John Brine | University of Waikato (original) (raw)

Papers by John Brine

INTED2017 Proceedings, 2017

The International Journal of Design Education, 2013

Critical CALL – Proceedings of the 2015 EUROCALL Conference, Padova, Italy, 2015

In 2014, the University of Aizu was accepted for participation in Japan's national TOP Global Uni... more In 2014, the University of Aizu was accepted for participation in Japan's national TOP Global University (TGU) initiative. In this paper, we describe our use of video interviewing to prepare Japanese students for our Global Experience Gateway study abroad TGU project. Our university specializes in computer science education at undergraduate and graduate levels. Our students are preparing for careers or further research in either software or hardware specializations, and it is expected that English will be required increasingly in computer-related research and business. Within Japanese education, there is a view that the youth are reluctant to speak English (King, 2013), and our students use English infrequently. We have created a study abroad programme, which is intended to motivate students to study more in their regular English language classes to improve language skills and attain higher TOEIC scores. However, improved course grades and test scores do not prepare students with interpersonal communication skills required to function in an Englishspeaking context. Recent literature on language learning outside of the classroom (Nunan & Richards, 2014) supports our use of video interviewing to prepare students for study abroad. We are teaching Japanese students to conduct and videorecord interviews with non-Japanese speakers in preparation for the conversational demands of study abroad. Practice with video equipment, interviewing techniques, simple camera work and editing helps our students to interact with our international

IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Magazine, 2015

The Origins of Cybernetics The term cybernetics stems from the ancient Greek κυβερνήτης (kybernet... more The Origins of Cybernetics The term cybernetics stems from the ancient Greek κυβερνήτης (kybernetes), meaning "steersman, governor, pilot, and rudder." This word was first used by Plato in The Alcibiades to signify the governance of people [1]. From Plato's philosophy and his historical background [2], it is reasonable to assume that he used cybernetics to represent a study for acquiring ideal knowledge related to the governance of human society. The word cybernétique was used in 1834 by Ampère to denote the sciences of government [1]. In this sense, Ampère used cybernetics in a way similar to Plato. That is, the original meaning of cybernetics is "the science of governance." C Defining Cybernetics Reflections on the Science of Governance

Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies, 2013

An intelligent and adaptive learning system should adjust the content in order to ensure a faster... more An intelligent and adaptive learning system should adjust the content in order to ensure a faster and better performance in the learning process. One way is to help the learners and teachers to discover the preferences of learners. A learning style index is a method to classify the learning preferences of learners. Learning preferences can then help learners to find their most effective way to learn. It can also help teachers to adopt suitable learning materials for an efficient learning. This chapter is concerned with the study, implementation, and application of a web-based learning style index. We also describe a case study on the integration of the learning style index into an adaptive and intelligent e-learning system.

2013 IEEE International Conference on Cybernetics (CYBCO), 2013

ABSTRACT Cybernetics, as defined by Plato and later by Ampère is the science of governance. In th... more ABSTRACT Cybernetics, as defined by Plato and later by Ampère is the science of governance. In the 1940s, Wiener used cybernetics as an umbrella term to refer to control and communication in both the animal and the machine. In the following decades, the term has been defined in various ways by different researchers, and because of this, cybernetics has been perceived rather negatively as a “nomad science”. Consequently, few people understand the true meaning of cybernetics. For the appropriate development of our field of research, we think it is necessary to re-consider the meaning and the scope of cybernetics, so that we can have a relatively clear mission in our research. In this paper, we try to provide a kind of governance message that might also be very weak, but nevertheless may be helpful for the cybernetics community to become cybernetic itself.

j-let.org

The University of Aizu, in collaboration with the University of Waikato, has been investigating t... more The University of Aizu, in collaboration with the University of Waikato, has been investigating the use of open source, server-based software for the enhancement of English language instruction in Vietnam. In this paper, we describe recent educational, technical, and ...

2014 IEEE 8th International Symposium on Embedded Multicore/Manycore SoCs, 2014

ABSTRACT In language learning scenarios, the use of glossing technique has a positive effect on i... more ABSTRACT In language learning scenarios, the use of glossing technique has a positive effect on incidental vocabulary acquisition as a by-product of reading. However, the preparation of materials that include glosses can be a time consuming task for the teacher. Automatic glossing tools have gained interest to help reduce such efforts, and to provide a better experience using electronic documents. Most glossing tools are still developed following a monolithic approach for a specific system or language due to its complexity. As e-Learning platforms are moving from monolithic applications to service based platforms suitable for Cloud environments, the tools as well should be designed following Service-Oriented principles. This work focuses on the design of automatic glossing services suitable for Cloud environments. The development follows an original Virtual-Model-View-Controller design pattern for the creation of loosely coupled components. The services are assembled in a web-based tool called Wiki Gloss. Wikipedia Miner is used to extract the content to feed the glosses from Wikipedia, taking advantage of the vast content and diversity of topics that are already available, as well as languages. This approach offers a potential reusability of services not only in diverse applications that can take advantage of glossing, but also provides the content in different languages.

Diversity in Research and Practice, 2012

7th IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (CIT 2007), 2007

Throughout their public school education, Japanese students are socialized into cultural learning... more Throughout their public school education, Japanese students are socialized into cultural learning practices [1] that emphasize group-oriented tasks. Well-organized group work is paramount to successful EFL teaching in Japan. In this paper, we look at how Moodle an open-source learning management system, is used at a Japanese computer science university to organize both individual and group tasks. Examples are provided of freeware and open-source software tools, such as CmapTools for concept mapping and Praat for acoustic analysis that can be used within Moodle to enhance EFL reading, writing, and pronunciation courses. We also explore how Moodle can be integrated with collaborative document production tools, such as Google Docs and Spreadsheets. Finally, we demonstrate the use of Moodle as a tool for action research, enabling the teacher/researcher to tightly control the course content in two different courses while systematically varying aspects of the content to test hypotheses about language learning. An important aspect of our work is the systematization of group process in language and communication courses and the development of a context for experimentation.

Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 2010

Computer Assisted Language Learning, 2014

ABSTRACT The act of note-taking offloads cognitive pressure and note-taking applications could be... more ABSTRACT The act of note-taking offloads cognitive pressure and note-taking applications could be used as an important tool for foreign language acquisition. Its use, importance, and efficacy in a foreign language learning context could be justifiably debated. However, existing computer-assisted language learning literature is almost silent on the topic. This article reports on a controlled experiment introducing usability of note-taking applications (namely, Evernote, Memonic, SpringPad, Ubernote, and Keeppy) in English as foreign language (EFL) learning context. For pilot testing, 25 students had to complete five scenarios (text editing, entering persuasive content, sharing content, searching, and organizing) using Twitter as a tool similar to note-taking applications. Results suggest that the majority were comfortable with the tasks, although they could not complete all the tasks in the stipulated time, and certain tasks and features in Twitter caused difficulty for some students. The actual testing involved the 10 best candidates (based on their performance, when using Twitter) completing tasks (five scenarios similar to pilot analysis) with any two assigned note-taking applications, from a set of five. Participants were observed, video-recorded, and interviewed concurrently and retrospectively. They also completed perception-based questionnaires on the usability of the software. Data suggested that participants were comfortable opening accounts, typing in text, with general navigation, choosing photos, etc. A few features, such as web clipping and file uploading, caused problems for some participants. Most participants reported having no prior experience with any note-taking applications and that resulted in longer task completion time and errors. This study examines how technically oriented students reflect on using note-taking applications in an EFL learning context.

Australasian Journal of Educational …, 2006

The use of activity theory is considered in the evaluation of a web based academic writing course... more The use of activity theory is considered in the evaluation of a web based academic writing course in a New Zealand university. Activity theory is an aspect of sociocultural theory and provides a model for the understanding of goal directed social activity. Like other recent ...

j-let.org

The University of Aizu, in collaboration with the University of Waikato, has been investigating t... more The University of Aizu, in collaboration with the University of Waikato, has been investigating the use of open source, server-based software for the enhancement of English language instruction in Vietnam. In this paper, we describe recent educational, technical, and English language reforms in Vietnam which have facilitated a new approach to the teaching and learning not only of English, but also Computer Science concepts. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the efficacy of using open source tools and highly structured instructional approaches for English language teaching in developing nations.

CALICO journal, 1999

Features of Japanese education and student learning styles influenced the authors' design, develo... more Features of Japanese education and student learning styles influenced the authors' design, development, and implementation of a computer-assisted language learning curriculum to support English writing and computing skills. The authors' research extended over a four-year period while teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in a University setting in central Japan. This discussion covers implementation of computer-mediated communication (CMC) and the language and computing skills students need to acquire for cross-cultural e-mail exchanges. CMC syllabus design within the Japanese context and within a second language acquisition (SLA) research framework is also discussed.

INTED2017 Proceedings, 2017

The International Journal of Design Education, 2013

Critical CALL – Proceedings of the 2015 EUROCALL Conference, Padova, Italy, 2015

In 2014, the University of Aizu was accepted for participation in Japan's national TOP Global Uni... more In 2014, the University of Aizu was accepted for participation in Japan's national TOP Global University (TGU) initiative. In this paper, we describe our use of video interviewing to prepare Japanese students for our Global Experience Gateway study abroad TGU project. Our university specializes in computer science education at undergraduate and graduate levels. Our students are preparing for careers or further research in either software or hardware specializations, and it is expected that English will be required increasingly in computer-related research and business. Within Japanese education, there is a view that the youth are reluctant to speak English (King, 2013), and our students use English infrequently. We have created a study abroad programme, which is intended to motivate students to study more in their regular English language classes to improve language skills and attain higher TOEIC scores. However, improved course grades and test scores do not prepare students with interpersonal communication skills required to function in an Englishspeaking context. Recent literature on language learning outside of the classroom (Nunan & Richards, 2014) supports our use of video interviewing to prepare students for study abroad. We are teaching Japanese students to conduct and videorecord interviews with non-Japanese speakers in preparation for the conversational demands of study abroad. Practice with video equipment, interviewing techniques, simple camera work and editing helps our students to interact with our international

IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Magazine, 2015

The Origins of Cybernetics The term cybernetics stems from the ancient Greek κυβερνήτης (kybernet... more The Origins of Cybernetics The term cybernetics stems from the ancient Greek κυβερνήτης (kybernetes), meaning "steersman, governor, pilot, and rudder." This word was first used by Plato in The Alcibiades to signify the governance of people [1]. From Plato's philosophy and his historical background [2], it is reasonable to assume that he used cybernetics to represent a study for acquiring ideal knowledge related to the governance of human society. The word cybernétique was used in 1834 by Ampère to denote the sciences of government [1]. In this sense, Ampère used cybernetics in a way similar to Plato. That is, the original meaning of cybernetics is "the science of governance." C Defining Cybernetics Reflections on the Science of Governance

Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies, 2013

An intelligent and adaptive learning system should adjust the content in order to ensure a faster... more An intelligent and adaptive learning system should adjust the content in order to ensure a faster and better performance in the learning process. One way is to help the learners and teachers to discover the preferences of learners. A learning style index is a method to classify the learning preferences of learners. Learning preferences can then help learners to find their most effective way to learn. It can also help teachers to adopt suitable learning materials for an efficient learning. This chapter is concerned with the study, implementation, and application of a web-based learning style index. We also describe a case study on the integration of the learning style index into an adaptive and intelligent e-learning system.

2013 IEEE International Conference on Cybernetics (CYBCO), 2013

ABSTRACT Cybernetics, as defined by Plato and later by Ampère is the science of governance. In th... more ABSTRACT Cybernetics, as defined by Plato and later by Ampère is the science of governance. In the 1940s, Wiener used cybernetics as an umbrella term to refer to control and communication in both the animal and the machine. In the following decades, the term has been defined in various ways by different researchers, and because of this, cybernetics has been perceived rather negatively as a “nomad science”. Consequently, few people understand the true meaning of cybernetics. For the appropriate development of our field of research, we think it is necessary to re-consider the meaning and the scope of cybernetics, so that we can have a relatively clear mission in our research. In this paper, we try to provide a kind of governance message that might also be very weak, but nevertheless may be helpful for the cybernetics community to become cybernetic itself.

j-let.org

The University of Aizu, in collaboration with the University of Waikato, has been investigating t... more The University of Aizu, in collaboration with the University of Waikato, has been investigating the use of open source, server-based software for the enhancement of English language instruction in Vietnam. In this paper, we describe recent educational, technical, and ...

2014 IEEE 8th International Symposium on Embedded Multicore/Manycore SoCs, 2014

ABSTRACT In language learning scenarios, the use of glossing technique has a positive effect on i... more ABSTRACT In language learning scenarios, the use of glossing technique has a positive effect on incidental vocabulary acquisition as a by-product of reading. However, the preparation of materials that include glosses can be a time consuming task for the teacher. Automatic glossing tools have gained interest to help reduce such efforts, and to provide a better experience using electronic documents. Most glossing tools are still developed following a monolithic approach for a specific system or language due to its complexity. As e-Learning platforms are moving from monolithic applications to service based platforms suitable for Cloud environments, the tools as well should be designed following Service-Oriented principles. This work focuses on the design of automatic glossing services suitable for Cloud environments. The development follows an original Virtual-Model-View-Controller design pattern for the creation of loosely coupled components. The services are assembled in a web-based tool called Wiki Gloss. Wikipedia Miner is used to extract the content to feed the glosses from Wikipedia, taking advantage of the vast content and diversity of topics that are already available, as well as languages. This approach offers a potential reusability of services not only in diverse applications that can take advantage of glossing, but also provides the content in different languages.

Diversity in Research and Practice, 2012

7th IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (CIT 2007), 2007

Throughout their public school education, Japanese students are socialized into cultural learning... more Throughout their public school education, Japanese students are socialized into cultural learning practices [1] that emphasize group-oriented tasks. Well-organized group work is paramount to successful EFL teaching in Japan. In this paper, we look at how Moodle an open-source learning management system, is used at a Japanese computer science university to organize both individual and group tasks. Examples are provided of freeware and open-source software tools, such as CmapTools for concept mapping and Praat for acoustic analysis that can be used within Moodle to enhance EFL reading, writing, and pronunciation courses. We also explore how Moodle can be integrated with collaborative document production tools, such as Google Docs and Spreadsheets. Finally, we demonstrate the use of Moodle as a tool for action research, enabling the teacher/researcher to tightly control the course content in two different courses while systematically varying aspects of the content to test hypotheses about language learning. An important aspect of our work is the systematization of group process in language and communication courses and the development of a context for experimentation.

Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 2010

Computer Assisted Language Learning, 2014

ABSTRACT The act of note-taking offloads cognitive pressure and note-taking applications could be... more ABSTRACT The act of note-taking offloads cognitive pressure and note-taking applications could be used as an important tool for foreign language acquisition. Its use, importance, and efficacy in a foreign language learning context could be justifiably debated. However, existing computer-assisted language learning literature is almost silent on the topic. This article reports on a controlled experiment introducing usability of note-taking applications (namely, Evernote, Memonic, SpringPad, Ubernote, and Keeppy) in English as foreign language (EFL) learning context. For pilot testing, 25 students had to complete five scenarios (text editing, entering persuasive content, sharing content, searching, and organizing) using Twitter as a tool similar to note-taking applications. Results suggest that the majority were comfortable with the tasks, although they could not complete all the tasks in the stipulated time, and certain tasks and features in Twitter caused difficulty for some students. The actual testing involved the 10 best candidates (based on their performance, when using Twitter) completing tasks (five scenarios similar to pilot analysis) with any two assigned note-taking applications, from a set of five. Participants were observed, video-recorded, and interviewed concurrently and retrospectively. They also completed perception-based questionnaires on the usability of the software. Data suggested that participants were comfortable opening accounts, typing in text, with general navigation, choosing photos, etc. A few features, such as web clipping and file uploading, caused problems for some participants. Most participants reported having no prior experience with any note-taking applications and that resulted in longer task completion time and errors. This study examines how technically oriented students reflect on using note-taking applications in an EFL learning context.

Australasian Journal of Educational …, 2006

The use of activity theory is considered in the evaluation of a web based academic writing course... more The use of activity theory is considered in the evaluation of a web based academic writing course in a New Zealand university. Activity theory is an aspect of sociocultural theory and provides a model for the understanding of goal directed social activity. Like other recent ...

j-let.org

The University of Aizu, in collaboration with the University of Waikato, has been investigating t... more The University of Aizu, in collaboration with the University of Waikato, has been investigating the use of open source, server-based software for the enhancement of English language instruction in Vietnam. In this paper, we describe recent educational, technical, and English language reforms in Vietnam which have facilitated a new approach to the teaching and learning not only of English, but also Computer Science concepts. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the efficacy of using open source tools and highly structured instructional approaches for English language teaching in developing nations.

CALICO journal, 1999

Features of Japanese education and student learning styles influenced the authors' design, develo... more Features of Japanese education and student learning styles influenced the authors' design, development, and implementation of a computer-assisted language learning curriculum to support English writing and computing skills. The authors' research extended over a four-year period while teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in a University setting in central Japan. This discussion covers implementation of computer-mediated communication (CMC) and the language and computing skills students need to acquire for cross-cultural e-mail exchanges. CMC syllabus design within the Japanese context and within a second language acquisition (SLA) research framework is also discussed.