive licence to use this document for personal use and in courses of instruction provided that the article is used in full and this copyright statement is reproduced. The author also grants a non-exclusive licence to ascilite to publish this document on the ascilite web site and in other formats for Proceedings ascilite Melbourne 2008. Any other use is prohibited without the express permission of the author.E-learning research, as an emergent field in the UK, is highly political in nature (Conole & Oliver, 2007, p.6) occupying a complex landscape which houses policy-makers, researchers and practitioners. Increasingly and more interestingly, the landscape is being shaped by the narratives and experiences of the learners themselves (Creanor et al., 2006, Conole et al., 2006) and the use of Web 2.0 technologies. However, as Laurillard (2007, p.xv) reminds us we still, ‘tend to use technology to support traditional modes of teaching’ and ‘we scarcely have the infrastructure, the training, the habits or the access to the new technology, to be optimising its use just yet’ (p.48). Web 2.0 spaces, literacies and practices offer the possibility for new models of education (Mayes & de Freitas, 2007, p.13) which support iterative and integrative learning but as educators and higher educational establishments are we prepared and ready to re-think our pedagogies and re-do (Beetham & Sharpe 2007, p.3) our practices? This concise paper will reflect upon how the use of new learning landscapes such as eportfolios might offer us the opportunity to reflect upon the implications of letting in the e-learning eportfolio Trojan mouse (Sharpe & Oliver, 2007, p.49)
Analysis of sperm molecules needed for ferilization in C. elegans
No full textFertilization is the biological process through which life is propagated and genetic variation is generated. Its importance to sexually reproducing species is unrivaled, but we are far from obtaining a complete understanding of how this process occurs. This thesis is a study of sperm molecules involved in Caenorhabditis elegans fertilization with the ultimate goal of elucidating and understanding the function of fertilization molecules across species.
The first chapter provides an introduction to the field of fertilization, a brief overview of what is currently known, and it concludes with the use and advantages of using C. elegans as a model system to study fertilization.
The second chapter describes a method that utilizes single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to streamline the initial genetic mapping of newly isolated mutants. An example of this method for linkage mapping is provided, and I compare and contrast this method to traditional and other SNP approaches.
The third chapter describes the phenotypic characterization and initial mapping of the as28 mutation resulting in a temperature sensitive sterility in C. elegans. The mutation causes a sperm activation defect causing abnormal spermatid morphology. Mapping of this mutant strain revealed that the observed phenotype is the result of two mutations, which has complicated characterization of this mutant phenotype.
The fourth chapter describes the cloning of spe-13. Mutations in spe-13 result in worms that produce morphologically and physiologically normal spermatids that mature into spermatozoa that are unable to fertilize oocytes. The identification of spe-13 has proved to be difficult with traditional mapping techniques due to its chromosomal position. Using whole genome sequencing, we identified spe-13 candidate genes in an effort to clone this elusive gene.
In the final chapter, I summarize and discuss future directions for each project that has been described in this thesis work.M.S.Includes bibliographical references (p. 58-65)by Julie S. Han
The impact of visualizations in promoting informed natural resource decisions
No full textThe research in this dissertation was conducted in order to understand the ways in which scientific visualizations can influence the decision process of non-scientists. A wide variety of classical and novel methods were used in order to capture and analyze the decision process. Data were collected from non-scientists through role-play interviews on an interactive whiteboard, as well as a desktop eye-tracking device. These interviews were analyzed through qualitative content analysis, cognitive mapping decision analysis, and computerized network analysis. In the natural resource scenario given to these participants, these numerous techniques show that map style images promote the most complex, informed, and efficient decision strategies when compared to other visualizations or plain text.Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University. Geological Sciences, 2013Includes bibliographical references (pages 136-143
USING OUTREACH, PARTNERSHIPS AND RETAILER INQUIRY TO REDUCE AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES INTRODUCTIONS FROM THE AQUARIUM AND WATER GARDEN TRADE
No full textReduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes (RIPPLE) is a research-driven organisms-in-trade outreach program. Since launching in May 2016, over 100,000 people have been exposed to RIPPLE\u2019s message of proper aquatic animal and plant handling and disposal, reducing potentially invasive aquarium and ornamental pond species from being introduced into the wild. RIPPLE is an industry-supported program based on partnerships I developed with businesses and regulatory agencies while creating program messaging and outreach materials. Prior to RIPPLE, Michigan had no widely accepted organisms-in-trade program and independent businesses did not have tools to communicate invasive species prevention with their customers. I created partnerships with retailers, hobbyists, environmental groups and K-12 teachers through targeted outreach and communication efforts, including articles in relevant magazines, educational presentations, exhibits at popular events and educational in-store visits.To better understand the knowledge, perceptions and behaviors of those who sell aquatic organisms and supplies regarding invasive species, I surveyed independently-owned pet stores and garden centers in Michigan. Results indicate that sellers generally understand that non-native aquatic organisms in trade pose an environmental risk, but do not feel a high level of responsibility for taking action to prevent organism release. While awareness of RIPPLE was low at the time of the survey, businesses did report sharing many RIPPLE recommended practices including discouraging customers from releasing of live organisms. This indicates that program messaging is relevant and appropriate. The survey also revealed opinion and behavior differences between business types (e.g., pet stores, garden centers). Findings from this survey will support development of more effective invasive species prevention programs aligned with industry knowledge and attitudes.Thesis (M.S.)--Michigan State University. Fisheries and Wildlife - Master of Science, 2019Includes bibliographical reference
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