• Title/Summary/Keyword: communication via social networks

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Mobilizing Learning: Using Moodle and Online Tools via Smartphones

  • Al-Kindi, Salim Said;Al-Suqri, Mohammed Nasser
    • International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology
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    • v.7 no.3
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    • pp.67-86
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    • 2017
  • The emergence of smart devices such as smartphones (e.g., iPhone) and tablets (e.g., iPad) may enhance e-learning by increasing communication and collaborative learning outside the classroom. These devices also facilitate the use of online technologies such as Facebook. However, the adaptation of Learning Management System (LMS) services to mobile devices took longer than social networks or online tools such as Facebook and Twitter have already been long used via smartphone. The main purposes of this study are to explore students' skill levels of LMS (Moodle) and their knowledge of online tools or technologies and then examine if there is a correlation between smartphone use and using of online tools and Moodle in learning. The study conducted among 173 students in the Department of Information Studies (DIS) in Oman, using online survey. The study found that most students demonstrated high levels of accessing course/subject materials and regularly engaging with studies of using LMSs. YouTube, Wikipedia and Facebook were clearly recorded as the most popular sites among students while LinkedIn and Academia.edu were two online tools that had never been heard of by over half of the 142 participants. Emailing and searching are recorded the most popular online learning activities among students. The study concluded that students prefer to use smartphone for accessing these tools rather than using it to access LMSs, while a positive correlation was found between the use of these tools and smartphones, but there was no correlation between smartphones and using LMSs.

Performance Analysis of User Clustering Algorithms against User Density and Maximum Number of Relays for D2D Advertisement Dissemination (최대 전송횟수 제한 및 사용자 밀집도 변화에 따른 사용자 클러스터링 알고리즘 별 D2D 광고 확산 성능 분석)

  • Han, Seho;Kim, Junseon;Lee, Howon
    • Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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    • v.20 no.4
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    • pp.721-727
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    • 2016
  • In this paper, in order to resolve the problem of reduction for D2D (device to device) advertisement dissemination efficiency of conventional dissemination algorithms, we here propose several clustering algorithms (modified single linkage algorithm (MSL), K-means algorithm, and expectation maximization algorithm with Gaussian mixture model (EM)) based advertisement dissemination algorithms to improve advertisement dissemination efficiency in D2D communication networks. Target areas are clustered in several target groups by the proposed clustering algorithms. Then, D2D advertisements are consecutively distributed by using a routing algorithm based on the geographical distribution of the target areas and a relay selection algorithm based on the distance between D2D sender and D2D receiver. Via intensive MATLAB simulations, we analyze the performance excellency of the proposed algorithms with respect to maximum number of relay transmissions and D2D user density ratio in a target area and a non-target area.

The Influence of Online Social Networking on Individual Virtual Competence and Task Performance in Organizations (온라인 네트워킹 활동이 가상협업 역량 및 업무성과에 미치는 영향)

  • Suh, A-Young;Shin, Kyung-Shik
    • Asia pacific journal of information systems
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    • v.22 no.2
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    • pp.39-69
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    • 2012
  • With the advent of communication technologies including electronic collaborative tools and conferencing systems provided over the Internet, virtual collaboration is becoming increasingly common in organizations. Virtual collaboration refers to an environment in which the people working together are interdependent in their tasks, share responsibility for outcomes, are geographically dispersed, and rely on mediated rather than face-to face, communication to produce an outcome. Research suggests that new sets of individual skill, knowledge, and ability (SKAs) are required to perform effectively in today's virtualized workplace, which is labeled as individual virtual competence. It is also argued that use of online social networking sites may influence not only individuals' daily lives but also their capability to manage their work-related relationships in organizations, which in turn leads to better performance. The existing research regarding (1) the relationship between virtual competence and task performance and (2) the relationship between online networking and task performance has been conducted based on different theoretical perspectives so that little is known about how online social networking and virtual competence interplay to predict individuals' task performance. To fill this gap, this study raises the following research questions: (1) What is the individual virtual competence required for better adjustment to the virtual collaboration environment? (2) How does online networking via diverse social network service sites influence individuals' task performance in organizations? (3) How do the joint effects of individual virtual competence and online networking influence task performance? To address these research questions, we first draw on the prior literature and derive four dimensions of individual virtual competence that are related with an individual's self-concept, knowledge and ability. Computer self-efficacy is defined as the extent to which an individual beliefs in his or her ability to use computer technology broadly. Remotework self-efficacy is defined as the extent to which an individual beliefs in his or her ability to work and perform joint tasks with others in virtual settings. Virtual media skill is defined as the degree of confidence of individuals to function in their work role without face-to-face interactions. Virtual social skill is an individual's skill level in using technologies to communicate in virtual settings to their full potential. It should be noted that the concept of virtual social skill is different from the self-efficacy and captures an individual's cognition-based ability to build social relationships with others in virtual settings. Next, we discuss how online networking influences both individual virtual competence and task performance based on the social network theory and the social learning theory. We argue that online networking may enhance individuals' capability in expanding their social networks with low costs. We also argue that online networking may enable individuals to learn the necessary skills regarding how they use technological functions, communicate with others, and share information and make social relations using the technical functions provided by electronic media, consequently increasing individual virtual competence. To examine the relationships among online networking, virtual competence, and task performance, we developed research models (the mediation, interaction, and additive models, respectively) by integrating the social network theory and the social learning theory. Using data from 112 employees of a virtualized company, we tested the proposed research models. The results of analysis partly support the mediation model in that online social networking positively influences individuals' computer self-efficacy, virtual social skill, and virtual media skill, which are key predictors of individuals' task performance. Furthermore, the results of the analysis partly support the interaction model in that the level of remotework self-efficacy moderates the relationship between online social networking and task performance. The results paint a picture of people adjusting to virtual collaboration that constrains and enables their task performance. This study contributes to research and practice. First, we suggest a shift of research focus to the individual level when examining virtual phenomena and theorize that online social networking can enhance individual virtual competence in some aspects. Second, we replicate and advance the prior competence literature by linking each component of virtual competence and objective task performance. The results of this study provide useful insights into how human resource responsibilities assess employees' weakness and strength when they organize virtualized groups or projects. Furthermore, it provides managers with insights into the kinds of development or training programs that they can engage in with their employees to advance their ability to undertake virtual work.

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Paradigm Shift and Response Strategies for Spatial Information in a Hyper-connected Society (초연결 시대 공간정보 패러다임 변화와 대응전략)

  • SAKONG, Ho-Sang
    • Journal of the Korean Association of Geographic Information Studies
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    • v.21 no.4
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    • pp.81-90
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    • 2018
  • The 'Hyper-connected society' in which all objects such as people, device, place are connected via networks and share information being realized. As the information and communication environment changes, spatial information also faces a significant challenge. Korean government is striving to meet the social demand for spatial information that will bring 'Hyper-connectivity' such as autonomous vehicles, drones. Until now, however, it has only partially responded to urgent demand and has not prepared a fundamental countermeasure. In order to effectively and actively respond to the demand for spatial information that is needed in the Hyper-connected society, a strategy that can lead to mid- to long-term fundamental changes is needed. The purpose of this study is to analyze the future demand and application characteristics of spatial information confronted with a big paradigm shift called 'Hyper-connected society', and to search spatial information strategy that can cope with the demand of spatial information in future society.