MPA_abstracts1 Breaking the abstracts Sunday, 30 November 2008

MPA_abstracts2 How to read an abstract 1.Background & rationale 2.Purpose of the study 3.Research method/ assumption 4.Findings 5.Discussion

MPA_abstracts3 Abstract 1 Open Source software in US higher education: Reality or illusion?

MPA_abstracts4 Rationale As institutions of Higher Education try to balance limited resources with the rising costs of technology, some institutions are turning to Open Source software for campus-wide applications such as course management systems and portals.As institutions of Higher Education try to balance limited resources with the rising costs of technology, some institutions are turning to Open Source software for campus-wide applications such as course management systems and portals.

MPA_abstracts5 Purpose of the study The assumption is that Open Source will provide the flexibility to build pedagogically sound learning environments while increasing technology efficiencies. This paper outlines the current state of Open Source software deployment in US Higher Education based on a survey of 772 Chief Academic Officers and Chief Information Officers conducted in 2006.The assumption is that Open Source will provide the flexibility to build pedagogically sound learning environments while increasing technology efficiencies. This paper outlines the current state of Open Source software deployment in US Higher Education based on a survey of 772 Chief Academic Officers and Chief Information Officers conducted in 2006.

MPA_abstracts6 Findings 1 The results indicate that Carnegie classification is a critical differentiator of awareness, adoption, and perceptions of Open Source software applications, with perceived cost of ownership being the key driver of Open Source adoption.The results indicate that Carnegie classification is a critical differentiator of awareness, adoption, and perceptions of Open Source software applications, with perceived cost of ownership being the key driver of Open Source adoption.

MPA_abstracts7 Findings 2 Moreover, the study shows that institutions have made little progress in the development of polices and procedures for Open Source regulatory compliance and security.Moreover, the study shows that institutions have made little progress in the development of polices and procedures for Open Source regulatory compliance and security.

MPA_abstracts8 Discussion The study serves as a baseline for future research into the conditions for successful use of Open Source for supporting integrated learning environments that deliver campus-wide efficiencies.The study serves as a baseline for future research into the conditions for successful use of Open Source for supporting integrated learning environments that deliver campus-wide efficiencies.

MPA_abstracts9 Abstract 2 Using the Internet to develop EFL teachers' teaching of learning strategies in receptive skills

MPA_abstracts10 Purpose This study investigated the feasibility of training English language teachers via the Internet to teach language learning strategies in the receptive skills, i.e. listening and reading.This study investigated the feasibility of training English language teachers via the Internet to teach language learning strategies in the receptive skills, i.e. listening and reading.

MPA_abstracts11 Research method The study included one experimental group of thirty EFL teachers for pre and post treatment. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used.The study included one experimental group of thirty EFL teachers for pre and post treatment. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used.

MPA_abstracts12 Data collection They included observation checklists, self- assessment checklists, teachers' post training questionnaire and six case studies.They included observation checklists, self- assessment checklists, teachers' post training questionnaire and six case studies. The training methods comprised various aspects of the Internet such as the web modules, chats, forums, s, videoconferences and listservs.The training methods comprised various aspects of the Internet such as the web modules, chats, forums, s, videoconferences and listservs.

MPA_abstracts13 Research instruments This study used different instruments to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Teachers could make use of the training programme to help their students become more aware of their learning and strategy use.This study used different instruments to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Teachers could make use of the training programme to help their students become more aware of their learning and strategy use.

MPA_abstracts14 Findings The results of the study proved to be effective when supported by face-to-face communication and discussion whether with the supervisor or/and peers.The results of the study proved to be effective when supported by face-to-face communication and discussion whether with the supervisor or/and peers.

MPA_abstracts15 Abstract 3 The influence of legitimacy on academic misconduct

MPA_abstracts16 Background & rationale With the growing popularity of the internet, academic intellectual property has become widely available.With the growing popularity of the internet, academic intellectual property has become widely available.

MPA_abstracts17 Purpose It is important to examine why a growing number of college students seem to be engaging in academic misconduct. When examining compliance, in general, one school of thought believes that legitimacy of authorities can influence a person's behavior.It is important to examine why a growing number of college students seem to be engaging in academic misconduct. When examining compliance, in general, one school of thought believes that legitimacy of authorities can influence a person's behavior. The study examined…..The study examined…..

MPA_abstracts18 Research method This study measures student perception of legitimacy of a university's administration and students' compliance with that university's rules and regulations, at two separate time periods (before and after the chancellor of that university was accused of plagiarism) to see if students' opinions of university officials affect academic misconduct.This study measures student perception of legitimacy of a university's administration and students' compliance with that university's rules and regulations, at two separate time periods (before and after the chancellor of that university was accused of plagiarism) to see if students' opinions of university officials affect academic misconduct.

MPA_abstracts19 Data collection Legitimacy is measured through three components: (1) obligation to obey the law, (2) trust and confidence, and (3) feelings toward authority.Legitimacy is measured through three components: (1) obligation to obey the law, (2) trust and confidence, and (3) feelings toward authority.

MPA_abstracts20 Findings These components were not significant when evaluating academic misconduct, although other factors were found to be important.These components were not significant when evaluating academic misconduct, although other factors were found to be important.

MPA_abstracts21 Discussion This research may inform the way instructors and administrators tackle issues of academic misconduct by expanding our understanding of those who plagiarize and cheat.This research may inform the way instructors and administrators tackle issues of academic misconduct by expanding our understanding of those who plagiarize and cheat.