Curriculum and Methods for Early Childhood Educators Essay

Curriculum and Methods for Early Childhood Educators - Essay Example The realistic goals is to help a child achieve intellectual growth, develop a positive self concept, increase proficiency in skills in writing, reading, thinking, listening and speaking and to increase skills involved in physical coordination. It also helps a child to enlarge his world of experiences, ideas, things and people. These help the child to increase aptitude in dealing with emotions, societal situations, self bearing and independence (Little, 1979). Working with Pre-K age group children calls for good class practices. Pre k/Pre kindergarten, being the first official academic classroom-based education environment that a youngster habitually attends, begins between the ages of 3-5 depending on how long the program is. It combines the focus to harvest a child’s cognitive, social, physical and emotional developments. This means it reflects an understanding of child development principles providing opportunities for the children to acquire concepts and skills involving de cision making, problem solving, questioning, evaluating and discovering. An early childhood educator should therefore, combine philosophies, theories and concepts that endorse the children with opportunities to develop in all dimensions prior to basic education and future life. Direct instruction The direct instruction method is an approach whereby stems of behavior and social training techniques view child education as an input from the environment. The educator presents information to the class and whole groups. He or she structures or drills a practical lesson where they teach discrete skills and isolate facts. These lessons are fast paced and ensure consistency in classrooms (Guide, 1998). Being skill oriented, it emphasizes on the use of small groups, face to face instructions by aides and teachers carefully articulating lessons which cognitive skills are sequenced deliberately after being broken down into small units and taught explicitly. Direct instruction offers one of the most empirically effective and validated curricula for all types of children. These are the gifted, the average, disadvantaged and the developmentally delayed. It stands on the certainty that one should not introduce the subject matter to children when they are developmentally unprepared (little, 1979). For developmental appropriateness, the student teacher interaction is highly emphasized to improve children’s self esteem and improve their self expectations. The National Association for the Education of Young Children in 1998 stated that outdated practices that included extensive whole group and intensive drill and practices on isolated skills were not effective and suitable. Direct instruction though is always in small groups, which provide the kids with the opportunity to interact and participate with other kids while receiving their teacher’s individual attention. The small groups become learning communities allowing the children to share individual and group goals , valorized identities and moral principles. The length of lessons in direct instruction is adjusted according to the attention spans and activity levels of children in different ages. Faulty instructions are the overwhelm causes of children crippling intellectually, and if a student has not learned then a teacher has not taught. Therefore, direct instruction has a consistency with the literature on how to design instructions that children induce or

Renaissance Medicine and Medical Practices Essay Example for Free

Renaissance Medicine and Medical Practices Essay In the beginning of the Elizabethan Era medicine was the beginning of advancements. During the Renaissance, disease was a big problem. Medicine was not as advanced as it is today, but being discovered from witchcraft and superstitions, to cures for the sick. Medicine was not advanced then so the citizens looked for cure from the witches and their beliefs just led them to their deaths. Religious citizens prayed, or consumed blood from someone else as they believed to contain the soul of the deceased. â€Å". octors sought for explanations [for illnesses] in the stars rather than in the blood stream and preferred magical to clinical experiment. † (Netzley 70). They believed the illness or sickness was spiritual rather than from the body. Superstitions were a big thing in this era. Black Death a plague that spread in Florence in 1348 was believed to be punishment from God. As medicine was being discovered the new knowledge was slowly being accepted by the citizens. Medicine discovered by the Europeans was not as accurate though. As time passed, medicine was then based on Aristotle ideas; on four humors in the body. They are blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile; which determine the imbalance and were thought to be related to their personality. Leonardo Da Vinci had sketched accurate anatomies at which influenced medicine studies. that his ideas were familiar to the scientific environment in which he found himself, the likelihood is that Leonardos thoughts was important landmark in the development of scientific ideas, (Walker 94). Eventually the Hippocrates studies were discovered, they had lived in B. C. era. Their studies were used for comparison at which proved their discoveries and solutions wrong and the Hippocrates were very accurate as they had sketched the structures and their thoughts on how the human body functioned which led them to new discoveries. There were many medical practices that were believed to cure the person and in contrary some made them more sick or led them to death, Bloodletting was a popular practice done at which they would cut the patients artery on their arm or sometimes both arms, and were bled until they felt drowsy which was consider to be when the felt better. This practice sometimes was done too often the patient would simply die of lack of blood supply. The medical practice of the four humors determined imbalance in patients. In order to diagnose the doctors would check patient’s pulse and urine; looking as color and smell. The remedy or are used where herbs and spices. Spices were believed to balance the humors rated on a scale from hotness, coldness and wetness. Renaissance doctors . . . . . followed the traditional herbal medicine practiced throughout the Middle Ages† (Walker 96). Most common used herb was the theriac for medicinal recipes, an antidote for poison. Cinnamon and pepper were two spices commonly used and were rated hottest. Surgeries were not very popular and were rarely ever done, in small towns the barbers will be the surgeon as they couldn’t afford to pay a qualified doctor. Medicine advanced through the years till today, but the Renaissance era seemed to be the discovery of new medicine that help cure the sick. Never less did they learn more about the human and animal body but discovered diseases and several cures for them.

Treatment Planning System Software Reflective Essay

Treatment Planning System Software Reflective Essay â€Å"Improving one’s learning and performance could be considered to be a ‘meta-skill’, that is the skill of learning how to learn.† (The Open University, 2012) Clinical skills chosen The clinical skill that was chosen is learning how to use Varian Medical Eclipseâ„ ¢ Treatment Planning System software and acquiring knowledge on how to plan a treatment for the different cancers. Eclipseâ„ ¢ is a comprehensive treatment planning system that simplifies modern radiation therapy planning for dosimetrists, physicists, and physicians to efficiently create, select, and verify the best treatment plans for their patients while ensuring high standard of care and effective protocols (Varian Medical Systems, 2014). This skill was chosen because it is treatment related and is able to give me a deeper understanding on patient’s treatment. Furthermore, the resources were readily available in the department for learning purposes. Process of learning this skill The process of learning this skill was broken down into two components; mastering the use of Eclipseâ„ ¢ software efficiently and gaining knowledge on treatment planning. The intention of breaking goals down (University of Kent Careers and Employability Service, n.d.) into two components is so that I can tackle them one step at a time. Each component was further evaluated based on a three-stage framework of developing a strategy, monitoring progress and evaluating performance (Figure A), which can be used to develop and improve skills and learning in general (The Open University, 2012). Strategy first component of learning process Firstly, the strategy was to have an action plan and time checklist of what I should be doing each week and what I should achieve at the end of each week. An action plan is a review of one’s current capabilities and goals over an extended period of time (The Open University, 2012). It is useful as it provides a structured plan linking the objectives of the learning process together and setting targets for achieving goals. There is a time checklist/schedule plan created on a weekly basis at the end of every journal entry to keep me on track and ensure that the objectives for the week have been met. There was a change in the schedule plan in week 1 as compared to the schedule plan in the action plan because I realised in the first week that one week was insufficient and I needed more time to learn the software. Another strategy was to split the learning process into two components. Getting to know the user interface and all the functions of Eclipseâ„ ¢ treatment planning system first would enhance my learning in treatment planning in the later part. Treatment planning requires both knowledge on treatment planning and skills on using the Eclipseâ„ ¢ treatment planning system. Thus, the first component of my learning journey was to get myself familiarise with Eclipseâ„ ¢ treatment planning software’s user interface and its functions. This took me a couple of weeks instead of one week that was originally planned in the action plan. I was able to learn a lot both on my own by referencing the user manual and also with the help of the senior radiation therapists during the 8-hour learning session per week. As I learn, I jotted down notes in the notebook. Note-taking was helpful as I was able to monitor my learning progress to keep me on track on the things that I have covered and have not. In order to evaluate my performance so far, a written assessment was carried out with the help of the senior radiation therapists at the end of week 2. The results from the assessment would determine my next step, which was to either continue learning the software’s user interface or to move on to the second component of my learning journey to learn how to plan a treatment. I chose a written assessment to evaluate my performance because it allows me to see my results visually in terms of scores. Scoring 92% for the written assessment on the software’s user interface gave me confidence to move to on to the second component of the learning process. Second component of learning process I passed the assessment and moved to learning how to plan a treatment for rectal cancer. For this component, I required the senior radiation therapist to guide me and share her knowledge. It was an observational and verbal learning for the first few hours after which I was left on my own with the hospital’s protocol booklist to try treatment planning on my own. The overload of information and knowledge caused me to miss out on quite a number of things in treatment planning. As such, it occurred to me that I would need a checklist. In my notebook, there were 2 types of lists: one of which is a step-by-step list for a treatment plan based on what the senior radiation therapist taught me and the other, is a checklist that the senior radiation therapists check against after every completion of a treatment plan. The advantages of having a checklist are that it focuses my mind on important objectives, orders my thoughts, making me less likely to forget certain details, monitors my p rogress and prevents me from side-tracking from my objectives. I managed to complete learning the treatment planning for rectal cancer a week earlier than planned. This caused a change in my schedule plan where the remaining planned weeks were brought forward a week. During this process, I should have read up textbooks for information instead of relying solely on the protocol book and the knowledge provided by the senior radiation therapist. I could have also used the Miller’s pyramid (Figure B) to monitor my performance on a personal level. Based on the Miller’s pyramid, I am at the â€Å"Shows† level as I am able to demonstrate the skill of planning a treatment plan for rectal tumours. I have yet to reach â€Å"Does† because I am still not efficient in treatment planning as I do still make mistakes such as over-shielding in the treatment plan for brain tumour. For each treatment plan, a competency-based assessment and verbal assessment were carried out to evaluate my performance. Firstly, I had to design a suitable treatment plan using Eclipseâ„ ¢ treatment planning software for a particular case that was selected by the senior radiation therapist. After which, I had to explain and convince her that my treatment plan has met the requirements and was suitable for the patient’s condition. She used a competency-based assessment checklist (Figure C) to evaluate my performance. A competency-based assessment is a collection of evidence to demonstrate that a learner can perform a task according to specific standards (Singapore Workforce Development Agency – Quality Assurance Division, 2012). The assessment outcome will allow the assessor to make judgment with respect to the competence or incompetence (Singapore Workforce Development Agency – Quality Assurance Division, 2012). Such method of assessment has been used for many years by the planning department to assess training staff on treatment planning where they have to apply their knowledge in designing a treatment plan and explaining the rationale as well as suitability for the particular patient in accordance to the hospital’s protocol and patient’s benefit. This is good as it involves an assessment of a combination of treatment planning knowledge, process skills and transferable skills (Singapore Workforce Development Agency – Quality Assurance Division, 2012). Apart fr om competency-based assessment, I also chose verbal assessment for this component because it allowed me to gather feedback directly from my senior radiation therapist on ways that she thinks could have been better and on how to improve my treatment plans. Learning from my mistakes allows me to learn and grow as I will avoid making similar mistakes in the future. Type of learner I learned faster with the help of the senior radiation therapist. At the start of each session, the senior radiation therapist will show and explain to me regarding treatment planning. After which, I was given hands-on opportunities to enhance my learning. Among the learning styles (Figure D), I learned better through visual, verbal and logical styles where the senior radiation therapist showed and explained to me the different components of treatment planning. I feel that explanations make better sense to me rather than just verbal instructions. As such, I found myself asking more to get a deeper understanding of the interface and usage of the software as well as knowledge in treatment planning. After each discussion with the senior radiation therapist, I prefer to work alone to digest all the information and try out the treatment planning on my own. Therefore, solitary learning style (Figure D) was more suitable for me rather than social, also known as group discussion. Self-reflection using Gibb’s Reflective Model (Figure E) Description feelings I was able to learn new skills and knowledge from the seniors. Throughout this learning process, I learned how to develop my own learning goals, identify my own learning styles and be responsible for my own learning. At the start of the process, I struggled a little bit as the amount of knowledge and things to learn was too overwhelming especially since I am not IT-savvy. However, the hands-on practices helped me build up my confidence each week. I feel that this newly learnt skill and knowledge are useful as it can be applied when I carry out the daily treatments and also when I am doing the new treatment card check. The knowledge can also be shared with my juniors and students on attachment. Evaluation analysis The main challenge during the learning process was time. I only had one day (8 hours) every week to go to the treatment planning department. There was no fixed schedule plan as certain skill or knowledge required more time to learn. The changes in my schedule plan were made as more time was needed than expected to learn the software at the start and also due to the lack of manpower in the department which denied me of learning opportunities. However, I did managed to complete learning the treatment plan for rectal cancer a week earlier. As such, the schedule plan will always be adjusted based on my needs and capabilities each week. Despite this, it is crucial for me to keep to a certain timeframe as delaying a learning objective for too long would mean that the whole learning process will be completed at a later period. Given more time, I would like to be given a chance to create my own checklist on treatment planning and refer to more references from the textbooks instead of relying on the hospital’s protocol and knowledge shared by the seniors. Conclusion action plan If I was given another opportunity, I would repeat the same process with similar action plan but with a more realistic set of timeline based on my learning speed and capabilities. I would also like to develop my note-taking skills and the method of evidencing my skills. 1

Analysis of Marketing Techniques used by American Express :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Analysis of Marketing Techniques used by American Express American Express continues to attempt to expand its customer base, while at the same time trying to keep its reputation as a card of status. Its successful marketing tactics in the United States compared to the slow expansion into markets abroad show its lack of consideration of the differences of these markets. By preparing a more decisive plan as to what type of consumers to target and what products to push in each of its market areas, American Express could have a much greater success with foreign expansion. American Express has been known as a commodity to most business travelers. In order to build its customer base, other consumers need to see the card as an indispensable convenience in their lives. American Express offers convenient methods to obtain account information, pay bills, find discounted products, and even make travel plans via the Internet. The Internet site offers these options, as well as other services, such as on- line help and assistance for small businesses. American Express realizes the need for many consumers to save time and money, but to still feel important and respected. The ingenuity and thought put into the services offered on the web site shows that American Express is genuinely concerned with the satisfaction of its customers. American Express has always been known for its benefits to travelers. Some of the new travel discounts; such as the â€Å"Bahamas Getaway† packages offer significant discounts for planning a vacation in the Bahamas through a travel agent. The catch is that one must charge it on the American Express card to get the discounts. Coupon books that offer discounts at many shops, restaurants and attractions are given to those who buy a package. Over $11 million in â€Å"Bahama Getaway† packages were sold in 1999. Other getaway packages are available to consumers all over the world. American Express has successfully used this marketing strategy, as it realized that consumers want an opportunity to enjoy an exotic vacation, while at the same time, getting value for their dollar. Saving money is important to most consumers. Once again, American Express aims to please its customers. With these successful ventures, it is difficult to imagine that American Express is struggling in many parts of the world.

Concept-mapping software Essay

Indeed, should it be of necessity or required for students to evaluate, collate and compute data in all work prescription in class, important machinery to achieve this must be recommended as part of the needed gadget. (Zardoya, 2001). Business researchers are similarly concerned with the question of whether or not the introduction of information technology leads to increased output, excellent evaluation in reasoning and advantageous edge of counterparts (Al-Gahtani, 2003). ICT – this is an acronyms for Information and Communication and technology, constituting system hardware and software that enhance data resource for use in many applications. Internet inclusive with provision of world wide web. (Clark et al. , 2005). That is, we need to shift focus from robotic use of technology. The quest should rather be innovative ways of information technology to massively enhance the gains and ease of studies at all levels(p. 4). Overall, CACSR makes provision for students through interaction with the surroundings. This possibly ensure a sustained focus at the same time educating students on skills as they read expository text passages (Kim et al. ,). Studies have shown that â€Å"educational technology that includes dictionary components has been used successfully to promote literacy skill development among elementary school students† (Fry & Gosky, 2007). In analyzing the study, a researcher suggested that writer’s with back up soft copy in CD-ROM provides more strategy towards enhancing the problem of elaboration from close by tutor. The soft copy leaves the students independent of the teacher to a greater extent than none (Fry & Gosky). QuickSmart is a computer-assisted program designed to improve the self-improving ability of students who are face with challenges of grabbing problem most expecially in their mid-year at school (Graham & Bellert, et al. , 2007,). Based on an information –analyzing point of intuitive processings, QuickSmart was intended to be a elaborated dealings with attention on the primary learning skills needed to do well in assimilating classroom instruction. (Graham & Bellert, et al). It is a Concept-mapping software, or webbing, in that students are permitted to build up strategic maps with the aid of specific programs (Marchinko, 2004,). Concept-mapping software has been used in middle school science classes for example, to help students juxtapose the similarities and differences in plant and animal cells, and in writing class to help students brainstorm. Teachers also use concept-mapping software to give a clue or insight in the direction of the lesson (Marchinko,). The KidTools computer programs as also an electronic performer. It is an aiding technique that focus on behavior and academic performance support software for students with studying default (Miller & Fitzgerald, 2007, p. 13). A cognitive-behavioral modification program, KidTools is one of several programs with increased usage recorded within the last two decades owing to their efficacy reports over time (Miller & Fitzgerald. RockSim is a rocket design program for middle school science class, which â€Å"takes students along the path of technology that enhance the design of their own rockets and simulation performance (Wilson, 2005,). Finally, BodyFun on its own is a computer game that perfectly educate on nutrition and other health awareness (Geiger, et al. , 2002,). In a test of BodyFun among the middle class of school age, the resource and the technical requirements of the schemes is high, in addition to its acceptability among the study environment, it gives a good result (Geiger & Petri, et al. ,). Education is feeling pressure to respond to a mandate to improve the engagement-level of classrooms, due to surveys which repeatedly find middle school students especially characterize traditional classes as cold (Taylor & Duran, 2006, p. 11). Overall, most classrooms continue to implement instructional practices. The practice has the main essence of textbooks studying and facts cramming with subsequent commitment to memory (Taylor & Duran,). As a result, many researchers have called for a move from the usual teaching to a constructive approach in methods (Taylor & Duran, p. 11). In most classes, this entails increasing the students’ abilities of inquiry, and this can be enhanced through implementation with the most suiting instruments (Taylor & Duran, p . 11). One teacher reports that her middle school students have become mastery of executing video projects and slide shows, this demonstrate they have learnt (Crawford, 2005, p. 2). InFocus projectors produced a difference that was similar to that of darkness and light with improved class presentation and involvement (Crawford, p. 1). Studies have shown that students who use computers to write reports recorded a higher performance compared to those who do not attempt the use of computer (Taylor & Duran, 2006, p. 10). One study found that teachers who made regular use of PowerPoint presentations felt more confident in their ability to teach and assist students’ competence in using multimedia projection and even other similar method of sophisticated learning (Taylor & Duran, p. 13). Video streaming is another technology being used in some classrooms (Whitaker, 2003), while some K-12 classrooms are even experimenting with robotics activities to enhance student the convergence of literacy instruction (for example) with Internet technologies is fundamentally reshaping the nature of literacy instruction as teachers seek to prepare children for the futures they deserve engagement in lessons (Williams & Ma, et al. , 2007, p. 201), although most reports on the usefulness of robotics is anecdotal in nature and evidence is still required to demonstrate the effectiveness of using robotics in achieving study aims (Williams et al. , p. 201). Now, many believe that â€Å"† (Witte, 2007, p. 93). A threaded discussion group is a series of rotations on a subject (Grisham & Wolsey, p. 651). The study found that through threaded discussion, student engagement was increased. This was because an environment found more friendly were self created and fits appropriately with other peers. Therefore each of them have equal dominion of the conversation (Grisham & Wolsey, p. 649). Though acknowledging that one of the serious drawbacks to the Web is that students often become lost trying to navigate through â€Å"data smog† (Trotter, 2004, p. 1). The MyAccess program is an internet oriented writing scheme that expressly rewards write-up and supplies correct instruction for students at a middle school in Georgia (Ullman, 2006, p. 76). The program was found to not only relieve teachers much of their paper correcting burden, but also to have permitted immediate report even in more detail that scores it a preferred quality of writing (Ullman, p. 76). Another project reported in the literature was the creation of a website which supported students and average school teachers drawing out a convergence between science and literature within the limited surroundings (Howes & Hamilton, 2003, p. 454). WebQuest is another â€Å"powerful instrument† for teachers to use in improving the engagement level of students in their class (Lipscomb, 2003, p. 154). Though relatively new, stakeholders in education are praising its value and facilitate more use (Lipscomb, 2003, p. 153). The important pedagogical purpose of a WebQuest is that it provides tangible experience for students, both with the technology and in the subject matter being explored (Lipscomb, p. 154). More recently, other schools are experimenting with the use of blogs, or web logs, to enhance learning. Witte (2007) pushed for establishment of blog discussion method on the present inter-school network in order to further engage students in learning (p. 95). Witte (2007) decided that blogs were an important go-between among class and students when he found out that, while some students indicated some interest in the period of writing and homework, they were reported, by their parents, to be â€Å"on the computer writing essays and poems for hours each night† (Witte, p. 92). A theory was devised as to why diffusion was so slow, with explanations centering on methods used by farmers in generating information on discoveries, and how they direct this in helping their appropriate usage (Rogers, p. 14). Diffusion theory can help educators understand why technology is and is not adopted in classrooms (Surry, 1997). Other researchers have adopted the diffusion model to counteract the increasing consciousness about how discovered instructive materials have been rendered fallow (Minishi-Majanja & Kiplang’at, p. 4). Indeed, Al-Gahtani’s (2003) literature review revealed 75 articles in which perceived attributes were measured, with the overall result being that agreement and comparative merit attained highest ratings when they were instituted. Complexity was on the other hand negative on its procedural acceptance (p. 59). While determinists can be either utopian or dystopian (Marx, McCluhan and Toffler versus Ellul, Orwell or Luddites), all determinists see technology as an independent force out of human control. The equally view technology as the sole engine of social change (Surry, 1997, p. 6). In education, developer-based theory results in top-down technology-based reform initiatives such as Goals 2000, which target the diversity of educational change through proposition of a new system with improved hybrid (Surry, p. 7). Overall, â€Å"the instructional development process† is of the assumption that technological improved hybrid will suffice the only condition necessary to attract participation of innovative practices. (Surry, p. 7). Adopter-based theoreticians such as Ernest Burkman are prone to point out situations where a technologically superior innovation was rejected by users because of the strength of â€Å"human, interpersonal and social factors†. These factors play an importance role in adopting proposed technological superiority† (Surry, p. 11). Another by-product of adopter-based theory is the study of revenge effects, which occur when new establishments, movements and organisms react with real in a factual but unforeseen situation (Surry, p. 11). Indeed, prediction and accounting for likely results to be caused by an innovation is an integral component of many â€Å"adopter-based diffusion theories† (Surry, p. 11). Large scale market forces such as sector growth, volatility and concentration of markets have also been of use in acceptance of technology (Park et al. , p. 1480). Subjective norm is another strong construction developed along this line of research. Subjective norm is defined as an individual’s believe that perhaps exist in contrast to other people. Subjective norm has been shown to strongly influence adoption of technology, especially if use is mandatory and not voluntary (Park & O’Brien, et al. , p. 1480). All of this feeds into instruction through the lens of constructivism, or the belief that learning happens in a deliberate effort to construct a â€Å"public entity†, be it the simplest of task where resources are in abundance or a more complex assignment (Williams & Ma, et al. , 2007). In this context, technology is used in education to create a system whereby that enhance â€Å"study by making† and â€Å"study by design† (Williams & Ma, et al. ,). Various programs along these lines include efforts to have children design computer games, and promote studying with â€Å"programmable bricks† (Williams et al). Thus, from the constructivist point of view, the availability of computer systems in learning rooms does not attach huge significance as presently being in used (Sheumaker & Slate,). Integration of computers is deemed successful only when students learn with the computer system and not the reverse (Sheumaker & Slate, et al. , p. 3) Finally, reinforcing this model is the ecological model of technology integration in education. According to this model, technologies are only acting in a social settings, incorporated within the events of learning processes (Kupperman & Fishman, 2002,). Through the use of new tools we develop new literacies, and from use or non-use are discovered as being â€Å"full, subsidiary or un-involving class members (Kupperman & Fishman,). Mention of the word â€Å"actor† enlists actor-network theory into these models as well. According to this model, the social globe is materially diverse and consists of a interconnected chains of animate and inanimate participants who only interact and negotiate for rules imposition through series of deliberations and alliances (Samarawickrema & Stacey, 2007). In order to have their way, these various actors may use bargaining, lobbying, subtle computation and at the extreme, violence (Samarawickrema & Stacey,).

No Child Left behind Policy Review Essay

The No Child Left behind Act, referred to as NCLB was signed into law on January 8th, 2002 during the Bush Administration and was heralded with bipartisan support. It boosted educational spending by the Federal government by approximately 40%. (Carleton University 2008) NCLB’s goal was to attempt to remedy the problem of lack of accountability and school achievement throughout the nation. It was considered a revision of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Educational Act. The aim of the Law is to close the achievement gap and skills between advantaged and disadvantaged students. The government identified a lack of set standards and testing requirements across the country. Some schools were consistently failing to meet the state standards and the students were subjected to that school’s poor performance due to the location of their residence and school boundaries. Parents were left with no choice or alternative nor recourse to transfer their child from a dangerous or poor performing school to a safer or academically successful school. Lack of local and state control over educational funding and programs implemented and used caused inconsistency among school districts throughout the states. Due to budgetary constraints certain schools, usually in disadvantaged areas, fell below the minimum standards with little hope for change. As well, lack of academic accountability on the local and state level was identified as an overwhelming problem that needed to be addressed. The No Child Left behind Law proposes to close the achievement gap between the advantaged and disadvantaged students. Also it aims to target reading skills and gain proficiency by the end of the 3rd grade and for graduates of high school also to reach a certain level of proficiency in all subjects. Another goal of the law is to hire and retain qualified and skilled teachers for the main academic subjects in schools. The population identified and targeted for the No Child Left behind Act is the economically disadvantaged children and parents in certain poor performing and dangerous schools and school districts across the country. This population was impacted favorably in various ways. Through mandatory state wide testing the schools performances were monitored and problematic schools were identified. Additional funding at the local, state and federal levels were allocated for this lackluster schools to supplement more successful learning programs, hire quality and experienced teachers and if the school’s performance doesn’t improve, the parents have the choice to get supplemental tutoring, after school services or transfer to a better school, with transportation provided. The disadvantaged students with limited proficiency in English are identified and given addition help, impacting them positively. The gap between the advantaged and disadvantaged students is projected to narrow. Some of the positives identified of the NCLB Law include steadily increased student test scores since 2002, especially amongst minority students. Higher qualified teachers and professionals are teaching over 90% of the classes in the country and a little less than half a million students have received additional help such as tutoring or been able to transfer to better performing schools. (Carleton University 2008) Possible negative aspects to the No Child Left behind Law exist also. Since states are mandated to test students yearly, some critics claim the teachers are teaching the testing specifics or â€Å"teaching to the test† in order that the children do better. This is not really ensuring that the students thoroughly understand the subject matter. Different state standards have made interpreting the data difficult as well. Another factor that can hinder the success of the NCLB program is the high dropout rate in many states. According to an Alliance for Excellent Education publication, in the United States, every day up to seven thousand students dropout. This is 1. 3 million annually and appears to be an epidemic. These numbers skew the positive results for the NCLB program. This also has a huge impact on many areas in society, such as crime, cycles of welfare, and shortfalls in the economy. If the dropouts of the school year 2009 had indeed graduated high school, they’d earn an addition $355 over their lifetimes. (Education Week 28, no. 34, 2009) Some claim that a very negative factor of the NCLB has been the lack of funds actually received by the states. What they were promised by the government didn’t always materialize. The requirements of No Child Left Behind are extensive. It is implemented by each state annually testing students according to standards they set and adopt. This is required in grades third through eighth each year for the subjects of math and reading. Science is to be tested three times during a student’s career. Each state must comply with determining if a school district and its schools are achieving 100% of students being successful in meeting the standards. Schools are required to have their teachers be highly qualified in the core academic subjects and use scientifically based education programs and proven and tested strategies. Support is given for students who may be in special at risk categories, such as insufficient knowledge of English, homelessness, truancy and etc. The result of each state’s 3rd through 8th grade reading and math testing will be collected, analyzed and recorded carefully. These results are studied at the local, state and federal level and reported accordingly. This will aid educators at each level in identifying the success of the No Child Left behind Law. New goals can be implemented and areas requiring additional attention and help can be addressed. When schools in need of additional improvement are identified then more attention and aid can be properly allocated quickly and efficiently to maximize results and get the school back on track as soon as possible. Also, using a special system with compiled data to track both graduates and dropouts can be shared locally, statewide and at the national level to analyze trends and adjust areas if needed. Thorough state testing with more uniform standards across the nation will result in a greater ability to analyze the success of the NCLB law. Knowing exactly how the schools are performing can result in stronger accountability. The current administration has adjusted some of the original budgets, standards and goals since the original law No Child Left Behind was passed. President Obama hopes to transform the United States into the most competitive workforce and highest number of college graduates in the world by the year 2020. The U. S Department of Education states its mission is: â€Å"It seeks to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. † (U. S Dept of Education 2010) References

Input Devices and Their Uses Essay Example

Input Devices and Their Uses Essay Example Input Devices and Their Uses Essay Input Devices and Their Uses Essay An input device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data, programs, commands, and user responses into a computer. Input devices include the keyboard, pointing devices, scanners and reading devices, digital cameras, audio and video input devices for physically challenged use MOUSE The mouse is an input device that is used to control the movement of the pointer on the screen and to make selections from the screen. She top of the mouse has one to four buttons.Some also have a small wheel. The bottom of a mouse is flat and contains a multidirectional mechanism and usually a small ball. [pic] KEYBOARD Most of today’s desktop computer keyboards are an enhanced keyboard, which means they have twelve function keys along the top, two CTRL keys, two ALT keys, and a set of arrow and additional keys between the typing area and the numeric keypad. [pic] CAMERA Digital camera allows you to take pictures and store the photographed images digitally instead of on traditional film.With some digital cameras, you down load, or transfer a copy of, the stored pictures to your computer by connecting a cable between the digital camera and your computer and using special software included with the camera. With other digital cameras, the pictures are stored directly on a floppy disk or on PC card. [pic] MICROPHONE [pic] The microphone is ideal for all voice application, including internet phone and chat, video conferencing or editing, language labs, voice command and control, and speech dictation. MOHIB AHMED Output DevicesOutput devices are things we use to get information OUT of a computer. Here are some examples of output devices. , | | |numbers, and graphics can be | | |seem. The monitor is the | | |most common output device. | | |Compact Disk Some compact |[pic] | |disks can be used to put | | |information on.This is | | |called burning information to| | |a CD. | | |NOTE: A CD can also be an | | |input device. | | |Printer A printer prints |[pic] | |whatever is on the monitor | | |onto paper. Printers can , numbers, or | | |pictures. | |Speaker A speaker gives you|[pic] | |sound output from your | | |computer. Some speakers are | | |built into the computer and | | |some are separate. | | |Disk Drives A disk drive is|[pic] | |used to record information | | |from the computer onto a | | |floppy disk or CD. | |Floppy Disk A floppy disk |[pic] | |is used to record information| | |on. The information is | | |stored on the floppy disk and| | |can be used later or used on | | |another computer. | |Headphones Headphones give |[pic] | |sound output from the | | |computer. They are similar | | |to speakers, except they are | | |worn on the ears so only one | | |person can hear the output at| | |a time. | |

Jomon Culture Hunter Gatherers of Japan

Jomon Culture Hunter Gatherers of Japan Jomon is the name of the early Holocene period hunter-gatherers of Japan, beginning about 14,000 B.C.E. and ending about 1000 B.C.E. in southwestern Japan and 500 C.E. in northeastern Japan. The Jomon made stone and bone tools, and pottery beginning at a few sites as early as 15,500 years ago. The word Jomon means cord pattern, and it refers to the cord-marked impressions seen on Jomon pottery. Jomon Chronology Incipient Jomon (14,000–8000 B.C.E.) (Fukui Cave, Odai Yamamoto I)Initial Jomon (8000–4800 B.C.E.) (Natsushima)Early Jomon (ca 4800–3000 B.C.E.) (Hamanasuno, Tochibara Rockshelter, Sannai Maruyama, Torihama Shell Mound)Middle Jomon (ca 3000–2000 B.C.E.) (Sannai Maruyama, Usujiri)Late Jomon (ca. 2000–1000 B.C.E.) (Hamanaka 2)Final (1000–100 B.C.E.) (Kamegaoka)Epi-Jomon (100 B.C.E.–500 C.E.) (Sapporo Eki Kita-Guchi) The Early and Middle Jomon lived in hamlets or villages of semi-subterranean pit houses, excavated up to about one meter into the earth. By the late Jomon period and perhaps as a response to climate change and a lowering of sea levels, the Jomon moved into fewer villages sited mainly on the coastlines and there relied increasingly on river and ocean fishing, and shellfish. The Jomon diet was based on a mixed economy of hunting, gathering, and fishing, with some evidence for gardens with millet, and possibly gourd, buckwheat, and azuki bean. Jomon Pottery The earliest pottery forms of the Jomon were low-fired, round and pointed-based forms, created during the Initial period. Flat-based pottery characterized the Early Jomon period. Cylindrical pots are characteristic of northeastern Japan, and similar styles are known from mainland China, which may or may not suggest direct contact. By the Middle Jomon period, a variety of jars, bowls, and other vessels were in use. The Jomon have been the focus of much debate concerning the invention of pottery. Scholars today debate whether pottery was a local invention or diffused from the mainland; by 12,000 B.C.E. low-fired pottery was in use throughout East Asia. Fukui Cave has radiocarbon dates ca. 15,800–14,200 calibrated years BP on associated charcoal, but Xianrendong Cave in mainland China so far holds the oldest pottery vessels discovered on the planet, by perhaps a thousand years or so. Other sites such as Odai Yamomoto in Aomori prefecture have been found to date the same period as Fukui Cave, or somewhat older. Jomon Burials and Earthworks Jomon earthworks are noted by end of the Late Jomon period, consisting of stone circles around cemetery plots, such as at Ohyo. Circular spaces with earthen walls up to several meters high and up to 10 meters (30.5 feet) thick at the base were built at several sites such as Chitose. These burials were often layered with red ochre and were accompanied by polished stone staffs which may represent rank. By the Late Jomon period, evidence for ritual activities is noted at sites by elaborate grave goods such as masks with goggle eyes and anthropomorphic figurines accompanying burials placed in ceramic pots. By the Final period, farming of barley, wheat, millet, and hemp developed, and the Jomon lifestyle diminished all over the region by 500 C.E. Scholars debate whether the Jomon were related to the modern Ainu hunter-gatherers of Japan. Genetic studies suggest that they are likely biologically related to the Jomon, but the Jomon culture is not expressed within modern Ainu practices. The known archaeological correlate of the Ainu is called the Satsumon culture, who are believed to have displaced the epi-Jomon about 500 C.E.; Satsumon may be a descendant of the Jomon rather than a replacement. Important Sites Sannai Maruyama, Fukui Cave, Usujiri, Chitose, Ohyu, Kamegaoka, Natsushima, Hamanasuno, Ocharasenai. Sources Craig OE, Saul H, Lucquin A, Nishida Y, Tache K, Clarke L, Thompson AH, Altoft DT, Uchiyama J, Ajimoto M et al. 2013. Earliest evidence for the use of pottery. Nature 496(7445):351-354.Crawford GW. 2011. Advances in Understanding Early Agriculture in Japan. Current Anthropology 52(S4):S331-S345.Crema ER, and Nishino M. 2012. Spatio-temporal distributions of Middle to Late Jomon pithouses in Oyumino, Chiba (Japan). Journal of Open Archaeology Data 1(2).Ikeya N. 2017. Group migration and cultural change following the Akahoya volcanic ashfall: Identifying the pottery production centers at the beginning of the Early Jomon period of Japan. Quaternary International 442(Part B):23-32.Moriya T. 2015. A Study of the Utilization of Wood to Build Pit Dwellings from the Epi-Jomon Culture to the Satsumon Culture in Hokkaido Region, Japan. Journal of the Graduate School of Letters 10:71-85.Nakazawa Y. 2016. The significance of obsidian hydration dating in assessing the integrity of Holocene midden , Hokkaido, northern Japan. Quaternary International 397:474-483.

Wine Club Advert Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Wine Club Advert - Research Paper Example I consider the Wine Club advertisement on the New York Times newspaper as an appropriate article for rhetorical analysis. The basic message propagated by the advertisement is the 50% discount entitled for every member of the club for all their purchases on wine. The first approach towards rhetorical analysis is to consider the ethos aspect of the advertisement. In this case, ethos reflects the ethical and moral aspect of the advert (Faigley & Jack 2010). The people behind the advert believe that drinking of wine has health and lifestyles benefits. However, people do not benefit from the health and therapeutic value resulting from drinking of wine due to price factors. Thus reducing price through discount is the first strategy of eliminating cost burden. However, the advertisement considers price reduction strategy as a sufficient factor for encouraging wine drinking among the people. According to the advertisement, joining a wine-drinking club will contribute to the development of wi ne drinking habit among the people. The advertisement is trying to make the audience to reconsider their naivety towards their health. In addition, the advertisement is trying to erase people’s mentality towards wine drinking and the association of wine with immorality. Thus, the advertisement is trying to make people reconsider their attitude towards wine drinking. The advertisement is also trying to explore people’s ignorance that results from generalization. Although the advert is trying to pass credible information to the audience, it fails to set its facts straight. The advertisement illustrate useful information about drinking wine and encouraging people to drink wine by joining wine drinking clubs. However, the advert does not provide accurate information concerning the benefits of drinking wine and the role of wine drinking clubs in influencing people’s behaviors. The only evidence provided by the advertisement concerns the role of wine drinking club mem bership in eliminating consumer’s burden. For instance, the advertisement claims that all members of the wine drinking will obtain their favorite drink at a price 50% below the marked price. However, this price reduction does not imply that wine drinking will increase by 50%. Despite the controversies surrounding the advert concerning inadequate evidence, the advertisement has a high degree of persuasiveness. Firstly, the advertisement contains colorful pictures of different brands of wine. These pictures not only encourage the audience about wine drinking club membership but also the lifestyle that comes with wine drinking. The advertisement has significant claims concerning different lifestyle diseases and the recent discoveries on the benefits of drinking wine. However, the advert does not provide a clear link between its message and a solution to the problem. It is evident that the advertisement provides solution to the problem without setting appropriate strategies for s olving the problem. The advert has evident mythology aspects that relate to its intended message. Firstly, the advert relies on the power of association as a strategy towards elimination of people’s attitude towards drinking of wine. In addition, the advertisement relies on scientific discoveries and people’s observation. Although the advert creates a link between current scientific discovery and modern day medical problem, it is slightly unrealistic (Radway, 2010). This deficiency creates a basis for the cultural myth in the advertisement. In addition, the advertisement illustrates the numerous cultural myths associated with wine drinking. For instance, people associate wine drinking with the rich people. In addition, different brands of wine are associated with ancient European monarchies. For instance, the

Prison Life Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Prison Life - Research Paper Example This paper looks into the purposes and conditions of prisons in USA and rehabilitation of prisoners. Background The main principles that guide criminal law include retribution, deterrence, incapacitation and rehabilitation. People focus on any of the rules depending on what suits them in their life whilst legal experts and legislators favor the ideas depending on the political or economic situation (Whitney, 2009). Retribution deals with dispensing rewards or punishments to individuals, whilst rehabilitation aims to restore an individual’s worth and purpose in the society through training or counseling. Incapacitation leads to deprivation of freedom in offenders upon removal from society. It also deals with civil rights. Finally, deterrence seeks to minimize criminal acts by emphasizing on the restoration of appropriate behavior. Nowadays, the law also focuses on the constitutional rights and rehabilitation of prisoners with renewed interest following the case of Pell v Pronun ier. In this case, it was held that journalists could interview prisoners whilst also ensuring that the rights of prisoners were not in conflict with the operations of prisons. Nevertheless, there are limits to prisoners’ rights in participating in community based rehabilitation programs. With education, a prominent issue in prisoner rehabilitation, the Federal Bureau of Prisons requires prisoners to attain at least twelfth grade education level (Whitney, 2009). The high illiteracy rates in prisons hinder reintegration into the society with the tax payer left to pay for the functioning of prison systems. There was ratification of the Functional Literacy for State and Local Prisoners Program in 1992, aimed at reducing recidivism and improving rehabilitation of prisoners. Prisons Both federal and State prisons are classified into either maximum, medium or minimum. Other high security prisons that go beyond maximum security are the â€Å"super- max† prisons, which deal wi th the most violent offenders. However, this classification is less prevalent today with some medium security prisons holding maximum security inmates (Clear, Reisig & Cole, 2012). Maximum security Prison are meant to avert prisoner’s escape or violence, they are surrounded by high security walls. Because of the nature of inmates, the prisons follow strict protocols similar to military services. Medium security prisons look like maximum security prison. However, they operate differently, with prisoners allowed communication with the outside world. Lastly, the minimum security prisons allow prisoners greater access to the outside world than the others and lack vigorous security measures. Taxpayers in the US fund prison systems mostly cater for medical and other utility bills. Nevertheless, private individuals may be contracted to provide services like vocational training, food, medical, and education provisions. Prisons may be co owned between the government and private indivi duals, or owned by the government but administered by the private sector or owned by private individuals but administered by the government upon terms of a lease agreement. Purpose and Conditions of Prisons Prisons are primarily aimed at punishing offenders for acts considered wrong in the society. Offenders are either detained or arrested upon breaking the law and then later presented before a court for the determination of their case. Judges determine the case depending on the arguments and

Final Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 1

Final - Research Paper Example The company was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, students of Stanford University willing to create a web database that would help in listing webpages according to their requirements. Till date, Page and Brin hold 16 present of the total share of the company. The project was initially known as â€Å"BackRub† that used links to determine the importance of individual webpages. The company was incorporated as a private company in the year 1998 and was subsequently made public in the year 2004. The main mission of the company is to consolidate the world’s facts and figures and to make them universally available and accessible by the common people (1Google, n.d.). The rapid growth of the organisation is determined to be resulting from its continuous introduction of innovative products, procurement and cooperation outside Google’s basic search engine business. In addition, Google also provides online productivity software along with services such as email (Gmail) an official suite (Google Drive) and social networking sites such as Orkut and Goggle+. Furthermore, along with the mentioned products and services, Google also offers a wide range of desktop products like image editing and instant message service (Barr, 2013). It is worth mentioning that android considered to be one the most used mobile Operating Software (OS) is also owned by Google. The main objective of this paper is to provide a detailed evaluation showing the major reasons behind the rapid strides taken by Goggle in the IT industry. Additionally, it would also provide evidence and data that would reveal why the company is recognised as one of the world’s most secretive organisations (2Google, n.d.). Historical Performance of Google With the increasing internet users around the world, Google has become one of the most popular Information Technology (IT) based entities. Every individual who has been a regular under of Google tends to study the history on how the company w as established and what were the major reasons behind creating such a search engine that has unified every kind of vital information into a single place. The history of Google started in the year 1995. Larry Page and Sergey Brin were two individuals who met each other at University of Michigan, where both of them went to peruse their PhD degree in computer science. The idea of creating Google as a web page started in the year 1996 as a research project by Brin. In the year 1996, both Page and Brin collaborated to create a search engine which was first started by Page and named it as BackRub (3Google, n.d.). The website was developed in the same year and is believed to have operated on Stanford servers for more than a year. However, it has been viewed that the search engine eventually took up much bandwidth in comparison with other search engines available on the World Wide Web (WWW). Considering the growing issue of bandwidth as well as to convert the data gathered by BackRubâ€℠¢s web crawler assumed greater measure of importance for a given webpage. It was then when Page and Brin both developed the PageRank algorithm and realized that the platform can be used to build a search engine which could be far more superior to the entire users in the web. PageRank is a set of rules developed by Page that analyses the relevancy of the back links of a webpage and list them accordingly. The first version of Google webpage was launched in the

Criminal Law & The Canadian Criminal Code Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Criminal Law & The Canadian Criminal Code - Essay Example Being found in a bawdy house is a summary offence and the offender faces a maximum term of six months in prison and/or a $2000 fine (sections 210 (2) and 211). Simply stated, prostitution crimes are mainly focused on those acts committed in public. This includes but is not limited by a prostitute stopping a car in traffic or approaching a prospective client in the street and offering sexual services. (section 213(1)). 2. Under the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act in Canada, a person commits an offence under section 4, when he fails, to exercise control properly over a person under their effective command and control or fails to effectuate authority and control over their watch and as a result that person who is supposed to be under their watch commits an offence under section 6;(b), and further, the military commander knows, or is criminally negligent in failing to know, that the person is about to commit or is committing such an offence. Thus the two elements that must be present are first that there is an active war and second that the person during this time, a person under the control or dominion of the soldier is committing a crime. 3. "Conduct is negligen

HDev 360 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

HDev 360 - Essay Example This is a futile hope. Every fact of the processes of association will not enlighten us of the reason any specific association is constructed by a certain person, will not elucidate the roots of exogamy, the creation of bow and arrow, or of any other cultural attribute with the exception of concepts that are mutually relevant to all (Kroeber et al. 1952). The purported culture of a population, as it is commonly viewed by social scientists, is fundamentally an organized register of all the culturally inherited behavioral patterns which could be manifested in the real behavior of most or all of the members of the group (Naylor 1996). Nevertheless, the actual locus of these mechanisms which, when transformed into an entirety, represent culture is not in a conceptual group of people referred to as ‘society’, because the concept ‘society’ is also a cultural creation which is used by people who exist in important relations to each other so as to aid them in the understanding of particular features of their behavior (Naylor 1996). The actual strength of culture is in the relationships and interactions of certain people and, on the individual level, in the dimension of meanings which each of these people could instinctively adopt for him/herself from his involvement in these relationships and interactions. Immigrant women in Toronto, like Susan, are supposed to improve the lives of their families in Ghana. There is little or no problem when Susan was not yet married and migrated on her own. The difficulty arises with marriage and the harmonizing that emerges between the traditions and needs of her marital family and those of the broader extended families (Walters & Avotri 1999). This phenomenon is referred to as ‘cultural tension’. Researchers, such as Sara Berry, have introduced the persistent importance of kin associations in Africa, explaining how what has usually been thought as useless

Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 12

Research Paper Example The payment is made through secure servers where the merchant website redirects to the consumer’s online bank account, allows a secure login and subsequent initiation of electronic payment in favour of the merchant. (Karnouskos and Fokus, 2004). Web 2.0 is the latest technology that has taken the internet worl and the internet community by storm. It is characterised in the way a user interacts with the web. Unlike its predecessor the â€Å"Static Web†, this version of online Web interaction is a 2 way information exchange system. It not only allows the user to view and download content like text, video, audio, flash files etc, but also gives the user freedom to contribute to the online content. The technology behind, blogging, online user profile maintenance, twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Orkut, Google+, Linked In etc is Web2.0 which allows the user to customise his space or in other –words his profile. This is a frequently encountered feature in open chat rooms or discussion boards where users can either create profile or simply type text in the text boxes posting messages which mainly are polls, opinions, review or feedback about some product, service or technology. Forums like Physics forums, Maths forums, and online help forums are spreading like wildfire where users can interact with a team of experts from the comforts of their homes and get their queries answered by specialists. In such cases the users are separated by time and space which is what makes the interaction even more breathtaking Web2.0 redefines user interaction and has in fact changed the way people use the web. People use its much more like an online repository, a well organised, catalogued, tidy storage system capable of safe, secure and reliable storage of thousands of Gigabytes of information. Executive support systems or Manager Support Systems (as referred in some Enterprise Resource

Criminal Law & The Canadian Criminal Code Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Criminal Law & The Canadian Criminal Code - Essay Example Being found in a bawdy house is a summary offence and the offender faces a maximum term of six months in prison and/or a $2000 fine (sections 210 (2) and 211). Simply stated, prostitution crimes are mainly focused on those acts committed in public. This includes but is not limited by a prostitute stopping a car in traffic or approaching a prospective client in the street and offering sexual services. (section 213(1)). 2. Under the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act in Canada, a person commits an offence under section 4, when he fails, to exercise control properly over a person under their effective command and control or fails to effectuate authority and control over their watch and as a result that person who is supposed to be under their watch commits an offence under section 6;(b), and further, the military commander knows, or is criminally negligent in failing to know, that the person is about to commit or is committing such an offence. Thus the two elements that must be present are first that there is an active war and second that the person during this time, a person under the control or dominion of the soldier is committing a crime. 3. "Conduct is negligen

Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 12

Research Paper Example The payment is made through secure servers where the merchant website redirects to the consumer’s online bank account, allows a secure login and subsequent initiation of electronic payment in favour of the merchant. (Karnouskos and Fokus, 2004). Web 2.0 is the latest technology that has taken the internet worl and the internet community by storm. It is characterised in the way a user interacts with the web. Unlike its predecessor the â€Å"Static Web†, this version of online Web interaction is a 2 way information exchange system. It not only allows the user to view and download content like text, video, audio, flash files etc, but also gives the user freedom to contribute to the online content. The technology behind, blogging, online user profile maintenance, twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Orkut, Google+, Linked In etc is Web2.0 which allows the user to customise his space or in other –words his profile. This is a frequently encountered feature in open chat rooms or discussion boards where users can either create profile or simply type text in the text boxes posting messages which mainly are polls, opinions, review or feedback about some product, service or technology. Forums like Physics forums, Maths forums, and online help forums are spreading like wildfire where users can interact with a team of experts from the comforts of their homes and get their queries answered by specialists. In such cases the users are separated by time and space which is what makes the interaction even more breathtaking Web2.0 redefines user interaction and has in fact changed the way people use the web. People use its much more like an online repository, a well organised, catalogued, tidy storage system capable of safe, secure and reliable storage of thousands of Gigabytes of information. Executive support systems or Manager Support Systems (as referred in some Enterprise Resource

Abnormal Psychology and Therapy Essay Example for Free

Abnormal Psychology and Therapy Essay Teresa Neal Abnormal Psychology and Therapy Paper In a world where nothing seems to be considered normal anymore, psychology tries to draw the line between what it is and what is not. The different schools of thought have their own perspective on the definition, origin, and treatment of abnormal behavior and this paper will cover a few, trying to make it possible to have a clear difference between normal and abnormal psychology. Normal and Abnormal Psychology Specifically defining behavior as normal or abnormal is a contentious issue in abnormal psychology. To try to distinguish between normal psychology and abnormal psychology, psychologists use three criteria; whatever is infrequent, maladaptive, and deviant from the cultural norm, falls under the category of abnormal behavior (Spoor, 1999). Mental health, also known as normal psychology, and mental illnesses and disorders, also known as abnormal psychology, have been defined in many ways, but should always be viewed in the context of ethnocultural factors and influence because what is considered normal in some environments may be considered abnormal in others. A person with a normal behavior and mental processes has the ability to adapt and cope with adversity, has a correct perception of reality, accepts self, avoids harm, and experiences continual psychological growth and development (Kowalski Westen, 2009). Abnormal psychology, on the other hand, is characterized by unusual patterns that some people might show in their behavior, thought process, and expression of emotion, patterns that are associated with distress or disability and can cause harm and an unreasonable response to a particular situation. Mental Disorders Daily functions such as the ability to think, read, remember, plan, and understand rely on an individuals cognitive skills (Medalia Revheim, 2002). Cognitive disorders are disorders of thinking or memory that signify an evident change from the personal former level of functioning. In certain situations the exact origin of the disorder can be identified, other cases the cause is unclear. Even though these disorders are biologically founded, the environment and psychological factors play significant roles in shaping the effect and extent of disabling symptoms in addition to the personal capacity to deal with them. (Nevid, et a. 2008). The most common cognitive disorders are amnestic, delirium, and dementia disorders. Amnestic disorders are a cognitive impairment relating a failure to develop new memories and the failure to remember old memories. Delirium is a severe, and reversible state of mental disorder, which involves confusion, and the lack of ability to focus on information or the surrounding environment. Individuals that suffer from delirium may suffer frightening hallucinations, particularly visual hallucinations. The loss of memory and understanding usually associated with behavior and personality changes describes dementia disorders. Different forms of dementia exist, depending on the cause; therefore; some types of dementia may be reversed with treatment. For example; those cases that are caused by brain tumors. Dementia caused by the disease Alzheimer’s cannot be reversed (Nevid, et al. 2008). On a personal note; these patients are difficult, they have to watch be continually as they can do harm to themselves and others. Mental Illnesses Although diagnoses of ADHD are based on behavioral symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity, evidence suggests that children with ADHD also show important cognitive weaknesses in areas that are necessary to daily functioning at home work and school. Particularly research studies indicate that children with ADHD often have problems in; Executive functions (for example, planning a project, keeping attentive to a task, ignoring irrelevant information) Working memory (which is often considered an executive function) speed of information processing (children with ADHD process information more slowly than their peers) Many of these cognitive processes are often interrelated. For example problems in working memory can negatively affect other executive functions, or slow processing speed may lower an individual’s ability to recall and organize information. ttp://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pubmed/15499890 From the cognitive perspective, theorists suggest that a person diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorders suffer from impaired information-processing. The impairment is present in defined categories and boundaries that are maladaptive and result in an over-structuring of input but there is no evidence to show that this is the c ause, rather than a consequence of OCD symptoms. Another cognitive theory suggests that OCD fear structures are especially various and a large number of stimuli can become associated with threat or danger. Passive avoidance of such a large number of stimulus associations can be extremely difficult and compulsions become necessary for the individual to feel safe. Although cognitive theories do provide insight into the outward aspect of OCD, they fail to clearly define how and why OCD and this cognitive impairment can arise. Similarities between the Schools of Thought There are quite a few similarities between the different schools of thought in treating mental disorders. All but the Psychodynamic therapies are short term usually lasting a year or less and most all therapies have the client or patient facing the therapist and are conversational. All therapies also look to help the client or patient change behaviors or thought patterns that are causing problems of one kind or another. Cognitive-Behavioral therapies help patients with behavior and cognitive problems. The therapist helps the patient focus on the problematic behavior and helps him or her find ways in which to address these behaviors and learn skills to change them. These therapies use a variety of techniques to help patients with phobias, social skills, accomplishing goals, anxiety disorders, and the like. Psychodynamic therapies both examine the patient’s thought patterns to get to the bottom of the undesired behavior or emotional responses. Humanistic therapies including Gestalt and Client-Centered therapies focus on the patient’s feelings and to experience themselves as they really are. Family, Marital, and Group therapies use group communication either one- on-one or in a group to help with problematic relationships and behaviors. Self-help groups are another type of group therapy that aims to help people either cope with undesired behavior, loss of a loved one, addictions, and disease. [ (Kowalski, 2009) ] The common thread here with most therapies, the approach is a warm relationship with the therapist who shows empathy for the patient or client and giving him or her hope or efficacy in coping with their problem [ (Kowalski, 2009) ] Differences between the Schools of Thought While each school of thought has common factors in treatment methods, each school has developed different ways of addressing psychological problem. For instance, Psychodynamic therapies rely on two principles: the role of insight and the role of the therapist-patient relationship (Kowalski Western, 2009). It is believed that in order for therapeutic change to occur, a person must understand his or her own psychological processes. When in therapy it is one on one; the patient is either face to face with the therapist or lying on a couch with the therapist sitting behind them. Psychodynamic therapy emphasizes the notion that the patients problems stemmed from childhood. These problems follow the child into adulthood causing a conflict within new relationships. This transfer of emotion from past experiences is called transference, one of the techniques psychotherapies rely on. The two main treatments, psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy, are a long term process that focuses on developing awareness of these unconscious feelings. Psychodynamic therapy, like psychoanalysis, consists of three days a week over a long period of time. It is considered that patients who meet at least twice weekly benefit more than those who do not. Unlike psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on the person’s life as it is now; the current and conscious thought patterns and behavior. They are not concerned with exploring and altering underlying personality patterns or unconscious processes (Kowalski Western,  2009). The focus is on the present feelings and not the childhood experiences. Cognitive-based therapies are relatively short term and direct. Specific recommendations are made to bring about change in behavior. The sessions are well structured with questioning, and the patient usually is sent home with an assignment (Mote, 2011). While most cognitive behavioral techniques try to alter behavior, such as classical conditioning, cognitive therapy focuses on changing dysfunctional cognitions (Kowalski Western, 2009). These behaviors are automatic, and not unconscious. Therapy is a process of identifying and altering these automatic thoughts. Cognitive therapy techniques such as rational-emotional behavior therapy recognize the behaviors and works to mediate between the activating conditions and the emotional reactions. As each of the other therapies are more therapist-patient, Humanistic therapies focus on the world of the patient and qualities that make him or her unique (Mote, 2011). The therapy techniques that are used, Gestalt therapy and Roger’s client centered therapy, are primarily based on becoming aware of one’s own emotions, values, and motivations to bring about change. With group therapy, the individuals are concentrated on the individual dynamics and their reactions in the group process. Family therapy is centered on the structure of the family, and the main roots of conflict in family interaction.

The Age Miracle Creams Marketing Essay

The Age Miracle Creams Marketing Essay Market segmentation is the division of a market into different groups of customers with distinctly similar needs and product/service requirements. Or to put it another way, market segmentation is the division of a mass market into identifiable and distinct groups or segments, each of which have common characteristics and needs and display similar responses to marketing actions. Market segmentation was first defined as a condition of growth when core markets have already been developed on a generalised basis to the point where additional promotional expenditures are yielding diminishing returns (Smith, 1956). There is now widespread agreement that they form an important foundation for successful marketing strategies and activities (Wind, 1978; Hooley and Saunders, 1993). The purpose of market segmentation is to leverage scarce resources; in other words, to ensure that the elements of the marketing mix, price, distribution, products and promotion, are designed to meet particular needs of different customer groups. Since companies have finite resources it is not possible to produce all possible products for all the people, all of the time. The best that can be aimed for is to provide selected offerings for selected groups of people, most of the time. This process allows organizations to focus on specific customers needs, in the most efficient and effective way. As Beane and Ennis (1987) eloquently commented, a company with limited resources needs to pick only the best opportunities to pursue. The concept of market segmentation was first proposed as an alternative market development technique in imperfectly competitive markets, that is, in markets where there are relatively few competitors selling an identical product. Where there are lots of competitors selling identical products, market segmentation and product differentiation produce similar results as competitors imitate your strategic approach more quickly and product differentiation approaches meet market segment needs more closely. With an increasing proliferation of tastes in modern society, consumers have increased disposable incomes. As a result, marketers have sought to design product and service offerings around consumer demand (market segmentation) more than around their own production needs (product differentiation) and they use market research to inform this process Objective Of Study 1. To understand market segmentation and consider why it is used. 2. To examine how companies segment markets. 3. To explore different targeting strategies. 4. To learn about the role and process of positioning in segmentation strategies. 5. To consider how marketers can achieve the most from market segmentation. The Process of Market Segmentation The intricacies involved in market segmentation are said to make it an exacting activity. Griffith and Pol (1994) argue this point on the basis of multiple product applications, greater customer variability, and problems associated with the identification of the key differences between groups of customers. However, there have been numerous attempts to define and describe business segmentation, using a variety of variables and ranging from the severely product-based to customer needs-based orientation. There are two main approaches to segmenting markets. The first adopts the view that the market is considered to consist of customers which are essentially the same, so the task is to identify groups which share particular differences. This is referred to as the breakdown method. The second approach considers a market to consist of customers that are all different, so here the task is to find similarities. This is known as the build-up method. The breakdown approach is perhaps the most established and well recognized and is the main method used for segmenting consumer markets. The build-up approach seeks to move from the individual level where all customers are different, to a more general level of analysis based on the identification of similarities (Freytag and Clarke, 2001). The build-up method is customer oriented as it seeks to determine common customer needs. The aim of both methods is to identify segments in the market where identifiable differences exist between segments (segment heterogeneity) and similarities exist between members within each segment (member homogeneity). Market segmentation and positioning are key determinants of successful marketing. They are fundamental to the matching process which is the raison dà ªtre of marketers. It is marketers who are responsible for ensuring that the offer made by the company in the marketplace satisfies the wants and needs of the target market of customers and consumers. Segmentation and positioning analyses enable the marketer to make informed choices about what to offer, to whom, and in what way. Customer and consumer are often used interchangeably. The term consumer generally means the final consumer, who is not necessarily the customer. For example, a parent buying lunch box snacks is probably acting as an agent on behalf of school-age children. The parent can therefore be described as the intermediate customer and the child as the end nsumer. To market such snacks effectively, the marketer must differentiate the wants and needs of each party influencing the purchase process. He or she must also be clear about which actors in the process are to be the subject of any segmentation exercise. The term market must be defined unequivocally. For example, Mark Warner and Saga are both holiday companies but they are not in the same market. The former offers holidays for families, young couples and groups in Alpine and sunshine resorts, while Saga caters for the more mature traveller who may be looking for holidays involving leisure pursuits such as sightseeing, bridge or walking. We need a definition so that we can Measure market share and market growth; Specify target customers; Recognize relevant competitors; Formulate marketing objectives and strategies. As a rule of thumb, a market should be defined in terms of a consumer need, and in a way that covers the aggregation of all the alternative products and services which consumers regard as being capable of satisfying that need. For example, a brand of instant coffee not only competes with other brands in the same product category, but also with alternative hot drinks such as tea and chocolate. Consumers may even see cold drinks such as colas and water as substitutes for it. Needs-based definitions evolve over time as trends emerge in the marketplace, and companies must be prepared to revise their definitions accordingly. Nevertheless, they need to devise a definition that is manageable. At the extreme end of the range, micromarketing is about marketing to the individual as a segment of one. However, companies must be able to meet the needs of individual segments in a way that is commercially viable. They therefore concentrate their efforts on groups of many customers who share approximately the same needs. Market segmentation allows companies to gain advantage over their competitors in the marketplace by enabling them to concentrate resources on clearly identified opportunities. It is based on the assumption that birds of a feather flock together. In many cases, the segments form separate markets in their own right, and they can often be of considerable size. There are number of criteria that make a market segment of commercial interest, including the following : The segments should be large enough to provide an adequate return on investment. The requirements of segment members should be very similar, but the members should be distinct from the rest of the market. Segments must be reachable, that is, the channels, or routes to market (where people buy), must be accessible. Methods of Market Segmentation 1) Geographical segmentation-Chronologically, this kind of segmentation appeared first . For planning and administrative purposes ,the marketer will often find it convenient to subdivide the market into areas such as nations, states, regions, cities ,etc. In systematic way .The great advantage of adopting this scheme is that standards regions are widely used government and its facilitates collection of statistics .Most of the national manufactures split up their sales areas into sales territories either state wise or district wise . 2) Demographic segmentation-Under this method ,the consumers are grouped into homogenous groups in terms of demographic similarities such as age, sex, education standard ,income level, etc .This is considered to be more purposeful since the emphasis ultimately rest on the customers . Age group are considered by manufactures of certain special products , for example ,toys. Even in the purchase made by parents ,children exert a profound influence .The market segmented on the basis of the age groups is as follows :children ,teen agers ,adults and grown up . Anti Aging products Anti-aging products were originally designed for the baby-boomer generation, however in the recent report, the analysts (global cosmetic industry, 2008) revealed that the Future growth will be fuelled by the expansion of the consumer base into younger age Groups aged 25 to 30 which seem to be increasingly interested in applying anti-aging Products, particularly topical skin treatments. This shift is leading to an increase of Spending on anti-aging products which and is likely to result in improved market Opportunities for producers seeking continuous expansion of their operations. The growing potential of the anti-aging skincare segment along with its menacing Competition spurs cosmetic market players to design and launch new products in order to stay in the game. Unilever, the worlds eighth biggest cosmetics manufacturer (cosmetic design, 2008) regularly updates their skincare product line. The company Launched ponds age miracle anti-aging skincare cream specifically for the Asian market In the late 2006 early 2007 in an attempt to capitalize on the markets huge potential. And to tactically respond to the life-long rival pgs earlier launch of Olay total effect, Globally in 1998 (Olay, 2008) and Vietnam 2005, a multifunctional anti-aging products. In Vietnam, ponds age miracle was launched in January 2007. Designed and manufactured using a breakthrough cla (conjugated linoleum acid) technology, ponds Age miracle was claimed to be a new solution for the aging skin capable of visibly reducing wrinkles in seven days. Its launch by unilever Vietnam was marked as strategic and must-win stressing its significance for the manufacturer. Initially, ponds age Miracle received a friendly welcome and shot up to capture a substantial share of Vietnam anti-aging skincare market. IDENTIFIED ATTRIBUTES OF ANTI-AGING SKINCARE Eight interviews returned us a total of thirty product attributes that the respondents consider when selecting an anti-aging skincare. There were found no significant differences between the interviewees responses as almost all of them shared the same view of anti-aging products regardless of being Olay, Ponds Age Miracle, third-party users or potential ones. The two attributes classes beneficial and image rather than characteristic, drew most interest of the interviewees. Another important aspect of the interviewees responses is an expectation of something more than just wrinkle reduction, the main function of anti-aging skincare; some even respondents didnt even mention this attribute at all. Olay Total Effect Olay is a PG skincare brand line which offers a range of products with different functions in two main categories cleanser and cream with the aim of meeting the full range of skincare needs, whatever the users age or skin type. In March 2005, PG entered Indias anti-aging skincare market with their Olay Total Effects brand line extension in the footsteps of its launch in Indian market. The India launch was a first mover strategy to tap into the premium skincare segment before the arrival of the major competitors. Olay Total Effect successful market entry also allowed PG to make inroads into other skincare categories like whitening, moisturizing and cleansing in 2006 and 2007. The product is claimed to offer multi-effects including reducing fine lines and wrinkles, smoothening skin texture visibly and to the touch, evening skin tone for younger looking, more balanced color, improving surface dullness, giving skin a radiant, healthy glow, minimizing pores, visibly reducing the appearance of blotches and age spots and smoothening dry skin. Olay Total Effects is sold at the price of 190,000 VND (equivalent of 7.6 EUR) and in one suits all size of 50g both through modern channels like supermarkets, shopping centers and traditional channels like street shops and wet-markets. Olay is tapping the premium slice of the Rs 2100 crore Indian skin care market. Olay has launched its first product in the anti-ageing segment with its Total Effects sub brand. Anti-ageing segment is still a niche with a market size of Rs 60 crore. The segment is but growing very fast. Olay has launched its Total Effects anti ageing solution after much consumer research. It had conducted research on over 6000 ladies of age between 30-69 years from three continents and identified 7 signs of ageing. 1. Fine ines and Wrinkles 2.Sagging skin 3.Uneven skin tones. 4. Age spots 5. Appearance of pores 6. Dull skin 7.Dryness Total Effects is differentiating itself through the presence of the ingredient Vita Niacin. Vita Niacin is a patented formulation that contains Niacin amide Vitamin B3 ,Vitamin E and Provitamin B5 Pathenol + sunscreen protection. Olay true to the concept of Global Brand and Local strategy has launched itself with a series of promotional campaigns. The brand has the bollywood diva Sushmita Sen as the brand ambassador. Currently Olay is running two campaigns in the visual media. One campaign is th Olay brand building campaign featuring Sushmita Sen and another is for the Total Effects moisturizing lotion. Watch the Tvc : Total Effects For the Total Effects range, the company uses a testimonial type of campaign featuring a Model/TV Anchor. The focus is more on the functional benefits of the product rather than harping on any emotional benefits. The brand is positioned as a brand that celebrates beauty within and outside. The brand worldwide uses the tagline Love the skin you are in . The brand believes that Looking Good and Feeling Good are inseparable. Loving the skin we are in is the most beautiful feeling of all. Olay Total Effects is priced at Rs 599 for a 50 gm bottle. By Indian standards, this accounts for a premium category. Olay Total Effects is targeting ladies between the age 30 60. Besides this anti-ageing product, Olay has introduced cleansers, face pack and moisturizing lotions. The brand is expected to introduce its blockbuster range of products in India in a phased manner. The premium skincare segment was in a vacuum ever since HUL decided to cater to the masstige segment by repositioning Lakme and Ponds. Now with PG and ITC seriously looking at premium segment, the market is going to witness a marketing war in days to come Ponds Age Miracle Ponds is Unilevers skincare brand line. Introduced to Indian market in 1996, Ponds quickly became a leader in mass skincare, the main market segment in India at the time. Ponds product range focuses on whitening segment including moisturizers and facial foams. As a part of their counter-offensive to an ongoing expansion of Olay Total Effect, in January 2007 Unilever launched Ponds Age Miracle, an upper tier anti-aging skincare extension of the existing Ponds range also supposed to reinforce Ponds overall image in the mass market. Its launch campaign was based on a vox pop format: It had people from various walks of life giving their feedback on the products. This was followed by Romance Revival, a heartwarming television commercial of a husband-turned-chef trying to bring romance back into his married life. These campaigns continued to be aired for the first six months of the brands launch. An endorsement campaign on television wherein celebrities such as Mehr Jesia Rampal, former Miss India and model, and Rina Dhaka, fashion designer, talk about how Ponds Age Miracle has changed their lives, is also seen off and on. Currently, a television campaign, Satisfaction amongst Millions, is being screened. ` With players like LOreal and Olay, in addition to Ponds, the anti-aging market in India stands at Rs 60 crore today, according to Nielsen figures for 2007, and it is growing at a rate of 30-40 per cent per annum, Ponds Age Miracle line includes cream, serum, facial foam, lotion and eye cream toner in which the cream is a flagship product that secures 80% of sales of the whole range. It is claimed to offer solution to wrinkles and dark spots effective in 7 days. Ponds Age Miracle cream is offered into two pack sizes: 50g priced at 190,000 VND (7.6EUR), and 30g priced at 129,000 VND (5 EUR). As a part of the strategy to fight against Olay Total Effect, Unilever ensured equally extensive distribution network for Ponds Age Miracle and its availability to end-consumers through every possible channel (Unilever,2008). The successful launch in early 2007 allowed Ponds Age Miracle to gain a substantial share of nearly 50 % in the anti-aging skincare category a few months later. However, soon after the product experienced a sharp decline of its sales and market share. The bottom line the product profitability was also breached, resulting in Unilever Vietnam considering the decision of withdrawing Ponds Age Miracle from the markets. Conclusion The underlying principle of market segmentation is that the product and services needs of individual customers differ. Market segmentation involves the grouping of customers together with the aim of better satisfying their needs whilst maintaining economies of scale. It consists of three stages and if properly executed should deliver more satisfy customers, few direct confrontations with competitors, and better designed marketing programmers.

School Construction: Wrong Decision :: Personal Narrative Argumentative Papers

School Construction: Wrong Decision My only ‘normal’ year of high school was my freshman year. I don’t know if any part of high school is normal, but the last three years for me were miserable. Those years were full of construction. Greeneville High School was built in 1950 and was in serious need of help. The town had to make a decision on what they wanted. They weren’t sure whether to build a brand new school in a new location or remodel and expand right where it is. They chose to rebuild and expand. That meant my last years there would be one big headache. I’m not saying the decision to leave the school in its existing location was wrong, but I do believe that no one really took into consideration the hassle it would cause. At the beginning of freshman year, the school system sent out surveys asking the parents what they thought of fixing up the school. Everyone in my town knew that something needed to be done years ago. I was surprised the building hadn’t collapsed already. You sat in class and looked outside through the cracks in the walls. Most of the town wanted to build a new school at a new site. It would help ease the overcrowding and parking conditions. They could build on at another location with no problem, as it became needed. That dream was shot down when the announcement came that the school would remain where it is. What happened? The two men that would pour money into the new school got to decide where the school went. (the men are not being named so no one is offended that may know them) They were afraid if the school moved from its existing site, the downtown area would lose money. These two men got to decide everything without considering the repercussion s. So with this decision, my high school years were forever changed.

Separation of Online Communities :: Argumentative Persuasive Papers

Separation of Online Communities On January 10 of 2003, I struggled with an inorganic chemistry homework problem on entropy before the night of my exam. I logged on to an inorganic chemistry forum. This forum is similar to the structure of a classroom. The forum is popular among two types of members, instructors and students. The students post their homework, and the instructors answer the questions posted by the students. The average number of posts in that site is 30 per day. The forum is extremely popular and continuously filled with questions and requests for help with homework. I was hoping that someone knew the answer to my question and would respond to me before my exam. I therefore posted: â€Å"Rank the following element in decrease entropy, Al(s), Ba(s), Hg (l), H2 (g), HBr (g), Thanks for your help I would like to know the answer of this A.S.A.P because my exam is tomorrow morning.† Within an hour I received this response from Professor Helmenstine, the administrator of the site, also a professor in chemistry department: The order should be HBr (g), H2 (g), Hg (l), Ba(s), Al(s). An ordered state has a low probability of occurring and low entropy. A disordered state has a high probability of occurring and high entropy. Gas has the highest entropy because it is more disordered than any other element. And solid is in the most ordered state; therefore it has the lowest entropy. I know this is the first time you posted but I must inform you that integrity is essential in this site’s posting. I recommend you follow your school’s honor codes and not attempt to get any unauthorized aid from this site. Please check out this site’s regulation page and please follow the rules of this site. I hope that I helped and good luck on your exam.† (Helmenstine) I was delighted that I was able to receive help from a forum. After all, the online communities are similar to what Rheingold stated in his article â€Å"Virtual Community.† â€Å"In the summer of 1986, my then-two-year-old daughter picked up a tick. There was this blood-bloated thing suck on our baby’s scalp, and we weren’t quiet sure how to go about getting it off. Separation of Online Communities :: Argumentative Persuasive Papers Separation of Online Communities On January 10 of 2003, I struggled with an inorganic chemistry homework problem on entropy before the night of my exam. I logged on to an inorganic chemistry forum. This forum is similar to the structure of a classroom. The forum is popular among two types of members, instructors and students. The students post their homework, and the instructors answer the questions posted by the students. The average number of posts in that site is 30 per day. The forum is extremely popular and continuously filled with questions and requests for help with homework. I was hoping that someone knew the answer to my question and would respond to me before my exam. I therefore posted: â€Å"Rank the following element in decrease entropy, Al(s), Ba(s), Hg (l), H2 (g), HBr (g), Thanks for your help I would like to know the answer of this A.S.A.P because my exam is tomorrow morning.† Within an hour I received this response from Professor Helmenstine, the administrator of the site, also a professor in chemistry department: The order should be HBr (g), H2 (g), Hg (l), Ba(s), Al(s). An ordered state has a low probability of occurring and low entropy. A disordered state has a high probability of occurring and high entropy. Gas has the highest entropy because it is more disordered than any other element. And solid is in the most ordered state; therefore it has the lowest entropy. I know this is the first time you posted but I must inform you that integrity is essential in this site’s posting. I recommend you follow your school’s honor codes and not attempt to get any unauthorized aid from this site. Please check out this site’s regulation page and please follow the rules of this site. I hope that I helped and good luck on your exam.† (Helmenstine) I was delighted that I was able to receive help from a forum. After all, the online communities are similar to what Rheingold stated in his article â€Å"Virtual Community.† â€Å"In the summer of 1986, my then-two-year-old daughter picked up a tick. There was this blood-bloated thing suck on our baby’s scalp, and we weren’t quiet sure how to go about getting it off.