Marilyn P. Arnone

Evaluating the Role of Face-to-Face Residencies in Cross-National, Accessible Cyberlearning

This paper provides an analysis of the role face-to-face residencies play in online, cross-national, graduate degree programs. In 2011, taking a cyber learning approach, the IDPP developed the worlds first fully online masters program in international and comparative disability policy, focused on students with disabilities in the ten countries of Southeast Asia. Using this online masters program as a case study, and incorporating pre-and post-residency survey data, the paper explores the impact of its face-to-face residency in building a sense of community, achieving learning outcomes, and highlight the role of culture and trust within the student cohort as a foundation for the online graduate learning experience. Finally, the paper discusses best practices in evaluating online graduate degree programs, emphasizing the importance of an evaluation committee and an iterative evaluation model. Using pioneering research on evaluating accessible cyber learning, it identifies what works in such settings as well as identifying future research needs.

Ambient intelligence & information interactions: Theorizing autonomies & awareness for 21 st century society a technology-people balance

The primary aim of this research study is to explore the social and human potential of technologies designed to support awareness and enable autonomy. The concepts of awareness and autonomy are reconceptualized for 21st century technology-pervasive environments. Using a case study approach, this study focuses on the use experience of faculty and students with an emerging and next generation technology. Multiple methods are employed for quantitative and qualitative data collection along with multiple data analysis techniques. This study makes several contributions to research and practice, including: the development of a conceptual framework for 21st century autonomies and awareness; an autonomies and awareness research agenda; a reframing of the intuition concept for 21st century technologies; proposed use of intuitive inquiry as a method for studying people-technology interactions; and a human-centered computing (HCC) approach in support of technology and people in balance, enabling more immediate engagement with social impact and social implications issues. More broadly, this paper provides a strategic and overarching perspective for building new systems within a research context for the 21st century.

A Hook and a Book: Rewards as Motivators in Public Library Summer Reading Programs

S ummer reading programs (SRPs) in public libraries have been a stalwart of programming for youth for more than a century. These programs are intended to encourage students to continue reading throughout the summer, practice communication skills, and develop a lifelong voluntary reading habit--a love of reading--in the context of a safe and friendly learning environment.