English summary of the 1 number of volume 43 publishing paper

Original Paper

Title: Simulations of Neural Network with Random Pulse Trains
Author: Kosei HOKAZONO･Shuji ENDO

題目：ランダムパルス列を用いた神経回路の特性シミュレーション
著者：外園公誠・遠藤秀治

Abstract

In the nervous system, there are various constructions of neural network including the hierarchy type. In this paper, we consider the characteristics of neural networks with random pulse trains for including the case of changing synaptic weights. It is shown that a neural network consists of various constructions, and its information processing is performed in the manner of random pulse trains. In these simulations, we show some properties of the input-output relation of neural networks with random pulse trains. Also, all are performed in digital circuits for the education of electrical technology.

Keywords : neural network, random pulse trains, synaptic weight, plasticity, digital circuits

Title: Development of Teaching Material Related to the Bioelectrical Potential of Plants
Author: Yuki HASEGAWA･Hiroko SUGIYAMA･Fusako ARAI･Shigehiro ASADA

題目：植物の生体電位の視覚教材化
著者：長谷川有貴・杉山寛子・新井夫差子・浅田茂裕

Abstract

Recently, some previous papers have indicated that plants react sensitively to some physical impulses, light,
temperature, noise, etc. In this investigation, a series of measurements of bioelectrical potential was performed to develop materials for industrial arts at school. The features of the system are as follows:
1) Measurement of the bioelectrical potential and the reactions caused by physical impulse, light and temperature, of the plants can be made over time.
2) From the measurement of bioelectrical potential over a couple of days, it is possible to know ale daily periodicity or circadian rhythm of the plants.
3) The life-activity can be seen easily by developing new software to plot the results as a graph on CRT.

Keywords : bioelectrical potential, development of teaching material, visual material, measurement

Title: A Study on Model Airplanes as Educational Material for Technical Education : With a Focus on Design Methods
Author: Tadao YAMANO･Yosito OHTA･Kouji KANDA･Hirotaka DOHO･Fumiyasu KURATANI

題目：技術教材としての模型飛行機に関する研究　−設計方法について−
著者：山野惟夫・太田成人・神田浩二・道法浩孝・鞍谷文保

Abstract

'Manufacturing' is a suitable method for current and future technical education, since such activities can contribute to the development of students' creativity. Designing and manufacturing things involve their application of scientific knowledge, synthesizing such knowledge, and showing ingenuity and originality through that process. The authors have been studying model airplanes with regard to their application to technical education in this sense. To make this educational material useful, researchers ourselves should be able to design model airplanes.
The authors reviewed design methods for model airplanes and tried to clarify basic principles, to test existing design technology and to supplement what was lacking. As a result, the authors came to the following conclusions:
1) Important main design parameters were selected, and their characteristics were clarified.
2) Regarding design data, those for wing section and longitudinal stability were studied in detail. Despite the rather inferior performance characteristics compared to double surface wings, single surface wings have been found to be practical considering their light weight and easiness of manufacturing. As for longitudinal stability, a design chart was examined with data of model airplanes and was confirmed to be useful.
3) A comprehensive design method for model airplanes was proposed, based on the results of 1) and 2).

Keywords: educational material for technical education, model airplanes, design method, design parameter, design data

Practical Paper

Title: Development and Evaluation of a Software Package for Teaching/Learning Routing Mechanisms in the Router
Author: Yoshiaki KAWASHIMA･Ken ISHIKAWA

題目：ルータによる経路選択の学習指導用教材の開発と評価
著者：川島芳昭・石川　賢

Abstract

In order to improve the Teaching/Learning of the routing mechanism, which is one of the basic functions of computer network systems, a software package for novices has been developed. The software package supports learner's practices: observation or setting of the routing table information and the packet data. To grasp the basic network terms, the packet transfer mechanism and the routing table information, learners can observe the packet data, the packet transfer process and the routing table data of the software package. Moreover, to grasp the routing mechanisms, learners can operate the gate in the router manually.
In order to verify the effectiveness of the software package, two groups were found. One group (the experimental-group) used the software in individual learning. The other group (the control-group) used the OHP, black board and work sheets in classroom instruction. Pre-test results indicated that the knowledge levels of both groups were similar. The effect of the software package was determined by comparing results of a post-test and a questionnaire of the two groups. Overall, the experimental-group performed significantly better than the control-group. The results of the post-test show the experimental-group had a superior grasp of the basic network terms and the routing table information. Also in the results of the questionnaire the students expressed support for the software in gaining understanding of the packet data and the routing mechanisms.

Key words: Teaching/Learning system, Network, Router, Routing, Information education

Technical Information

Title: Hand Making of a Loud-Speaker as a Teaching Material for Technology Education
Author: Yoshiaki MUDA･Takasi AOKI･Yuuki KAWANO

題目：物作り教材の研究　−身近な材料で作る手作りスピーカー
著者：六田嘉明・青木高史・川野優貴

Abstract

A method of hand-making a loud speaker and a headphone with the use of familiar materials and tools at hand is described. The second successful model is made of two disc magnets, some length of φ 0.1mm enamel wire, a vesicatory stirol dish, a piece of cushion material, a piece of wood board, a peace of drawing paper, and sticky tape.
The hand made speaker had an efficiency of 10〜20 dB less than a commercial speaker, but was still of a practical level. It is expected to be a good teaching material which enables pupils to realize that even high-tech equipment is not far removed from themselves, and stimulates pupils, interest in "mono tsukuri (technology and crafting)".

Keywords: Hand making, loud speaker, headphone, teaching material.

Title: A Study on the Arrangement of Handicraft Tools for Processing Learning at E1ementary School In the Meiji Era
Author: Hiromichi MIYAZAKI･Seiji HIRATA,

題目：明治期小学校の加工学習における手工具整備について
著者：宮崎擴道・平田晴路

Abstract

We studied the actual conditions of the arrangements of handicraft tools used for handicraft departments at elementary schools in the Meiji Era. The study was made by dividing the Meiji Era into the foundation term (in the first half of 20's), the earlier term (from the latter half of 20's to the first half of 30's), and the latter term (after the latter half of 30's). The results are as follows.
1) The Ministry of Education showed no arrangement standards of the handicraft tools.
2) The models of handicraft tool arrangement were shown in the teaching books. However, the arrangements were in practice not as comprehensive as the models of them.
3) The arrangement of handicraft tools was adapted for the weak finance of local self-government in the Meiji Era.
4) The lack of expenditure for handicraft tools was a heavy problem throughout the Meiji Era.

Keywords : Elementary school, Handicraft department, Wood working, Handicraft tool, The Meiji Era

Commentary

Title: Transition of Information Apparatus from the Point of View of Information Technology Education
Author: Akira KIKUCHI･Junichi INOUE

題目：情報技術教育の観点から見た情報機器の変遷
著者：菊地　章・井上淳一

Abstract

Information education is performed in schools with many variations. It contains especially efficient contents in "Information and Computers" in junior high school and "Information" in senior high school. It is normally customarily introduced in information education that both of computer machinery and its invention year is important.
However, it is not only valuable to introduce computer machinery, but it is also necessary to consider the essence of the information apparatus. In this paper, we have considered the information technology education from the viewpoint of human contrivance in the development of information apparatus. This consideration contains signs, characters, numbers, line abacuses, multiplication tables, lattice multiplication, mechanical calculators and computers.
Finally, we proposed the educational materials of the Napier Bone and the Schickard Calculator for information technology education.

Keywords : Information Technology Education, Information Apparatus, Line Abacus, Lattice Multiplication, Mechanical Calculator, Computer