Abstract This paper discusses, from a human resources perspective, the various methods of training employees in computer-assisted manufacturing. The strengths and weaknesses of these methods are evaluated in terms of the training outcomes. Several examples of companies who have given computer-assisted training to employees are presented. The paper also discusses the role of transformational leadership during times of change within a company. Human resources plays a role in developing these leaders and promoting them. The paper summarizes the role of human resources for companies involved in manufacturing to stay competitive.
Outline:
Introduction
Management Training and Leadership
Changing the Image Associated with Manufacturing
Employee Training and Retraining
Implementation of New Hiring Standards
Conducting an Internal Audit
Conclusion
From the Paper "Since the job market has become tighter in recent years as employment levels have increased, manufacturers must develop wider hiring standards, and train a person with no skills as compared to hiring a person with previously acquired skills. Research indicates that government assistance in the form of tax credits would encourage manufacturers to train their low-level managers and non-supervisory employees. Increasing credits for manufacturers who use state certified education/training institutions would strengthen relationships between the industry and certified training providers (Carnevale, 1990). These ideas imply that the anticipation of rewards is important as well as the perceived contingency between the behaviors desired by the organization and the desired rewards. This also implies that since different people desire different rewards, organizations should try to match rewards with what employees want. However, there may be possible difficulties. Employees may not believe that good performance does in fact lead to more desired rewards, and convincing them may require more changes than the organization is prepared to make. Poor selection and training of employees, for example, even with maximum effort, results in poor performance.
Tags:computer-assisted, manufacturing, human, resources, employees, training
Abstract This paper discusses the pros and cons of introducing computerassisted learning to young children at an early age. A synthesis of perspectives is also offered at the end of the essay.
From the Paper "Living in an age that is characterized by technological advances, particularly in the area of computers, children should be introduced to computer-assisted learning at an early age in order to cultivate their competence with computers. Even more importantly as a mentally stimulating and highly interactive medium, computers often constitute an effective tool for engaging student interest and motivating them to learn. As with many other types of innovative learning strategies, such as Lego, jigsaws, junk modeling, role play and,,,"
Tags: whether, or, not, children, should, be, introduced, to, computer, assisted, learning, at, an, early, age
Abstract This paper examines how computers are now part of the foreign language classroom, how they assist instructors in the development of lessons and classroom materials and provide students with a supplementary form of instruction. It critically evaluates the efficacy of CALL (ComputerAssisted Language Acquisition) through an examination of four research articles with a focus on the implications of the studies on SLA (Second Language Acquisition). The articles are "Evaluating the Integration of Technology and Second Language Learning" by Bonnie Adair-Hauck et al. , "Comparing Face-to-Face and Electronic Discussion in the Second Language Classroom" by Mark Warschauer and "Computer Generated Error Feedback and Writing Process: A Link" by Judy F. Chan.
Outline
"Evaluating the Integration of Technology and Second Language Learning"
"Comparing Face-to-Face and Electronic Discussion in the Second Language Classroom"
"Computer Generated Error Feedback and Writing Process: A Link"
Conclusion
From the Paper "The primary purpose behind the Adair-Hauck et al' (1999) study was to test the hypothesis that students engaged in 'TELL components, in lieu of one class period a week would perform French tasks in all the skills as well as students meeting four times a week (p. 279).' Also under investigation was the potential effects TELL could have on foreign language motivation, how TELL influenced students perceptions of meeting their learning goals, how TELL modified the roles of teacher and learner, and, more generally, if TELL is an effective curricular design for achieving L2 development. The rationale behind the study came from the authors' assertion that few empirical CALL studies address the question, 'What kind of software, integrated how and into what kind of syllabus, at what level of language learning, for what kind of language learners, is likely to be effective for what specific purposes? "
This paper discusses how computer-assisted instruction can aid in the teaching of language arts, focusing on the writer's personal experience with Skills Bank software.
Abstract This paper outlines computer-assisted instruction in the classroom, placing special attention upon the Skills Bank software this writer employs in her own work as a teaching aide working with high school students. The paper outlines the myriad benefits of the Skills Bank software and looks at how it serves to boost student self-confidence, enhance computer literacy, strengthen language arts skills, and does so without sacrificing high scholastic standards. Finally, the writer maintains that the software is excellent because it is also receptive to the needs of ESL students.
From the Paper "Drawing upon my own knowledge of the software, I can state that the Skills Bank program allows for pre-test and post-test evaluations of students, provides numerous instructional and assignment options for both teachers (in the first instance) and students (in the second instance) and has the ability to produce comprehensive reports for teachers, students, and for school administrators. Not to be overlooked, the program interface is easy to use and students can usually utilize its various components without requiring the assistance of an instructor. In a related vein, the easy navigability of the program allows students to explore for themselves - something I have found to be a wonderful way of increasing their self-esteem. As an addendum, students learn to use the latest technology (and arguably the most important technology in our modern world) in a safe and supportive environment whenever they use Skills Bank software. "
Abstract This report focuses on the use of computer-assisted learning (CAL) at the college level and analyzes whether or not the use is an effective way to educate tomorrow's people. It asks if the instructors are using the computer in an appropriate manner and if the use of computers in the classroom setting is beneficial to students or turning students into antisocial zombies.
From the Paper "Another study done at the University of Phoenix found similar results. The University of Phoenix, which was founded as a traditional university in the sense of in-class instruction, has also become a very popular virtual college. The study done at the University of Phoenix compared two different classes student test scores one of which was an online class the other a traditional class. The results were very similar to that of Souder's research, the students in the CAL class tended to score equal or above those students in the traditional class (Dixon, 1996). It is very interesting that at two different colleges with two different instructors, the results were similar. With the information before us it would appear safe to assume that the use of computer assisted learning is an effective method of instruction."
Abstract Computer-assisted instruction" is a much-debated topic in educational circles, and there is a reasonable amount of confusion concerning just how efficacious the term is. Part of the difficulty lies in the expansiveness of the subject itself, since CAI can range from simple "click here" programs designed to teach color and word identification to pre-schoolers to complex interactive anatomy software designed for medical students.
From the Paper "The Effects of Computer-Assisted Instructions
Versus Verbal Oral Instructions
Abstract
"Computer-assisted instruction" is a much-debated topic in educational circles, and there is a reasonable amount of confusion concerning just how efficacious the term is. Part of the difficulty lies in the expansiveness of the subject itself, since CAI can range from simple "click here" programs designed to teach color and word identification to pre-schoolers to complex interactive anatomy software designed for medical students.
At issue, also, in this term is whether the CAI is as effective as the normal verbal/oral/human teaching paradigm, or is, in fact, more efficient. This proposal details..."
Abstract "Computer-assisted instruction" is a much-debated topic in educational circles, and there is a reasonable amount of confusion concerning just how efficacious the term is. Part of the difficulty lies in the expansiveness of the subject itself, since CAI can range from simple "click here" programs designed to teach color and word identification to pre-schoolers to complex interactive anatomy software designed for medical students. At issue, also, in this term is whether the CAI is as effective as the normal verbal/oral/human teaching paradigm, or is, in fact, more efficient. This proposal details a testing method to solve some of the issues inherent in this question, and the information provided herein will be organized as follows. An introduction provides a brief literature review, which is followed by a methods section that details the proposed methodology.
From the Paper "A great deal of cross-disciplinary academic literature discusses the benefits or negative aspects of teacher-centered instructional methods, which emphasize memorizing facts and completing traditional exercises that lead to foregone conclusions (Blake, Norman, Keane, Mueller, Cunnington, & Didyk, 1996; Kulik, Bangert, Williams, 1982).
Tulving & Schacter suggest that most students are exposed only to fragments of any particular subject because concepts are carefully divided among the traditional academic disciplines. In addition, many students perceive the information presented in their classes to be irrelevant to their lives (Flanagan & Blick, 1991)."
Abstract This research paper tests the idea that the personal computer and the programs that can be designed for it can be a strong, positive tool to help ADHD clients. The paper includes a discussion on the brain's ability to work around damage caused by injury or other insult, a discussion on different types of brain damage, and a discussion on the various ways for healing, or at least softening, the effects of brain damage. The paper also discusses motor, sensory, and autonomic function; the psychiatric aspects of traumatic brain injury; schizophrenia; and cerebrovascular disorder. It includes an extended discussion on the role MRI and PET examination in discovering what really goes in the formation and development of the brain in developmental disorders, including ADHD.
Current Empirical Understanding of Central Nervous System Neuroplasty
Neurophysiology of Intercerbral Neuronal Regeneration and Repair: Intra-
cellular and Extra-cellular Mechanisms.
Neuro-pharmacological Interventions in Neuroprotection and
Rehabilitation in Traumatic Brain Injury, Congenital Central Nervous
System Conditions including ADHD and Psychostimulant Medications.
Diagnostic Techniques in Neurorehabilitation including: PET, MRI, and
Neuropsychological testing (including: Stroop Color Word Test, and
Continuous Performance Tests) applicable to ADHD
Frontal Lobe Neuroplasticity in the Neurocompensation of Cognitive
Deficits in ADHD: A Focus on Executive Functions including: 1.
Response Inhibition (self-regulation); Problem-solving and Self-
monitoring; Working Memory; Planning and Organization.
The Rehabilitation of Attention using ComputerAssisted Cognitive
Rehabilitation Programs including: Selective, Sustained, and Divided
Attention.
The Rehabilitation of Executive Function Using ComputerAssisted Cognitive Rehabilitation Programs including Response Inhibition (self-
regulation); Problem-solving and Self-monitoring; Working Memory;
Planning and Organization.
Review of ComputerAssisted Cognitive Rehabilitation as a Treatment
Modality: A. Empirical Support, B. Limitations, and C. Future
Directions.
From the Paper "Can the information gathered about how the human brain works to begin with and then repairs itself after injury be applied to helping people born with some developmental dysfunction such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder popularly known as ADHD? Children and adults with this disorder display inabilities to pay attention to the task at hand, appropriately monitor their responses to stimulus and in a range of functions called executive functions such as planning and organization. Building and ordering these functions is what such people need and the hope for the future is that our new technologies can both give us better understanding of causes and provide new, more effective ways to treat ADHD. Besides the new imaging technologies, we also have our societies? love affair with personal computers."
This paper reviews an article by Lin and Popovic, "The Effects of Computers on Workplace Stress, Job Security, and Work Interest in Canada", an empirical research study.
Abstract This paper explains that organizations benefit from the introduction of computers and technology, but the employees may be experiencing increased workplace problems. The paper points out some of the significant negative impact on employees, including stress from having to learn new computer skills and thinking their jobs have become less secure and less interesting. The paper stresses that organizations must consider the individual impact of computers and technology on employees and take steps to assist groups or individuals that experience greater stress or greater problems because of these computers.
From the Paper "The article notes the influence that computers have had on the workplace, stating that "nearly six out of ten Canadian workers used a computer (personal computer, mainframe or word processor) at work, with the majority (78%) using it to perform various tasks on a daily basis" (Lin & Popovic, 2002, 1). This degree of use makes the impact of computers an important consideration. The article also notes that many studies have been completed to study the impact, but that the focus has been on productivity and job quality. In short, the majority of studies focus on how computers impact the organization, and not on how computers impact employees. The article then notes that computers and technology has been considered a source of stress for employees. This occurs while organizations are enjoying the efficiency and cost benefits of computerization."
Abstract The writer of this clear and concise paper delves into the various advances made over the years to basic information systems while also detailing their usefulness in both business and personal settings. The writer contends that computer information systems were initially developed to assist in managing and storing valuable data and information in both an organized and accessible form. Earlier computer systems required humans to manually load, enter and run computer programs, this is no longer the case as is explained in this paper. This paper discusses the functions of basic operation systems that each and every computer must contain in order to operate. This paper also delves into computer networking which is defined as a set of computers and connected devices that are linked together by shared communication facilities.
Table of Contents:
Basic Systems Concepts
Operating Systems and Programs
Information Systems Stored Data
Networking Concepts and the Internet
Information Systems and Decision Making
Information Systems and Future Trends
Phases in SDLC
Works Cited
From the Paper "The term network has been defined as a set of computers and connected devices that are linked by communication facilities. Thus a network can be two computers connected by a cable or thousands of computers connected by high-speed data communication links that is spread all over the world. Network gives us two basic advantages: the facility to communicate and the facility to share. A network helps in communication between users in better ways than other media. E-mail, the most well known form of network communication, offers inexpensive, printable communication with the facility of sending, reply, storage, recovery, and addition. Network supports collaboration with its capacity to share. This is the main charm of popular software called groupware that is created in such a way to allow many users to have electronic meetings and work alongside on projects. Internet is a network of computer networks, upon which anybody who has permission to a host computer can circulate their own documents."
From the Paper "Computer-assisted instruction and cooperative learning have both received a great deal of attention of late in the professional literature on teaching. However, despite the amount of material written on them, the two teaching strategies have had mixed results in adapting to the real world of schooling. The idea of computer-assisted instruction was introduced in the 1960s, when advances in technology first made computers in education possible. Unfortunately, the computers of that time were very large and difficult to use. However, in the 1980s, microcomputers were introduced to the American public. This revolution has made it possible for almost every school in the nation to start their own program for instruction by computer. Because of the-increased use of small computers in both home and school, there has also been a revolution in the types of software ... "
Abstract Examines productivity gains through computerassisted software tools. Benefits. CASE tools. Document imaging. Executive Information Systems. Artificial Intelligence system. Intranets & their benefits to business. Web-based training. Cites danger involved in companies relying on IT as an end rather than a tool.
From the Paper "Introduction
It is largely assumed that the advances in information technology realized in the latter half of the 1900s resulted in productivity gains in the workplace. Computers were able to perform millions of calculations far faster and with greater accuracy than their human counterparts, robots could work 24-hour shifts without breaks and without varying from a set pattern, and the World Wide Web makes it possible to communicate with individuals throughout the world. There have, in fact, been significant increases in productivity in various work functions, but there are also disadvantages in relying too heavily on technology. This research examines some of the areas which have realized productivity gains (including expert systems and Web.based training), and also considers the trap of information technology."
Abstract This paper examines the quality of use of computers in the classroom and the advantages to both students and teachers. It looks at how students can benefit from well-trained and informed teachers and how professional development is available for teachers through a variety of sources, including online education courses. It evaluates the learning opportunities provided by on-line contact for students. It looks at how computers can particularly useful in the area of second language learning and how computer-assisted instructional (CAI) programs aid development in reading and writing skills.
From the Paper "Computers, as a visual medium, are valuable for learning about the culture (food, dress, country climate, etc.) related to the language (Willets, 1992, p. 2). Various websites maintained by tourism boards and historical societies, and the like, are interesting, entertaining, and educational in that they allow for the exploration of numerous cultures and countries around the world. Computers, as an auditory medium, are valuable for experiencing cultural/folk music, thereby enhancing a student's understanding and enjoyment of the culture and the language. Of course, "talking" programs provide examples of the spoken language and correct accent. The same can be said about the applications of the new technologies in the LEP (Limited English Proficiency) classroom, as well."
Tags: online, internet, skills, teachers, students
An in-depth study into the issue of peer editing and collaborative writing - a practice whereby other students assist their classmates in improving their writing skills.
Abstract A study which shows that there has been a vast increase in the use of computer support technology at the college level. It explains how, in the field of composition, this has dove-tailed with an increase in the use of peer editing and collaborative writing projects as a means to improve the quality of student learning. This project explores the question of whether computer technologies facilitate quality student learning through collaborative writing and what process best supports this goal.
From the Paper "Peer editing and collaborative writing as processes have emerged from the post-modernist tradition. This tradition is focused more on the text itself and its construction than on truth claims that the author has portrayed the real world. There is also an emphasis on the relationship between the reader and text, including who reads particular kinds of texts and what happens during that reading process. The reader participates in the construction of the text, which means that the reader, and groups or types of readers, participation in the construction of the consensus concept of reality (Barthes and Howard, 1991). Falch (1994) emphasized that point in his discussion of post-modernism and collaborative writing. For him, language arises specifically from embodiment, or the material nature of human existence. Language helps people to locate their identities in relationship to the physical world. The collaboration is between human physicality and human consciousness, expressed in language. This creates a perception of, and concepts about, reality. Collaborative writing is simply a more conscious, and explicit, process of creating consensus reality."
Abstract This paper describes some of the assistive technology tools available for helping children with learning disabilities and looks at how they can be used to aid children in their learning, understanding, and participation in the regular classroom environment.
From the Paper "Some students may not qualify for special education under IDEA but might qualify for accommodations under certain sections of the Rehabilitation Act. Considering whether assistive technology is necessary to permit such students to participate in school-sponsored programs or activities on a nondiscriminatory basis is determined by your school district. Congress enacted grants ranging from $500,000 to $950,000 per year for up to 10 years in 1988. Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act, (Tech Act), provided the school districts with the information needed to increase awareness for assistive technology and related services for students with disabilities. The grant program was scheduled to expire in 1999."
