http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ A search of MERLOT materials Copyright 1997-2013 MERLOT. All rights reserved. Fri, 24 May 2013 18:27:44 PDT Fri, 24 May 2013 18:27:44 PDT http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/images/merlot.gif http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ 44 34 http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=762301 AbstractAdvanced three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) technology similar to that used by the film and computer game industries can allow educational developers to rapidly create realistic online virtual environments. This technology has been used to generate a range of online VR-based learning environments across a broad spectrum of industries and educational application areas. This idea is not new; flight simulators have been used for decades to train pilots for both commercial and military aviation. There are a number of lessons that can be learned from the industries that have successfully utilized virtual training and learning systems. Generic rules of thumb regarding the specification, development, application, and operation of these learning environments can be garnered from these industrial training systems and examined in an educational context. In this paper, an online VR-based system developed by the author, ViRILE (Virtual Reality Interactive Learning Environment), is introduced. This software is designed for use by undergraduate chemical engineers and simulates the configuration and operation of a polymerization plant. During the implementation of this and other visual learning environments, a number of complex operational problems were encountered that have required a number of innovative solutions and management procedures to be developed. The implementation of this and other similar systems is also discussed in this paper, and the lessons learned are extrapolated into general pedagogical guidelines to be considered for the development of VR-based online educational learning resources.Keywords: virtual reality, simulation, chemical engineering education, learning technology, training, guidelines http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=762369 Abstract Many nurse executives and managers have had to learn financial management skills, including planning, controlling, implementing, and analyzing departmental budgets, on the job. In today's healthcare environment, organizations are becoming aware of the value of hiring nurse executives who can speak the financial language and employ financial skills to operate their areas. As more and more nurses are pursuing advanced degrees online, schools of nursing face an imperative to find effective ways of helping students achieve program competencies related to finance in an online environment. Cognitive apprenticeship, as a framework for teaching and learning, facilitates rapid acquisition of knowledge of essential concepts and skills needed to meet such competencies in an online, graduate-level finance course, including the use of spreadsheet software. The application of cognitive apprenticeship provides faculty with seven strategies to facilitate higher-level thinking skills: modeling, coaching, scaffolding, fading, articulation and reflection, and exploration (promoting transfer of learning).Go to PDF version. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=761953 Abstract:Failure to complete a dissertation or other required research project is a major factor contributing to doctoral program attrition. The challenges of planning and carrying out a research project are daunting for many traditional students and may be increased for students in part-time, predominantly online doctoral programs. This paper describes the Ewing Model© developed and implemented in the Doctor of Health Sciences program at A.T. Still University. The Model is characterized by a highly structured, sequential curriculum; intense facilitation and dialogue; collaborative learning within a cohort model; and performance-based assessment of core research competencies. The Ewing Model benefits students and the University by ensuring that students gain important research competencies and by contributing to high program completion and low attrition rates. Challenges of implementing the Model include addressing students' inexperience with research and scholarly writing, adhering to research ethics, assisting students with defining a manageable project, and navigating a three-person internal/external committee. Preliminary results of the Model have been positive, with a current graduation rate of 73% and positive student feedback regarding the structure and design of the Model.Keywords: doctoral dissertation, research training, distance education, online learning, degree completion rates http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=760015 This is an anti-GMO website that gives details on why they think you should avoid GMO foods and what to look for in detecting them. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=759294 Benefits and studies on the effects of probiotics for human consumptions. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=759288 Life cycle of the mountain pine beetle: Dendroconus ponderosae is examined in this article. Threats to coniferous trees and the beetles connection to climate change. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=759322 Genetically modified humans are created. A doctor who treats infertile women and impotent men, has made babied with genes from 3 individuals. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=759346 Research on the effect of yoga on people's mental wellbeing is overviewed in this article. Finds that yoga can benefit people with insomnia, depression and even schizophrenia. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=759130 Robin Beck's researched looked at phylogenetic relationships within marsupials. In her research she used the platypus to help root her tree. She used the four methods in creating phylogenetic trees: Basian, Maximum Likelihood, Maximum Parsimony, and Neighbor-Joining. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=759091 This research article suggests that long-term exposure to GMOs and/or Roundup can increase chances of cancer and kidney and liver problems, even when within legal limits of contamination.