Lynn Jeffrey

Comparing the role of ICT literacy and anxiety in the adoption of mobile learning

Addresses impact of ICT literacy and anxiety on intention to adopt m-learning.Students and educators were surveyed on their attitudes towards mobile learning.Findings show a difference between ICT experiences and attitudes between two groups.Adoption model was similar between groups however to different levels of influence.ICT literacy and anxiety levels was shown to impact the intention to adopt. This paper explores the impact of ICT anxiety, ICT literacy, perceived ease of use and usefulness on the adoption of mobile learning. A modified version of the Technology Adoption Model was used to measure student and educator intention to adopt mobile learning. The research questions were tested using structural equation modelling. Two questionnaires were developed (one for students and one for educators) and used to measure ICT literacy and attitudes and perceptions towards mobile learning. Differences and similarities were found between students and educators on the relative importance of the influence of these factors on intention to adopt. A basic level of ICT literacy and an advanced level of mobile literacy had an impact on intention to adopt but an advanced level of ICT literacy was not found to have any effect.

Developing a Framework for Communication Management Competencies.

Using a hierarchical needs assessment model developed by Hunt we identified the essential competencies of communication management practitioners for the purpose of curriculum development and selection. We found that the underlying values of the profession were embodied in two superordinate goals. Six major competencies were identified, which were defined by further sub‐competencies. In addition, four main personal attributes were rated as important to professional performance. While we found high levels of agreement between practitioners and academics, there was a difference in opinion about the importance of the competency external interface management and this has implications for changing the focus of tertiary curricula.

An exploratory study of the relationship between learning styles and cognitive traits

To provide personalization and adaptivity in technology enhanced learning systems, the needs of learners have to be known by the system first. Detecting these needs is a challenging task and therefore, mechanisms that support this task are beneficial. This paper discusses the relationship between learning styles, in particular the Felder-Silverman learning style model, and working memory capacity, a cognitive trait. Due to this relationship, additional information about the learner is available and can be used to improve the student model. An exploratory study is presented to verify the identified relationship based on the literature. The results of the study show that the identified relationship between working memory capacity and two of the four dimensions of the learning style model is significantly supported. For the two remaining dimensions further research is required.

Using the critical incident technique for triangulation and elaboration of communication management competencies

This paper presents the findings from research using the critical incident technique to identify the use of key competencies for communication management practitioners. Qualitative data was generated from 202 critical incidents reported by 710 respondents. We also present a brief summary of the quantitative data, which identified two superordinate goals, six major competencies and four main personal attributes required for competent practice. Our primary focus in this paper, however, is on the holistic, practitioner‐orientated descriptions and interpretations of workplace events, which illustrated how associated competencies and aptitudes are strategically applied in communication management. We identified further dimensions of competency development, such as reflective practice and transformative action as knowledge was constructed and reconfigured in the dynamic workplace environment.

Learning characteristics of small business managers: principles for training

Purpose – This paper aims to report on the second half of a two‐part study that identified relevant content for safety audit training in small businesses. The specific aim of the paper is to determine the preferred learning styles and approaches of managers in these businesses in order to identify some principles which could be used to tailor training to meet their particular learning needs.Design/methodology/approach – Participants in the study came from three relatively high‐risk industries – road transport, construction, and the motor trade – producing a sample size of 102. A self‐report questionnaire was distributed via trade magazines.Findings – Very few differences were found between the three industries. Most differences were between road transport and the other two industries. Managers in the road transport industry have a lower preference for learning by listening and are less likely to be sequential learners than managers in the motor trade industry.Practical implications – Small business manage...

Are Strategic Communication Management Competencies and Personal Attributes Global? A Case Study of Practice in Finland and New Zealand

The drive to both maintain competitiveness and to meet marketplace expectations using the strategic management of communication is a feature of the international workplace. In the complex and dynamic commercial environment of the new millennium, this drive includes the imperatives to employ competent communication professionals. Whether organizations are intent on acquiring or developing proficient practitioners, the ability to achieve these aims rests on the identification of relevant competencies and attributes. This study uses the Critical Incident Technique to explore the practice of Communication Management in a sample of practitioners in New Zealand and Finland—two geographically disperse countries. The identified critical incidents mostly related to managing crisis communication across both countries. To manage the incidents, communication practitioners predominantly used two competencies: stakeholder relationship management and external interface management. In addition, the personal attribute of adaptability was most commonly employed in both countries. Despite the similarity of incidents and the competencies and attributes required to manage them, also variability in practitioners’ strategic and personal responses was evident.

Automating the Measurement of Critical Thinking for Individuals Participating in Discussion Forums

The use of discussion forums in an educational setting is increasing. However the extent to which discussion forums contribute to learning is subject to debate. A review of the literature reveals some evidence of researchers attempting to develop models that measure indicators of critical thinking for group participation within a discussion forum; however, there is little evidence of research aimed at measuring the critical thinking of individuals. This paper builds on previous studies presented by the authors which have reported on the use of a computerized tool designed to measure evidence of critical thinking among participants in a discussion forum. The paper presents an attempt to validate the computerized tool as it is used to measure evidence of critical thinking for individual participants. The validation process involved comparing the results obtained using the tool against the results obtained from administering a recognized critical thinking skills assessment.