Description: Abstract: This paper describes experiments in metadata generation for learning object repositories. Specifically, the authors present several methods for automatic keyword extraction and evaluate them on a collection of learning objects from an undergraduate history course. The results suggest that automatic keyword extraction is a viable solution for suggesting terms and phrases for metadata annotation.

Description: This paper discusses autonomous robot localization using WiFi fingerprinting. Abstract: We are using widely available 802.11 wireless networks to determine the location of autonomous robots. Before a robot can accomplish a simple task such as moving to a specific coordinate, it must accurately know its current location with-in a certain degree of accuracy. Humans often take their eye sight and spatial awareness for granted. For a robot, the computational difficulty of solving the same problem becomes apparent. Our implementation creates a database of wireless signal strengths of a given area and uses the current signal strength reading within the area to find a weighted signal space distance. The "closest" point in the database should also correlate with the current position of the robot. Given the robots correct location, the authors can successfully navigate around any area with sufficient Wi-Fi coverage.

Description: This paper discusses research on aphasia. Abstract: Aphasia is a language disorder resulting from brain damage. People who acquire aphasia need rehabilitation to maximize functional recovery. Assessing public awareness of aphasia is critical for development of and access to aphasia-related services. The current study addresses levels of public awareness of aphasia and access to aphasia-related services in an urban area of the State of Kerala, India, a region with potentially high incidence and prevalence of aphasia. Results of an aphasia-awareness survey of 114 urban Kerala residents suggest poor public awareness of aphasia in the population. Less than 10% of those surveyed met criteria for having basic knowledge of aphasia. Semi-structured interviews of two Kerala-based neurologists support the findings of the survey and further suggest that aphasia-related services in the region may be limited. Findings hold implications for development of aphasia services and improvement of the psychosocial life of people who have aphasia.

Description: This paper discusses research on becoming a teacher of mathematics to elementary students. Abstract: This is an auto-ethnography of a pre-service teacher during the first semester of Professional Development School, documenting the journey as a learner and teacher of mathematics for this pre-service teacher. There is no hypothesis for this study, due to the qualitative nature of the research. Narrative data from sixteen weeks of communication about teaching and learning mathematics in the community served as data, which were analyzed for points of change from fear of mathematics to readiness to teach it to young children. Art as metaphor serves as pre and post representations of perception of math learning and teaching, with running narratives between as indicators of change. The findings show that due to research and experience on the Response to Intervention Model, assignments from a University of North Texas math methods course, and experience with tutoring elementary students in the pre-service field, reconciliation between math and the pre-service teacher occurs.

Description: This paper discusses how metadata supports the cycle of system improvements at the University of North Texas (UNT). The UNT Libraries recently revised their Metadata Input Guidelines in order to improve usability and accessibility for metadata writers, and to enhance the quality of metadata that drives new features in their digital systems. This paper describes important considerations in the revision process and also demonstrates the relationship between quality metadata and system functionality that ultimately benefits both metadata creators and system end-users.