Virtual worlds, computer-based simulated environments in which users interact via avatars, provide an opportunity for the highly realistic enactment of real life activities online. Unlike computer games, which have a pre-defined purpose, pay-off structure, and action patterns, virtual worlds can leave many of these elements for users to determine.…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe how, from 2004-2006, a New Zealand research team experimented with the "change laboratory" learning process to create a new method of government policy development and implementation, referred to as "practice-making". The apple industry in Hawke's Bay was chosen because of the…

Currently, e-learning systems are mainly web-based applications and tackle a wide range of users all over the world. Fitting learners' needs is considered as a key issue to guaranty the success of these systems. Many researches work on providing adaptive systems. Nevertheless, evaluation of the adaptivity is still in an exploratory phase.…

Unfortunately, racial disparities are well documented in the delivery of behavioral health services. This study examines the effects of implementing a decision support process, integrating clinical information into the administration of mental health services, on racial disparities in psychiatric hospital admissions for children in state custody.…

Google Maps API (Application Programming Interface), released in late June 2005 by Google, is an amazing technology that allows users to embed Google Maps in their own Web pages with JavaScript. Google Maps API has accelerated the development of new Google Maps based applications. This article reports a Web-based interactive mapping system…

Quality-improvement principles are a sound means to respond to customer needs. However, when various quality and productivity theories and methods are applied, it is very difficult to consistently deliver quality results, especially in quasi-monopolistic, non-competitive, and regulated environments. This book focuses on quality-improvement methods…

A study was conducted to provide vocational educators with resources regarding implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM). Data were gathered through development of a bibliography of resources; a survey of all Oklahoma vocational-technical schools regarding specific industries in their area using TQM components (10 responses); and site…

This booklet provides information on the approval and accreditation of degrees and related qualifications for New Zealand institutions, government training establishments, and private training establishments. The first of the booklet's eight sections explains the criteria for approval of New Zealand degree and related courses and for accreditation…

This booklet focuses on how to manage a distance learning system so that it maximizes the efficient use of resources while meeting its goals. The management of a distance learning system involves planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The author focuses on the choice of institutional framework and the funding system; and then describes…

This paper examines how the concepts of strategic planning, assessment, and Total Quality Management fit together and relate to one another in the field of higher education. Central to the explanation of how these topics are related is the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, a driving force behind the quality improvement movement in that country. The…

A project developed a computerized data file of essential vocabulary, signs, and illustrations to be used to train deaf or hearing-impaired adults. Project activities included the following: designing a data entry and retrieval system for the project; identifying the interactive vocabulary most needed by deaf employees and their co-workers;…

The management system for a reading program designed to provide individualized instruction for junior high school students on all reading levels is described. The following components are outlined: diagnosis of student reading strengths and weaknesses, student profile compilation, program planning, student contracts and contract evaluation, and…

A training module developed following the Instructional System Design model was implemented at Nassau Community College (NCC) to teach its administration, faculty, and staff members computer skills that would enable them to use the available computer equipment more efficiently. Using this module, each trainee designed a file to be used for the…

In 1986 the General Assembly of the state of Iowa decided that it was important to develop statewide plans for educational telecommunications systems use among universities, community colleges, and secondary schools. The Iowa plan was developed by: (1) defining the basics of the telecommunications systems under consideration; (2) determining…

This manual was developed for use as a "how to" training device and provides a step-by-step introduction to using AppleWorks in the database mode. Instructions are given to prepare the original database with the headings of the user's choice. Inserting information records in the new database is covered, along with changing the layout of…