International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning (3 papers in press)

• Grid-based Interactive Virtual Scientific Experiments for Distributed Virtual Communities
  by Ioannis T. Christou, Thanassis Tiropanis, Sofia Tsekeridou, Konstantinos Roussos 
  Abstract: E-learning technologies have matured to a point where distance learning classes are commonly offered from many leading Universities around the world. A major challenge in such distributed classrooms is the formation of virtual communities among the participating students, enhancing the overall learning experience. Shared virtual laboratories offer the possibility of forming such virtual communities as students form lab teams to run the same interactive simulation. We have designed and implemented a Virtual Scientific Experiment architectural framework on top of a Grid infrastructure for running interactive virtual laboratory experiments. The architecture is based on Web Services standard protocols. We ported a stand-alone Wireless Sensor Network simulator written in Java in our Grid-based architecture and extended it to allow for initial collaborative parameter setup and on-the-fly visualization of the simulation execution and interaction with it. System evaluation results from a distributed pool of students show the added value of our system in enhancing distance-learning programs.
  Keywords: Virtual Scientific Experiments; Virtual Communities; GRID-based Shared Virtual Laboratories; Distance Learning; Collaborative Learning; Distributed Computing; Network Simulations; Web Services
   
• An Integrative and Strategic Approach to Developing a Graduate Program in Technology Management
  by Beate Klingenberg, Helen N. Rothberg 
  Abstract: This paper reports on the development of a graduate program in Technology Management – a part-time, distant-education program developed for professionals with technical education and expertise. The paper focuses on a vision driven approach used to develop the program purpose and objectives. Analyzing the core values and competencies of the educational institution - benchmarked against institutions currently offering such programs - and defining specific industry needs through direct input from a technology industry advisory board, degree completion students and consultants, allowed an integrative, interdisciplinary and strategic approach to develop knowledge, skill and abilities objectives. These objectives were taken as the base for the actual curriculum development. This approach fostered the development of a program aligned with industry needs and the competitive environment of the educational institution. Hence, it serves as a methodology for program and curriculum development for graduate technology management education appropriate for public and private sector organizations.
  Keywords: education, program development, vision-driven approach, technology management
   
• Wind power systems laboratory activity for junior high school students
  by Wen-Jye Shyr 
  Abstract: This article presents a wind power system laboratory activity and an outline for evaluating student performance. The current work designs and implements the laboratory to assist teachers in achieving the teaching objective of this activity. The laboratory teaching activities introduce energy sources, wind energy technology, electricity storage, wind power system testing and activity evaluation. The wind power system testing activity includes eight topics: setting up the experimental module, operating instruments, wind velocity measure activity, rotor diameter activity, wind speed activity, blade angle activity, blade number activity and data summary. The laboratory activity was first offered in 2007 at Taiwan junior high school. This laboratory activity proved effective for introducing students to wind energy technology via activity evaluation.
  Keywords: wind power; laboratory activity; renewable energy