The COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges to the provision of community programs and access to me... more The COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges to the provision of community programs and access to mental health services for young people. We examined the feasibility, reach, and acceptability of multi-technology delivery of an integrated system that assesses and provides feedback on youth mental health and wellbeing and connects them to care within the context of a youth sports development program. The system was delivered via computer, telephone, and teleconference with 66 adolescent boys participating in a rugby league development program in three communities in Australia. Young people completed online wellbeing and mental health measures (Assess step), parents were provided with telephone feedback on results, support, and referral options (Reflect step), and youth received teleconferenced workshops and online resources (Connect step). The multi-technology delivery was feasible to implement, and reach was high, with barriers experienced at the Assess step but minimally experienced a...
Learning through a variety of online platforms, including Learning Management Systems (LMS) and f... more Learning through a variety of online platforms, including Learning Management Systems (LMS) and functionalities within them, such as Discussion Boards, and Social Networking Sites (SNS), such as Facebook, is becoming an increasingly popular way of communicating with students and enhancing student learning (Caldwell, 2015). However, despite this increasing popularity amongst educators and students, there is limited research concerning SNS and LMS (i.e. Facebook and Discussion Boards) as functionalities for promoting effective learning and teaching in higher education. Therefore, this study has drawn upon the work of Bandura's Self-efficacy model (1977) to critically examine academics' and students' perceptions of the perceived use, benefits and concerns of Facebook and Discussion Boards for learning and teaching. Following ethical clearance, data were collected using two surveys consisting of Likert-scale and open-ended questions investigating academic and student percept...
2 Abstract: Australian youth (5-17) are exhibiting the most alarming statistics sur- rounding poo... more 2 Abstract: Australian youth (5-17) are exhibiting the most alarming statistics sur- rounding poor physical activity (PA) levels and increasing correlating chronic disease trends (i.e. obesity). With schools well positioned to address such concerns, this study aimed to determine the type, frequency and intensity levels of PA being undertaken by children during their physical education (PE) classes (Queensland, Australia). A cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted, using a mixed methods ap- proach across 10 primary schools (grades 1-5), with the purpose of determining if in fact there are appropriate PA levels undertaken and implemented by PE teachers, for school-aged students. Observation of 30 students was used to assess PE class practice with Primary Outcome Variables collected from Student Activity, Lesson Context and Teacher Interaction. Further questionnaires were administered to students (n = 80), PE specialists (n = 10) and principals (n = 10). Whilst this study ...
The Higher Degree Research (HDR) journey is known for its difficulties, complexities, and challen... more The Higher Degree Research (HDR) journey is known for its difficulties, complexities, and challenges (Lees-Deutsch, 2020), with many students experiencing multi-faceted issues and concerns (Skopek, Triventi & Blossfeld, 2020). Therefore, the purpose of this research aims to investigate the relationships that exist between variables, vulnerability factors and doctorial capital of candidates (n = 532) studying at Australian universities (2019). A quantitative cross-sectional correlational research design and Bronfenbrenner’s socio – ecological framework (personal, home, university, community) was utilised to collect participants’ (n = 532) descriptive statistics. Bourdieu’s social reproduction theory was used as a lens to examine how experiences, across the PhD candidature, are influenced by several psychosocial factors and doctoral capital. From such a dual methodological approach, the findings from this study suggests that; 1) age, 2) gender, 3) nationality, 4) financial / work stat...
University years are a period of increased morbidity and mortality, associated with negative heal... more University years are a period of increased morbidity and mortality, associated with negative health behaviours and corresponding poor mental health (MH) status amongst students. With this said, the aim of this research was to determine the level of influence a number of predictive factors have on Australia's university students' MH status. A cross-sectional study design, consisting of an online survey was implemented. Psychometric measurement components were based on adopting Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological model approach to collecting descriptive statistics. This approach was concerned with investigating patterns of association between three predictive factors [social emotional wellbeing (SEWB), physical activity (PA) levels and sporting club (SC) involvement], against four domains (personal, university, home and community). This study identified that 25% (n = 571) of participants (n = 2326) indicated that they have been diagnosed with a MH disorder. Specifically, gen...
An online survey ( www.limesurvey.org ) was used to identify patterns of usage of health informat... more An online survey ( www.limesurvey.org ) was used to identify patterns of usage of health information available on the Internet by five major Australian health professions (AHPs): general practice, social work, dietetics, physiotherapy and optometry. Survey questions were developed to explore participants' responses associated with their level of Internet usage. From the five AHPs ( n=746), it was found that social workers and dietitians most frequently recommended health websites to their patients (11–20% of the time throughout a 12-month period [2009]). Health information topics most frequently recommended and brought to health professionals' attention by patients were concerned with ‘specific health conditions’ and the main source professionals used to access health information was identified through the use of ‘search engines’. This study further reports that Internet recommendations from health professionals1 (1–10%), Internet requests from patients2 (<1%) and Interne...
This research explores perceived user satisfaction and the impact of students using Mobile Wirele... more This research explores perceived user satisfaction and the impact of students using Mobile Wireless Communication Technology (MWCT) and Social Media tools (SM) for accessing health information. It was specifically concerned with whether there was a spatial pattern based on students ’ location or other social characteristics. An online survey was designed and utilised to collect quantitative, qualitative and spatial data. This study is unique, as it provides multi-dimensional empirical evidence (i.e., quantitative, qualitative, and spatial evidence) that underlies and complements each other. Our findings indicate that there is some evidence of a pattern of who to use these tools more extensively for accessing health information; for example, families with kids, people who live with partners etc. Proximity to campus was not found to be correlated, and no spatial structure was found in relation to the question: Who used or did not use MWCT to access health information. Therefore, this ...
ental health is recognized as a worldwide issue, which affects hundreds of millions of people (Wo... more ental health is recognized as a worldwide issue, which affects hundreds of millions of people (World Health Organization, 2011). In Australia, mental health is listed as one of the nine health priority areas (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2013). Figures indicate an extremely alarming trend with as many as one in seven Australian children, aged from four to seventeen, having significant mental health issues (Littlefield, 2008; Graetz et al., 2008; Sawyer et al., 2000). In recent years, the Queensland Department of Education and Training have explicitly acknowledged the need for schools to address mental health issues. They have developed policies and issued directives to schools and teachers requiring them to engage in curriculum activities which promote and support students’ mental health and wellbeing (Department of Education and Training, 2009). There is extensive literature and evidence that states when social emotional learning programs are developed and implemente...
This systematic quantitative literature review explores the use of story in early childhood relig... more This systematic quantitative literature review explores the use of story in early childhood religious education to inform the research question “What are the pedagogical benefits of using story in religious education in the early years of primary school?” Searches were conducted across multiple databases and individual journals for publications dated from 1970 to 2019. Literature on the key areas of (1) early childhood, (2) story and (3) religious education were analysed to understand their unique perspectives and ways they overlap and connect, with an emphasis on seeking literature which connected all three areas. The study revealed the areas of religious education, the use of story and the field of early childhood as three distinct areas of research with connection points, and gaps in the literature connecting the pedagogical use of story for religious education in early primary education. The literature identifies the use of story as effectively engaging and connecting children t...
On a national (Australia) scale, there is limited rigorous research investigating and comparing t... more On a national (Australia) scale, there is limited rigorous research investigating and comparing the types of Web 2.0 (Social Media) technologies Australian university students and their lecturers are interacting with and using to communicate, collaborate, deliver, and retrieve course content. This is surprising, given that academic institutions charged with equipping graduates to compete in today’s knowledge economy, the potential for utilising Web 2.0 tools for learning and teaching is great. From such an identified research gap, this study sought to determine the level and type of Web 2.0 applications from Australian university students and their lecturers use throughout the higher education landscape for heightening pedagogical practices, knowledge management, and course delivery. Given that technology, pedagogy, knowledge management and social capital are becoming increasingly entwined, further empirical research associated with the usage of Web 2.0 within higher education is wa...
To understand the complex dynamics which impact on Australia’s university students’ mental health... more To understand the complex dynamics which impact on Australia’s university students’ mental health (MH), this paper presents qualitative data that demonstrates the relationships which exists between four domains (personal, university, home, and community) and their impact on students’ MH. Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological model was used, as an interpretive lens, to give descriptive insights concerned with the MH crisis occurring across higher educational settings. Positioned within an interpretivist paradigm, this research collected data from participants (n = 934), requesting for either their lived or witnessed experiences concerning MH issues. Qualitative data were sorted and analysed using Creswell’s thematic coding techniques as well as Leximancer software for concept development. Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological model was employed to develop a conceptual framework to explain the multidimensional relationships associated with MH and their interconnections across the four domains...
The COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges to the provision of community programs and access to me... more The COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges to the provision of community programs and access to mental health services for young people. We examined the feasibility, reach, and acceptability of multi-technology delivery of an integrated system that assesses and provides feedback on youth mental health and wellbeing and connects them to care within the context of a youth sports development program. The system was delivered via computer, telephone, and teleconference with 66 adolescent boys participating in a rugby league development program in three communities in Australia. Young people completed online wellbeing and mental health measures (Assess step), parents were provided with telephone feedback on results, support, and referral options (Reflect step), and youth received teleconferenced workshops and online resources (Connect step). The multi-technology delivery was feasible to implement, and reach was high, with barriers experienced at the Assess step but minimally experienced a...
Learning through a variety of online platforms, including Learning Management Systems (LMS) and f... more Learning through a variety of online platforms, including Learning Management Systems (LMS) and functionalities within them, such as Discussion Boards, and Social Networking Sites (SNS), such as Facebook, is becoming an increasingly popular way of communicating with students and enhancing student learning (Caldwell, 2015). However, despite this increasing popularity amongst educators and students, there is limited research concerning SNS and LMS (i.e. Facebook and Discussion Boards) as functionalities for promoting effective learning and teaching in higher education. Therefore, this study has drawn upon the work of Bandura's Self-efficacy model (1977) to critically examine academics' and students' perceptions of the perceived use, benefits and concerns of Facebook and Discussion Boards for learning and teaching. Following ethical clearance, data were collected using two surveys consisting of Likert-scale and open-ended questions investigating academic and student percept...
2 Abstract: Australian youth (5-17) are exhibiting the most alarming statistics sur- rounding poo... more 2 Abstract: Australian youth (5-17) are exhibiting the most alarming statistics sur- rounding poor physical activity (PA) levels and increasing correlating chronic disease trends (i.e. obesity). With schools well positioned to address such concerns, this study aimed to determine the type, frequency and intensity levels of PA being undertaken by children during their physical education (PE) classes (Queensland, Australia). A cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted, using a mixed methods ap- proach across 10 primary schools (grades 1-5), with the purpose of determining if in fact there are appropriate PA levels undertaken and implemented by PE teachers, for school-aged students. Observation of 30 students was used to assess PE class practice with Primary Outcome Variables collected from Student Activity, Lesson Context and Teacher Interaction. Further questionnaires were administered to students (n = 80), PE specialists (n = 10) and principals (n = 10). Whilst this study ...
The Higher Degree Research (HDR) journey is known for its difficulties, complexities, and challen... more The Higher Degree Research (HDR) journey is known for its difficulties, complexities, and challenges (Lees-Deutsch, 2020), with many students experiencing multi-faceted issues and concerns (Skopek, Triventi & Blossfeld, 2020). Therefore, the purpose of this research aims to investigate the relationships that exist between variables, vulnerability factors and doctorial capital of candidates (n = 532) studying at Australian universities (2019). A quantitative cross-sectional correlational research design and Bronfenbrenner’s socio – ecological framework (personal, home, university, community) was utilised to collect participants’ (n = 532) descriptive statistics. Bourdieu’s social reproduction theory was used as a lens to examine how experiences, across the PhD candidature, are influenced by several psychosocial factors and doctoral capital. From such a dual methodological approach, the findings from this study suggests that; 1) age, 2) gender, 3) nationality, 4) financial / work stat...
University years are a period of increased morbidity and mortality, associated with negative heal... more University years are a period of increased morbidity and mortality, associated with negative health behaviours and corresponding poor mental health (MH) status amongst students. With this said, the aim of this research was to determine the level of influence a number of predictive factors have on Australia's university students' MH status. A cross-sectional study design, consisting of an online survey was implemented. Psychometric measurement components were based on adopting Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological model approach to collecting descriptive statistics. This approach was concerned with investigating patterns of association between three predictive factors [social emotional wellbeing (SEWB), physical activity (PA) levels and sporting club (SC) involvement], against four domains (personal, university, home and community). This study identified that 25% (n = 571) of participants (n = 2326) indicated that they have been diagnosed with a MH disorder. Specifically, gen...
An online survey ( www.limesurvey.org ) was used to identify patterns of usage of health informat... more An online survey ( www.limesurvey.org ) was used to identify patterns of usage of health information available on the Internet by five major Australian health professions (AHPs): general practice, social work, dietetics, physiotherapy and optometry. Survey questions were developed to explore participants' responses associated with their level of Internet usage. From the five AHPs ( n=746), it was found that social workers and dietitians most frequently recommended health websites to their patients (11–20% of the time throughout a 12-month period [2009]). Health information topics most frequently recommended and brought to health professionals' attention by patients were concerned with ‘specific health conditions’ and the main source professionals used to access health information was identified through the use of ‘search engines’. This study further reports that Internet recommendations from health professionals1 (1–10%), Internet requests from patients2 (<1%) and Interne...
This research explores perceived user satisfaction and the impact of students using Mobile Wirele... more This research explores perceived user satisfaction and the impact of students using Mobile Wireless Communication Technology (MWCT) and Social Media tools (SM) for accessing health information. It was specifically concerned with whether there was a spatial pattern based on students ’ location or other social characteristics. An online survey was designed and utilised to collect quantitative, qualitative and spatial data. This study is unique, as it provides multi-dimensional empirical evidence (i.e., quantitative, qualitative, and spatial evidence) that underlies and complements each other. Our findings indicate that there is some evidence of a pattern of who to use these tools more extensively for accessing health information; for example, families with kids, people who live with partners etc. Proximity to campus was not found to be correlated, and no spatial structure was found in relation to the question: Who used or did not use MWCT to access health information. Therefore, this ...
ental health is recognized as a worldwide issue, which affects hundreds of millions of people (Wo... more ental health is recognized as a worldwide issue, which affects hundreds of millions of people (World Health Organization, 2011). In Australia, mental health is listed as one of the nine health priority areas (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2013). Figures indicate an extremely alarming trend with as many as one in seven Australian children, aged from four to seventeen, having significant mental health issues (Littlefield, 2008; Graetz et al., 2008; Sawyer et al., 2000). In recent years, the Queensland Department of Education and Training have explicitly acknowledged the need for schools to address mental health issues. They have developed policies and issued directives to schools and teachers requiring them to engage in curriculum activities which promote and support students’ mental health and wellbeing (Department of Education and Training, 2009). There is extensive literature and evidence that states when social emotional learning programs are developed and implemente...
This systematic quantitative literature review explores the use of story in early childhood relig... more This systematic quantitative literature review explores the use of story in early childhood religious education to inform the research question “What are the pedagogical benefits of using story in religious education in the early years of primary school?” Searches were conducted across multiple databases and individual journals for publications dated from 1970 to 2019. Literature on the key areas of (1) early childhood, (2) story and (3) religious education were analysed to understand their unique perspectives and ways they overlap and connect, with an emphasis on seeking literature which connected all three areas. The study revealed the areas of religious education, the use of story and the field of early childhood as three distinct areas of research with connection points, and gaps in the literature connecting the pedagogical use of story for religious education in early primary education. The literature identifies the use of story as effectively engaging and connecting children t...
On a national (Australia) scale, there is limited rigorous research investigating and comparing t... more On a national (Australia) scale, there is limited rigorous research investigating and comparing the types of Web 2.0 (Social Media) technologies Australian university students and their lecturers are interacting with and using to communicate, collaborate, deliver, and retrieve course content. This is surprising, given that academic institutions charged with equipping graduates to compete in today’s knowledge economy, the potential for utilising Web 2.0 tools for learning and teaching is great. From such an identified research gap, this study sought to determine the level and type of Web 2.0 applications from Australian university students and their lecturers use throughout the higher education landscape for heightening pedagogical practices, knowledge management, and course delivery. Given that technology, pedagogy, knowledge management and social capital are becoming increasingly entwined, further empirical research associated with the usage of Web 2.0 within higher education is wa...
To understand the complex dynamics which impact on Australia’s university students’ mental health... more To understand the complex dynamics which impact on Australia’s university students’ mental health (MH), this paper presents qualitative data that demonstrates the relationships which exists between four domains (personal, university, home, and community) and their impact on students’ MH. Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological model was used, as an interpretive lens, to give descriptive insights concerned with the MH crisis occurring across higher educational settings. Positioned within an interpretivist paradigm, this research collected data from participants (n = 934), requesting for either their lived or witnessed experiences concerning MH issues. Qualitative data were sorted and analysed using Creswell’s thematic coding techniques as well as Leximancer software for concept development. Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological model was employed to develop a conceptual framework to explain the multidimensional relationships associated with MH and their interconnections across the four domains...
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