Evaluating a technology concepts lesson Essay

The learning environment observed was one that had the use of computers in mind. The classroom size was big enough to seat around twenty or so students that had a student:computer ratio of 1:1. The computers were arranged in such a way that two rows of computers were back to back so that students would be facing each other. There were four rows in all with the teacher seated on the end of one row. This arrangement allowed easy student to student interaction and at the same time easy teacher to student interaction since the teacher was situated where she had a full view of all the students. An overhead projector was also set up beside the teacher with the screen facing her and the students, allowing a real time view of what the teacher was doing on her own computer making it for her to explain the tasks she gave to her students. This made it easy for students to easily check their work against the teacher’s without having to disrupt the class. 1-b: Many education activities could be observed in the class. The given task was to identify from the given paragraphs the main ideas and the supporting details to the main ideas. The students were then tasked to use the computers to put their ideas down and make sure they edited their work. Thus, the most important parts of the whole activity were brainstorming, graphic organizing, and word processing. In the brainstorming activity, the students had sharing in ideas in small group discussions that the teacher utilized to give the students time talk about their ideas. These helped the students in identifying the main ideas and supporting details. They then summarized their discussions. These small group discussions help the students learn better since they are able to check whether their ideas have merit or not. In a way, they are doing checks and balances. The graphic organizing and word processing then bring them to the realm of technology where they can put their ideas and their work to life. They can actually view the work they came up with by typing these in, editing it, and checking whether the spelling and grammar are all correct. 1-c: Effective teaching is always seen when a teacher begins the lesson with a short statement of goals, presents the material in small steps with clear instructions and explanation, and provide a high level of practice for all the students. An effective teacher also checks for student understanding and guide the students through the exercise. The teacher also provides a venue for feedback to see whether the lesson was understood and know what areas can be improved (Rosenshine & Stevens, 1986). Keeping that in mind, my observation was that the teacher did exactly what is expected of an effective teacher. She stated the goals of the lesson and delivered the instructions of the lesson step-by-step. She also gave examples of what she meant and used the computer and overhead projector to show the students what she meant. She provided the students a venue to discuss their ideas and thereby giving them a high level of practice within the lesson. Not only that, by letting the students do their work with the use of the computer, she provided another venue for real life situations wherein writing is done on computers including editing and revising. At the end of the lesson, she asked one student to read to the class his writing output and gave feedback by acknowledging that the student was able to do his work correctly since the student had a main idea and some supporting details in his work. 2-a: The students were very much engaged with the task and the vehicle of technology used to deliver the lesson. They seemed comfortable with the use of the technology and I attribute this to the teacher’s step-by-step delivery of the lesson. Her style of going through the task by showing the students what she meant made it easy for the students to follow and most likely gave them the courage to do the task. 3-a: The instructional purpose of the lesson was to simulate real life writing wherein writers make use of the computer to write, edit, and revise their work. Her additional goals included a better knowledge of the use of graphic organizers after the lesson. Her choice of technology was the best choice in terms of simulating real life situations. Not only that, it gave her students an introduction to the use of a computer in writing. This is important since this knowledge is very important not only in real life situations but also in schooling. Evidently, most assignments nowadays are expected to be handed in typewritten, in a certain format, and in a certain font. Her choice then was the best choice in driving home the lesson that students should learn to use the computer in doing the task of summarizing an essay an identifying the main ideas with supporting details included. 4-a: The effectiveness of the lesson delivery is seen in how a student is able to achieve then endpoint of the lesson. The use of technology then is a vehicle towards that endpoint. Now, if a teacher is able to effectively deliver the lesson, the endpoint can easily be achieved. This was clearly seen in the video. The teacher was able to use the computer technology in arriving at the endpoint of having a professionally made summary containing the main ideas and supporting details of her given essay at the start of the class. In the same vein, she was able to improve the students’ abilities in the use of the graphic organizer and word processor. Also, since the ratio of student:computer was 1:1, it gave the students a certain satisfaction that the work they did was actually work made by their own hands. They could say that it was a product of their own hard work and be proud and they were proud of their achievement. 4-b: I was trying to analyze how best an English lesson could be incorporated with the use of technology and tried to reflect how I could maximize not only the use of technology but also maximize the endpoints that is always best when teaching English—meaning I would not only want that my students know how to use a graphic organizer and word processor, I want them to learn how to brainstorm, share ideas, work on their own to arrive at the correct answers, and still achieve metacognitive learning by letting the students themselves arrive at reflection on whether the lesson did improve their knowledge and by how much. This is the kind of endpoint I would want in every lesson I have. Thus, this is why my evaluation of this evaluation came about from this viewpoint and why it mattered much to me that the students were able to get the best of the world of English writing and technology. 5-a:One alternative or additional form of technology that could have been useful was the use of audios. Students could be given separate paragraphs or essays that they had to listen to individually or in small groups. This would also test their listening skills as well as their comprehension skills. This alternative would make use of what is known as the VAK attack or Visual, Auditory, and Kinetic learning. This can increase learning since more senses are used. 5-b: My choice of recommendation relies in my belief that multisensorial learning is a good way to increase their chances of remembering the lesson. It also give a wider range of engagement in terms of capturing students’ attention since some students are visual, some auditory, and others kinetic. When a teacher tries to deliver a lesson that makes use multiple senses, it increases the chances of more students retaining the lesson. 6-a:My initial reaction to the use of technology in the observed classroom was one of approval. I find that the use of modern day technology should be used more often in the classroom setting since I believe that learning should reflect situations in real life. It would not be beneficial for a student to be kept ignorant of the use of technology when in school since once they are out of the campus they face a different situation. The use of modern day technology is very evident in every corner of our lives. A good example would be the use of ATMs which needs at least a very basic knowledge of keyboard use or touchscreen interface knowledge. It may be difficult to accept especially if the teacher belongs to an older generation that did not incorporate as much technology but I believe that it should be part and parcel of most lessons today. 6-b: As I expressed in my thinking process of this evaluation, I really considered how technology can be maximized in teaching as much to a student without giving them an information overload. My personal view has always been a multisensorial approach to learning helps. The professional implication of this is that I always try to incorporate a multisensorial approach to my teaching style. REFERENCES Rosenshine, B. , & Stevens, R. (1986). Teaching functions. In M. C. Whittrock (Ed. ), Handbook of research on teaching (3rd ed. , pp. 376-391). New York: Macmillan.

Digestive System Essay

Digestive System Essay Digestive System Essay Food consists of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates which when eaten provide the body with proper nutrients. Once the food is swallowed and reaches the stomach the process of digestion takes place (Digestion and absorption 2013, pp.1). When food is in the stomach it mixes with gastric juices and creates churning movements by the muscular wall and turns the food in to chyme (Digestion and absorption 2013, pp.1). The enzyme pepsin is the proteolytic enzyme of the stomach which turns the proteins in to peptides (Digestion and absorption 2013, pp.1). Proteins and peptides from the chyme will reach the duodenum of the small intestines by enzymes from the pancreatic juices and also by enzymes from the succus entericus, which now ends the digestion process of proteins (Digestion and absorption 2013, pp.1). The remaining proteins and other various products will enter the jejunum and ileum that is located in the small intestines (Digestion and absorption 2013, pp.1). Proteins will then be brok en down in to amino acids. When amino acids are not needed they can be stored as fat used for energy or completely eliminated from the body through the urine (Digestion and absorption 2013, pp.1). Hormone regulation is the role of the hormones involving the digestive tract. The three main hormones are CCK, gastrin and secretin (NIH, 2008, pp.1). These hormones are released in to the blood stream surrounding the digestive tract to then circulate through the heart and back to the digestive area in which they are then able to stimulate the digestive juices resulting in movement of

Recording Industry essays

Recording Industry essays The recording industry is one of the great global industries of today. It brings pleasure and fulfillment to people of all ages, cultures and creeds; it is one of the leading creative industries that increasingly drive the development of modern economies; and it is pioneering in the era of digital technologies and electronic commerce. In todays age when it comes to getting something for cheap, or something for nothing people will try their best to get it. One of the most unstable industries today is the recording industry. The reason for this is in todays society everyone tends to download music instead of buying it form a store. So the hundreds of hours and money put into recording an album has to be made back some how. It happens like this, one person would spend the $14.99 to buy an album then they would put it on their computer and log onto the Internet. Then millions of people are able to go on the Internet and download that same album for free. Then you have the people who dow nload the music and sell it on street corners for less than half the original price. Their making 100% Tax free profit off of someone elses hard work. All of this can be done form anyones personal computer. What their doing is stealing. Its called music- piracy. For someone to download and sell music that they didnt make is a felony. One of the many non-profit organizations that try to stop this is the IFPI. Protecting copyright, fighting piracy and promoting the value to modern economies of a thriving legitimate music industry, are core activities of IFPI. The IFPI is an organization representing the international recording industry. It comprises a membership of 1500 recording producers and distributors in 76 countries. They stop people from swapping music over the Internet. IFPIs priorities are fighting music piracy, and promoting fair market access, and having adequate copyright laws. ...

Nursing research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Nursing - Research Paper Example She is normal and not depressed although she retired from her job. Interviewing is similar to courting where two individuals have to agree on something before doing it. Connection between an interviewer and an interviewee can be seen through numerous aspects. In this interview, there was a sound and outstanding connection between the interviewer and the interviewee. This was seen through the attention that the patient gave to the questions that she was asked (Peate, 2010). She held onto her judgments and opened her mind. The patient kept her ears and eyes into what she was asked and held onto her feelings or body language that would indicate any sort of body language. Additionally, the patient remained curious and deferential throughout the interview. When the patient was engaged in the interview, she responded succinctly. The interview took place in the patient’s house, in her living room, on Monday 10th June 2013 at 6pm and took 30 minutes. Part II: General Assessment Whenev er individuals get to the age of 75 and above, they experience changes in their life. Such changes include deterioration of the person’s immune system, memory loss, wear and tear on joints and bones, skin changes and loss of sight. The patient has grey hair, vision loss, walking problems and difficulties in using the bathroom. Eyesight weakens as people get older. Research indicates that at the age of 60, eye cataracts degenerate resulting to weakened sight. Cataracts are cloudy regions in the human eye lens that cause loss of eyesight (Anderson et al, 2010). Cataracts may form and stay small and not affect eyesight while they may become large and affect eye sight. Graying of hair is a clear sign of aging. It can only be understood through delving into biology. Hair color is manufactured by melanin, a protein underneath the skin. When individuals age, the melanin cells also age and start dying out and stop making hair color. Therefore, the color of an aged person turns gray d ue to the loss of color by melanin. She cannot bear to stand in the bathroom since her joints and bones have worn out. Additionally, she needs help in order to take a bath (Anderson, 2010). The patient notes that she cannot walk for long periods and cannot walk too without a walker. The weight bearing joints and bones in an individual wear down as he or she ages. As a result, the weakened bones prevent an individual from walking. These bones could either be infected with arthritis. This results from the wearing off of cartilage in joints and, therefore, leaves the bones to rub against each other (Anderson, 2010). Additionally, the patient noted that she could not hold her bladder and stool. Loss of bladder control, commonly referred as incontinence, is a common disorder among the aged. Statistics indicate that out of 10 aged people, one is likely to have urinal incontinence. However, this problem seems to be more prevalent among women than in men. The patient is aware of her aging c ondition and understands that she cannot carryout normal daily activities without help. This is because she is unable to walk and cannot hold her bladder and stool. This makes it hard and challenging for her to do anything for herself. For instance, she faces difficulties when using the bathroom. This is because she cannot stand for long due to her weak bones and joints. The patient satisfies her basic needs through retirement or work through attending church meetings, hobbies through taking trips,

McDonald's strategy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

McDonald's strategy - Assignment Example ged across the globe because of the economic recession of 2010, McDonald’s adopted a combination of the cost focus and differentiation strategies to boost sales. This campaign comprised of initiating cost cutting measures in business operations, maintaining the affordable of menu offerings and improving the menu to address changing customer preferences. According to Mourdoukoutas (2013), McDonald’s has previously demonstrated similar patterns of adopting a specific strategic direction in the past starting from the 1960s when the company identified the customer’s demand of having access to a menu which offered both affordability and convenience. Consequently, the organization realized the onset of globalization as a fundamental trend that emerged in the decade of 70s and 80s thereby, choosing to take the McDonald’s brand worldwide because of favorable conditions. The company’s strategic decision-making in the past therefore, reflects that the organization carefully tailors its strategy around its most valuable element – the customers. Henceforth, the organization’s strategies have surfaced as winners when other companies have failed to make a mark or have succumbed to unfavorable economic conditions. Moreover, the company also recognizes the implications of competition in a highly volatile i ndustry which is also an important consideration behind the success which it has been able to achieve and sustain. Mourdoukoutas, P. (2013). Starbuck’s and McDonald’s Winning Strategy. Forbes. Available online at [2nd July,

Research week9 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Research week9 - Essay Example Although initially case study was my mode of selection because of the in-depth analysis of the variables however now that I review my work I think Narrative inquiry would be a lot more appropriate. By utilizing interviews and reviews as means of data gathering it will enable me to gain information directly from the participants in order to carry out my research effectively. Research Design: a. Role of Researcher. One of the biases which might affect my research is that of my own personal belief that juvenile boys are more likely to commit crimes than girls. This might result in a selection bias, that is, I might unconsciously be more inclined to pick male participants for the study. As far as my personal interest is concerned the topic of juvenile crime fascinates me. The notion that the values that we acquire from our interactions and social environment shape who we are is one that I firmly believe in. If our interactions are positive and encouraging we grow into responsible adults, at least that is what the general consensus is. However my experience suggests otherwise. There are so many adolescents that are given all sorts of facilities and encouragement yet they turn towards a life of crime. This is why I chose to study the aspect of juvenile crime and how it is affected by the social environment. b. Sample Size. Alpha = .05 Power = .80 Estimated Effect Size = .10 Conducting â€Å"Analysis of Variance† because you would be comparing more than two groups K = 3 [domestic violence, peer pressure and substance abuse]). Sample size needed: You would need 30 participants in EACH group, for a grand total of 90 participants; adding in a â€Å"buffer† for possible attrition. That makes approximately 10% attrition from pre to post assessment, adding an additional 9 participants (90 * .10 = 9). That is a grand total of N = 99 (with 33 in each group) (Dr. Burkholder, Study notes). c. Sample and Context. Under 18 boys and girls with a juvenile record, who are primarily high school students and belong to the American culture. d. Sampling Procedure. The method of non probability sampling I believe will be most appropriate for carrying out my research. In fact to be even specific purposive sampling technique which aids exploratory research and encompasses obtaining data from specific individuals, in case of my investigation this would be juveniles. This will ensure internal validity of the study as the chosen sample will be a certain fraction of the population. e. Data Type and Collection: With the help of self report surveys, questionnaire or poll participants will select a response by themselves without researcher interference. With the use of open questions as well as a Likert rating scale will provide in depth data that will facilitate data gathering for the research. f. Data Analysis: The technique that will be used to analyze the data will be that of content analysis. Ole Holsti  (1969) offers a broad definition of content analy sis as "any technique for making inferences by objectively and systematically identifying specified characteristics of messages. It basically looks at "Who says what, to whom, why, to what extent and with what effect?"   g. Ethical Protection of Participants. : I will carry out a qualitative study which will observe, explore and understand the meaning of groups ascribe to a problem (Creswell, 2009). Although initially case study was my mode of selection because of the in-depth analysis of the variables however now that I review my work I think Narrative inquiry would

Myth of Money and Success Essay Example for Free

Myth of Money and Success Essay The American Dream is different for everyone, though it is most commonly associated with success, freedom, and happiness. The concept of the American Dream seems to have dwindled from where it was in the past few generations. It has gone from success, freedom, and happiness to having lots of money and the nicest possessions. In today’s society, we all hope and strive for this dream, but how many actually achieve the American Dream? Is it a reasonable goal that Americans should strive for, or is it a myth that only leads to self-destruction? According to Horatio Alger and Toni Cade Bambara, they both believe the concept that the American Dream is a myth and prove these fundamentals through their writing. A single person or a small group does not create the notion of success, but it is created by our whole society. The myth of instant wealth is one of the most popular myths society uses. In fact society uses the hope of instant wealth to make people work harder. The fact that they do not have a real chance of obtaining that wealth by competing in the economic system stays invisible to the most of people. But people have believed that if they will work hard then they can achieve success. Richard Hunter, main character of the book â€Å"Ragged Dick† has been a typical example of American notion of success. According to this book, by Horatio Alger, everybody can become well recognized and financially prosperous if they would work hard and show their merit. Dick, â€Å"a young gentleman on the way to fame and fortune,† as his friend Fosdick from the story â€Å"Ragged Dick† describes him in the end of the story, climbs on the social ladder, starting from the very bottom. Being absolutely illiterate and having no money in the beginning, Dick gets into business circle of people, by working hard and showing his merit. While reading this book, I really was able to put myself in the story, and live Dick’s life with him. This typical story of â€Å"Rags to Riches†, is a general theme for many people’ lives. Today, as well as back in the 1800’s when the story was written, most people’s dreams are to achieve success. This formally became known as â€Å"The American Dream†. Although this may seem strange for everyone to have the same idea, it really isn’t when you look at it with an open perspective. Each and every person’s perception of success is extremely different and individual, which makes everyone’s dreams different. There may be people who strive for big goals, and there may be others who take it one day at a time, achieving happiness on a less formal level. In comparing the time period of the story to our society today, there are many similarities and differences to consider. According within the world we live today, people tend to set much higher goals and expectations for themselves, whereas, in Ragged Dick, it was more of a day-to-day type situation. When people set smaller, more realistic goals, it results in more happiness and comfort in their lifestyle. However, in today’s world, Americans have become so incredibly competitive and successful, that the standards have been significantly raised to the point where personal happiness is no longer good enough. After reading a novel like Horatio Alger’s Ragged Dick, you subconsciously make yourself realize the important underlying message that he is trying to portray. To me, this message is to always be optimistic, and no matter how bad your life is, it can always get better if you are honest, hardworking and determined. Another good source that brings forth the concept of money and success is through Bambaras writing, â€Å"The Lesson†. The major theme of the story was creating awareness in adolescents about what life has to offer. The nature of human beings of accepting the realities of life to such an extent that apathy and lethargy sets in, is what proves to be destructive for the social fabric of today’s world. In this stagnation, Mrs. Moore provides the impetus required for people to realize their god given right to something better. We are told that Mrs. Moore has a college degree, is well dressed most of the times, and has a good command on her language. She seems to be a kind of a person who has seen the world. She has experienced life, and wants to use that experience in providing the children with an opportunity to broaden their horizons. This opportunity that she strives to provide is opening their eyes to the true nature of life and not by giving them money and bombarding their psyche with moralistic attitudes. The story showcases the lack of aspirations of a culture. It takes us through the point of view of the children, who think of nothing but entertainment, and through the mind frame of the adults who have resigned their lives to mediocrity. Mrs. Moore proves to be the catalyst that sets alight the imagination of the children. She realizes that by just telling the children that there is something better out there, she will not be able to instill in them a sense of longing; an aspiration to achieve something better in life. So the morale of this story was to show how one could achieve success with certain disadvantages and still work towards the realistic â€Å"American Dream†. As a result, Americans are never satisfied with what they have. It has been said that Americans are no longer trying to keep up with the Joneses, but instead looking at celebrities, and envisioning themselves with the same expensive possessions. Americans today do in fact look at celebrities and long for their lavish lifestyles, but also still do try and keep up with the Joneses. This scenario is also similar with possessions of luxury items. Ever look at your neighbor’s new car and want one of your own? It is very common to see your neighbor pull in their driveway with a new Mercedes, then look at your car and think of going and getting a nice new car that is comparable to the Mercedes. We as Americans are never satisfied with what we have. The American Dream is still alive, though it is not what it used to be. One can be successful, have freedom, and be happy. But are they fulfilling their version of the American Dream? Some of us may take it to further extremes than others, but there will always be the desire to have something better than everyone else. Society today tells us that we should have the best of everything if we don’t; we are of a lower class of people. We are sucked in by these beliefs because we as Americans do not want to be shown up, and want to be part of the higher class. Americans are always demanding more, while in poverty-stricken countries people are just thankful for what they do have. Maybe we as Americans should just be thankful for the opportunities that this great country has to offer and live our OWN dreams. . Works Cited Alger, Horatio Jr.. Ragged Dick Or, Street Life in New York with the Boot Blacks. New York. Penguin, 2005. Print. Bambara, Toni. â€Å"The Lesson†. Literature: Reading and Writing the Human Experience. Shorter 7th ed. Ed. Richard Abacian and Marvin Koltz. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2000. 121-126.