Use Of Virtual Tools Research Articles

Virtual Environment as a Tool for Increasing Students' Natural Science Literacy

The article is devoted to the quality of natural science education at universities. Moreover, this article reveals the causes and consequences of the decline in the level of mastery of these disciplines. The modernization of education efficiency aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of education itself largely depends on the way of using the objective information. This information can be received in the framework of studies of various types of education results such as monitoring studies of the republican level and international comparative studies. All these studies provide the information on the state of education; they allow correlating the planned and achieved results and based on that identifying the most significant education problems that need to be solved. The monitoring of the education quality implies the development of criteria for the assessments of knowledge for any stage of education. The calculation of students' progress rating can be one of the approaches to this problem. The assessment of the output knowledge of the students' progress rating can be done by using the electronic journal, which is the part of a university's automated information system. The standardization of the final rating on a scale of 0 to 100 creates an optimal opportunity to compare the results of educational progress at all stages of training. The use of virtual tools and software products is one of the essential interactive elements of the e-learning course in the virtual educational environment, which is particularly important in the study of natural sciences. These tools combine methodological and pedagogical technologies, information resources and modern software and help to monitor the educational process and find the solution to the issues of its quality.

E-salud: prevención del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas mediante la educación virtual

La utilización de herramientas virtuales para la salud ha sido estudiada desde diversos enfoques. Esta revisión narrativa se propone conocer el conocimiento generado con respecto a la educación virtual en la prevención del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas (SPA), para lograr este objetivo se analizó la producción científica que hay al respecto, seleccionando textos que trabajarán específicamente las herramientas virtuales en el tema de las adicciones, debido a que el uso de drogas evidencia un aumento en los ámbitos internacional, nacional y local en su mayoría en población juvenil (que es también el público que hace mayor uso de las TIC), en tanto que las iniciativas educativas virtuales para este fin se han centrado más en las herramientas (Internet, TIC y teléfonos móviles) que en el público, en la metodología y en los contenidos, lo que permite concluir que falta evidencia científica en estrategias educativas virtuales para la prevención del consumo de SPA, que además hayan sido implementadas, evaluadas y planeadas también para padres y educadores.

Getting a handle on virtual tools: An examination of the neuronal activity associated with virtual tool use

Tool use is associated with three visual streams—dorso-dorsal, ventro-dorsal, and ventral visual streams. These streams are involved in processing online motor planning, action semantics, and tool semantics features, respectively. Little is known about the way in which the brain represents virtual tools. To directly assess this question, a virtual tool paradigm was created that provided the ability to manipulate tool components in isolation of one another. During functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), adult participants performed a series of virtual tool manipulation tasks in which vision and movement kinematics of the tool were manipulated. Reaction time and hand movement direction were monitored while the tasks were performed. Functional imaging revealed that activity within all three visual streams was present, in a similar pattern to what would be expected with physical tool use. However, a previously unreported network of right-hemisphere activity was found including right inferior parietal lobule, middle and superior temporal gyri and supramarginal gyrus – regions well known to be associated with tool processing within the left hemisphere. These results provide evidence that both virtual and physical tools are processed within the same brain regions, though virtual tools recruit bilateral tool processing regions to a greater extent than physical tools.

Communication in virtual teams: a conceptual framework and research agenda

As virtual teams are becoming more frequently implemented within organizations, research examining the effect of virtual tool use on team functioning has correspondingly expanded. One primary focus of this literature is the impact of virtuality on team communication. However, findings remained mixed. Specifically, the impact of virtuality on the mechanisms between communication and performance as well as the simultaneous moderating effect of contextual factors on this relationship remains to be fully examined. One reason for this lack of clarity stems from ambiguity regarding the elements that constitute communication. To address this gap, this paper delineates which aspects of communication are most influential and should, consequently, be the primary focus of future research efforts. An overarching framework of the communication process with accompanying research propositions is also described to inform future research and the practice of virtual teams.

Design of an exoskeleton for upper limb robot-assisted rehabilitation based on co-simulation

This paper presents the design and the simulation of an exoskeleton based on the kinematics of the human arm intended to be used in robot-assisted rehabilitation of the upper limb. The design meets the kinematic characteristics of the human arm so that the exoskeleton allows the movement of the arm in its full range of motion. We used co-simulation to design the exoskeleton considering a model of the upper limb developed in Opensim, Solidworks to design the mechanical structure and Matlab to construct the dynamic model. The system in motion was simulated in Simmechanics using predictive dynamics to compute independent joint trajectories obtained by modelling the exoskeleton as several optimization problems solved with SNOPT from Tomlab. The use of virtual tools in the designing process and the modular structure of the exoskeleton will allow the construction of personalized devices using 3D printing. The exoskeleton was designed to work under independent joint control so that the system will be able to work as passive, assistive and active-assistive mode, to keep records of motion for data analysis and to support the rehabilitation process.

Getting a Handle on Virtual Tools: An examination of the Neuronal Activity Associated with Virtual Tool Use (P4.060)

Getting a Handle on Virtual Tools: An examination of the Neuronal Activity Associated with Virtual Tool Use (P4.060)

Apps in the Practice and Teaching of Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage

Abstract A literature search of the topics new technologies, innovation, conservation, restoration and heritage, will reveal an abundance of articles and publications on these subjects: some cover discussions on the progress that has resulted from implementing one or more technological components into cultural heritage professional and research practices, whilst others simply offer descriptions of new devices, how they operate, and their potential applications. Few, if any, explore what happens when formal academic training is completed and job hunting begins, when essentially the infrastructure and support offered by the university or institution is no longer readily available for research purposes. If professionals need to make use of the university's services and expertise after having graduated, they will incur significant costs. Logically, many try to avoid these costs, but then find themselves lacking the expertise required for the project to run smoothly from the get go, or shelving studies entirely because they cannot secure sufficient funding to pay for this expertise or other associated resources. In order to address this issue and help university graduates in the field of cultural heritage conservation and restoration overcome such challenges once they graduate, a detailed study was performed aimed at establishing how to introduce students to ICT and LKT (Learning and Knowledge Technologies) content and training that specifically relate to the needs of practicing professionals in this field, and thus increase their autonomy upon graduation. As such, the study covers two elements: firstly, the direct and real applications of hardware and software available to the professional conservator-restorer in the field of cultural heritage conservation and restoration, and secondly, their role in the training of future professionals in this field. With regards to the first element - the practical applications of current hardware and software - we first had to compile a comprehensive list that detailed: available physical devices; compatible software and applications together with their descriptions; and the field applications of said devices. We then had to produce technical reports that detail the correct use and implementation of said devices. These reports were produced having first performed the necessary data collection and testing. With regards to the second element - the training of students – we attempted to address the demand for multidisciplinary work in the field of cultural heritage conservation and restoration. More often than not, higher educational degrees of this type do not offer students training regarding multidisciplinary collaboration, nor how to maximize its potential through the use of appropriate methodologies. As such, this study explores how different content could be taught using pre-existing subjects belonging to different degree programmes. Students also receive training in the use of new technologies, and experience innovative teaching techniques as a result of the inclusion of these state-of-the-art tools in the classroom. Teaching and learning is optimized via the use of virtual tools, collaborative online/offline tasks, as well as problem-based learning strategies (PBL). During the training period, the collaborative work that is required of the students and the problem-based learning tasks they perform are very much aimed at addressing the demand for multidisciplinary work in this field.

UTILIZING LEARNING PLATFORM FOR PAPERLESS CLASSROOM

Technology, in the present time, has been integrated in a variety of human activities, not least in learning. Learning platform provides the integration of technology-based learning environment. Learning platform places technology as “substitute” for a variety of learning activities that previously had to be done manually and must be presented physically to any other form that the virtual tools while providing a social area in order to maintain the importance of the relationship between teacher and student.Through virtual tools, learning platforms provide a learning environment that models the interactions within the class as a whole starting from the preparation of lesson plans, presentation materials, use of media, assignments, group work, assessment, management of the rating value to students. Support for learning administrative aspects are available through the authorization feature and access scope management that aims to clarify the roles, forms of participation and the interaction process of each of group involved in the learning, both students, teachers and system administrators.The variety of learning platform is available either in the form of open source or limited use, either in the form of package systems such as Learning Management System via Moodle and cloud-based tools such as Google’s Classroom, etc. Haiku learning. The following section will describe the use of virtual tools in a learning platform for implementing learning environment as a whole. One thing that can not be avoided and instead be more value in the use of learning platforms are the creation of a new paradigm of learning without paper. Except giving a new form for efficient and optimal learning, in the perspective of the present paperless classroom certainly economical and environmentally friendly.

Users’ Perception of Visual Design and the Usefulness of A Web-based Educational Tool

Abstract As a result of our research we have become increasingly aware of the relevance of visual design in understanding learners’ attitudes towards the use of virtual tools. Likewise, perceived usefulness is an essential antecedent of the cumulative impressions of, and preferences for, such tools. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the main effects of visual design and usefulness on learning and productivity in the domain of web-based educational tools. Structural Equation Modelling, specifically Partial Least Square (PLS), is proposed to assess the relationships between the constructs. Visual design and usefulness have a significant effect on the learner's perception of the extent to which needs, goals and desires have been fully met and, by extension, learning performance. Furthermore, higher expressive aesthetics reduces the impact of classical features on satisfaction.

Indicadores del uso de competencias informáticas entre estudiantes universitarios. Implicaciones formativas y sociales

El presente artículo pretende difundir resultados encontrados en el estudio preliminar del Proyecto de Investigación SEJ 2004-06803 I+D. Se señalan indicadores de uso de competencias informáticas desarrolladas por dos grupos de universitarios españoles y necesidades formativas declaradas para conseguir autonomía en el uso de las competencias informáticas. Las muestras analizadas estuvieron compuestas por dos grupos de estudiantes de primero de Comunicación Audiovisual y tercero de Periodismo de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Cada grupo lo conformaron 60 estudiantes que respondieron un cuestionario de naturaleza cuantitativa (escala Likert) y una serie de cuestiones de respuesta cualitativa. Entre las conclusiones encontradas se señala que la edad no es factor determinante para el uso de competencias informáticas. Tampoco lo es la titulación estudiada. Como necesidades formativas declaradas se encuentran una instrucción sistemática en herramientas de uso y una formación educativa que ponga límites al uso relacional de herramientas virtuales.

Virtual laboratory vs. traditional laboratory: which is more effective for teaching electrochemistry?

The use of virtual laboratories has become an increasing issue regarding science laboratories due to the increasing cost of hands-on laboratories, and the increase in distance education. Recent studies have looked at the use of virtual tools for laboratory to be used as supplements to the regular hands-on laboratories but many virtual tools have not been used as replacements. In order to understand the effects of virtual laboratory methods as well as ascertain the effectiveness of our normal lab procedures, we used a virtual versus hands-on scenario for an electrochemistry laboratory. We separated our General Chemistry II Lab students into two groups. Each group completed an electrochemistry lab either through our normal hands-on format or with the use of a virtual lab animation created by the Iowa State Education Group. Pre- and post-test data for conceptual and factual understanding were collected as well as a post-test hands-on setup of an electrochemical cell. There were no significant differences in scores on either the pre-test, post-test, or the hands-on setup test. However, individual item analysis on the tests revealed a significant difference in the use of the salt bridge during the post-test and the hands-on setup activity.

Virtual Tutoring and Counseling in Schools

This paper is a report on the findings of a study conducted on ten primary and secondary schools in Spain where we evaluated how digital tools can contribute to reinforce and develop new ways of tutoring and counseling. The research shows how many counseling functions can be highly enhanced with the use of virtual tools, that is, academic planning, career postsecondary planning, tutoring, counseling, and personal-social development. One of the most important school counselor’s roles is to coordinate resources and services to best assist students and families in fulfilling their needs. Virtual tutoring and counseling through the development of virtual communities are key strategies to better connect with groups—students, parents, administrators, teachers, and others—as part of comprehensive developmental tutoring and counseling programs. Indeed, effective school counseling programs are a collaborative effort among many important groups of people whom digital tools help significantly.

Evaluation of ergonomics in a virtual manufacturing process

This paper presents a study of the evaluation of ergonomics using virtual tools in a pre-production phase when verifying the manual assembly of the XC90 car model at the Volvo Car Corporation. The case study focused especially on the verification of visual demands in assembly work due to its complexity. The virtual development process was mapped in observations of the use of virtual tools and interviews with actors involved in the verification. Results show that computer manikins are viable tools in verifying ergonomics early in a development process and that they help to detect many problems prior to physical pre-series. There are, however, substantial improvement potentials, both in the software itself and, even more, in the process of using virtual tools. The study identified several factors that can increase the reliability of the results of computer manikin simulations (e.g. participative ergonomics and documentation issues). The special focus on visual demands shows the need of basic knowledge about human behaviour for making valid simulations. This case study stresses the need for knowledge about simulations in both analysis and interpretations in order to achieve maximum output from a virtual manufacturing process.

Implications of Dynamic Touch for Human Factors/Ergonomics: Contributions from Ecological Psychology

The goal of this symposium is to illustrate how research findings from dynamic touch research (i.e., hefting and wielding of objects) within the framework of ecological psychology can have direct and valuable contributions to the field of HF/E. Ecological psychology, as developed by James J. Gibson, shares with HF/E a critical focus on the mutual relationship between person and environment, embodied in Gibson's concept of affordance (i.e., opportunity for behavior). Research in dynamic touch has shown that perceived affordances of hand-held objects are constrained by variables relevant to the task-specific control of the hand-plus-object system. Work on perception of limb position and properties of hand-held objects as well as perception by means of hand-held objects has potential applications in areas such as the design of prosthetics and hand-held tools, remote-controlled or virtual tool use, navigational/perceptual aids for the visually or somatosensory impaired, materials handling, and the design of interfaces.

Simulated medical learning environments on the Internet.

Learning anatomy and surgical procedures requires both a conceptual understanding of three-dimensional anatomy and a hands-on manipulation of tools and tissue. Such virtual resources are not available widely, are expensive, and may be culturally disallowed. Simulation technology, using high-performance computers and graphics, permits realistic real-time display of anatomy. Haptics technology supports the ability to probe and feel this virtual anatomy through the use of virtual tools. The Internet permits world-wide access to resources. We have brought together high-performance servers and high-bandwidth communication using the Next Generation Internet and complex bimanual haptics to simulate a tool-based learning environment for wide use. This article presents the technologic basis of this environment and some evaluation of its use in the gross anatomy course at Stanford University.

Fatores de impacto no sucesso do marketing boca a boca on-line

O marketing boca a boca caracteriza-se pela divulgação de produtos e serviços por canais interpessoais e consiste em um componente essencial no composto de comunicação de diversas empresas. Nesse sentido, o crescimento do número de consumidores conectados à Internet motiva as empresas a buscarem caminhos para maximizar o marketing boca a boca por meio de ferramentas on-line, como o marketing viral. Com o objetivo de identificar as principais características de uma ação eficaz de marketing boca a boca virtual, realizou-se uma pesquisa exploratória com usuários de Internet em janeiro e fevereiro de 2001. Ao final, são indicados seis fatores que podem influenciar o sucesso do marketing boca a boca virtual.