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
This paper discusses how computer-assistedinstruction can aid in the teaching of language arts, focusing on the writer's personal experience with Skills Bank software.
Abstract This paper outlines computer-assistedinstruction 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 Computer-assistedinstruction" 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 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? "
Abstract Readinginstruction in America is constantly changing. From the early use of phonics based hornbooks and spellers to the more recent use of "look and say" readers, the materials that teachers use for readinginstruction is also changing. This paper outlines different reading philosophies and describes the materials used to teach under those philosophies. It also gives a personal account of first grade readinginstruction.
Outline:
Abstract
American ReadingInstruction Until the 1950's
The Great Debate
First Grade ReadingInstruction
From the Paper "Despite all of this research the whole language method remained the most popular method of reading instruction. In 1982 a study of 1609 professors of reading in 300 graduate schools found that professors of reading still considered proponents of the whole language method to have written the most worthy "classic" studies in reading(Illiteracy: An Incurable Disease). Similarly, San Diego State University Professor Patrick Groff found text used in educating reading teachers advocated the whole language method. Of the 43 texts he used, only nine stated a debate between whole language and phonics instruction even existed(Illiteracy: An Incurable Disease). "
Abstract This paper discusses learning in children with learning disabilities. It discusses the need for interventions and how they are more likely to succeed and to bring about successful outcomes if applied early and carried out by teaching experts. The paper specifically focuses on the role of instructional technology and how this can aid teaching children with learning disabilities.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Section One
Learning Disabilities and Variations in Younger Children
Definitions and Overview
The Problematics of a Definition of Learning Disorder
Definitions and General Characteristics
Towards a Working Definition of LD
Overview of Learning Disabilities and Related Disorders
LD Characteristics and the Differentiation of Student Learning Needs
Characteristics and Variables
ADHD
The Issue of Multiple Intelligences
Dyslexia
Co-occurrence
Section 2
Learning Technologies and Learning Disabilities
Introduction: Overview of Learning Technologies
Advantages of Technology in Instruction Control and Manipulation in Learning Among Sixth Graders
UDL
Other Aspects and Advantages of Technological Instruction Technology, Confidence and Self-image
Instructional Technologies and Learning Disabilities
A Brief Overview of Theoretical Concerns
Theory and Instructional Technology for Learners with Disabilities
Various Assistive and Instructional Technologies
Specific Areas: Listening
Speech and Language
Reading Writing
Language
Mathematics
Computers Conclusions
From the Paper "There is little doubt the advent of new technical innovations and computer assisted methods will increase and that there will be more methods of helping the learning disabled student on the market in the future. There is also no doubt that these technological means and methods do play a very important role in helping the learner in the modern educational context - and particularly the sixth grade student and other young adolescents."
"However what should be continually borne in mind is that technology changes the environments in which we work and learn. These changes should be researched and studied so that the impact of technology does not usurp those positive aspects from previous teaching methods and techniques that have proven to be of worth. There is a tendency in the excitement about new technologies in some quarters to, as it were, to " throw the baby out with the bath water". In other words, while technology undoubtedly brings great advances in the field of learning disabilities, it should also be treated with caution and 'interrogated' so that only the most effective and helpful technologies are employed."
Abstract This paper addresses the problem of weak reading skills in middle school students, and suggests educational approaches to improving reading comprehension in particular. The author recommends that teachers, the instructional and/or educational materials and the educational policies should be at the forefront in assisting middle school children to acquire the reading comprehension skills they need. The role of each is described in the paper. Additionally, accommodations are recommended for children with special educational needs. The paper also lists the five essential components of readinginstruction, describing the importance of each one. The paper concludes by stating students also take responsibility for their reading progress by practicing regularly.
Outline:
Introduction
Review of Related Literature
Factors to increasing the reading comprehension abilities of the middle graders
The Teachers
Provision of More time for the Students
Maintenance of Research Based Curriculum and Instructional Approaches Regarding Reading Comprehension
Reference List
From the Paper "Indeed, there have been recent studies conducted which reveal that reading and comprehension is becoming a challenging tasks for the teachers, particularly when they are handling the students from the middle grades. Students who are in the in their middle age of learning are already being taught for proper reading and comprehension. However, there are reports that show that there are increasing number of students who have gone to higher levels but "are still not fully equipped with the right reading and comprehension perspectives," thus a big task to teachers and other educational facilitators nowadays is how to increase the reading comprehension of students in the middle school (Snow, 2002)."
Abstract "Computer-assistedinstruction" 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 paper explains the main criticisms of ability grouping practices, which refer to reading groups created by the teacher according to the size of the class, students' reading aptitudes, or the distribution of reading aptitudes within the class, are that such practices do not accomplish anything of benefit to students and that they fosters unequal opportunities for academic achievement among different groups of students. The author relates that the goal of guided reading is for instructors to provide an environment that will assist students in their progression toward independent, silent reading by fostering positive attitudes toward reading in students and by aiding students in the development of strategies to extract meaning from reading and to understand the reading process. The paper concludes that an approach that combines grouping strategies with guided reading practices may prove to be the most beneficial option for readinginstruction.
Table of Contents
Ability Grouping
Guided Reading A Combined Approach
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Four Blocks approach used guided reading as a crucial component to its instructional strategy. Guided reading was known as the basal block, because the basal reader drove instruction at this level. There are several purposes of this block, including exposing children to a wide range of reading material, teaching strategies for comprehension and challenging children by providing increasingly more difficult reading material. Guided reading provides a base for the following blocks. However, it is difficult to target guided reading practices to students that represent various literacy levels, and inevitably some students are struggling while others are not challenged enough."
Evaluates its effectiveness, advantages & disadvantages compared to traditional methods, its effects on the teacher-student relationship and reading comprehension.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 9 sources, 1999, $ 47.95
From the Paper " THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPUTER-ASSISTED INSTRUCTION FOR READING:
AN OPINION PAPER
Introduction
Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) consists of computer technologies that aid or assist education; these technologies include guided drill and practice exercises, computer visualization of objects, and computer-facilitated communication (Gifford, 1993). This paper examines computer-assisted instruction in terms of its effectiveness as an educational technology for reading, defending the position that CAI helps to improve reading but it has some definitive limitations, the most important of which is that the technology does not really produce the key reading component of comprehension.
The paper begins with a discussion of the general.."
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 Teachers must thoughtfully reconsider how readinginstruction is reorganized to rekindle a sense of joy and ownership. Recent evidence seems to point to at least two major concerns, which should be taken into account when reorganizing for effective readinginstruction. The first concern is the lack of time spent reading. The second concern is the use of worksheets to manage the classroom. This paper provides a step-by-step analysis of a new reading strategy, which was implemented to counter these two problems and is called 'The Reading Workshop'. The paper covers the theories of educationalists N. Atwell and K. Swift, as well as other experts in the field.
From the Paper "Atwell (1998) introduced the concept of Reading Workshop as variation of what used to be the Individual Reading Program. She did not use basal readers or a literature series. Reading Workshop allowed her students to choose the books they wanted to read, gave them time to read in class, and required them to share their thoughts about books in dialogue journals. Atwell found that her students read more and enjoyed more of what they were reading."
The paper discusses how repeated readinginstruction is a powerful and effective alternative for teaching reading to students with learning disabilities.
Abstract The paper examines the three methods for teaching reading-- phonics, whole language and repeated reading and then provides a comparative analysis of these three methods. The paper concludes that the impact of the repeated reading method in improving reading fluency, word recognition accuracy and reading comprehension makes it an effective alternative for teach learning disabled students .
From the Paper "Many educators feel that phonics is the key for teaching early reading skills to children. They maintain that young students should learn the sounds for each letter and the rules that accompany many so they may become independent readers where they sound out unfamiliar words. While teaching phonics is still an important concept, one must also understand that the whole language approach is an exciting and interesting method designed to include all subjects when teaching reading. Students learn about science, social studies, and math while participating in their language arts lesson. There are also many supporters of the Balanced Program that combine teaching phonics in the whole language classroom environment."
Abstract The paper outlines the 'applied behavior analysis' (ABA) approach and the 'treatment and education of autistic and related communication-handicapped children' (TEEACH) approach to teaching and discusses three suggested approaches to readinginstruction; bottom-up, top-down and eclectic where there is a mix of bottom-up and top-down modes. The paper examines the literature that shows how students with autism require a reading program that is structured, but flexible because all children with autism seem to express different needs and learning styles. The paper then reveals that the eclectic approach is best, because an autistic student requires several methodologies to obtain the appropriate education.
From the Paper "When teaching a beginning autistic reader, especially as late as the secondary level, it is necessary to determine the learning methodology that will be best for teaching the required skills. This decision will be based on two different factors: First, students with autism have varying degrees of difficulty with communication, from severe (little to no interaction) to mild (the ability to receive information and provide a response or feedback). In order to teach reading to such a student, it is necessary that there appears to be an interest in labels, letters and words, as well as enough ability and skill level to look at these materials. Once a student recognizes that groups of letters form words that have meaning, and groups of words form sentences that have meaning, it is possible to move to beginning reading material. (Porco, 1989, p. 4)."
