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Pair programming is a software development technique with many cited benefits in learning and teaching. However, it is reported that novice programmers find several barriers to pairing up, typically due to the added communication that is required of this approach. This paper will present a literature review discussing the issue of communication, and through a series of observations with industry-based pairs, will derive a set of guidelines which aim to help novice pairs experience better communication within their pairs. An evaluation of the guidelines with undergraduate students is then reported, showing that exposure to these guidelines improved the self-perceived communication experience of novice pairs.

Despite the wide use of music in various areas of society to influence listeners in different ways, one area often neglected is the use of music within online learning environments. This paper describes a study of the effects of music and animation upon learners in a computer mediated environment. A test was developed in which each learner was allocated to one of four groups. Each group watched a presentation with no music or animation, music only, animation only or music and animation. Results show that there were significant differences between the four groups in a number of areas, including the time taken to complete the presentation, and learner satisfaction. However there was no significant difference in the learning attainment between the four groups. (Contains 5 tables and 7 figures.)

In spring of 2006, a task force was charged to look at the feasibility of acquiring hand-held inventory devices for the Pennsylvania State University Libraries (PSUL). The task force's charge was not to look at the whole concept of doing an inventory, but rather to focus on the feasibility of acquiring hand-held devices to use in an inventory. There were several criteria that needed to be considered for the recommendation. PSUL uses SIRSI Unicorn as the basis for its catalog, The CAT, and SIRSI Workflows for the underlying acquisitions, cataloging, and circulation modules. The devices would therefore need to be supported by SIRSI. They would also need to be compatible with PSUL work practices. Devices must be able to be loaned to units around the state so they could conduct physical inventories, meaning durability, portability, obsolescence and lifecycle of such equipment had to be considered. The task force also tried to identify a funding source, such as a grant, and possible collections to test the devices on before making them widely available. This paper discusses the first phase of the task force's charge, investigating the feasibility of choosing and acquiring hand-held inventory devices. Results of the actual inventorying process have been delayed due to unforeseen problems in acquiring the devices that were recommended. Only recently have the devices been delivered and they are still not fully operational. After the devices have been tested and some small collections have been inventoried, further dissemination of the triumphs and pitfalls of doing an inventory is pursued.

Describes the development of a speaking-intensive course for non-science majors and future teachers and the various types of speaking assignments. Indicates that students learn by teaching and increase their science knowledge, and become more confident when speaking about current scientific issues. (Author/KHR)

Describes the development of a tool, FACT (Formative Automated Computer Testing), to formatively assess information technology skills of college students in the United Kingdom. Topics include word processing competency; tests designed by tutors and delivered via a network; and results of an evaluation that showed students preferred automated testing as compared to traditional written tests. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of access versus ownership for libraries facing rising serials cost. Focuses on a study at Pennsylvania State University that tested the feasibility of using commercial document delivery (CDD) as compensation for discontinued ownership, as a complement to ownership, and as a supplement to ownership. Positive results for CDD were found. (Author/LRW)

The following is a cost comparison of students photocopying print reserve readings for a typical college course versus printing out hard copies of the same articles if they are offered as electronic reserves at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. The prices quoted were taken from the website of a major office supply company the week of December 19. Photocopying costs were current for the academic year at the University, as are the printing costs from public stations in the W. E. B. Du Bois Library.