Using theory of constraints in E-Learning for overcoming internal, external, cultural, and international constraints.ABSTRACT E-learning (Electronic-LEARNING) An umbrella term for providing computer instruction (courseware) online over the public Internet, private distance learning networks or inhouse via an intranet. See CBT. is an international phenomenon. Effective delivery of E-Learning must overcome external, internal, and cultural constraints CONSTRAINTS - A language for solving constraints using value inference. ["CONSTRAINTS: A Language for Expressing Almost-Hierarchical Descriptions", G.J. Sussman et al, Artif Intell 14(1):1-39 (Aug 1980)]. ; the question is what constraints are critical? Theory of Constraints Theory of Constraints (TOC) is an overall management philosophy that aims to continually achieve more of the goal of a system. If that system is a for-profit business, then the goal is to make more money, both now and in future. (TOC) is a systematic approach to identify critical constraints with a series of tools. These tools have improved the performance for numerous organizations in manufacturing industry and service industry. By clarifying clar·i·fy v. clar·i·fied, clar·i·fy·ing, clar·i·fies v.tr. 1. To make clear or easier to understand; elucidate: clarified her intentions. 2. intuition intuition, in philosophy, way of knowing directly; immediate apprehension. The Greeks understood intuition to be the grasp of universal principles by the intelligence (nous), as distinguished from the fleeting impressions of the senses. with these tools, such as: the cloud, the branch and the target tree, TOC has successfully been applied in education and e-learning. Cultural differences and international boundaries are easily included in the e-learning paradigm Pronounced "pah-ruh-dime." A model, example or pattern. See paradigm shift. . Keywords Keywords are the words that are used to reveal the internal structure of an author's reasoning. While they are used primarily for rhetoric, they are also used in a strictly grammatical sense for structural composition, reasoning, and comprehension. : Theory of Constraints, E-Learning, Education, Training, Cultural Differences, Conflict Resolution, Systems Approach 1. INTRODUCTION Asynchronous Refers to events that are not synchronized, or coordinated, in time. The following are considered asynchronous operations. The interval between transmitting A and B is not the same as between B and C. The ability to initiate a transmission at either end. E-Learning has caused an unprecedented paradigm shift A dramatic change in methodology or practice. It often refers to a major change in thinking and planning, which ultimately changes the way projects are implemented. For example, accessing applications and data from the Web instead of from local servers is a paradigm shift. See paradigm. in education. Students from all over the world can take the same section of the same course. Cultural differences can be included as value and the international nature of the business world can become integral to education. Students must learn how to think independently in such a highly autonomous learning Autonomous learning is a school of education which sees learners as individuals who can and should be autonomous i.e. be responsible for their own learning climate. environment where there is little face to face contact between students as well as faculty and student. TOC thinking and communication tools enable students to 'visualize' and share their own thought processes This is a list of thinking styles, methods of thinking (thinking skills), and types of thought. See also the List of thinking-related topic lists, the List of philosophies and the . . Instructors will benefit by using these tools for course design and communications with students as well as course planning. This paper introduces the application of Theory of Constraints, TOC, tools in E-learning. Two specific examples are discussed for clarification Clarification The removal of small amounts of fine, particulate solids from liquids. The purpose is almost invariably to improve the quality of the liquid, and the removed solids often are discarded. ; these are a junior or senior level Management Information Systems course and a structured programming course using Visual Basic with a programming lab component. These courses are taught in most universities throughout the world and are similar in format. When designing e-learning courses, the traditional focus starts with technologies and deliveries. This way of designing E-Learning courses is a problem (1) and greater attention must be paid to the advantages offered by e-learning. The modus operandi [Latin, Method of working.] A term used by law enforcement authorities to describe the particular manner in which a crime is committed. The term modus operandi is most commonly used in criminal cases. It is sometimes referred to by its initials, M.O. of e-learning is far more complex than traditional classroom lectures or labs and allows for a new learning agenda. (2) It provides flexibility and allows asynchronous learning Asynchronous learning is a teaching method using the asynchronous delivery of training materials or content using computer network technology. It is an approach to providing technology-based training that incorporates learner-centric models of instruction. without regards to physical location of the learner. It melts down geographical boundaries and in some cases overcome the time barrier. This shift in economy of scale allows a multicultural mul·ti·cul·tur·al adj. 1. Of, relating to, or including several cultures. 2. Of or relating to a social or educational theory that encourages interest in many cultures within a society rather than in only a mainstream culture. , single culture, or international dimension to a class or curriculum, where students are drawn from many countries or for a specific culture located in many countries. E-Learning is of great value and enormous benefits for traditional education, none traditional education, and training. Simple, by overcoming the time and space barriers common to education it allows for a paradigm shift that has not been seen since the development of the printing press. On the other hand, there are associated disadvantages and problems which need to be addressed. Even though individual students may find tremendous freedom with E-Learning, it can feel impersonal im·per·son·al adj. 1. Lacking personality; not being a person: an impersonal force. 2. a. Showing no emotion or personality: an aloof, impersonal manner. due to restricted interaction. The paradigm shift demands us to approach E-Learning with a different set of knowledge, attitude, belief, tools and behavioral behavioral pertaining to behavior. behavioral disorders see vice. behavioral seizure see psychomotor seizure. expectations. It may also require a different set of educational outcome expectations. TOC was developed to improve manufacturing productivity and management effectiveness In management, the ultimate measure of management's performance is the metric of management effectiveness which includes:
2. LITERATURE REVIEW E-learning is more than the application of internet and technologies; it allows modes of interaction and cooperation that have been developed with Group Decision Support Systems theory. Desanctis and Gallupe developed more complex and sophisticated Group Support Systems technologies. (3) Unless a holistic Holistic A practice of medicine that focuses on the whole patient, and addresses the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of a patient as well as their physical treatment. Mentioned in: Aromatherapy, Stress Reduction, Traditional Chinese Medicine point of view is taken, e-learning is just another tool and not a paradigm shift. Besides technologies, other issues must be address such as behavior, habit, attitude and ethic eth·ic n. 1. a. A set of principles of right conduct. b. A theory or a system of moral values: "An ethic of service is at war with a craving for gain" . Unfortunately technology itself offers little helps in these areas. First instructors and students have to adapt to a new way of communicating and interacting where their culture and academic background are important and considered. It requires disciplines and time-management. Secondly, instructors and students are literally 'free' from traditional auditing practice and this lacking must be solved. The false sense of freedom may lead to degraded de·grad·ed adj. 1. Reduced in rank, dignity, or esteem. 2. Having been corrupted or depraved. 3. Having been reduced in quality or value. education and non-essential non-essential Adjective not absolutely necessary non-essential adj → unnötig n non-essentials → nicht (lebens)notwendige Dinge pl learning. The question of cheating is much more difficult to assess where a majority of the assignments are accomplished remotely. To achieve competitive advantage a system must create a new demand with a new product. E-learning has this potential. The training and educational needs of corporation are expanding. This is occurring simultaneously with a redefinition Noun 1. redefinition - the act of giving a new definition; "words like `conservative' require periodic redefinition"; "she provided a redefinition of his duties" definition - a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol of lifetime learning. Additionally, the definition of what is education and how one receives it is changing. Email is the classic method used in e-learning. Normally the e-learning web platform supports email for the whole class, individual groups and the discussion board. In the earlier studies, email was as effective as more technologically enhanced e-learning tools. The second approach went beyond message exchange and included tools for communication, task structuring, and information manipulation Manipulation Dealing in a security to create a false appearance of active trading, in order to bring in more traders. Illegal. such as filtering and sorting. (4) The integration of these learning modes is desired and the correct combination will be determined by the subject matter, the students' ability, and the professor's ability. The E-learning approach includes the design of a generic course with specific adaptations to the culture of the students. (5) Student, faculty, institution, and financier satisfaction occurs at two levels in e-learning. First is the E-learning course successful in changing beliefs, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior or some combination? As new approaches and technologies move into education, goals and measures of success will change. The second level is user satisfaction in the technology, which is similar to user satisfaction in commerce sites. (6) 3. THEORY OF CONSTRAINTS AND THINKING TOOLS Theory of constraints (TOC) is based on management science theories and concepts. It applies the method of physics to solve general problems in a broad range of management issues in life. There are numerous books published on principles and applications of TOC. (7,8,9,10) Following is a brief exposition exposition or exhibition, term frequently applied to an organized public fair or display of industrial and artistic productions, designed usually to promote trade and to reflect cultural progress. of the TOC: TOC takes a progressive approach to improve a system. It begins by examining undesired conditions in current reality, call it State A. Then, it proceeds to delineate the desired conditions in the future, or State B. The next step is to focus on the process to transform from State A to State B. This process uses logic trees as tools to visualize and verbalize intermediate states of the transformation. Interested readers may refer to other literatures for details. Goldratt (11) has reduced the TOC into three specific thinking tools: the cloud, the branch and the target tree and applied them in the field of education worldwide. Followings are some quotes from TOC website (http://www.tocforeducation.com/home.html): The TOC methods to bring desired improvements are developed through answering three questions. * What to change? * To what to change? * How to cause the change? What to change: What is the problem? In spite of in opposition to all efforts of; in defiance or contempt of; notwithstanding. See also: Spite voluminous changes-and the good intentions of those implementing these changes--many educators This is a list of educators. See also: Education, List of education topics.
General
* Students do not know how to solve their own problems * Students are unable to control impulsive behavior impulsive behavior, n action initiated without due consideration or thought as to the costs, results, or consequences. * Students memorize mem·o·rize tr.v. mem·o·rized, mem·o·riz·ing, mem·o·riz·es 1. To commit to memory; learn by heart. 2. Computer Science To store in memory: , rather than understand, what they are taught * Students can not apply what they learn to authentic AUTHENTIC. This term signifies an original of which there is no doubt. situations * Many students do not see the value of education to make their lives better * Students leave school before graduating * Educational leaders are expected to meet the individual learning and behavior needs of all students without sufficient resources (time and money) In summary, many students do not take responsibility for their own learning and behaviors and, in order to ensure results, educators must intervene intervene v. to obtain the court's permission to enter into a lawsuit which has already started between other parties and to file a complaint stating the basis for a claim in the existing lawsuit. . At the same time, educators know that they can not empower empower verb To encourage or provide a person with the means or information to become involved in solving his/her own problems students to learn and think on their own if they intervene by assuming this responsibility for them. In the paradigm of e-learning, students are much more independent and assume more responsibility than those of in the brick and mortar See bricks and mortar. classrooms. Changes in behaviors, habits and thinking are pre-requisites before engaging e-learning. Goldratt (12) further explains the need of 'thinking tools' to effect changes during a paradigm shift: To what to change: What is an effective solution? ... What changes are needed are simple, concrete, and practical tools ... a powerful set of generic thinking and communication tools that would enable students of all ages, cultures and abilities to: * Be able to analyze an·a·lyze v. 1. To examine methodically by separating into parts and studying their interrelations. 2. To separate a chemical substance into its constituent elements to determine their nature or proportions. 3. problems from all points of view * Be able to think through consequences of their own actions so that they can make better choices on their own initiative * Be able to understand what they learn through the logical connections embedded Inserted into. See embedded system. in the information so that they could derive de·rive v. 1. To obtain or receive from a source. 2. To produce or obtain a chemical compound from another substance by chemical reaction. , rather than, memorize answers ... * Be able to set goals and think through a feasible (algorithm) feasible - A description of an algorithm that takes polynomial time (that is, for a problem set of size N, the resources required to solve the problem can be expressed as some polynomial involving N). plan to achieve them. If students were able to take responsibility for their own learning and behaviors, that outcome would leave more resources available to meet the incredible demands on educators' time? This will happen only if the means to the end can be accomplished within existing resource limitations ... teachers must have effective tools which not only can be taught through existing curriculum content but also in a way that enhances the achievement of mandated standards and benchmarks. Effective learning requires disciplined thinking. Educators realize that critical thinking is so important that students are required to take courses specifically in critical thinking. However, most required courses fail to teach students to become independent thinkers. Why? The thinking process is such an abstract activity that most teachers do not know how to instruct in·struct v. in·struct·ed, in·struct·ing, in·structs v.tr. 1. To provide with knowledge, especially in a methodical way. See Synonyms at teach. 2. To give orders to; direct. v. students to think, let alone 'critical thinking' and effective learning. Goldratt developed three specific thinking and communication tools for such needs: namely: the Cloud, the Ambitious Target Tree, and the Branch. Tables 1, 2, and 3 represent tools. [TABLE 1-3 OMITTED] 4. APPLYING TOC IN E-LEARNING Fredenall classifies constraints into three types (13). They are: * Physical or logistical lo·gis·tic also lo·gis·ti·cal adj. 1. Of or relating to symbolic logic. 2. Of or relating to logistics. [Medieval Latin logisticus, of calculation constraints--these are resources within system which have capacity that is equal to or less than the demand placed upon it. * Policy constraints--these are decrees or rules from management staff that sets limits on the system performance and they do not lead directly to achieving the goals and objectives of the system. * Paradigm constraints--these are entrenched en·trench also in·trench v. en·trenched, en·trench·ing, en·trench·es v.tr. 1. To provide with a trench, especially for the purpose of fortifying or defending. 2. habits or assumptions of people in the system that things must be done this way because they have always been done this way. Paradigm constraints often lead to policy constraints which may lead to physical constraints. In implementing E-Learning, Table 4 summaries possible constraints for the three types discussed above. The TOC Cloud has been expanded into a matrix in Table 5. In this table, all perspectives are included with a common goal to deliver a successful E-Learning experience. Needs are prerequisites to meet the goal; wants are negotiable NEGOTIABLE. That which is capable of being transferred by assignment; a thing, the title to which may be transferred by a sale and indorsement or delivery. 2. items; assumptions are items hidden or taken for granted Adj. 1. taken for granted - evident without proof or argument; "an axiomatic truth"; "we hold these truths to be self-evident" axiomatic, self-evident obvious - easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind; "obvious errors" ; obstacles are hindrance hin·drance n. 1. a. The act of hindering. b. The condition of being hindered. 2. One that hinders; an impediment. See Synonyms at obstacle. to reach the goal. The Cloud tool can be applied to on E-Learning assessment conflict resolution between student and teacher. Table 6 represents this analysis. Apparently, there are many conflicts and constraints in e-learning delivery. TOC advocate that constraints be prioritized in terms of their significances and removed one by one. A major conflict in e-learning is the assessment issue. Following is an example as how to communicate this conflict with 'the cloud'. First, teacher and students must verbalize a common goal and their own needs and wants. It is important that they learn how to use concise language to express their needs and wants. Again, needs are elements required to achieve the goal. Wants are 'negotiable' items for the goal. The diagrams 'force' students and teachers to separate 'wants' from 'needs'. It also allows them to 'verbalize' assumptions which are usually 'hidden' in the background and overlooked or ignored. Once 'wants' and needs' are identified. Students and teacher may then proceed to seek ways to 'evaporate' the cloud. Creative solution called 'injection' may come about during this exercise. TOC advocates to 'in-validate' assumptions to resolve a conflict rather than formulate formulate /for·mu·late/ (for´mu-lat) 1. to state in the form of a formula. 2. to prepare in accordance with a prescribed or specified method. a 'compromised' solution. For example, the success of e-learning delivery requires a credible assessment instrument. Students and teacher have their own needs, wants and assumptions. By removing the assumption that the teacher is going to grade on a curve and communicate with students about reasonable expectations, students will be more interested to participate in e-learning discussions and share ideas with others. This is a critical shift in the educational paradigm where e-leaning allows student cooperation at a much greater level in the learning process. The discussion board is one example where student learn and share with each other about many specific topic on a 24 hour per day basis. 5. APPLICTIONS: MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS COURSE The MIS (1) (Management Information System) An information system that integrates data from all the departments it serves and provides operations and management with the information they require. , Management Information System course, is among the first major classes a business student takes. It normally is taken as a first semester se·mes·ter n. One of two divisions of 15 to 18 weeks each of an academic year. [German, from Latin (cursus) s junior. The instructor may plan the class by using the cause-effect process, the TOC branch--also known as transition tree, to plan the class. The instructor can also tie the grading scheme, A, B, C, D and F, in the branch to reflect stages of learning, expectations, obstacles and actions they may take to achieve intermediate objectives (IO s). Professors may expand this branch in a separate diagram diagram /di·a·gram/ (di´ah-gram) a graphic representation, in simplest form, of an object or concept, made up of lines and lacking pictorial elements. if students are having difficulties with a particular intermediate objective such as the Information Systems Audit Project. Table 7 represents a branch or transition tree developed by the Professor for accomplishing an Information Systems Audit Project for the MIS course. For the e-learning, students are challenged to work on a group project where they do an information audit of a local company. From the professor's perspective, it is critical that student groups turn in their own works. This concern was addressed earlier with the 'cloud' Table 6. From the students' perspective, they must learn how to plan their own project. This starts with the interviewing managers, identifying the missions, products and services of the chosen company. Next is the development of critical success factors, which indicates what information is most important. These are further strengthening with Input Process Output diagrams and systems diagrams. Lastly the critical data is defined and strengthened. The ambitious target tree (ATT ATT ammonia tolerance test. ) is a nice tool for the students to clarify (company) Clarify - A software vendor, specialising in Customer Relationship Management software. Nortel Networks sold Clarify to Amdocs in 2002. http://amdocsclarify.com/. thoughts and 'visualize' what obstacles must be overcome to deliver a project which meets all required criteria criteria (krītēr´ē  ),n. . Table 8 provides an example of how students may apply this tool to tackle their own project. 6. APPLICTION: VISUAL BASIC PROGRAMMING COURSE Many people learn programming skill on there own. Therefore, structured programming is a class ideally suited for delivery by E-learning. Instructors may plan the class by using the cause-effect process, the branch--also known as transition tree. Instructors can also tie the grading scheme, A, B, C, D and F, in the branch to reflect stages of learning, expectations, obstacles and actions the students may take to achieve intermediate objectives (IO s) as shown in the following diagram. The teacher may expand this branch in a separate diagram if students are having difficulties with a particular intermediate objective. From the students' perspective, they must learn how to plan their own project. The ambitious target tree (ATT) is a nice tool for them to clarify thoughts and 'visualize' what obstacles are in order to deliver a project which meets all required criteria. Table 9 represents how students may apply this tool to tackle their own project. 7. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This new paradigm New Paradigm In the investing world, a totally new way of doing things that has a huge effect on business. Notes: The word "paradigm" is defined as a pattern or model, and it has been used in science to refer to a theoretical framework. in education, E-learning, involves a complex web of people from many cultures and throughout the world, equipment, methods, materials and measures. Changing technologies, emerging disciplines, information explosion, complex policies and legal issues, etc. all complicate com·pli·cate tr. & intr.v. com·pli·cat·ed, com·pli·cat·ing, com·pli·cates 1. To make or become complex or perplexing. 2. To twist or become twisted together. adj. 1. its delivery. Behavioral changes, habit and attitude adjustments on the part of both the Professors and students are pre-requisites for successful E-Learning. The world view that needs to be integrated in any course or curriculum is a challenge and will evolve Evolve may refer to several terms:
Instructors can use TOC to design the E-learning course to achieve multicultural goals or single culture goals made possible by the E-Learning environment. This clarity with the TOC design process will enhance the likelihood of the learning goals being accomplished. Students will benefit from TOC in several ways including enhanced independent thinking. They will understand how a goal is achieved in this new paradigm of education. Secondly, students can define their own goals and map out a way to visualize and share their own thought process for identification and removal of critical constraints. The MIS course used TOC to design and communicate the Information System Audit without face to face contact with students. Table 7 represents how the Professor used the TOC tool, the Branch, in designing the Information Systems Audit Project. It clearly depicts the actions taken, knowledge needed, and the obstacles overcome to accomplish the project. Table 8 represents how students used the TOC tool, the Ambitious Target Tree, in clarifying the obstacles and objectives that they had to accomplish to complete the Information Systems Audit Project. Students in the Structured Programming course used the TOC tool, the Ambitious Target Tree, Table 9, to plan the semester project. The obstacles and objectives were clarified for accomplishing the project. Table 6, the cloud, depicts how the student assessment conflict is resolved for either course. The main result is that students need to be encouraged to work together on group projects and this requires that students not be graded on a curve and procedures for guaranteeing fair assessment need to be in place. [TABLE 6 OMITTED] Myron Myron (mī`rən), fl. 5th cent. B.C., Greek sculptor. He is supposed to have been a pupil of Ageladas of Argos, but he worked largely in Athens. Hatcher hatch 1 n. 1. a. An opening, as in the deck of a ship, in the roof or floor of a building, or in an aircraft. b. The cover for such an opening. c. A hatchway. d. , California State University Enrollment  -Fresno, California California (kăl'ĭfôr`nyə), most populous state in the United States, located in the Far West; bordered by Oregon (N), Nevada and, across the Colorado River, Arizona (E), Mexico (S), and the Pacific Ocean (W). , USAMatthew Matthew one of the twelve disciples. [N.T.: Matthew] See : Evangelism Yen, California State University -Fresno, California, USA (1) Convey, S. R., "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Simon and Schuster," New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , 1989. (2) Muilenburg, L. and Z. Berge Berge may refer to the following locations:
factor analytical Study, The American Journal of Distance Education American Journal of Distance Education (AJDE) is an academic journal of research and scholarship in the field of distance education in Americas, with particular emphasis on the uses of Internet (e-learning, distributed learning, asynchronous learning and blended learning). , 15(2), 2001. (3) DeSanctis, G., R. B. Gallupe. 1897. "A foundation for the study of group decision support systems," Management Science. 33(5), 1997, 589-609. (4) Alavi The surname Alavi (often spelled as Alvi) (Arabic: علوي) signifies ancestry from Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (Arabic: علي بن أﺑﻲ طالب), the fourth Caliph of Islam. , M., G. M. Marakas, and Y. Yoo. "A Comparative Study of Distributed Learning Distributed Learning means a method of instruction that relies primarily on indirect communication between students and teachers, including internet or other electronic-based delivery, teleconferencing or correspondence; (British Columbia, School Act, 2006). Environment on Learning Outcomes," Information Systems Research 13(4), 2002. (5) Nykanen, O., M. Ala-rantala. "A design for a hypermedia-based learning environment," Education and Information Technologies, 3, 1998, 277-290. (6) Muvlle, S., R. Moenaert, and M. Despontin, "The conceptualization con·cep·tu·al·ize v. con·cep·tu·al·ized, con·cep·tu·al·iz·ing, con·cep·tu·al·iz·es v.tr. To form a concept or concepts of, and especially to interpret in a conceptual way: and empirical validation An empirical validation of a hypothesis is required for it to gain acceptance in the scientific community. Normally this validation is achieved by the scientific method of hypothesis commitment, experimental design, peer review, adversarial review, reproduction of results, of web site user satisfaction," Information and Management, 41(5), 2004 (7) Goldratt, E. M., Theory of Constraints, North River Press., 1990. (8) McMullen McMullen is a surname with predominantly Irish origins but also with some Scottish history. Some people whom have had this surname are:
APICS Educational Society for Resource Management (formerly American Production and Inventory Control Society) APICS American Production & Inventory Control Society Series on Constraints Management, 1998. (9) Goldratt, E. M. and J. Cox, The Goal 2nd ed., North-River Press, Croton-on-Hudson, NY. 1992. (10) Goldratt, E. M. "Chapter 4: The Importance of a System's Constraints," The Theory. of Constraints Journal, 1(4), Feb-Mar. 1989. (11) Goldratt, E. M., (http://www.tocforeducation.com/home.html) (12) Goldratt, E. M., "Chapter 6: The Paradigm Shift?," The Theory of Constraints Journal, 1(6), April-May, 1990. (13) Fredendall, L. D., and E. Hill. Basics of Supply Chain Management. The St. Lucie Press/APICS Series on Constraints Management. 2001. Dr. Myron Hatcher earned his Sc.D. and MPH MPH Master of Public Health. MPH Master's Degree in Public Health from The Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University, mainly at Baltimore, Md. Johns Hopkins in 1867 had a group of his associates incorporated as the trustees of a university and a hospital, endowing each with $3.5 million. Daniel C. in 1978 and 1975 respectively. Currently he is Professor of Information Systems and Decision Sciences at California State University, Fresno The campus sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the San Joaquin Valley. Fresno County is the sixth largest metropolitan area in California. The university is within an hour's drive of many mountain and lake resorts and within a three- or four-hour drive of both Los . He has extensive research experience and publications in health care delivery systems and Group Decisions Support Systems. Dr. Matthew Yen earned his Ph.D. from Purdue University Purdue University (pərdy  `, -d`), main campus at West Lafayette, Ind. in 1979.
Currently he is Professor of Industrial Technology at California State
University, Fresno. He has research experience and publications in
agricultural information systems and Geospatial Geospatial is a term widely used to describe the combination of spatial software and analytical methods with terrestrial or geographic datasets. The term is often used in conjunction with geographic information systems and geomatics. Information Systems
(GIS (1) (Geographic Information System) An information system that deals with spatial information. Often called "mapping software," it links attributes and characteristics of an area to its geographic location. ) applications, computer integrated manufacturing (application) Computer Integrated Manufacturing - (CIM)http://dmtf.org/. systems and technology education.
TABLE 4 PHYSICAL, POLICY AND PARADIGM CONSTRAINTS FOR E-LARNING
Physical Constraints Policy Constraints Paradigm Constraints
* Hardware & Software * Fees and * Self-disciplines
availability registration * Time management
* Lab Accessibility * Administration costs * Suitable content and
* Instructors * Budget and resource curriculum design
development allocations * Communication
* Students cognitive * Students assessment barriers
ability * Class evaluation and * Students commitment
* Students motivation audit * Instructor
* Institutional commitment
* Quality time policies
Source: Hatcher and Yen
TABLE 5
THE CLOUD REPRESENTED IN A MATRIX: TO DELIVER A SUCCESSFUL E-LEARNING
EXPERIENCE
Common goal: To deliver a successful e-learning experience
Perspectives Needs Wants
Students: * Credit * Pass classes
* Knowledge gain * Good grades
* Skill improvement * Interesting and
* Paradigm fun learning
awareness * Encourage-
ment and
recognition
Instructors: * Compensated * Fair
* Professional assessment
currency in * Fair class
knowledge and skill evaluation
* Preparation time * Students
* Deliverable motivated and
instructional well
materials disciplined
* Delivery * Encourageme
environment nt and
* Proper instructional Recognition
materials
Administrator: * Sufficient enrollment * Profitable
* Smooth * Increased
registration and enrollment
reports * Improved
* No schedule reputation
conflicts * Public
recognition
Technology * Funding to support * Update
services: * Supportive vendors equipment
* Intelligent instructor * Software
* Savvy students current
Content * Speed * Economic
Providers * Robustness * Easy to modify
* Deliverable and maintain
Common goal: To deliver a successful e-learning experience
Perspectives Assumptions Obstacles
Students: * Instructor is * Costs of learning
enthusiastic and * Time for studies
knowledgeable * Opportunities to
* Conducive learning ask questions
environment * Cognitive ability
to understand
* Technology
accessibility
* Timely
assistances
Instructors: * Students meet pre- * Costs for
requisites instructional
* Conducive teaching materials
environment * Time for
* Students motivated preparation
* Students knows * Time to interact
how to study for * Lack of
tests experiences
* Students knows * Do not know
how to ask for how to design
questions learning
* Students know how modules or
to manage time objects
Administrator:* Students are ready * Expenses for e-
to learn learning
* Instructors are delivery
prepared to teach * Time to respond
requests
* Time to manage
and report
* Time to promote
and market
Technology * Clear rules and * Intruders
services: policies * Breakdowns
* Legal * Time to respond
Content * Cost
Providers * Time
Source: Hatcher and Yen
TABLE 7
THE BRANCH FOR AN INFORMATION SYSTEMS AUDIT PROJECT IN A MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION SYSTEM COURSE, DEVELOPED BY THE PROFESSOR
Information Audit completed
Synthesis
Actions: Learn to Know how to determine Obstacles: What is
define competitive competitive advantage and competitive
advantage and related strategies advantage and how
determine what does a strategy
strategy makes the affect it?
system work
Synthesis
Actions: Study the Know how to define critical Obstacles: What are
system in depth and data the critical data
determine the data and its attributes
that is essential for this system?
for the system to
function
Synthesis
Actions: Review the Know how to define Obstacles: What is
definition of information used by the information anyway,
Information and system let alone in this
apply Input, system?
Process, Output
analysis to system
and determine
information.
Synthesis
Actions: Study IS Know how to define hardware Obstacles: There is
infrastructure and and software components of so much hardware,
how to define it. the system software, and
firmware, what is
critical?
Synthesis
Actions: Study the Know how to define critical Obstacles: What is a
theory of critical success factors of the critical success
success factors and system factors and what are
via interviews and they for this
synthesis apply to system?
this system.
Synthesis
Actions: Study the Know how to define product Obstacles: Today,
modern definition and decision process the term product has
of product and a new meaning, what
decision processes. are it, and what
decision processes
are.
Synthesis
Actions: Study Know how to create a sample Obstacles: How to
methods of questionnaire for gather information?
interviewing and interviews and set up
questionnaire interviews
design.
Synthesis
Actions: Study the Do not know how to do an Obstacles: What is
definition of an Information Audit an information
information audit audit?
and the process.
Source: Hatcher and Yen
TABLE 8
THE AMBITIOUS TARGET TREE (ATT): AN INFORMATION SYSTEMS AUDIT PROJECT
IN A MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM COURSE, DEVELOPED BY STUDENTS
To help students to plan an Information Audit project of a company
for an e-learning course
OBSTACLES OBJECTIVES NOTES
1. Do not know which company Look a various Examples in
to select? companies and textbooks and
select the most online search
promising.
2. Do not know how to design Find out what are Project
the project? the requirements specifications
for the project
3. Do not know what company Find out what are Make a list of
to pick, whom to the inputs and the questions
interview, and what outputs
questions to ask?
4. Do you know how to Find out what you Examples in the
conduct the interview? need to know. syllabus.
5. Do you know how to Find out from
identify the mission, managers what are
problems and decision there problems
made? and decisions.
6. Do you know to define the Determine what are Examples of data
information? inputs, outputs structures in
and task to be text book.
performed for each
function
7. Do you know how to define Find out the Textbook and
the physical information definition of references in
system? input, processing, journal articles
output, network and internet.
and database
hardware.
8. Do you know how to Find out what are Textbook.
define the critical data the critical
concepts or data success factors
definition? and critical data
required.
9. Do you know how to Determine out how Textbook and
identify competitive to define the examples from
advantage, the related strategies that professor.
strategies, and the can lead to
benefits of the new competitive
systems? advantage with the
system under
study.
10. Do you know how to Find out how to Textbook and
critique and critique a system examples from
recommendation, and and make professor.
future potential for the recommendations
Information System with based upon this
specific emphasis on critique, which
Internet potential includes Internet
potential.
11. Do you know how to Organization of Prepare the
prepare a Group Presentation presentation
Presentation according to the
evaluation
criteria, assign
components to
members.
12. Do you know how to Produce written Follow report
prepare a Written Project report. guidelines.
report?
Source: Hatcher and Yen
TABLE 9
THE AMBITOUS TARGET TREE (ATT) FOR PLANNING A SEMESTER PROJECT IN A
STRUCTURED PROGRAMMING COURSE, DEVELOPED BY STUDENTS
To help students to plan a semester project for a structured
programming course delivered via e-learning course
OBSTACLES OBJECTIVES NOTES
1. Do not know which Find an application Examples in textbooks
application and online search
2. Do not know how to Find out what are Project specifications
design the project the requirements for
the project
3. Do not know where to Find out what are Make a list of
start the inputs and the variables
outputs
4. Do not know how to Decide what controls Options: textboxes,
design the user should be used to input boxes, message
interface handle for user boxes, lists, etc.
input and how to
display the results
5. Do not know how to Simplify the
break down into selected task by
procedures and dividing into small
functions tasks
6. Do not know how to Determine what are
program each inputs, outputs and
procedure task to be performed
for each function
7. Do not know how to Write a procedure to
tie all functions test call functions
and procedure and procedures
together
8. The program will not Find out the Use debugger, break
run and don't know 'bug'(s) point, check syntax
what is the problem errors, divide the
program into small
modules and test
9. Do not know how to Find out what are Use database
interface with required connection application examples
databases strings as a reference, ask
instructor, class
mates, check books and
online references
10. Do not know how to Find out what tasks Study loop examples
use loops in the are repetitive
project
11. Do not know how to Find out what are What are pros and cons
use decision various conditions for If. then or
statements in the in the selected Select Case
project project
12. Do not know how to Decide who is the Study commercial
use multiple forms user and determine software and talk to
their needs potential users
Source: Hatcher and Yen
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion