What Extent Can Virtual Learning Environments Essay Example

What Extent Can Virtual Learning Environments? Essay There has been a significant increase in the number of students enrolled in universities in the United Kingdom over the last two decades (Saunders and Gale, 2012:847). With a larger number of students, this results in larger class sizes in many institutions. Larger classes with traditional face-to-face teaching may not be efficient enough for students to obtain sufficient knowledge. A solution to this problem is the use of virtual learning environments (VLEs). Shea and Bidjerano (2010, cited in Matzat, 2013:40) stated that online and blended learning is likely to become an important part of the educational system. According to Zhang and Xie (2012:2236), nowadays, technology has developed to such a stage where high speed internet and broadband networks allow the access of actual laboratory resources. This will allow students to access laboratory tools and high performance software from their homes. Reid (2001, cited in Khorsandi et al, 2012:481) reported that there have also been the development and use of online faculty evaluations for students. Virtual learning environments, as defined by Leese (2009:72), are described as an environment which is computer-based and involves the sharing of information between learners and tutors. This essay will assert that using VLEs in an efficient manner can help improve the learning experiences of the student and also encourage behavior of students to take part in and out of class activities. The first part of this essay will look at the positive aspects of VLEs starting with how they are beneficial to students and teachers, then how VLEs encourage students to engage with in and out of class activities, and lastly how VLEs can be used to modify and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching in higher education. To begin with, there are many benefits that both students and teachers can gain from using VLEs. We will write a custom essay sample on What Extent Can Virtual Learning Environments? specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on What Extent Can Virtual Learning Environments? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on What Extent Can Virtual Learning Environments? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer VLEs contain many features, to name a few they include access to course materials, assessments, podcast, and discussion board. In a study by Saunders and Gale (2012:857), 90 % of students found that access to course materials through the use of VLEs was ranked highly for enhancing the learning experience. The reason for this was because VLEs allowed all students to gain access to the course material flexibly even in large classes. Furthermore students who missed the lecture could also review their class materials and test their understanding. In another study by Lonn and Teasley (2009:91), the findings report that students find podcast material to be beneficial to their studying. Podcast materials are used for reviewing concepts and issues that were presented in lectures. Once again, for students who missed some lectures they could still acquire the knowledge, issues and concepts that were presented in class. At the end of a course, VLEs can still be used for gathering teaching evaluations. From Khorasandi et al (2012:483), the results showed that students preferred performing evaluations online. Two of the main reasons why the students preferred online evaluations were because of anonymity and privacy. Apparently, it can be seen that VLEs benefit both students and teachers because it allows flexibility for students to access materials and allowing privacy and anonymity in performing evaluations. According to Leese (2009), it has become important that students need to develop certain skills in order to succeed in higher education. The objective of the study was to encourage student engagement in and out of class activities in order to obtain certain skills through the use of VLEs. At the end of the study, students commented that they were able to acquire a number of skills including using technology, teamwork, and presentations. Zhang and Xie (2012:2236) also reported that VLE helped students engage in investigation of authentic problems. Through the use of high speed internet, students could access laboratory tools and high performance software which aid their out of class assignments. Seemingly, it can be seen that technology and the internet can encourage behavior of student to engage in and out of class activities. As living in the 21st century the internet performs a considerable role. Supposedly, it is able to provide access to many resources from serious educational knowledge to humorous entertainment; it can change and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching in so many ways. With the help of VLEs course materials can be accessed easily and students can always review materials through podcasts, it is time for instructors to change their teaching styles not only improve the performance of students in and out of class but also get higher outcomes . From Heaton-Shrestha’s et al (2005:383) study, the staff reported that VLE had an impact on their teaching processes. Some staff had to change the way materials were prepared and designed moreover, how feedback was assessed and given to their students. According to Lonn and Teasley (2009:92), podcasting can allow instructors to focus on the main concepts and devote the time to other teaching strategies. With more time available, instructors are able to devote more time into face-to-face discussions and other innovative activities. With some changes add on the traditional face-to-face teaching, learning experience of students can be greatly enhanced. In conclusion, the essay has shown that VLEs can improve student engagement and performance. Used in an efficient manner, it can help improve the learning experiences of the students and also encourage students to perform better with in and out of class activities. Nevertheless, VLEs may not be able to replace the face-to-face lectures but when it is used in an efficient manner, VLE enhances the students’ learning. Students have found VLEs useful for downloading course materials and accessing multiple choice quizzes and case studies. Furthermore, students are able to acquire a number of skills through VLEs such as teamwork, presentation skills and also development in process of learning. While there are many factors that affect student interactions with VLEs, it can be said that VLEs greatly enhance the students’ learning experience in higher education. It is also important to know that with the aid of VLEs, the traditional face-to-face teaching must be modified. In future, instructors must change their teaching styles from merely lectures to student-centered approaches and create better environments for a wide variety of learning opportunities as a whole. Words Count: 1021 References * Heaton-Shrestha, C. , Edirisingha, P. , Burke, L. and Linsey, T. (2005). Introducing a VLE into campus-based undergraduate teaching: Staff perspectives on its impact on teaching. International Journal of Educational Research, 43, 370-386. Khorsandi, M. , Kobra, A. , Ghobadzadeh, M. , Kalantari, M. and Seifei, M. (2012). Online vs. Traditional Teaching Evaluation: A Cross-Sectional Study. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 46, 481-483. Leese, M. (2009). Out of class—out of mind? The use of a virtual learning environment to encourage student engagement in out of class activities. British Journal of Educational Technology, 40(1), 70-77. Lonn, S. and Teasley, S. D. (2009). Podcasting in higher education: What are the implications for teaching and learning? Internet and Higher Education, 12, 88-92. Maltby, A. and Mackie, S. (2009). Virtual learning environments – help or hindrance for the ‘disengaged’ student?. ALT-J, Research in Learning Technology, 17(1), 49-62. Matzat, U. (2013). Do blended virtual learning communities enhance teachers professional development more than purely virtual ones? A large scale empirical comparison. Computers and Education, 60, 40-51. Saunders, F. C. nd Gale, A. W. (2012). Digital or didactic: Using learning technology to confront the challenge of large cohort teaching. British Journal of Educational Technology, 43(6), 847-858. Sharpe, R. , Benfield, G. , Roberts, G. and Francis, R. (2006). The undergraduate experience of blended e-learning: a review of UK literature and practice. York: The Higher Education Academy. Zhang, X. S. and Xie H. (2012). Learning by Doing Approach in the Internet Environment to Improve the Teaching Efficiency of Information Technology. Procedia Physics, 24, 2231-2236.

How and why was Stalin able to gain power essays

How and why was Stalin able to gain power essays There are different interpretations of how and why Stalin was able to gain power, either concentrating on his own actions and abilities, or the situation at the time and the failure of his opponents. It would appear that the success of Stalin was due to both his own strengths and actions in the political arena and the weaknesses displayed by his opponents, in relation to the prevailing circumstances of the time. Stalin was, by opportunism or careful planning, able to gain control of the party machine and use it to his advantage, and use his own political skills to out manoeuvre his opponents, while they often displayed lackluster tactics in a vain attempt to win the support of a party loyal to Stalin. The political positions to which Stalin was elevated within the Communist Party were undoubtedly of major importance in his successful campaign to establish himself as the leader of the USSR. Before the death of Lenin it was evident that Stalin had huge power within the party machine, as Lenin himself expressed in his Testament, and Lynch explains the accumulation of this power in reference to the nature of Soviet government from 1917 onwards, as the lack of precedent and guidelines led to the creation of individual advancement which would, ordinarily, not exist. The acquisition by Stalin of his political offices from 1917 to 1922 increased his power over the party machine immensely, as he found himself with more authority over both personnel and policy. Most importantly, his appointment to the position of General Secretary of the Communist Party in 1922 put him in the position of being the vital link-man with access to personal files of all party members and the responsibility f or recording and conveying party policy. The power of patronage, which also came along with this position, though not Lenins intention, gave Stalin the power to place supporters in key positions and the power to ...

Manipulation through Media Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Manipulation through Media - Movie Review Example Both these movies are targeted to politically aware urban audience and use various media manipulation techniques like camera angles and shots, sound effects, literary elements etc. Camera angles and shots have been used effectively to bring out the desired effect. For example an extreme long shot emphasizes the background. In V for Vendetta, this shot has been used in the first scene when Guy Fawkes enters the room. To give the effect of a general view, a long shot is used where the scale of an object could be like a small human body. It has been used in this movie when V is coming from the alley. A medium shot is framed at a distance which makes an object four or five feet high to fill the screen. It is used to keep people in the longer shots. This shot has been used when the lady was going to spray on the 'finger guys'. A close up shot normally zooms in which the scale of an object is fairly large. This is done to focus on the facial expressions. This has been used on The Big Brother like character and V speaking in the alley. In another scene where chancellor is speaking to the people is an extreme close up that focuses on the mouth of the speaker to make t he words important. When Guy Fawkes is moving the gunpowder barrel, panning camera movement is used to create the mood as well as establishe the viewer's relationship with the subject. When Evey is moving the cart in the building a tracking shot is used which is a mobile framing that travels through space forward, backward, or laterally following the subject to give an authentic and spontaneous effect. When the filmmaker wants the audience to know everything that is going on, a crane shot is used, for example: girl is walking in the street after time. To make an interesting illusion of a still photograph, Freeze frame shot is used which is a shot that is taken and paused to focus on the image and facial expression for example: focusing on V's mask when he is talking to Evey. For creating tension, a tilted shot is used. This is used in this film when he is in a fight to create the desired effect of tension. High key and low key lighting is also used to create contrast between light a nd dark areas. It gives a dramatic effect. In this film low key is used when Guy Fawkes is hiding from the guards and high key is used when party leader is talking to inner party. To show the intensity of the situation a gradual transition from highlights to shadows is done to create sharp edged shadows. This is done when Guy Fawkes comes out to be hanged. To bring out the importance of two different scenes shot-reverse-shot is used in which two or more shots are edited together that alternate characters, typically in a conversation situation. This is done by dividing the screen to two when Evey and V are getting prepared while the TV is on. To bring focus to an important object deep and sharp focus is used with a blurred image. For example, while evey turned the TV off, she was blurred and the focus was on the remote. To give the illusion of past, a flash back scene with faded colors is used. Mood is created through music also like drums and marching sounds. Literary element is used in the movie 'Wag the Dog' from the title itself, which is a take off on the proverb of the dog wags the tail. It should not be the opposite - the tail should not wag the dog. In this

Reaction about the Movie The Road Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Reaction about the Movie The Road - Essay Example Other complimentary characters are introduced as the theme of the story builds gradually. The Road is an awesome movie with well-coordinated scenes that result in a tear-jerking film on how a family struggles together in search of a better day. No depiction of the events that had just happened to earth is given. In any case, there is no need for that since no explanation is valid enough for the horrific scene that the movie presents. The viewers see a horrid scene of ash and a planet that is reduced to a vanishing, crumbling husk. There is no food or any form of life or a habitable place. Human bodies are strewn all over, bodies of survivors who were scared of cannibalism and had given up hope. Viggo and his son saunter to the south, closer to the equator, to avoid the harsh winter conditions. That presents the only hope in the movie â€Å"the road†, a road where humans are now cannibals and have to eat each other to survive, creating a dreadful scene of misery. The few surviv ors are no longer morally upright and need to feast on each other with abandon. An interesting contrast is created between â€Å"good guys† and â€Å"bad guys†, and this presents the concept of morality captivatingly. Morality and humanity drive the thesis in a simple approach that is easy to understand by even non-movie enthusiasts. Viggo presents a brilliant performance that typifies a man who believes in a better day. The characters anticipate an early death and are perplexed on whether to die or trudge on. The destruction of the world renders father and son homeless and makes them desperate scavengers with a miserable future and a desperate need to preserve humanity. The movie is unique in the way that it presents the story through the perception of the protagonists. There are no Hollywood representations in the presentation, just two main characters with a realistic need to survive.  

Can Marriage Be Saved Essay Example for Free

Can Marriage Be Saved Essay Can Marriage Be Saved? Written by: Frank Furstenberg Summer 2005 I chose the article â€Å"Can Marriage Be Saved? † written by Frank Furstenberg. This article was found under the â€Å"topics for course papers† section of our syllabus, link number four. I felt that the article was very much true to life. I agree that marriage seems to last a lifetime for the more educated and wealthy. I see all too often young adults getting married just because they have become pregnant or for the wrong reasons. This theory rarely seems to work. This usually causes problems for the young family because neither person is ready to take on the major responsibility that having a family at such a young age brings. This relates very close to my life because I was married and had my first child at the age of 16. With the lack of education and work experience that I had, it made it almost impossible to support and provide for my child. Needless to say, I found myself divorced and a 16 year old single parent six months later. The struggles of being married without an education or a career are a huge strain on a relationship. It is almost unheard of to have the idea, 1960’s, type of lifestyle these days. It was very common for the woman to be the homemaker and the caregiver for the children during this time while the man worked and provided for his family. Now, it is almost forced upon most families to have a middle class lifestyle or above in order to live a comfortable life. With this being said, it is crucial for both parties of the marriage to obtain a higher education and to work full time. Adding a child to the mix of working, school and trying to find time to be a parent can be a disaster. No wonder most marriages end almost as soon as they begin. I believe the best way we can change these old habits is to set better examples for our children and instill high values in them to get a college degree and make sure they have a strong career path before tackling the challenge of marriage and having a family. I believe marriage has a much higher chance of success if you have your education and career in order first. Once you have a good balance of values in your life, then you should consider marriage and a family.

Starbucks Coffee :: Starbucks Coffee Case Study

Starbucks Coffee Table of Contents Introduction 3 Product Analysis 3 Product Overview 3 Market Structure 4 Competition 5 Dunkin Donuts 7 Krispy Kreme 3 McDonalds 8 Panera Bread 8 Elasticity Estimates Pricing Strategy 10 Forecast 12 Determants of Demand 13 Forecast Model 15 Forecast Summary 15 Works Cited Introduction With the economy in trouble, the stock market tanking it is important to start your day with a good cup of coffee to take on these challenges. Can Starbuck’s sustain it business model and place in the market? The paper examines Starbucks business and it respective practices. In 1971, the original Starbucks opened in Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington by three partners named Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegal, and Gordon Bowker. Their focus was to sell coffee beans and equipment. They purchased green coffee beans from Peet’s, a specialty coffee roaster and retailer, during their first year of operation. Later, they began buying coffee beans directly from the growers. In 1983, an entrepreneur by the name of Howard Schultz joined the company; Schultz felt that the company should sell coffee and espresso drinks as well as coffee beans. The partners felt that selling coffee and espresso drinks would take away from their primary focus of selling coffee beans. Since the idea did not work, Schultz started his own company called II Giornale coffee bar chain in 1985. In 1987, the original owners of Starbucks sold their chain to Schultz’s II Giornale. Schultz changed II Giornale outlets to Starbucks chains and quickly began to expand. Starbucks coffee has grown into the largest coffeehouse company in the world with 16,120 stores in 94 countries such as in Australia, Canada, China, Puerto Rico, etc. Starbucks has thirty blends and single origin coffee. Starbucks brand coffee can also be purchased in local stores to brew at home. Starbucks employs over 140,000 employees worldwide with over five million customers a week. At one point they had typical customers coming in on an average of six times a month while loyal customers come in on an average of eighteen times a month spending averaging $50. Starbucks is one of Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to work for in 2008 and is Business Ethics 100 Best Corporate Citizens for the fourth year. Product Analysis Product Overview Starbucks product line has grown to include fresh brewed coffee, hot and iced espresso beverages, coffee and non coffee blended beverages, Tazo tea, baked pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Starbucks paraphernalia includes coffee grinders, espresso machines, coffee brewers, music CD’s, books, movies and gift cards.

Identification of Country Specific Social Infrastructure Problems Essay

Having a sound understanding on the economic procedures of different nations can greatly help each one of them to combat internal social problems. With the establishment of international organizations to assist poor countries in structuring their societies, it is of utmost importance to provide them with the basic facts of the dilemmas experienced by low-performing economies. A great deal to support the functional institutions is to assist them in coming up with a credible and non-biased sets of facts about the countries which they intend to assist.   Apparently, there are some cases in which monetary assistances do not actually reach the full potential of social projects due to inevitable factors such as inefficient fund allocation, corruption and unidentified resolution effects. In this aspect, it is very important to have a reliable source of information about the priority problems of each country in terms of social infrastructure building. Objectives The main objective of the research proposal is to come up with a reliable database which will tabulate the economic problems of each underdeveloped economy. These information will be used to support the programs of international funding organizations such as IMF and the World Bank. These databases will incorporate the designation of a single standard outline which will then effectively identify the problems of the states, the key priority acts in resolving them and the estimated enough allocation of funds. Methodology In order to have a database of country profiles, it is necessary to collect data at the lowest parameter of the study-the countries themselves. Primarily, each country has its own varying degrees of social law implementation which addresses the supposedly obvious problems of each economy. 1. Global Identification of Developing/Underdeveloped countries. The list of countries belonging in these segments is available from the United Nations’ country data profile. This may save the research procedure some time and financial resources since countries will be narrowed down into a specific list. 2. After the gathering of country profiles, the next approach is to retrieve data values from respective government agencies of each country through personal office visits, e-mail transmission or telephone and telefax reception of data. The main facts which will be needed are yearly budget allocation for social welfare programs, population of each country, GDP rates, specific population of women and children, government yearly spending on health care and general infrastructure budget allocation which are all basically used as country performance indicators (Cool Fire Technology, 2004). These values will be tabulated on a computer program for easy filtering and ranking of data values in prioritizing specific country concerns. 3. Upon the retrieval of the designated data, they will then be compared to the instructional references of the World Bank or IMF to identify which of the countries will most likely need to get assistances from the two international organizations. Afterwards, a full recommendation for assistance may be requested from them to highlight the importance of helping the countries based on the specific country profile report gathering. Timeline The procedures involving the retrieval of country specific data may be regarded as the most extensive and most demanding factor in terms of time frame allocation. This procedure is projected to cover at least three to four months. If the latest country data is available from reliable resources, then those data will be used instead of conducting country specific data retrieval and interviews. On the procedures which involve the submission of reports to the funding agencies, the time expected for completion is at least two weeks after the end of country specific database construction.