Assiniboine Community College

About: Assiniboine Community College is a education organization based out in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Academic integrity & Higher education. The organization has 25 authors who have published 24 publications receiving 235 citations.

A risk-qualified approach to calculate locally varying herbicide application rates

Abstract: Summary Weed competition can decrease crop yield and profit. Herbicides are applied to reduce weed populations, minimize crop loss and maximize profit. Traditional practice is to apply herbicides at a uniform rate over an entire field. Complete knowledge of the weed distribution and appropriate instrumentation on the spraying equipment would allow the farm manager to apply the correct locally varying herbicide application rate. The locally variable rate would be greater in areas of high weed density and less where there are few weeds. A locally varying treatment would have both economic and environmental advantages. A major challenge facing farm managers is the unavoidable uncertainty in the spatial distribution of weeds in any particular field. This uncertainty in weed distribution influences the optimal locally varying herbicide rate. A mathematical model is presented to calculate the optimal herbicide application rate using geostatistical models of uncertainty in weed density combined with principles from decision making. Weed data from a 34-ha field near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, illustrate the application of these tools. Weed control was achieved with a significant reduction in total herbicide use.

Evaluation of Proportions of Vermicompost and Coir in a Medium for Container-Grown Swiss Chard

Abstract: A mixture of vermicompost and coir is commonly used for growing plants. However, the extent to which variation in proportions of these substrates in a mixture affects plant growth is not known. A study was carried out in a greenhouse to determine appropriate proportions of vermicompost and coir mixture to produce the most suitable medium conditions for growing Swiss chard [Beta vulgaris L. ssp. cicla (L.) W.D.J. Koch]. Treatments were coir alone, commercial potting mix alone, and a vermicompost–coir mix in ratios of 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2. Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, water-holding capacity (WHC), and plant growth and nutrient content were improved when the proportion of vermicompost was increased from 0% to 67%. The ECs of vermicompost and coir alone were 2.80 and 0.50 mS·cm−1, respectively. After mixing, ECs were modified to 1.6, 2.1, and 2.5 mS·cm−1 for treatments with ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1, respectively. Plants in vermicompost had high amounts of N, P2O5 and K2O compared to plants in coir alone ...

Preventing online shopping for completed assessments: Protecting students by blocking access to contract cheating websites on institutional networks

Abstract: Contract cheating or “the outsourcing of student work to third parties” (Lancaster & Clarke, 2016, p. 639) is a type of academic misconduct that is growing and changing due to advancements in technology and the emergence of a lucrative, multi-million dollar per year industry that targets students relentlessly (Lancaster & Clarke, 2016). In an effort to protect students from engaging in contract cheating, three postsecondary institutions in Manitoba (i.e., Assiniboine Community College, Red River College, and the University of Manitoba) launched initiatives to block access to websites that offer contract cheating services from their networks. This initiative facilitated a preliminary examination of student activity on institutional networks. In any given month, a relatively large number of students (i.e., up to 3,519 unique users) were attempting to access websites identified as providing contract cheating services. We recognize that a single initiative will not eliminate academic misconduct, however, by combining various educational, protective, and preventative strategies, the likelihood that students will make ethical decisions regarding their academic work can be increased.

Use of problem-based learning in the teaching and learning of horticultural production

Abstract: Purpose: Problem-based learning (PBL), a relatively novel teaching and learning process in horticulture, was investigated. Proper application of PBL can potentially create a learning context that enhances student learning. Design/Methodology/Approach: Students worked on two complex ill-structured problems: (1) to produce fresh baby greens for a 4-week catering event and (2) to produce seedlings for a grower. Data collected were analyzed by the concurrent method and presented as case studies. Findings: Students developed positive attitudes through active engagement. Their presentations and reports demonstrated leadership roles, critical thinking and conflict management. Practical professional, social and affective skills were developed through production of 5 kg baby greens, and 2500 vegetable seedlings. Successes and limitations were identified. Theoretical Implication: The quality of the PBL problem is critical for the stimulation and elaboration of prior knowledge, development of epistemic curio...

English Education Policy in Bahrain – A Review of K-12 and Higher Education Language Policy in Bahrain

Abstract: The Kingdom of Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy that has a long history dating back over 5000 years. It is the only island-state in the Gulf. It is also the smallest, and has the lowest population, of all the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States. Due to Bahrain’s long political and trade relationship with Britain (which continue in the new globalized economy), English has been an important part of Bahrain’s economic survival. As a result, English is an integral component of the Bahraini education system and is now taught from the first year of schooling. It has also become the medium of instruction in many higher education institutions in the Kingdom. This chapter examines the history of English education in Bahrain, it’s current developments, and what the future landscape of English language policy in Bahrain may resemble. The chapter also offer suggestions on how to address some of the language and policy challenges that Bahrain is facing. Overall, many of the English language policy decisions in Bahrain are showing signs of success in both the K-12 and higher education sectors.