A web-based curriculum-based measurement system for class-wide ongoing assessment

Abstract   Internet technology has offered opportunities to develop ongoing assessment systems for classroom-based evaluation – on a daily basis. In this study, the researcher developed a web-based, curriculum-based measurement system with dynamic features which could generate different types of mathematics probes, track students' progress and provide diagnosed information as well as instructional suggestions for teachers. This paper explores the effects of the system on students' mathematical achievements. A total of 134 third-grade students (9- to 10-year-olds) in four classes participated. The teachers in all groups used the web-based curriculum-based measurement system with different types of curriculum-based measurement probes and growth modeling. The results indicated that the use of class-wide dynamic-growth modeling combined with mixed-type probes enabled the students to perform better than those using single-type probes. This outcome was not seen with the linear-growth modeling groups. The positive findings suggested that applying class-wide dynamic-growth modeling as well as the assessment of integrated mathematics competency in the instructional processes facilitated students' mathematics learning. Therefore, the web-based, curriculum-based measurement system was not only an assessment system, but also a tool for teachers to integrate instructional strategies based on curriculum-based measurement.     

Using synchronous peer tutoring system to promote elementary students’ learning in mathematics

The face-to-face computer-supported collaborative learning has emerged as an important strategy to elementary students' learning. Few studies have explicitly incorporated the structured peer tutoring to the synchronous environment in mathematics. This study was aimed to explore the effects of the synchronous peer tutoring system on children's mathematics learning. In the project, there were 88 10-11-year-old students who peer tutored each other in mathematics in the face-to-face online environment for a year. Compared to the control group, students in the experimental group had significant gains in mathematics learning, especially in the arithmetic and application types of questions. This study demonstrated the positive effects of peer support via the online synchronous learning on students' self-concept and attitudes toward mathematics learning. The results indicated that the longer the vulnerable pupils engaged in peer tutoring online, the more they benefited from the process. The finding suggests that students demonstrate different mathematics reasoning skills when they are paired with peers at different levels of ability. These findings demonstrate that the synchronous peer tutoring system is an effective tool to enhance elementary students' learning in mathematics, as well as promote positive self-concepts.     

Preferential direction and symmetry of electric conduction of humanmeridians. Bilaterally symmetrical acupoints provide better conductancefor a better “connection”

Acupuncture meridian system theory is none of the main features of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The meridians are thought to be the pathways for qi (or bioenergy), which then circulates throughout the human body. They originate in the internal organs and from there travel up to the skin. Bilaterally opposite, symmetric acupunctures along the main meridians (called Great Acupuncture) and along the branching meridians (called opposite insertion) are two traditional methods of acupuncture commonly used in clinics. Symmetric acupoints are punctured opposite to the diseased or affected side. This article discusses the authors' work in which they used 80 healthy subjects to study the symmetry or preferred direction of electrical conduction of human meridians. The data were then analyzed by paired-t and ANOVA testing procedures     

Determination of pairing symmetry using phase-sensitive tunneling in tricrystal cuprates

An unambiguous determination of the pairing symmetry in cuprate superconductors is important in order to understand the origin of high-temperature superconductivity. By making use of the effects of pair tunneling and flux quantization, we have designed and implemented several tricrystal experiments for phase-sensitive determination of the order parameter symmetry in high-Tc superconductors such as YBa₂Cu₃O₇ Tl₂Ba₂CuO₆, GdBa₂Cu₃O₇, and Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O₈. By using a high-resolution scanning SQUID microscope, we have made the first direct observation of spontaneously generated half-flux quanta at the tricrystal point. The half-integer flux quantum effect in various specially designed tricrystal cuprate systems provides strong evidence for d-wave pairing in high-T_c cuprates. Our various tricrystal experiments have demonstrated that this effect can be used as a general probe of the microscopic phase of the pair wavefunction in unconventional superconductors.     

IP layer load balance using fuzzy logic under IPv6 anycast mechanism

With the emergence of databases and Internet technology, the way data is acquired and accessed has changed with more convenient service. After years of evolution, the current IPv6 Internet Protocol (IP) has enabled the user to check any database worldwide by logging onto the Internet whenever you want and regardless of where you are. The load balance or efficiency issue arises when many users overload a server or database. This paper addresses this issue using the anycast characteristics. An active router design is developed to receive the server load information. This information is in turn used to determine the server's response to solve the load balance problem. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Complex mode indication function and its applications to spatial domain parameter estimation

This paper introduces the concept of the Complex Mode Indication Function (CMIF) and its application in spatial domain parameter estimation. The concept of CMIF is developed by performing singular value decomposition (SVD) of the Frequency Response Function (FRF) matrix at each spectral line. The CMIF is defined as the eigenvalues, which are the square of the singular values, solved from the normal matrix formed from the FRF matrix, [H(jω)]^H[H(jω)], at each spectral line. The CMIF appears to be a simple and efficient method for identifying the modes of the complex system. The CMIF identifies modes by showing the physical magnitude of each mode and the damped natural frequency for each root. Since multiple reference data is applied in CMIF, repeated roots can be detected. The CMIF also gives global modal parameters, such as damped natural frequencies, mode shapes and modal participation vectors. Since CMIF works in the spatial domain, uneven frequency spacing data such as data from spatial sine testing can be used. A second-stage procedure for accurate damped natural frequency and damping estimation as well as mode shape scaling is also discussed in this paper.     

Free boundary problem of ECM by alternating-field technique on inverted plane

The free boundary problem of electrochemical machining (ECM) consists in finding the equilibrium position of the worksurface in the reference frame of a moving tool whose shape is prescribed. The two-dimensional problem is formulated by the inverted method in which the spatial coordinates are the dependent variables on the plane of the complex potential. This approach eliminates the difficulties associated with the free boundary, since the transformed boundary conditions are known explicitly on the free boundary in the inverted plane. Further computational advantages are realized by the inverted method because known asymptotic solutions for the side gap region reduce the size of the field which must be determined numerically, irregular finite difference nodes are eliminated on the rectangular domain of the inverted problem, and the grid system provides the necessary tight spacing in regions of high current density but then expands as it should to give efficient coverage of the side gap. Another benefit is that the effects of variable electrolyte conductivity can be more easily accounted for in the inverted approach.The finite difference solution involves an alternating-field technique in which the inverted problems for each of the space variables are successively solved in a cyclical fashion. A procedure for iteratively updating unknown boundary conditions makes it possible to rapidly solve the problem for arbitrarily prescribed tool surfaces which may even be partially insulated.Results show excellent agreement with analytical solutions by separation of variables or conformal mapping even when the mesh is quite coarse. A comparison indicates that the present method has greater speed, accuracy, and simplicity than alternative procedures. The efficiency and generality of the method are premarily attributed to the alternating-field technique which is applicable to field problems in other areas of engineering.