Navigation

Tag Archives | 2002

Robert Woods

By on December 13, 2002 in Faculty Publications

Woods, Robert H. “How Much Communication Is Enough in Online Courses?- Exploring the Relationship Between Frequency of Instructor- Initiated Personal Email and Learners’ Perceptions of and Participation in Online Learning.” International Journal of Instructional Media 29, no. 4 (December 2002): 377–394.

Abstract: The researcher, an online instructor at the graduate level, considered whether more frequent delivery of instructor-initiated personal (text-only) emails outside of required class discussion formats would result in more favorable student perceptions of the student/faculty relationship, higher student ratings of perceived sense of online community, and a higher degree of satisfaction with the overall learning experience than would less fequent delivery of such instructor-initiated personal emails. The researcher was also interested whether more frequent delivery of personal emails would result in higher levels of student participation in required group discussion formats. Results: regardless of the number of personal emails sent to students throughout the semester, a statistically significant difference between groups could not be identified along the lines of perceived sense of of community, satisfaction with the overall learning experience, or personal relationship with the instructor. More frequent delivery of personalized email did not increase the amount of student participation in required discussion formats. The same positive results were achieved whether the instructor sent two (2) or fifteen (15) personal emails. Explanations for the findings are offered along with suggestions for future research. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.

Bruce Baldwin

By on November 13, 2002 in Faculty Publications

Wilhite, David M., and Bruce W. Baldwin. “Triboluminescent Crystals from the Microwave Oven.” Journal of Chemical Education 79, no. 11 (2002): 1344.

Abstract: Anthranilic acid was acetylated in a microwave oven (1,000 W) by irradiating for one minute at full power in a 100 mL beaker fitted with a glass funnel as condenser. After cooling, yellow fluorescing crystals were often obtained; but, if not, recrystallization from 10% water–methanol yielded cubes that fluoresced brightly under 360 nm light. Crushing the crystals between two watch glasses in a darkened room demonstrated the triboluminescent effect (i.e., the production of bright blue sparks when the crystals are fractured).

Ines Jindra

By on September 16, 2002 in Faculty Publications

Ines, Wenger Jindra. “Crossing the Gods: World Religions and Worldly Politics.” Social Forces 81, no. 1 (2002): 378-380.

Abstract: Are there “culture wars” occurring in countries other than the U.S.? The main theme of this fascinating book is the relationship between religion and politics around the world. In the first part, the author combines an anthropological approach with travelography and takes his readers on a worldwide journey, using the image of religion as a moth circling the flame (politics). Religion, like the moth, increases both its possible gains (e.g., it can energize politics, provide legitimacy and moral leverage) and possible losses (e.g., assassinations of openly religious figures, religious violence or religious lethargy due to influence of the government) by approaching the political flame too closely. In order to understand these issues, he stresses the cultural context of religion over its doctrine.

Michael Jindra

By on April 3, 2002 in Faculty Publications

Jindra, Michael. “Culture Matters: How Values Shape Human Progress.” American Anthropologist 104, no. 3 (09, 2002): 978-979.

Abstract: Why has such an enormous gap developed between rich and poor countries of the world? Some have argued alternatively for differences in geography or environment, political or economic systems, or histories of exploitation. Cultural differences have also been a major explanation, and, given the central role of the culture concept in our discipline, anthropologists should be talking the lead in this discussion, but too often other scholars pick up where we fear to tread, as this book does.