As the progression of technology in higher education continues to advance, activity theory plays a vital role in allowing for the development towards more culturally and socially advanced activities over time; aiding in the attempt to shed important insights into the potential for the transformation of higher education. Activity Theory Perspectives on Technology in Higher Education presents the adoption and use of the activity theory during the evolution of technology in higher education into a more advanced activity. This book is a combination of theory and practice and is useful for researchers, academics, policy makers, administrators, and instructors interested in the important insights to the transformation of higher education.

Qualitative researchers have traditionally been cautious about claiming that their work was scientific. The "right-on" schools have exaggerated this caution into an outright rejection of science as a model for their work. Science is, for them, outmoded; "an archaic form of consciousness surviving for a while yet in a degraded form" ("Tyler 1986:200"). Scientists' assertions that they are in pursuit of truth simply camouflage their own lust for power. There is no essential difference between truth and propaganda. The authors acknowledge that the boundary between science and propaganda has often been breached and some distrust of scientific claims may be healthy. They also question the claim that science creates disinterested and objective knowledge of an observer-independent world without concluding that science is impossible. The skeptics' reservations about qualitative research are based on the deep-rooted assumption among natural scientists, and some social scientists, that there is a world "out there," prior to, and independent of, their observations. This world can be known objectively in the sense that all observers will, if identically placed, see it in exactly the same way. If a suitable language were available, they would also all produce identical descriptions. From these observations they can work out the laws governing the world's operations. The authors try to resolve these contrary claims by asserting that science is a "procedural" commitment. It consists of openness to refutation, a conscientious and systematic search for contradictory evidence, and a readiness to subject one's preconceptions to critical examination. The devotion to truth as a regulative ideal is an essential difference between science and propaganda. This work is a unique and innovative defense of scientific method. "Elizabeth Murphy" is reader in sociology and social policy at the University of Nottingham, UK. "Robert Dingwall" is professor and director of the Institute for the Study of Genetics, Biorisks, and Society at the University of Nottingham, UK.

Bringing together case studies and theory, this book is the first in-depth qualitative study of student migration within Europe. Drawing on the theory of 'the stranger' as a sociological type, the author suggests that the travelling European students can be seen as a new migratory elite. The book presents the narratives of travelling students, explains their motivations, the effects of movement into a new social and cultural context, the problems of adaptation, and describes the construction of social networks, and the process of adaptation to new cultures.

Contents:
1. The Stranger's Template
2. Narratives of Student Travellers
3. Mobility Capital: A Taste for Living Abroad
4. An Adventure into Another Time - Space
5. The Arrival: a Rite of Passage
6. Redefining Culture Shock in a European Context
7. New Spaces, New Places
8. The New Social Setting
9. The Creation of a New Social Fabric
10. Adaptation: Chameleon or Clams

Can both sisters find happiness, when one marries for love, and the other for money...Sisters Mary and Cathy Ward couldn't be more different: Fiercely independent Mary is determined to leave the mean streets of Liverpool, whereas Cathy - quiet and well loved - is happy with the life she has. But when both girls fall for the same man conflict threatens to push them apart, and as they are caught up in their own troubles, Liverpool erupts in the Bloody Sunday riots. To Give and to Take, the second book in the captivating Liverpool Sagas, is perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson and Pam Howes. 'A family saga you won't be able to put down' Prima 'The whole-heartedness of Liverpool shines through in a refreshing tribute to Merseyside' Liverpool Daily Post 'Hard to beat ... A gripping family saga' Manchester Evening News 'Elizabeth Murphy obviously delights in writing about a city she knows and loves, and her enthusiasm must rub off on the reader. She has a talent for characterisation, and by the end of the story, love 'em or hate 'em, you care about every person in the book.' Hull Daily Mail 'A good long story set in Liverpool ... The background has a good authentic feel to it.' Northern Echo The Liverpool Sagas The Land is Bright To Give and To Take There is a Season

The captivating first instalment of The Liverpool Sagas, perfect for fans of Lyn Andrews and Pam HowesLife changes for the Palin children when Mam dies, and it's up to twelve-year-old Sally to try and take her place. Sally lavishes all her hopes and dreams on her baby sister Emily, determined that she'll leave the mean streets of their Liverpool home and enjoy a better life. When Emily is sent to live with rich relatives, it seems like her wish has come true, but the chance is bittersweet. Sally and her family may face poverty and hardship in Liverpool, but the warmth and love shared will help them overcome whatever the world has to throw at them; Emily, however, wanting for nothing, might find out that happiness is harder to find... Full of authentic details of Liverpool life at the turn of the century, The Land is Bright is a totally absorbing saga perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Helen Forrester. 'A family saga you just won't be able to put down' Prima 'The whole-heartedness of Liverpool shines through in a refreshing tribute to Merseyside' Liverpool Daily Post' Murphy is born and bred, and sets her first novel in her beloved city, giving the book that vital authenticity which makes it so realistic' Hull Daily Mail 'Rich in authentic period details, The Land is Bright is a time machine back to the past. This is how history should be written!' Terrace Review 'Evocative writing' Woman's World 'Richly nostalgic' Publishing News 'A thundering great read' Liverpool Echo The Liverpool Sagas The Land is Bright To Give and To Take There is a Season

The final instalment of the breathtaking Liverpool Sagas, perfect for fans of Helen Forrester and Pam Howes Cathy is glad to have her husband back now The Great War is over, but her son John is not so sure. Struggling to keep the peace, Cathy has her work cut out for her, as the pair seem unable to see eye-to-eye. Surviving with four children on Greg's meagre wages is hard enough without their rows, but with the help of her parents and loyal friends in their close-knit Liverpool community, Cathy can keep a smile on her face. When sister Mary comes back into her life, her heart is filled with hope. And she'll need it in order to survive the Depression, with the storm clouds of war gathering once more on the horizon... There is a Season is the last book in the enthralling Liverpool Sagas, ideal for fans of Lyn Andrews, Maggie Ford and Katie Flynn. 'A family saga you just won't be able to put down' Prima 'The whole-heartedness of Liverpool shines through in a refreshing tribute to Merseyside' Liverpool Daily Post The Liverpool Sagas The Land is Bright To Give and To Take There is a Season

The tale of two Liverpool sisters and their search for happiness.When Kate and Rose Drew are orphaned, they are heartbroken to discover they are to be separated. Kate must go to Aunt Mildred, a hard woman who runs a Liverpool boarding house, who puts her to work at once. But Rose gets the wealthy widow Aunt Beattie, who lavishes her with gifts and attention. As one sister experiences hardship alongside friendship, while the other is spoilt and isolated, which will find happiness? For, eventually, it is not what Kate and Rose have in life that counts, but what they choose to make of it... A truly memorable saga that will charm readers of Helen Forrester, Katie Flynn and Pam Howes.

A deeply moving saga based in 20th-century Liverpool.From a young age Laura Redmond resents the way her father speaks to her mother. She does not understand that despite his heated outbursts, John Redmond is a loyal and devoted husband. As Laura grows up her protective love for her mother, Anne, leads to a love/hate relationship between father and daughter. Many think this is because they are so alike - both uncompromising and determined. Only Laura's great-grandmother recognises the truth. It takes many years filled with triumph and tragedy for the family, and the arrival of a special man in Laura's life, before she can properly grasp the true nature of her father. An absolute triumph, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Helen Forrester and Lyn Andrews.

It's the dawn of the 20th century, but Anna and Dorrie Furlong, young daughters of a Liverpudlian ship captain with archaic ideals, are expected to remain at home in Everton until they are wedded. Dorrie, beautiful and popular, with multiple admirers, is content to do this, but idealistic, intelligent Anna hates her narrow life and longs for freedom and independence. As both sisters struggle against their situations, love will find them as if by accident, and after much hardship and sadness, they will both begin to realise where true happiness lies... A touching love song to Liverpool, Elizabeth Murphy's Comfort Me With Apples is an emotional, touching tale, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Helen Forrester and Lyn Andrews

A Chronicle of Friendship

If you have ever had a really good friend
Experienced the elation of being understood
And the frustration of not being heard
The qualms of trusting a perfect stranger
Only to realize that your friend is the one person you can trust...

If you have ever had a really good friend
And one day had to say good-bye
Wherever the Wind Blows Me
Will tickle your funny bone
And tug at your heartstrings

This is the story of friendship, carved out by the universe -- destined. It is the coming together of two unlikely souls, colliding in a celestial moment and setting in motion the rest of their lifes' journey.

It is only true if you believe it is, and sad, only if you cannot see past tomorrow.

In SAFETEA-LU Section 1808, Congress required the U.S. Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to evaluate and assess the direct and indirect impacts of CMAQ-funded projects on air quality and congestion levels to ensure the program's effective implementation. Phase II of the CMAQ Evaluation and Assessment responds to that request by exploring different practices and approaches that select agencies Nationwide use in CMAQ project selection and implementation. The study team conducted 1-day site interviews with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) at seven locations around the country. The Phase II Report highlights effective CMAQ implementation practices and identifies benefits, challenges, and opportunities encountered by the agencies interviewed as they program CMAQ funds from the information collected and analyzed during the site visit interviews.

Want better relationships at work and at home? RESET Your Buttons shows you how to achieve more productive relationships for greater success. When you learn how to RESET Your Buttons, you're really putting to use a skill set that is absolutely necessary for anyone working with other people in a professional environment. Learning how to recognize the way you react to your work culture and learning how to cope with negative stimuli is an absolute must for those of us who want to succeed in business and in life.