This open access book develops a theoretical concept of teaching that is relevant to early childhood education, and based on children's learning and development through play. It discusses theoretical premises and research on playing and learning, and proposes the development of play-responsive didaktik. It examines the processes and products of learning and development, teaching and its phylogenetic and ontogenetic development, as well as the 'what' of learning and didaktik. Next, it explores the actions, objects and meaning of play and provides insight into the diversity of beliefs about the practices of play. The book presents ideas on how combined research and development projects can be carried out, providing incentive and a model for practice development and research. The second part of the book consists of empirical studies on teacher's playing skills and examples of play with very young as well as older children.

Analysis of data from imaging spectrometers to determine vegetation parameters is a new and emerging field of science. Hyperspectral remote sensing using field spectra, HyMap and Hyperion images are here used to study the feed quality of pastures. Both environmental and economical benefits can be achieved from predictive relationships between hyperspectral data and pasture quality parameters. The research described in this book provides assessments of different analysis methods, including advantages and limitations of different approaches as well as recommendations for future investigations. The work was carried out at three study sites in Victoria, Australia. Results show that there is a clear potential for hyperspectral remote sensing to provide important inputs to management decision system as pasture quality is the third crucial component needed after biomass and growth rate. The book gives both a thourough background to hyperspectral analysis of vegetation to date and a comprehensive introduction to hyperspectral remote sensing of pastures. It should therefore be very of great interest to both students and professionals in the fields of remote sensing and agronomy.