Two methods for fostering collaborative behavior are compared: a feedback-mechanism to scaffold collaborative behavior, and use of distributed learning resources. Based on recent research on what constitutes effective collaboration behavior, we developed a coding scheme to categorize learner-learner interaction as collaboration. In a collaboration environment for learner dyads specifically impl...

In the past ten years, the concept of Virtual Observatory (VObs) has increasingly gained importance in the domain of astrophysics, as a way of seamlessly accessing data in different wavelength domains stored in digital archives. There are many reasons why the VObs is useful for the development of science: to monitor time variability of phenomena, to compare phenomena in different bands, to incr...

Based on the past sixteen years of experience with an online collaborative endeavor offered across differing university types, as well modes instruction, best practice found that by fostering student peer exchanges a web site students reached high level achievement in these courses. Findings indicate despite differences institutions or were academically reflective their discussions geographic b...

The paper provides a first economic analysis of the phenomenon of fostering in SSA, paying particular attention to the economic incentives and consequences for natural and foster parents. Fostering, both of young and older children, can be a mutually advantageous arrangement to natural and foster parents, when it exploits the differences between the two parties in the opportunity cost of time, ...

Trust is a key determinants of any financial transaction. Exchanges in insurance markets are a particular type of financial transaction where a current payment – the premium – is exchanges for a promise of a future, contingent payment – the indemnity due when the casualty occurs. We argue that trust is key in fostering these type of exchanges. Trust enters two ways: because it affects the willi...