CPIT research month - week 4

Last week of research month this week. Yesterday, managed to get to tail end of Dr. Nick Kimber's presentation on 'skeletal muscle fat metabolism in humans'. The recommendation for avoiding obesity and diabetes is, it is better to be 'slightly fat and fit then thin and sick'. Standing instead of sitting at desks all days helps to accumulate more activity into one's lifestyle.

Then the 'great debate' on 'science is more creative than art' took place to a packed room. Dr. Michael Edmonds, Miranda Satherwaite and Dr. Jerry Sherman argued for the affirmative and the artists - Dr. Dorothee Pauli, Bruce Russell and Henry Sutherland argued that art is more creative. Due to the ability of the arts department to gather student and staff supporters, the arts motion won.

Today, a range of presentations from the Nursing Department. First up, Nicky Davis on 'perspectives of loneliness: an analysis of narratives of elderly widowed people'. Nicky provided background, rationale and motivation for the project which formed basis for undertaken Masters in Gerontology - to find out what is already known about loneliness and aging. Present PhD work digs deeper as loneliness is subjective and often discounted by supporters and professionals. Focus is on telling the story of widows / widowers of how loneliness is described, if experiences of loneliness change over time and what strategies used to manage negative features of loneliness. Selected 40 participants to match gaps in literature - urban/rural, gender differences and older than 75. Interviews carried out based around 7 prompt questions. For participants, loneliness was perceived to be based on individual / contextualised experiences and connected to expectations of aging. Cultural, ontological influences relevant and recommendation for need to understand the individualised nature of perceptions of loneliness when developing meaningful interventions.

Raewyn Tudor follows with 'role of craft in post-earthquake recovery: implications for social work practice'. Presents a shared project with Ada Campbell, Jane Maidment and Karen whittaker. The earthquakes provided a context to explore resilience and emergence of craft movement as a intervention to enhance community resilience. many interventions are government or NGO led and important for communities to identify ways to minimise psychological effects following trauma of natural disaster. Craft can be utilised as a metaphor for growth, recovery and discovery not only for individuals but wider society. Themes included crafting for recovery and healing; making social connections; a sense of vision for the city; and significance of the role of crafting.

Next, Glynnis Brooks presents on 'navigating uncertainty: how knowing influences doing'. - base on her work towards her PhD on 'how do social work practitioners make sense of and respond to elder abuse?'. Tries to unpack what 'old' is and what 'abuse' means. Elder abuse literature and knowledge of practice literature have commonalities with social work being complex; elder abuse requires acceptance and ability to navigate uncertainty which requires critical thinking and reflective practice. Individuals filter various explicit and tacit knowledge througseh their own lens and important for individuals to identify lenses before change occurs. There were differences in how 'old' was understood with only a few taking a flexible approach to understanding age - young old at 85 or old old with 60 plus. Similar to how to assess abuse - what is it and responses. Therefore, there seems to be bias to caregivers and family dynamics / circumstances with voice of elderly taken less into account.

Last up for the day and for this year's research month, Dr. Isabel Jamieson on 'supporting first year in practice for graduate registered nurses using the dedicated education unit model' from work with Deborah Sims, Michelle Casey, Katie Wilkinson and Racheal Osborne. Provided background of the Canterbury dedicated educational unit (CDEU) a novel concept for undergraduate nurse training. Revolves around students working with academic liaison nurses (ALNs) and clinical liaison nurses (CLN). This study concentrates on finding out how to better support new nurse graduates enrolled on to the national Nurse entry to Practice (NETP) programme based around a perceptorship model. However, one on one perceptorship model difficult to support, hence move to CDEU model. Bring in a liaison nurse (NLN) to support new staff member with various teams with a focus on recruitment and retention. Found new model to be effective. Support seen to be important along with aspects of direction /delegation and recruitment / retention. Support included peer, organisational, NLN, work teams and support for the CDEU team.

So ends a month for CPIT researchers to share their work. As always, a range of interesting topics with most having high applicability and relevance to the industries CPIT provides vocational education for.

CPIT research month - week 3 day 4

Today's lunch time presentation begins with the launch of the 'new' CPIT research repository, hosted on Equella. This replaces our old 'ROMs' repository which archived all research outputs and collated for the NZ performance based research funding (PBRF) system.

The theme for presentations from the Broadcasting School is around the theme 'media and change'. Dr. Ruth Zanker presents on 'fear and thrill in front of the screen - what children remember- an international study'. From an external collaborative project funded by the International Central Institute for Youth and Educational Television (IZI). Used examples from data - children's drawings to illustrate some of the direction of the project. Stage on of project with 631 tertiary students from 8 countries and stage 2 with 510 children aged 8 - 12 in 4 countries. Presented examples from stage 2 findings in the form of the pictures drawn to represent something funny seen on TV that contributed to nightmares.

Then, Brendan Reilly on 'the changing face of commercial radio'. Focused on radio 'sports news' and role of journalists. Does news have to be short clips with elements of drama? Used examples of high international performing Kiwis who deserve recognition and airtime. Media agenda influences what actually is reported. Compared sports coverage on two radio stations to pick up sports personalities who were covered. Only 14 sports covered with rugby, league and cricket having the most stories. Local community news no longer feature as local journalist no longer exist. Radio news comes through two sources and all radio stations report from these.

Last up for this week, Bronwyn Beatty presents 'in the cold: tracing the fan from the outcast to 'fantastic prosumer'. Definitions of fans have not been flattering and mostly of fans as being 'losers' and obsessives. Increase in technology has provided greater opportunities for fans to become even more deeply involved. Some create their own versions of their most loved fiction characters /stories through fanfiction. Collaborative efforts are simplified so fans begin to contribute to storylines. Copyright is challenged. Used case study of Harry Potter. How persecution of fans websites backfired, leading to a turn around and establishment of an official fan site. Similar case with Lord of the ring handling of fan 'one ring' sites. Therefore, fans now seen as ideal consumers rather than public nuisances.

CPIT research month - week 3 day 3

The presentations for CPIT research month today revolve around the theme of 'teaching and learning'.

I present findings from the 'learning a trade' project. Summarise the contributions of individual, socio-cultural and socio-material learning towards trades people 'becoming' as they embody the skills, knowledge and dispositions required to practice a trade.Also obtain feedback from poster and draft dialogue for video to disseminate findings from the project. The poster is for workplace coaches to improve feedback process for apprentice learners and the video is to assist apprentices to become more 'mindful' learners through deliberate and reflective practice.

Next, Dave Maples presents on the Batchelor of Engineering Technology programme offered through the Metro Polytechnics. He presents on 'can a highly technical subject be delivered to remote students?' Reported on learnings from pilot study and how introduction of findings have now impacted on student learning. Important to keep learning sessions / video demonstrations are short (under 10 minutes), select less complex skills to video, keep to main points, watch out for background noise, lighting and shadows and provide summary of the activity at the beginning of the clip. Also reported on work to teach PLC programming to distance students. PLC1 hardware kits were developed and distributed to students. Test links set up between two institutions, NMIT and CPIT. Remote accessibility from CPIT established after a lot of work over logistical and technical issues. Students computers can be 'taken over' by tutor through adobe connect to assist with feedback on programming challenges. Other students are able to view the session.

Daphne Robson presents on work ongoing work (since 2008) with Dave Kennedy on tablets and touch screens delivered through 'classroom presenter'/' dyknow' and moving into BYOD for future. This presentation focuses on writing of questions. immediate feedback and peer learning were approaches students appreciated most. Tested 30 questions out of 154 questions to find out efficacy of questions in helping students learn math principles. Complete a table and fill in gaps were popular with identifying best strategy to solve problem, correcting mistakes even more useful. Students did not like text based open questions. So important to provide structure with easy and difficult / challenging questions - pitched at the correct level.

The midwifery team share their ongoing work with blended learning. They present on 'mind the gap: integrating theory and practice within a blended learning midwifery curriculum'. Mary Kensington and Rea Daellenbach shared the team's work. A progress report on changes and improvements made over the last few years. Surveys and focus groups run with 2nd year and newly graduated midwifes. Tutorials important to bridge the practical, reflective practice, theory through blended learning and off-job / classroom sessions. Students indicate tutorial as being very important to provide social connection, remove isolation, form communities of learners and opportunity to integrate theory (delivered online) and practice.

Niki Hannan from the teacher education team presents on her project 'exploring strategies for improving reading and numeracy outcomes for Youth Guarantee students at CPIT'. A project to find out if teaching approaches to embed literacy and numeracy worked for students. Compared pre and post ALNAT results to work out if there would be increase in literacy and numeracy of students and interviewed students, tutors and managers. identified themes that support improvements including ongoing staff professional development.

CPIT research month - week 3 day 1

Today's session from Applied Sciences. Always interesting and especially to see how science is applied to real world problems. The overall theme this lunchtime around ' the science of small things: mites, microbes and micronutrients'.

First up, Dr. John Clark, who is a taxonomist who describes what he does as 'inventing new words to describe the multiplicity of life on earth'. John presented on 'sharpening the tools: towards better biocontrol in greenhouses using NZ native species'. John reported on approaches and early results from collaborative work with Universities, government bodies and with students. Basically to try to identify NZ insect predators which can eat white flies and their eggs. John's taxonomy is detailed on the NZ wiki species site.

Then Dr. Barbara Dolamore provides an update on on-going work on presence of toxins (from bacteria blooms) on Lake Forsyth. Specifically to measure level of the toxins in short fin eels, which are part of the traditional food source of local Maori (the Waiwera runanga). Tests in 2004/2005 indicated high levels in the livers of eels but only small amounts in muscles. In 2009, a channel dredged through the gravel banks on Birdlings Flats to allow the lake levels to be regulated. Although bacteria still present, no bloom occurred in 2014. Testing of eels harvested in 2014 reveals very low levels of toxin in eel livers and none in the muscles. Another collaborative project with universities, govt. bodies and the local iwi.

Dr. David Hawke also provided an update on his on-going work with regards to the contribution of seabirds to selenium levels in NZ soils. NZ soil deficient in selenium but sea bird colony soils have higher levels through bird guano. David reported on recent studies to find out if soils with higher selenium was taken up by native plants (not much) or animals living in streams by sea bird colonies. Established only mussels seemed to have higher selenium levels but more work needs to be done to find out what sort of selenium and mechanism used by mussels to carry the selenium.

CPIT research month - week 2 day 3

Unable to get to the first half of today's research month presentations but catch up with the last two presentations on the topic of 'sustainability and teaching practice'. Of relevance as I am assisting with the development of a post-graduate qualification in sustainability to be offered through CPIT in 2016.

Dr. Lorna Davies provides a midwifery perspective on 'the impact of introducing the subject of sustainability'. Integration of sustainability into curriculum in 2009 and informed from Lorna's Phd exploring midwives views of sustainability. Presently papers at year 1 and year 3 in the programme with overarching 'establishing sustainable practice' theme. In year one, project to establish life cycle of a product related to midwifery practice. In Year 3 present a proposal for a sustainable midwifery practice. Detailed present study to look into whether new graduate midwives applying or able to utilise sustainability practice. Found new midwifes felt sustainable practice was relevant, resonated with and applied to present work and personal circumstances (use of paper / stationery, using bikes / scooters instead of 4WD diesel vehicle).

Dr. Dave Irwin and students presents on the topic 'eco warriors or eco worriers? Educating for change in the 21st century'. Used a fishbowl approach discussion to the topic. Students were from 2nd and 3rd years of the degree. Education for sustainability is to challenge students' current beliefs and values to move their understanding. Teaching causes people to become worriers, but we should be empowering learners to become leaders and be proactive, to contribute to change in the world.

CPIT research month - week 2 day 2

Managed to get to about 3/4 of today's research month presentations from Department of Creative Arts tutors. Not very often I have attended presentations on art and music, so a refreshing change of scene. caught the tail end of Michael Reed's presentation on his lastest work, inspired by Pacifica motifs and techniques.

Bruce Russell presents on his work 'rebuilding the city with sound: building a arts practice community in the rubble'. Reports on work he has become involved with since the earthquakes and inspiring a move into investigating the role of sound art in contributing to Christchurch city's rebuilt. Based around the conversations taking place in the winebar / gallery 'Auricle: a sonic art gallery.'

The Auricle is the hub where performers are able to 'show' their work to the public, with the wine bar downstairs and the sonic gallery upstairs. The aim is to concentrate listeners on to the audio, so the room is bare apart from speakers. Audacious is a festival of sonic art set up  around the city in March and provided some examples.

Next up, 'Vanishing point'with Bing Dawe, who shared the work published in the book this year, of the same name. A series of photos with two other photographers of scenes from the Mackenzie and the impact and implications of increased dairy farming / irrigation on the landscape. need to consider the aesthetic pollution as an addition to other forms of pollution (visible, chemical, ecological etc.) wrought by focusing on economic gains as a measure of 'success' and 'benefit. NZ produces sufficient primary product (meat, wool, milk powder, horticultural) to feed 24 million people! However, the cost is a more degraded landscape which, without action from NZers may never recover.

Last presentation today from John Maillard on 'the other - reframing the landscape' a way to describe the local environment. Using the work of Roland Barthes to begin and deploying photography as evidence to 'reconstruct' the landscape, look at landscape as time, the community and landscape and refute some of Barthe's conceptualisations. Presented illustrated with photos as they represent the transitions from one theme to the next and discussed how these themes linked back to original objective.

CPIT research month - week 2 day 1

Attended the presentations on 'new technologies and new approaches' with tutors from business, engineering and computing departments.

First up, Dr. Juan Pellegrino from business on 'learning in rapidly vs incrementally - internationalising firms - reporting on progress made with his research project on assisting SMEs to become players on the international market. covered models from internalisation process and international new ventures, the organisational literature and Juan's study on how SME's go about internationalising their products, services etc. There is a knowledge gap evident between the various studies on internationalisation and organisational learning with regards to the processes taken by companies who decide to move beyond the local market. Found learning and internationalisation are intertwined and two approaches - rapid or incremental, occur. Incremental approaches based on experiential learning so local firm moves into markets which are similar or familiar. Rapid approaches often based on entrepreneurial expertise which are international focused.

Then, presentation from Ian Williamson from engineering department on his project 'harnessing urban wind'. A practical project with regards to how to maximise power generation using wind turbines and situation of wind farms. Wind turbulence is a major challenge and present sites selected through a long period of evaluation might change due to urban developments or change in climate / weather patterns. Therefore important to understand urban turbulence and match turbine to the site conditions plus take advantage of wind pressures and turbulence coming off large buildings.

Next up, Tom Cronje, also from engineering who presents on work in progress with regards to his Phd project 'cancer zapper - a novel design for high voltage, high frequency and bipolar electroporation'. Presented research method and considerations and some findings. Electrochemotheraphy and irreversible electroporation is seen to be a new promising cancer treatment method. These are relatively low risk procedures, using electrodes to genera te heat to destroy abnormal tissue for unresectable liver and small tumours (skin, head, neck cancers). Tom is developing experimental apparatus to be used in clinical trials. worked through various design and technical challenges through a developmental / incremental method.

Last presentation today with Dr. Malcolm Wieck from computing who presents on a study with Mehdi Asgarkhani on the topic of 'technology assisted education'.  Briefly covered the theories and practice. some of the 'advances' include moving from desk-based to computer suites, introduction of data shows, high tech teaching facilities, smart boards, course and student management systems. Potential benefits vs potential drawbacks to provider and learners of elearning solutions summarised. hope to improve effectiveness, efficiency and growth but realities may not always allow for delivery.

CPIT research week - week 1 day 2

The majority of this week's presentations are for students to 'pitch' their project proposals or results. Pitch takes the form of 3 minute presentations from students studying various disciplines - engineering, outdoor education, business, computing, social work, music, languages etc. All pitches are marked and prizes awarded on Friday.

I manage to get to day 2 presentations from humanities centred around the them of 'evolving languages.

First up, Yoshi Holmes provides a summary of his masters thesis 'chronological evolution of the Urashima Taro story'. A good presentation modelling the application of comparative discourse analysis to reveal how a folk tale has evolved. This story's popularity is partly due to the adoption of the story into the Japanese school syllabus 50 years ago. Interesting to see how the story has changed as it migrated from oral to text representation and from oral story, to being read by the educated to now being part of Japanese folk lore.

Second, a fascinating presentation from Hohepa Waitoa on 'developing a haka for a bullfight'. The haka was written on request to be performed as part of a play depicting the Maori/Spanish origins of a East Coast NZ Maori family. Paniora was performed in Auckland earlier this year. Hohepa provided the rationale of how the haka used traditional words, rhythms and phrases to provide a stunning haka for the show.

Heperi Harris follows with his on-going work with Ki O Rahi. Originally, he promoted the game at CPIT for it's health and social benefits. However, the language learning opportunities are now just as important as most Ki O Rahi players are Maori, with many not fluent speakers. The game therefore provides ideal context to learn the language and protocols. Heperi described how words with similar meanings now used in the game to extend player's vocabulary and provide occasion for discussions on word origins.

Research Month begins - CPIT

Research month at CPIT rolls around again. The month is opened with a brief overview and welcome from Dr. Margaret Leonard, CPIT research and knowledge transfer manager and formal welcome from CPIT CEO Kay Giles with a call for applied research relevant to Christchurch's present circumstances and contexts.

The opening keynote is from Mike Gillooly, Chief Resilience Officer from the Christchurch City Council, speaking on the topic 'developing a resilience strategy'.

Introduced himself and his role at the CCC but also as a member of the 100 resilient cities organisation. Provided background and rationale to the strategy, how the process would work and how can Christchurch citizens contribute.

Strategy builds urban resilience designed to help city, private sector and government partners. Begins with the development of a unique resilience profile and priorities. need to gather data about the city, how it functions, current resilience strategies, understanding the shocks and stresses and assess our risks strengths and weaknesses. Strategy to be used as a tactical road map to identify, prioritise and implement through an inclusive process at city, regional and national levels.

Requires cooperation / coordination at all levels, for instance, academic institutions are involved in planning processes.

Unable to attend the inaugural presentations from Department of Business and Department of Computing but will upload notes on other presentations as I manage to attend them. Lunch time sessions the rest of this week are for students to 'pitch their project' - a series of short presentations summarising their projects - with prizes for the best 'pitch' to be awarded on Friday evening.

Professor Trevor Marchand - on craft, craftmanship and craftpeople

I have been keeping an eye on Professor Trevor Marchand’s on-going scholarship on learning a craft. While in Singapore a couple of weeks ago, I caught up on various publications archived on his webpage which includes videos summarising his work.

There is a video of his inaugural professorial lecture: The pursuit of pleasurable work: An anthropology of craft and craftspeople plus a shorter lecture discussing craft knowledge, learning and apprenticeship. The video of his inaugural lecture as a professor covers the work he undertook when he enrolled as a student of woodwork / furniture making. The shorter video summarises the focus of his work to date.

Some publications listed are available for download. Marchand's anthropological studies provides evidence of the socio-materiality and socio-cultural-political dimensions of craft work and of how apprenticeship learning contributes to the learning of crafts which often have scant verbal vocabulary to describe specific physical actions, approaches and problem solving strategies.