Operationalizing Computerized Testing in Mathematics Competition

This chapter seeks to take a modest and yet formative approach in proposing computer-based test (CBT) as the inevitable next wave in digital assessment. The major section reports on the practical design of developing and administering CBT in a mathematics competition by HOTS educational innovation development (HEID) in a mathematics competition. This chapter describes the CBT developmental process undertaken by HEID, which focuses on constructing multiple-choice test items, administering CBT, and scoring the test. While CBT offers the possibility of improving assessment, the process of preparing items and conducting online competition have nevertheless encountered several challenges such as getting quality test items, school and teacher readiness, seat time in front of computer, computer compatibility, and internet speed. As with many other educational reforms at infancy, more research in the area of implementing CBT to facilitate international competitions is needed in landscaping the assessment platform of Education 4.0.

AVOIDING STRATIGRAPHIC CONFUSION IN EXPLORATION: THE NEED FOR STANDARDS IN SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY

As interpretations of sequence stratigraphy are published in increasing numbers in the petroleum exploration literature, the potential for confusion also increases because there are no rules for the classification or naming of the identified sequences. At present it is difficult to apply databases and geographic information systems to sequence stratigraphy, particularly when organisations with different outlooks and approaches attempt to collaborate and merge their databases.Despite sequence stratigraphic concepts having been in the literature for over two decades, no scheme for standardisation has achieved consensus in the geoscientific community, either within Australia or internationally. Three areas in particular need to be agreed on: (1) how sequence units should be defined; (2) the hierarchy of those units, and on what basis; and (3) a standard scheme for naming units.The two basic ways of subdividing a succession into sequence units, the Vail–Exxon and Galloway methods, both rely on the enclosing boundaries being defined first. Various hierarchies of units have been proposed, in which there is often a clear desire to link the scale of sequence units to phases of geological evolution or stratal boundaries of different orders. In addition, most workers use informal names, but formal names are becoming more common. Consequently, it is essential that workable national guidelines be developed to ensure that communication and computer compatibility are not impeded.

Optimization in trace atomic spectroscopy

Optimization of analytical instrumentation enables realization of potential and the valid comparisons of techniques, hence the interest in rigorous, mathematically based, optimization procedures. One of the most effective procedures is variable stepsize simplex. Using a simple algorithm, sets of initial operating parameters can be tested and instrumental,response evaluated. The worst response is rejected and a new set evaluated, thus in a logical manner the optimal conditions are identified. Particular benefits are speed, computer compatibility, relative freedom from false optima and the irrelevance of prior assumptions or knowledge about response surfaces

Computer Compatibility with Decision Style: Eddies in a Bit Stream

The concept of decision style, while rooted in cognitive and personality theory, finds application in computer system design as a basis for decision aiding. As used in an information system context, decision style may be defined as the characteristic and self consistent way an individual uses information in the decision making process. A model of decision style is presented which uses three dimensions to classify eight types of decision styles. Each dimension of decision style corresponds to variability observed in three aspects of decision making. A methodology for the assessment of decision style, and its relationship to the concept of adaptive decision aiding is presented. The concept of decision support as complex of decision aids designed with reference to a decision situation provides the context for the discussion of adaptive aiding.