Computer-based spelling remediation for dyslexic children

Abstract The SelfSpell programs provide a multi-media environment for dyslexic children which uses synthesised speech to augment the written text. In earlier research we established that by encouraging users to enter a rule to help them remember how to spell each word, SelfSpell was very effective in improving spelling ability. The evaluation study reported here confirmed the efficacy of the rule-based approach using a group of 11-year-old dyslexic children with severe impairments in spelling. Of particular theoretical significance, however, was the finding that use of a mastery learning technique for learning spellings was just as effective as the rule-based approach. These findings are interpreted in the light of Frith's influential framework for the development of reading and spelling ability. It is suggested that the multimedia presentation approach may provide a uniquely effective method for helping dyslexic children to acquire the 'alphabetic' stage of linguistic processing.     

Students' perceptions of ICT-related support in teaching placements

Abstract Recent research has shown that students' use of information and communications technology (ICT) on teaching practice is necessary for effective future use of ICT in the classroom. However, this paper reports that there are a number of factors affecting the use of ICT by student-teachers in their school placements. All 110 student-teachers attending one university's eight Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses completed a questionnaire on their attitudes to ICT in learning and teaching and their initial experiences of the application of ICT in schools. In-depth interviews with the student-teachers, as well as univer-sity tutors and teachers, revealed a range of issues that reflected how student-teachers perceive their school-based ICT training and what they think could improve their experiences. Recommendations are offered for the improvement of the ICT school experiences for student-teachers until teacher training is completed and improved ICT infrastructure is in place in schools. The overriding conclusion is that schools must be supported and resourced properly, and teachers must have effective ICT training, before improvements in school-based ICT development for student-teachers can be achieved.     

Speech technology for automatic teller machines: an investigation of user attitude and performance

Despite the success and widespread use of Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), a significant proportion of bank customers can not or will not use them, or experience difficulties in their interactions. Speech technology has been suggested as a means by which non-users might be encouraged to use ATMs, while simultaneously improving usability for all. The potential advantages of speech interfaces include hands-free and eyes-free use for physically- and visuallyimpaired users, and improved ease and speed of use through increased ‘naturalness’ of the interaction. This study investigated user attitudes to the concepts of a speech-based ATM, via large-scale survey and a series of focus groups. Objective performance was also considered in user trials with a prototype speech-driven ATM. The idea of using speech for ATM transactions led to a number of concerns. Privacy (the concern over one's personal financial details being overheard) and security (the fear of potential attackers hearing the user withdraw cash) were the major reasons given. The user trials confirmed that possible solutions, such as the adoption of a hood over the ATM or the use of a telephone handset as the speech input/output device, were ineffective. Groups of impaired users, particularly visually-impaired subjects, were more positive about the concept of speech, citing various difficulties with current visual-manual interactions. Most non-users, however, would not be encouraged to use ATMs with the addition of speech. The paper discusses these and other issues relating to the likely success of using speech for ATM applications.     

Can smartphones be specialists? Effects of specialization in mobile advertising

Based on the Computers Are Social Actors (CASA) paradigm, this study extends the expectations regarding the superiority of specialists over generalists to mobile technology by examining whether the specialization of a hardware agent (i.e., a smartphone) and a software agent (i.e., an application) has psychological effects on smartphone users who are exposed to mobile advertisements. Results from a between-subjects experiment (N = 80) show that specialist smartphones and applications induce greater trust in advertisements and an increased purchase intention toward the advertised products than generalist smartphones and applications. In addition, the effects of specialization on purchase intention are mediated by trust in advertisements. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.     

Quick and simple procedures to assess software reliability and facilitate project management

A software reliability model is considered that is easy to implement, use, and interpret. The model works extremely well in the latter stages of testing. A complete history of failures does not need to be stored in a data base or maintained. This reduces the cost of assessing software reliability. Furthermore, it is possible to use the model to estimate software reliability when failure statistics have not been extensively collected. Various estimation procedures are discussed that can aid in project planning. The use of these estimation procedures is illustrated through two sets of actual failure data.     

From paper to pixels: A comparison of paper and computer formats in psychological assessment

Internet based data collection methods have many advantages for psychological assessment when compared with more traditional paper formats, including, reduced costs, and greater convenience for both the researcher and the participant. However, prior to the wide-spread adoption of these methods, equivalence with paper tests formats must be established. The present study compared questionnaire data from the computer with that from a traditional paper format in a sample of college students both directly and through an opinion survey. Three types of questionnaires that represent distinct areas commonly assessed in psychological research included: quality of life (SF-36), depression (BDI-II) and personality (NEO). A within-subjects design counterbalanced order across the computer and paper formats. Overall the findings showed no differences for the Neuroticism and Extraversion facts of the NEO, for the BDI and for the subscales and composite scores of the SF-36. Significant differences were found between the paper and computer formats for the Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness facets of the NEO. Additionally, the computer was perceived to be convenient, user-friendly, comfortable, and secure. Results suggest that a computerized format is an efficient way to conduct quality of life research, especially for the assessment of distress levels and quality of life.     

Upper quadrant postural changes of school children in response to interaction with different information technologies

The objective of this study was to quantitatively analyse the sitting posture of school children interacting with both old (book) and new (laptop and desktop computers) information technologies to test the hypothesis that posture is effected by the type of information technology (IT) used. A mixed model design was used to test the effect of IT type (within subjects) and age and gender (between subjects). The sitting posture of 32 children aged 4?–?17 years was measured whilst they read from a book, laptop, and desktop computer at a standard school chair and desk. Video images were captured and then digitized to calculate mean angles for head tilt, neck flexion, trunk flexion, and gaze angle. Posture was found to be influenced by IT type (p?<?0.001), age (p?<?0.001) and gender (p?=?0.024) and significantly correlated to the stature of the participants. Measurement of resting posture and the maximal range of motion of the upper and lower cervical spines in the sagittal plane was also undertaken. The biophysical impact and the suitability of the three different information technologies are discussed.     

计算机防火墙的有效运用探讨

在现阶段,计算机网络技术快速发展,给我们的生活及工作都带来极大的便利,但与此同时,也给我们的生活及工作又带来了许多网络安全隐患问题。在这种个人隐私信息被破坏和被窃取的危险与日俱增的情况下,为了降低人们由于网络安全隐患问题所带来的损失,相关工作人员研发了计算机防火墙的技术。这种计算机防火墙技术的运用,主要是通过一系列的程序操作保护了信息数据和确保了其资源的安全性,对保障网络安全性起了相当大的作用。本文主要针对网络安全隐患问题、防火墙的定义、类型等内容着手对计算机防火墙的有效运用进行了相关问题的探讨。     

Are computers good or bad for business? How mediated customer–computer interaction alters emotions,impressions, and patronage toward organizations

Are computers good or bad for business? Although computers are social actors research finds that people react to computers and humans with similar tendencies, little research directly compares human–computer interaction to human–human interaction. I ask how mediated transactions with a company’s human or computer representatives alter customers’ reactions toward that company. I conduct an experiment where subjects in the role of customers received products (low or high quality) from a representative (human or computer). I measure the customer’s emotions, impressions, and patronage toward both the representative and the organization. The data indicate few differences in reactions toward the representative and the organization, however, customers perceive the organization as more responsible and in control when they have employed human, not computer, representatives. A hypothesized statistical interaction effect (a moderation effect) on several emotions indicates that computer representatives decrease the strength of the relationship between receiving low or high quality products and customer’s emotions. Although many customer reactions indicate no human/computer differences, I discuss how the statistical moderation effect of computer identity on several emotions may relate to computers are social actors and other research.