This paper reports on CATS (2006-2007), a project initiated by the Research Centre Teaching in Multicultural Schools, that addresses language related dropout problems of both native and non-native speakers of Dutch in higher education. The projects main objective is to develop a model for the redesign of the curriculum so as to optimize the development of academic and professional language skills. Key pedagogic strategies are the raising of awareness of personal proficiency levels through diagnostic testing, definition of linguistic demands of curriculum tasks, empowerment of student autonomy and peer feedback procedures. More specifically, this paper deals with two key areas of the project. First, it describes the design and development of web-based corpus software tools, aimed at the enhancement of the autonomy of students academic reading and writing skills. Secondly, it describes the design of three pilots, in which the process of a content and language integrated approach - facilitated by the developed web tools - was applied, and these pilots respective evaluations. The paper concludes with a reflection on the project development and the experiences with the pilot implementations.
Within the profile Technical Information Technology (ICT Department) the most important specializations are Embedded Software and Industrial Automation. About half of the Technical Information curriculum consists of learning modules, the other half is organized in projects. The whole study lasts four years. After two-and-a-half year students choose a specialization. Before the choice is made students have several occasions in which they learn something about the possible fields of specialization. In the first and second year there are two modules about Industrial Automation. First there is a module on actuators, sensors and interfacing, later a module on production systems. Finally there is an Industrial Automation project. In this project groups of students get the assignment to develop the control for a scale model flexible automation cell or to develop a monitoring system for this cell. In the last year of their studies students participate in a larger Industrial Automation project, often with an assignment from Industry. Here also the possibility exists to join multidisciplinary projects (IPD; integrated product development).
Aging is associated with a decline in the ability to carry out daily tasks. Physical activity can delay or diminish the decline and increase the ability of older adults to live independently at home. Performing home-based exercises can help older adults achieve the recommended levels of physical activity. Technology allows exercise programs to be tailored to individual needs. This thesis describes a blended intervention that was developed and evaluated according to the Medical Research Council framework. The principal findings are that older adults are motivated to perform technology-supported home-based exercises if they help them maintain self-reliance and there is sufficient guidance, safety is taken into account, and adherence is stimulated. To meet those conditions, a blended intervention was developed that was based on functional exercises, behavior change theory and human guidance. A custom-made tablet application appears to be usable by the target audience. A process evaluation has shown that the tablet as well as the coach support older adults in the various phases of self-regulating their exercise behavior. The blended intervention stimulates intrinsic motivation by supporting the autonomy of participants, fostering competence and, for some, meeting the need for relatedness by offering emotional support. Data derived from the tablet demonstrate that older adults participating in the intervention exhibit exercise behavior that is in line with WHO guidelines and that engagement with the tablet was a contributing factor. Future work should include assessment of intervention fidelity and explore which aspects of coaching can and cannot be further automated.
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