E-learning through Virtual Field Trips Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

E-learning through Virtual Field Trips - Essay Example Here the word 'virtual' means "delivered via the Internet" (qtd. in Lai 135) and not taken to mean that it is an unreal experience. "VFTs involve electronic travel, via the Internet, beyond the classroom in either place or time, for the purpose of learning." (Hovell 135). By this definition, VFT can be classified as a form of e-learning. In designing e-learning programs, the delivery of the programs can either be in the (a) synchronous mode, where using technologies such as videoconferencing, interaction with remotely located students is made possible or (b) asynchronous method, using CBTs and WBTs, students work on the lessons independently. It is especially important to consider the merits of an e-learning program with respect to all aspects of the system - the learners, the instructors, access to technology, cost-benefit, value addition to the curriculum, intangible benefits etc. Apart from the challenges posed by virtue of being a form of distance education, e-learning warrants a different attitude to learning relying heavily on the ease of use of the underlying technology. The "Ten Benefits of Learners" (Broadbent 31) include: understanding and recall during online discussions, caters to a wide range of learners with different learning styles, easy access to learning material independent of time and place, ... The purpose of this paper is to: - Introduce the basic concepts and principle of VFT - Provide an overview of how to design a VFT by applying principles in e-learning - Describe the LEARNZ program as working example of VFT - Offer a conclusion regarding the value of VFT as an e-learning tool. Basic Concepts of VFT A Virtual Field Trip is an alternative to an actual field trip and not a substitute. VFTs offer an almost realistic experience by presenting 'an interrelated collection of images, supporting text and/or other media, delivered electronically over the World Wide Web, in a format that can be professionally presented to relate the essence of a visit .." (qtd. in Lai 136). "Bellan & Scheurman (2001) look on virtual and actual field trips 'as complimentary components in a powerful instructional approach' to learning. VFTs can serve as preparatory pre-visit motivators.. and focus attention on things students will see on the actual field trip" (Hovell 137). The essential components of VFT are: data collected during the trip, text used for descriptions, multimedia used for audiovisual effects and the technology that form the 'interactive components'. A logical and dynamic combination of these components, deliver the experience of an actual field trip to a location otherwise inaccessible for study to everyday learners, such the icy waters of the Antarctic Ocean or the architectural marvels of the Egyptian pyramids. The primary entities in the VFT program are: the students, the instructors, the Technology and the curriculum (the learning). Every entity in the system has an important role to play and is inter-connected with every

2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

2 - Essay Example This discussion explains how they American Patriots won the Revolutionary War. American colonies won the Revolutionary War through the use of various strategies that disadvantaged its enemies. It is necessary to explain that a good war is fought by an army that is located near its home. America fought a war that took place on its major colonies and thus it was very easy for military orders, troops and supplies to reach their destination without delay. On the other hand, the British colonized a very expansive region and this means that there were challenges in transporting troops and other military supplies to soldiers. The distance covered by British troops was longer and cumbersome compared to the one covered by American troops. Therefore, geographical barriers became a huge hindrance to the British Empire and this put their troops at a disadvantage (Zinn 55). On the other hand, it was very easy for American troops to be organized and get military supplies and new recruits within a short time. Secondly, Americans had clear objectives that motivated its troops to fight and ensure they were achieved. In addition, Americans supported their troops to help them have adequate supplies that would enable them to fight without being in a disadvantaged position. It is necessary to explain that Americans believed that no country had a right to invade its territory and command its citizens. Therefore, they fought to reject violation of their rights and ensure they were allowed to do what they wanted without restrictions. In addition, America had been colonized by the British for a long time and it was time to become self-governed. One of their main objectives of waging war with Britain was to eliminate the British rule and become independent. It was not easy to become independent without engaging in bloodshed. On the other hand, the British had no

CASE STUDY Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Case Study Example Consultant, while not very well versed with the issues in hospitality industry, was nevertheless of the view that if turnover is a recurring or chronic problem, one must tackle it differently. In this case, while turnover was recognized as consistent problem, recruitment remained the only solution. Gunter’s assumption that issue needed to be looked from different perspective was correct. Consultant’s advice inspired him to investigate turnover and ex employees who had left for better prospects. The resort was seen as major training institute by other resorts who thought of Green Mountain’s alumni employees as top performers. Hence, Gunter took new recruits as opportunity to get hard working and committed workers. The recruits as career building would be able to give excellent level of service and thereby, contribute to resort’s success. It was sound strategy because there will not be shortage of potential top performers as they would continue to wait for their enlistment in the resort. Recruits are motivated because working in the resort is good for career

Interior design - university case study Assignment

Interior design - university case study - Assignment Example ful forces for the effectiveness of school and universities; however this belief must be justified by empirical evidence for its better implementation at practical level. The University of Minnesota is also trying hard to adopt technologies and techniques that will help them improve student learning in the classroom environment. The management and the professors at the University of Minnesota thinks that it is not the laptops, projects or tablets which are considered important for the classroom environment. But it is the swivel chair that contributes towards the effective learning of the students. Research support the fact that the instructors should have students switch and change in a fluid moment rather than make them clunking around and trying to get them into different situations. The researchers at the global education environment think that the role of the teacher should be more of a coach rather than just focusing on the delivery of information which may not even be effectively interpreted by the students. The classrooms at the University of Minnesota are more intentionally designed that positively correlates to the student engagement which helps in improving the rate of student success. When students at the University of Minnesota were questioned about the swiveling chairs and connectable tables, almost 72 percent of the students said that the changes in the interior of the classroom increased the level of concentration and their engagement in classrooms. They also agreed to the fact that changing the interior of the classroom and including more swiveling chairs and connectable tables will help the students to achieve higher grades. After observing the effectiveness of swiveling chairs and connectable tables the University of Minnesota is planning to renovate more classrooms and also the lecture halls for the fall semester. Beside the interior of the class, leadership is also considered to be a powerful force for the effectiveness of student learning.

Design for change in practice Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Design for change in practice - Research Paper Example Design for change in practice is largely based on the framework proposed by Rossuwurm and Larrabee (1999). According to Rossuwurm and Larrabee (1999), design for change in practice is manifested through protocols, procedures, or standards. In the case with communicating terminal diagnosis to patients in order to improve their quality of life design relies on the mechanism of protocols distributed to medical personnel. Since the overall complexity of design determines the likelihood of change acceptance (Rossuwurm and Larrabee, 1999, p.320), protocols contain only well-structured and detailed information regarding terminal diagnosis disclosure practice and follow up procedures aimed to improve patients' quality of life. Because feedback from patients (stakeholders) is essential when designing a change in practice (Rossuwurm and Larrabee, 1999), design also includes a questionnaire produced to measure changes in patients' quality of life. (1) Practice of terminal diagnosis full disclosure. ... As explained by Fitch (1994) once a word like "cancer" or "terminal" is heard, a mental retreat is often enacted and thus true communication may not take place until the stark essence of the initial message has been absorbed. Similarly, when news of terminality are communicated rapidly, the patient may remember very little of what has been said. Therefore, in order to implement this change in practice some patients should have information about their terminal diagnosis divided into manageable stages so that self-perceptions gradually shift from well, to ill, to dying over a period of days or weeks. The fundamental premise of this change in practice is that physicians should exclusively opt the strategy of full disclosure of terminal diagnosis for their patients. (2) Eliminating avoidance practices. The issue of death and dying like any topic or situation that creates anxiety tends to trigger avoidance responses. In medical practice, two types of avoidance may be seen: physical avoidance, in which an individual makes an effort to avoid being in the presence of persons, places or objects that cause anxiety; and topical avoidance, in which a clinician avoids thinking or talking about an anxiety-producing issue. Physicians and nurses tend to avoid patient feelings (i.e., depression, anger, or anxiety) by focusing on the explicit content of the patients' message (Dilbeck, 1996). Related to this response in medical personnel is the finding that patients report that technological interventions and procedures cause them to feel that their need for support through compassion and caring is being denied (Super & Plutko, 1996). Patients cannot

Penn State Scandal Essay Example for Free

Penn State Scandal Essay In this paper I will discuss what the ethical issue is, (and) definitions surrounding the allegations of sexual abuse, by the former Defensive Coordinator, Jerry Sandusky, who had the moral and ethical responsibility to report the incident to the proper authorities, and whether the incident was reported in a timely manner. The origin, values, ethics, honesty, and where a person grew up play an important part of an individual’s character. The definition of right and wrong varies from person to person. While I was growing up I believed that criminal justice meant an eye for an eye. As some people grow older his or her definition changed to, if an individual commits a crime, he or she should be held accountable for his or her actions. However; the punishment should fit the crime and be severe enough so the individual will learn from his or her mistake. A Pennsylvania (Penn) state assistant, Mike McQueary, claims to have witnessed Jerry Sandusky raping a ten-year-old boy in the shower (The New York Times, 2012). Sandusky (former Defensive Coordinator) was a wellrespected member of the Penn State community and good friend to Joe Paterno (former Head Coach). McQueary reported the crime immediately to Paterno. In response to the allegation, both McQueary, and Paterno reported the rape to Administrators Tim Curley (former Athletic Director) and Gary Schultz (former Vice President of Business and Finance) (The New York Times, 2012). The issue is at no time was the crime reported to police authorities. The allegation was simply brushed underneath the rug by several individuals. A crime of this magnitude should be have been reported to the proper authorities followed with legal actions. If this happens at such a prestegeous college, then what’s happening in others? I am very concerned that this may be happening somewhere else right now. I shouldn’t have to worry this, this shouldn’t be happening period. Works Cited Joe Paterno. News. The New York Times, 09 Oct. 2012. Web.

GCSE Macbeth Assignment Essay Example for Free

GCSE Macbeth Assignment Essay Shakespeare wrote Macbeth around 1606. This was a very violent time for the newly recognised British Isles. Just three years earlier, after nearly half a century in power, Queen Elizabeth I had died. She was succeeded by James I (or James VI of Scotland). James was of Scottish heritage and his style of rule was very different to that of Elizabeth who had been strong and imposing character. It would seem that James was a weaker monarch and in 1605, just two years after being crowned, there was a plot to destroy the houses of parliament, a symbol of his power. This is famously known as the Gunpowder Plot and is still commemorated every year on the 5th of November. Most agree that Shakespeare wrote Macbeth (or The Scottish Play) to comment on the underlying mood of the time. He sets his play in Scotland to try and win favour with King James and furthermore, makes the subject matter that of assassination and regicide ending in overall failure, to try and warn other possible plotters against the king. King James was renowned for his fascination and hatred of witches and during his reign tens of thousands of witches were killed. Shakespeare thus makes all the carnage and murder in the play the result of the witches prophecies. Our first impression of Macbeth is a very good one. In only the second scene, before we even meet Macbeth, we hear him referred to as brave Macbeth well he deserves that name. Again, before Macbeth is even introduced to us, King Duncan remarks (with regard to Macbeth and Banquo) they smack of honour both. Although we are also told that Macbeths sword was smoked with bloody execution this is most definitely seen as a positive attribute and not as grounds for worry for the other characters. It could however, be a hint from Shakespeare that things are not completely as they seem. Initially, we see Macbeth as valiant and honourable and the man who, almost single-handedly, has saved the battle for his country. At this point, there is no finite indication of the madness that is to follow. In my opinion, right from the scene where we first meet Macbeth, Shakespeare makes it perfectly clear that he is not completely emotionally or psychologically stable. Whilst returning from the battle, Macbeth and his good friend Banquo encounter the three withes that commenced the play. They tell him, All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, thane of Glamis! All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter. Macbeth is clearly startled by this, but he tries to reason with himself that what has been said cannot possibly be true. After a short jovial interlude with Banquo Angus and Ross arrive and congratulate the two on their victory. Then they endow Macbeth with the title of Thane of Cawdor, and I believe that this is the turning point of the whole play. Macbeth seems almost entranced by this and speaks almost the whole of the rest of the scene to himself. He tries to reason what had just taken place but now, he seems changed. As the play develops, we get a closer insight into Macbeths mental instabilities and nowhere more so than before the murder of Duncan. Shakespeare has purposefully orchestrated a situation to show Macbeths true personality and inner feelings. Macbeth, however bloody and deranged he may seem after his encounter with the witches, is still a respectable man, and killing his king is a very large decision for him to take. Lady Macbeth has completely pressured him into this situation and this in itself shows us that Macbeth is not a strong person at all. We can see this clearly by the fact that Macbeth says We will proceed no further in this business, supposedly putting his foot down. However, by the end of Lady Macbeths response Macbeth is already asking the question If we should fail? This indicates that Lady Macbeth has no respect or fear for Macbeth who, only three scenes earlier was being described as bloody, valiant and honourable. He reminds his wife that Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return to plague thinventor, pondering whether he would be killed if he were to be found out. Possibly in another act of cowardice he never directly tells Lady Macbeth about what he thinks will happen. But instead tells her, This blow might be the be-all and the end-all here. However, Lady Macbeths influence and determination is far greater than his and she forces Macbeth into the committing the deed. Macbeth tells his wife that it would be inhumane to kill King Duncan, I dare do all that may become a man; Who dares do more is none. We can also see that there is a definite element of fear in Macbeth, as when speaking, he refrains from using the word murder. Instead he uses euphemisms, done or it: If it were done whent is done. He uses other words such as, surcease and blow, because Macbeth cannot even bear to say the word murder. Throughout the scene we see flashes of the honourable Macbeth described at the beginning of the play. For instance Macbeth displays a degree loyalty to Duncan when arguing with Lady Macbeth because he tells her, as his host who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself. The words who should mean that although Macbeth accepts that he should have said no to his wife, her influenced has forced him otherwise. In fitting with the times, Shakespeare uses Biblical imagery in his writing. Macbeth says That is virtues will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against the deep damnation of his taking-off. Apart from showing us that Macbeth is fearful of the immediate consequences of his actions, this also reveals his paranoia over the effects it will have on his after-life. The belief that someone would either go to heaven or to hell was virtually taken for granted in the early 17th Century. By using religious imagery in his play, Shakespeare makes sure that his intended audience are able to relate to the play fully. Finally, a stronger side of Macbeth then comes out and he says I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition. Meaning that the only thing spurring him on is his ambition and nothing else, not even the pressure being exerted by his wife. He tells her that she is not affecting his actions, and in doing so, attempts to reassert him authority on the conversation. Shakespeare investigates many different aspects of Macbeths psyche in this short scene. On the one hand, contradictory to the picture of Macbeth that we have built up, Macbeth seems to be very weak. This is shown by the way Lady Macbeth has easily manipulated him and in some ways poisoned his mind. In this scene we also see shades of a more gentle Macbeth coming through, with his reluctance and doubt about killing Duncan. This whole scene leaves the audience very confused. Should they feel sympathy for Macbeth as they watch him try to defend himself against Lady Macbeths barrage of out-downs? Or should they dismiss his reluctance to kill Duncan as a symptom of his schizophrenia (and not that his conscience is catching up with or his more humane side coming out)? I am not even sure that Macbeth quite knows what to think, something that works perfectly for Shakespeare as this layer of uncertainty creates suspense within the audience and forces them to carry on listening. After the murder, we are given yet more insight into Macbeths character. Fleeing from the scene of the crime he shows signs of paranoia. After hearing someone in the distance he shouts Whos there? what, ho! He is clearly not thinking as, having just committed a terrible crime; he should have tried to have stayed undetected. The murder has definitely had an effect on him. He then discovers that luckily, it is only his wife and when he meets her anxiety clouds his thoughts. The first thing that he asks is Didst thou not hear a noise? To calm himself down he persistently asks Lady Macbeth whether she heard noises When?, As I descended? trying to reassure himself that he was not detected and there is nothing to worry about. His speech is edgy and uneasy. It that shows that he has not managed to calm down. Shakespeare usually wrote in iambic pentameters and these short one-word questions distort the flow of this pattern and are meant to indicate the paranoia and nervousness of Macbeth and his wife. Macbeth must have been extremely perturbed when he was in the room with Duncan. He says this is a sorry sight, whilst he is looking at his hands. This indicates that the killing was messy and later, Macbeth describes them as hangmans hands. This could mean that Macbeth is disgusted and sorrowful for committing such a disgraceful crime and that he is showing signs of remorse. He continues to use euphemisms, such as deed to block out and forget the murder as much as he can. Shakespeare tries to give the audience the impression that Macbeth is sorry for his actions and not a cold-blooded person. Shakespeare also gives Macbeth another human element whereby he has him looking down at his hands, something that many people can identify with. Macbeth then goes on to talk about the deed. He mentions that when the two grooms were in the room with Duncan one cried, Murder! As Macbeth has refrained from using this tabooed word throughout the passage he must be very unstable to finally use it. Shakespeare also uses an exclamation mark which is meant to startle the audience and create suspense with a short pause. The short pause here is in start contrast to Macbeths other words which are written to be spoken very quickly. This is to give the audience the idea that Macbeth wants to forget his experience and get it off his chest as quickly as possible. A good example is when Macbeth is again talking about the two grooms, That they did wake each other: I stood and heard them; but they did say their prayers, and addressed them again to sleep. What Macbeth says next can also tell us much about his inner feelings. He does not respond to Lady Macbeths remark There are two lodged together, but instead carries on as if she were not there. This is a sure sign, as if it were needed, that he has been deeply affected by the prior events. He speaks in a jumbled fashion but yet his flow is uninterrupted. He refers to the Biblical terms used by the guards, G-d bless us! and Amen. He then says that he could not respond to the statement G-d bless us with the traditional Amen. This is probably because, looking at his blood soaked hands and thinking about what he has done he feels that he has badly dishonoured his religion Muddling his sentences, once more reveals the volatile state of his mind and his inability to think straight. Obsessed with the betrayal of his religion, he continues to talk about his inability to say Amen. He also mentions, I had most need of blessing. Here, Macbeth must be thinking about what will happen to him in the afterlife and whether he will be eternally damned for his actions. Macbeth then carries on to talk about sleep. He tells us that sleep is innocent, hinting that whilst he is asleep, he does not feel the guilt of whatever cruel actions he has taken during the day. He says that sleeps is great natures second course, referring to his life as a meal and saying that his innocent sleep is the best course. Then his words take on a dark tone. Again, completely ignoring what Lady Macbeth has said, he carries on in an entranced state. He says Macbeth does murder sleep Glamis hath murderd sleep, and therefore Cawdor Shall sleep no more; Macbeth shall sleep no more. The fact that he can no longer escape to his innocent sleep because Cawdor and Glamis (he does not mention his own name or talk in the first person, probably through guilt) have murdered it evidently disturbs Macbeth. In my opinion, Shakespeare uses makes Macbeth say Cawdor and Glamis to remind the audience of the significance of the prophecy by the witches to the plot of the play and specifically the murder. Finally, the audience are shown that Macbeth is broken and hysterical. Macbeth has given up and is reluctant to carry on. Ill go on no more: I am afraid to think what I have done. Macbeth believes that he cannot carry on through fear of being discovered and that he would be constantly reminded of this great sin. This scene reiterates to the audience Macbeths insanity and shows us many of his emotions that we have already seen such. However, we see yet another side to Macbeths persona in the form of his religiousness. The audience is now confronted with someone who initially was the archetypal hero, but now is the complete antithesis. During the play the audience have seen his rationality and his insanity, his treachery and honour and both his bravery and cowardice. Now furthermore, we see his spirituality. Again, the audience cannot help but be bemused about who the real Macbeth is and at this point in the play, which signals Macbeths psychological demise, this serves a brilliant dramatic purpose in that the audience really do not know what to expect next. The final act regards Macbeths demise. After hearing that Macbeth has murdered his entire family, Macduff (who has had his doubts about Macbeth ever since the murder of Duncan) joins forces with Prince Malcolm (Duncans son who fled to England after hearing of his fathers death).Meanwhile, Macbeth has visited the witches again paranoid of Macduffs challenge to his crown. They told him that he has nothing to worry to about for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth and that he was alright until Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane shall come against him. At the beginning of Act 5 Scene 3, Macduff is already advancing on Macbeth. Macbeth seems confident and he insists, bring me no more reports: let them fly all. He is obviously not worried, however desperate the situation may seem because he truly believes that what the witches have told him is true. Shakespeare is possibly hinting this when he uses the word fly which has connotations of witchcraft. We are then reminded of Macbeths valiant side we were told about at the beginning of the play. He shows fearlessness by describing his servant as a cream-faced loon, meaning that he is pale faced and fearful. Macbeth therefore tells the servant to prick thy face, and over-red thy fear. Here telling him to cut himself and cover his face with the blood to look less pale. The Macbeth speaking now able to talk about subjects like shedding blood and feels no need to replace such words with euphemisms. This could be a sign that either Macbeth has lost all the guilt and remorse for his past murders, or that he is completely insane and no longer has any humanity left. We see flashes of this valiant Macbeth throughout the act. An example of this is when he says Ill fight, till from my bones my flesh be hacked. Macbeth is then greeted with the news that in the words of his messenger The wood began to move He wonders whether the witches have deceived him, and he sets out fighting even though it may be in vain. He crosses Siwards son. Macbeth is very arrogant about his clash with Siwards son, because the witches predictions have proved correct so far, and they have told him not to fear any human born of a woman. Siwards Son asks him his name, and as if a man assured of victory he replies Thoult be afraid to hear it. He finally answers My names Macbeth, this short phrase shows how self-assured Macbeth is. It also carries alliteration when spoken. The conflict concludes with Siwards Sons death. Macbeth makes a speech in soliloquy after killing Siward, But swords I smile at, weapons laugh to scorn, Brandished by man thats of a woman born. The rhyming couplet gives his image a boost by convincing the audience that he is invincible. He assures himself that he has power and control over fate. When Macbeth meets Macduff, he tries to take the same tone as with Siwards Son. He tells Macduff that I bear a charmed life, which must not yield To one of woman born Macduff replies Despair thy charm Macduff was from his mothers womb Untimely rippd. At this Macbeth is clearly startled and he curses the witches accusing them of being juggling fiends, because they have tricked him through juggling their words. When Macbeth accepts Macduffs challenge, even though he knows the end is near, the valiant and honourable side of his character shines through again. Macduff calls Macbeth a coward and tells him to yield. Possibly in one final maniac act of desperation he accepts the challenge and does not yield. He says that he cannot be dishonoured, to kiss the ground before young Malcolms feet. This is very clever as it uses distinct imagery that is easy to relate to. He goes on to say I will not yield to be baited with the rabbles curse, saying that if he yields even common people will tease him. He goes forth to battle with Macduff and is killed. Shakespeares Macbeth is on of the classic tragic figures in literary history. He personifies a mans corruption as a result of power. From our initial view of him, as what can only be described as a hero, we see him fall into an abyss of mental instability and eventually insanity. Shakespeare investigates many ideas such as, things not being as they seem, feminine influence and the overall result of regicide. He uses many cleverly crafted semantic fields such as clothes (why do you dress me in borrowd robes) and a mans face (Theres daggers in mens smiles). These all work as clever imagery to further entice the audience. Apart from being a tragic hero, Macbeth is also one of the most complicated of all of Shakespeares characters. He goes through almost every emotion that we have a word for, and his feelings always contradict. First we think he is a fearless warrior, and then we see him bullied by his heartless wife. This serves a superb dramatic purpose for Shakespeare as the audience are never sure what to think or what to expect next. The conclude, the play Macbeth is undoubtedly one of Shakespeares greatest masterpieces and is a timeless piece of theatre with its core, being the dramatic enigma that it the character, Macbeth.