My main interest is in the application of computing technology in a wide range of contexts. My recent work has centred on the isolation of meteorological factors influential in wind turbine performance using data science techniques. I am a member of the Internet of Things research group at Edinburgh Napier University where I am also responsible for the coordination of student projects, often in collaboration with industry.
Social software as support in hybrid learning environments: the value of the blog as a tool for r... more Social software as support in hybrid learning environments: the value of the blog as a tool for reflective learning and peer support by Hazel Hall and Brian Davison DRAFT DRAFT accepted for publication in LISR on 6th April 2007. Social software as support in hybrid learning environments: the value of the blog as a tool for reflective learning and peer support To be published in Library and Information Science Research (Elsevier). NOTICE: this is the authors ’ version of the work that was accepted for publication in Library and Information Science Research. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structured formatting, and other quality control mechanisms are not be reflected in this document. Changes have been made to this work since it was accepted for publication. A definitive version has been subsequently published in Library and
We reflect on the success of embedding legal, social, ethical and professional issues (LSEPI) int... more We reflect on the success of embedding legal, social, ethical and professional issues (LSEPI) into computing courses while at the same time encouraging a "growth mindset" in our students. We review the only compulsory course for our first year computing undergraduates, with a broad range of technical ability, impairment and educational background. We chose problem-based learning (PBL) as a natural fit with contextual demands but also paid special attention to the scaffolding required to make PBL effective with novice learners. Our main PBL element is a final "capstone" activity, in which small multidisciplinary teams of students who have not worked together before, design and deliver a Web-based game inside a week, using techniques and technologies seen during the preceding 12 weeks. This paper describes the approaches taken to practical and tutorial learning events and evaluates the results of the PBL phase. The main contributions of this paper are a) the identi...
Abstract: Online discussion activities are commonly used to create online communities, foster pee... more Abstract: Online discussion activities are commonly used to create online communities, foster peer and tutor support, encourage reflection and provide equal opportunities for participation, particularly for fully online students. This paper describes the use of discussion in face-to-face tutorials for an undergraduate Information Delivery module. The rationale for using asynchronous discussion face-to-face is discussed and the paper then describes the evaluation of the module, examines its results, and discusses recommendations for future ...
This paper presents arguments for the use of direct steam generation (DSG) in preference to other... more This paper presents arguments for the use of direct steam generation (DSG) in preference to other forms of generation in particular locations according to the prevailing environmental and economic conditions. In addition, the paper describes the development of a software tool based on Microsoft Excel and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), which draws upon established physical relationships in the heat transfer literature to perform plant capacity calculations in a fast and convenient manner. The results of the VBA program determine the solar fraction of the plant, assuming that the plant is in operation for 10 h per day (07:30–17:30 hours), the solar fraction is shown to be 76% and the DSG plant achieves a 76% reduction in emissions. Construction costs are also estimated based on formulae from previous work.
Social software as support in hybrid learning environments: the value of the blog as a tool for r... more Social software as support in hybrid learning environments: the value of the blog as a tool for reflective learning and peer support by Hazel Hall and Brian Davison DRAFT DRAFT accepted for publication in LISR on 6th April 2007. Social software as support in hybrid learning environments: the value of the blog as a tool for reflective learning and peer support To be published in Library and Information Science Research (Elsevier). NOTICE: this is the authors ’ version of the work that was accepted for publication in Library and Information Science Research. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structured formatting, and other quality control mechanisms are not be reflected in this document. Changes have been made to this work since it was accepted for publication. A definitive version has been subsequently published in Library and
We reflect on the success of embedding legal, social, ethical and professional issues (LSEPI) int... more We reflect on the success of embedding legal, social, ethical and professional issues (LSEPI) into computing courses while at the same time encouraging a "growth mindset" in our students. We review the only compulsory course for our first year computing undergraduates, with a broad range of technical ability, impairment and educational background. We chose problem-based learning (PBL) as a natural fit with contextual demands but also paid special attention to the scaffolding required to make PBL effective with novice learners. Our main PBL element is a final "capstone" activity, in which small multidisciplinary teams of students who have not worked together before, design and deliver a Web-based game inside a week, using techniques and technologies seen during the preceding 12 weeks. This paper describes the approaches taken to practical and tutorial learning events and evaluates the results of the PBL phase. The main contributions of this paper are a) the identi...
Abstract: Online discussion activities are commonly used to create online communities, foster pee... more Abstract: Online discussion activities are commonly used to create online communities, foster peer and tutor support, encourage reflection and provide equal opportunities for participation, particularly for fully online students. This paper describes the use of discussion in face-to-face tutorials for an undergraduate Information Delivery module. The rationale for using asynchronous discussion face-to-face is discussed and the paper then describes the evaluation of the module, examines its results, and discusses recommendations for future ...
This paper presents arguments for the use of direct steam generation (DSG) in preference to other... more This paper presents arguments for the use of direct steam generation (DSG) in preference to other forms of generation in particular locations according to the prevailing environmental and economic conditions. In addition, the paper describes the development of a software tool based on Microsoft Excel and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), which draws upon established physical relationships in the heat transfer literature to perform plant capacity calculations in a fast and convenient manner. The results of the VBA program determine the solar fraction of the plant, assuming that the plant is in operation for 10 h per day (07:30–17:30 hours), the solar fraction is shown to be 76% and the DSG plant achieves a 76% reduction in emissions. Construction costs are also estimated based on formulae from previous work.
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Papers by Brian Davison