Learning And Communicating Online Education Essay

Learning And Communicating Online Education Essay The purpose of this paper was to express the extent of agreement with collaborative learning approaches. Thorough research on the subject of collaboration and the methods that are implemented by educators proved that there are more positives than negatives. This paper delves deep into the information that was discovered along the journey. The information contained within will help to prove that collaboration is a valuable tool for learning. This paper focuses on the importance of teaching students from a young age to work in collaboration with their peers. It shows that there is a wealth of information for students of all ages to learn from one another while participating collaboratively. It also points out the importance of working in groups to build on a students social, management and inquisitive skills. Collaboration will assist students in building upon the knowledge that they already have. Like all things in life, for every positive there is a negative and this report also covers a few of those negative points. Learning environments have changed progressively over the past 10 years. Continued use of antiquated methods, of instruction is harming students, and not allowing students to explore their full potential. The traditional whole class approach to education has outgrown its usefulness. Whole class instruction was a product of the industrial revolution to provide education to the masses (Shachar 2005). Years ago, the path to higher education was something that people undertook in their younger years, now higher education is something that is carried out by people of all ages and backgrounds. There is an assortment of training options available now to anybody that wants to further their education. They include; traditional on campus (full or part time), work based training (apprenticeship / traineeship), or an online degree (with no physical contact hours at all). Education has ventured out of the class room and into the virtual world. This change in educational venue has also seen the way that students are encouraged to learn develop. With the evolution of education, has come the growing interest in online degrees. The way that students participate with others while undertaking these online degrees, is collaboratively over the internet. Collaboration is a key to achieving goals. Because it allows students to build on knowledge they already possess, by interacting with other students. It is a way to receive feedback from their peers and educator in a less formal way than within the classroom. Although there are negatives to collaboration, according to the research conducted, the positives outweigh the negatives. Students learn how to interact in a professional manner within their learning groups and they build on their social and management skills. Collaborative learning can be defined as an instructional method in which students work together in small groups towards a common goal. Co-operative learning is defined as a structured form of group work where students pursue common goals but are assessed individually. Co-operative learning can be encompassed within the definition of collaborative learning (Prince 2013). Collaboration implemented in the early years of learning builds a foundation for success, both at school and in life. It can provide a positive attitude towards school and learning. Collaboration also teaches students how other people think (Battistich, Watson 2005), and build a set of skills that will be useful throughout their school years and into their careers. Co-operative learning reduces the gap between students, it has been found to provide significant support to students who are slow learners (Shachar 2005). Through collaboration, students are interacting with others from different backgrounds and learning abilities. The diversity that students are faced with is of particular benefit to their learning (McWhaw et al. 2005). Collaboration provides students with the opportunity to verbalise their thoughts and to analyse other peoples ideas. These thoughts facilitate understanding through cognitive restructuring on those who teach learn the most. Group members not only capitalise on the interaction between themselves and their peers but they learn how to problem solve by participating in the groups collective thoughts (Terwel 2005). Students find that when receiving feedback from their peers throughout their educational journey, that their learning experience is enriched. They feel as though they have a better knowledge of the information that has been presented to them and that their retention levels of new subject matter are greater. Collaboration represents an interaction where students are given more power over their learning than traditional methods (McWhaw et al. 2005). It is a method, in which students are their own time keepers. Students are able to invest as much time as they feel is necessary to achieve their goals. A common way of teaching students to work collaboratively is to assign them to groups to work through a problem. Groups have a greater potential to solve complex problems in challenging contexts, they bring more knowledge, skill and experience to the work than any individual could (Hackman, 2011). When working in small groups, there are various methods that can be utilised to help establish a sense of community and interaction between students. These include; case studies, role-playing, debates and threaded discussions (Lou, Macgregor 2004). For groups to be successful, the students must have a set plan of action. They need to allocate tasks to individual group members, and know that the task will be completed. A specific skill set should be utilised by the students to ensure that they are benefitting from the group sessions. Students will need to show that they are able to be open, have good leadership (able to follow instructions as well as give them), be inquisitive (ask for clarification from other group members regarding information provided by them) and show that they have good judgement (Bosworth 1994). With the development of social media and other online mediums, it has been increasingly easier for educators to set collaborative tasks for students. Online mediums such as BlackboardTM, Adobe Connect and Collaborate are integral parts of educator controlled collaboration. Weekly tasks are posted to blackboard for completion by the students. The activities ask for members of the group to actively participate in posting the answers to the said activity, and to provide feedback on a post, or to ask a question of fellow students. Adobe Connect and Collaborate are two programs that work in similar ways. They both provide an online platform for lectures / tutorials. These sessions are held by educators in regards to assignments and instructional information; they are beneficial for students to attend. It allows them the opportunity to ask real time questions of their peers and educator in relation to the information that is being presented. There is also the opportunity to ask any relevant questions in relation to the subject, and to be provided with an answer on the spot from a peer or educator. Social networking sites (Facebook and Twitter) are morphing into new channels for collaboration and innovation. They are increasingly tapping into the collaborative mindset in ways that continue to evolve (Moore, Neely 2011). Take students at Swinburne University for example. They have set up Facebook groups (which are independent from the university) for subjects that are offered by Swinburne. Students from a subject are welcome to join the particular group for the said subject. Within these groups, students have contact with other students who are studying the same subject, but may be from a different online learning group. These subject groups on Facebook are a wealth of knowledge. The students ability to be able to ask a question or an opinion from a myriad of students, gives them access to a broader knowledge base. Students within these groups also share information that they think may be of benefit to other students. As a result of questioning the effectiveness of collaboration in approaches to learning, it was found that there are negatives with collaborative learning. It has been noted that students feel as though greater involvement by all students within their online groups would make weekly activities more relevant to their studies. Collaboration is only as good as the involvement of students. If activities are only completed by a few students, then the benefits of the activity are going to be low. The greater the involvement, the more beneficial it is going to be. As the collaborative process is still evolving, there will always remain an element of unpredictability within the group environment. Students may find it hard to overcome their learning style that is their mindset. Some may find it easier to work alone and others may rebel and refuse to work with individuals within the group (Banerjee 2012). It was found that those who are rebellious are more likely to be high achieving students. These students do not want their grades to be effected by other students (Shachar 2005). Students working within groups may feel as though they are the ones doing the heavy lifting. There could be students within the group that do not contribute as much as other students. The act of not performing up to scratch is commonly referred to as social loafing. The challenge with groups is to identify what it takes for groups to exploit their considerable potential while avoiding the dysfunctions that await the unwary (Hackman, 2011). In conclusion, thorough research was conducted on the subject of collaborative approaches to learning. While carrying out the research for this paper, it became quite clear from the outset that there are more positives in relation to collaboration than negatives. When students collaborate, they are interacting with people from different backgrounds and learning abilities. Research showed that the implementation of collaborative exercises in the early years of a students education assisted them in gaining a positive attitude to learning, and to build a foundation for success in both school and life. One of the most common ways of collaboration in an online medium is to place the students in small learning groups. The communication that happens in these collaborative groups, gives students the opportunity to verbalise their thoughts, ask questions of their fellow group members and analyse other peoples ideas. Students that work within these groups, have the ability to solve more complex problems within a quicker time period. Social media and other online mediums have contributed to the accessibility of collaboration for students. Not only are online sessions set by educators for the students to attend, but there is a greater occurrence of student led collaboration through mediums such as Facebook and Twitter. This new age in technology will continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace in the future, bringing with it more ways for students to enhance their learning experience. Research showed that there are negatives in relation to collaboration. There is an element of unpredictability with the group environment. Students working within these groups may feel as though they are contributing more than others. Some students find that it is easier to work alone (their learning style dictates this), while others may be rebellious and refuse to work with members of the group. The contributing factor to this theory is that high achieving students do not want their grades to be effected by the work carried out amongst the group. Students also feel as though a larger contribution from all students in their online groups would be of greater benefit. The old adage of more is better, is correct in this instance. With the involvement of only a few, there isnt as much information to be absorbed by the students. Once again, in conclusion the research carried out in relation to this paper, has proven that collaboration is important to learning.

King Lear - Power Corrupts Essay -- essays research papers

Power is the ability to manipulate and control whatever one desires; to do what one pleases to do without answering to authority. The power that corrupts the characters plays an extensive role throughout Shakespeare’s play, King Lear. Goneril and Regan are corrupted by the power that Lear offers them. Edmund’s corruption comes from the trust of his father. Absolute power corrupts absolutely with the characters, because once have full control, they are so cold that they will do anything to keep the power – or to gain more. The quest for power corrupts, but when absolute power is attained, treachery and deceit is the only path to take. The power that Lear gives to Goneril and Regan makes them treacherous and deceitful. Lear offers his land to his daughters – Goneril and Regan – but in return they must profess their love for him: â€Å"which of you shall we say doth love us most, that we our largest bounty may extend.† (1, 1, 56-57) By doing this, Lear gives an opportunity for his daughters to take advantage of him. Goneril â€Å"loves [him] more than words can wield the matter’ (1, 1, 60) and the same goes for Regan saying, â€Å"[Goneril] comes too short, that [she] profess [herself] an enemy of all other joys.† (1, 1, 79-80) They don’t really love Lear, but instead they love the power that Lear gives them. Once Lear had given the land to his daughters, the power that they have corrupts them. When Lear needs a place to stay, the daughters are not quick to react; Goneril allows him to stay...

Rant on Homework Essay

Homework†¦Why do we have homework? I know that it is the most essential part in kids life for education, at least that is what teachers would say. But, what is the reason for doing homework after school when you have been working hard all day. Therefore, I feel that homework isn’t necessary because all it does is that it cause stress. Solving problem after problem, reading chapter after chapter, and studying for tests, quizzes makes the students frustrated and that leads them to dropping out school as well. Moreover, homework isn’t only wasting the student’s time but the teachers time as well. By marking and grading homework, teachers are wasting their time. So teachers, please don’t blame us the we wasted your time. Some people assume that homework is useful for teachers to watch student’s progress but I firmly believe that homework is sent home to test the parents, not the children. I think that teachers can watch the student’s progress in school better because teachers don’t know that at home who did the homework, the parent, the student or the internet (Google) People also think that homework helps parents to understand that the school holds high goals for students. But, I consider that school work is harder than homework and that means that parents can understand that the school holds higher goals than they think. Furthermore, homework becomes terrible if no one can help you. If no one can help you then you are doing work that you don’t understand, and if you don’t understand it what’s the point having the work that you can’t even do. I really, strongly believe that more kids would stay in school and have a better learning experience if they did not have the stress of homework. Lastly, homework means more papers used, which also means more trees to be cut down, which will lead to the environment getting screwed over. To me, homework is the cause of global warming. You think I’m kidding? No I am not. I’m being logical here. Think about it.

Langston Hughes Poetry Essay Essays

Langston Hughes Poetry Essay Essays Langston Hughes Poetry Essay Paper Langston Hughes Poetry Essay Paper allows the poem to flow freely, allowing Hughes to emphasise the theme within. Imagery is displayed by the simile used in lines 15-16 when freedom is described as a strong seed planted in great need to accentuate the longing of wanting to belong to society. In the Theme for English B Hughes exemplifies the segregation further by word choice such as coloured (Line 7) and white (Line 27), which represent hierarchies depending on skin colour. In each poem emotive language is used by Hughes to achieve a direct link to themes, such examples of this are let the page come out of you (Theme for English B, Line 4), democracy will not come (Democracy, Line 1) and I Too Am American (I Too Sing America, Line 17). The poems titles help to convey the tone by positioning the reader to sympathise the African Americans. I Too Sing America depicts that whilst he is black, he too sings the national anthem of the country he is from. Democracy holds the reflection of the justice system and how black people are treated inferior to white society. Through these literary features, Hughes helps the reader to view the segregation of white and black society. The themes in Hughes poems, Theme for English B, Democracy and I Too Sing America, position the reader to sympathise with Black society. Common themes held in all three poems are discrimination, racism and segregation which position white people to be the perpetrators of injustice, whilst black society as the victims. In Theme for English B the narrator exclaims that black people like similar things to white society such as to eat, sleep, drink, to be in love, work, read, learn and understand and life (Lines 21-22), posing the reader with the question as to how the races differ. I Too Sing America speaks of the discrimination at being made to eat in the kitchen (Line 3) and mistreated but then of hope, hope for change when he will be at the table (Line 9) and accepted as part of white society. Democracy allows the reader to empathise with the African Americans, accentuated by the themes of longing, acceptance and tiredness. In lines 10-12 it is stated I tire so from hearing people say tomorrow is another day showing the loneliness experienced by African Americans. It is through these themes Hughes positions the reader to view the segregation of white and black society in America in his poems. In his poems, Theme for English B, Democracy and I Too Sing America, Langston Hughes exposes the segregation of white and black society throughout Americas history. The illustration of social class is enhanced by the use of literary features, themes and creation of atmosphere and tone. The perspective chosen by the author, from the view of an African American, exemplifies the emotions portrayed within. Throughout these poems, Hughes positions the reader to view the unjust times African Americans have faced throughout history and hardships they still face today.

Marita Golden is bringing up the idea if you read Essays

Marita Golden is bringing up the idea if you read Essays Marita Golden is bringing up the idea if you read more you will become a stronger writer. The major argument that she is creating is that if you read more in-depth readings you will enhance your writing skills which will make an individual a stronger writer. Golden talks about how readers now tend to read things like blog posts and social media posts rather than reading in-depth novels and other challenging materials. She says that this shows in her student's papers that they don't understand that the topics they are covering have already been wr itten about time and time again. I feel as though as if this interview has a lot of truth behind it. The more that I read, the better writer I become. Reading in-depth articles helps expand my vocabulary and m y knowledge on different topics. Reading also opens me up to different writing styles. This text would've been easier to understand if I had more background knowledge on Marita Golden to understand her background and why she chose to be such a strong reader. She answers this question, but her response was vague. I wish I knew more about her upbringing and how her parents raised her, and whether they put more emphasis on her white culture or black culture. Overall, the author uses personal experiences to bring attention to the fact that this generation is a group of poor writers. Their lack of reading shows in their lack of ability to write in-depth papers and other writings.

Letter Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5

Letter - Assignment Example Should the misunderstanding between Felicia and Curt persist, E&Y is most likely to lose its highly esteemed clients because of the eminent and unprofessional attendance they experience. It is appreciable that Felicia has been a great mentor and serves diligently as the client team leader at E&Y for two and a half years. Being the Department Supervisor, your immediate attention is critical to addressing the situation. Your actions are also important to getting a viable resolution to the disagreement that would enable the two work efficiently and in coordination. Therefore, there is necessity that you schedule for another meeting in which you will resolve the contentious issue affecting E&Y. In addition, a meeting with Felicia and Curt would help solve their existing disagreements and subsequently prevent future challenges to attending to clients at E&Y. Moreover, peace would remain maintained within our department besides enhancement of the relationship between Tulsa office of Ernst & young and E &Y client Midcontent

Foreign Policies on Climate Change Memorandum Essay

Foreign Policies on Climate Change Memorandum - Essay Example First, to avert the potential dangers stemming from climate change in Africa and United States, the State has created multiple agencies to fight this menace. The president tasks each agency with specific responsibilities that are related to minimizing the effects of global challenges. This is because if unchecked, temperature increase could lead to food shortage and droughts. These responsibilities feature all probable potential consequences of climate change as well as allow for the addition of the unforeseen effects. Disasters arising from climate change effects, for example, storms are usually under the direct control of FEMA. However, delegate certain disasters like the rise in sea levels fall under the Department of Security. Also, other agencies are tasked with the responsibilities constructing canals and water dam plans in arid and semi-arid parts of the continent. This proposal has the advantage that it requires little funding and few initial resources. Furthermore, it provides helpful guides should any crisis arise. What is more is that responsibilities are made clear thus averting any conflicts that might arise due to inter- agency conflicts. The conflicts could potentially lead to wastage of money time, money, and even risk lives. Secondly, Africa has been hosting climate change summit after every two years. In particular, this helps keep the subject of climate change within the public discourse. It also fosters the pressure that results from an actionable strategy for climate change.