Category: Essays

Designing instructional activities online is not what it once was – new tools have enabled multisensory and dynamic learning experiences to occur if effective strategies and resources are aligned well. It is also important to note learning is not always done in isolation, or at least it should not be.

Learning is a social construct that requires collaboration and connections to both the real world and people interacting in that world. For example, Ubell, in his article Dewey Goes Online suggests that progressives, such as Dewey and others, believed in the power of experiential learning – learning by doing – coupled with problem solving and critical thinking supported by tools for communication and collaborative teamwork.

New course delivery models will be smart to develop collaborative opportunities for students to learn that require problem solving and critical thinking. Read the article Dewey Goes Online and answer the critical thinking questions below. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings.

Select three of the questions below to answer (you must answer question #5).

What is the danger of formal learning compared with informal learning? Is there a time for both? Explain.
What new tools have emerged, as Anu Sivunen points out, that make communication online so successful?
What is the most common form of online communication today? Why does Ubell state it may not be the most effective for collaboration? Do you agree?
Creating opportunities for students to collaborate, even with the most sophisticated tools, does not mean they will yield desirable results. What does Ubell say needs to happen for powerful learning to take place when students engage in teams, group work, and collaborative exchanges?
Based on your experiences at Ashford, how would you improve the ways students collaborate

Compare the probable rights and powers of women in the typical pre-urban village with those of women living in the typical urban Sumerian city. Did the establishment of cities help women overall, or did it hurt them? Explain (250-300 words)

Q2) Exactly what is an empire? How does it grow? What are the typical functions performed by an empire, and what are the main causes that typically lead to an empire’s decline and demise? (250-300 words)

Q3) What were the major impacts of the Huna invasions on India? How was power distributed throughout the subcontinent for the thousand or so years after the invasions? (250-300 words)

Q4) Compare and contrast the Umayyad caliphate and the Abbasid caliphate in regards to the following: imperial expansion and/or contraction, nature of rule, treatment of non-Muslims, and method of demise. (250-300 words)

Q5) Describe the controversy in psychology about the conflict between continuity and change of personality? What are some of the traits that are likely to change? Unlikely to change? How can people best deal with the dilemma of continuity and change? (250-300 words

To complete the following journal entry, go to this week’s Journal link in the left navigation.

No Excuses University—Culture of Universal Achievement

“Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline.” – Jim Collins

Upon reading chapters 1-5 of No Excuses University (Lopez, 2013), reflect on the foundational concepts of No Excuses University addressing each of the listed points. Compose your journal using first-person language.

Consider the structure of each chapter. Describe the key elements you observed that make each chapter easy to follow or more readable.

Select one “Key Concept” and one “Theory to Practice” statement from any of the first five chapters to reflect upon. Explain why it is personally and/or professionally relevant to you.

Chapter five discusses the concept of having “your moment”. What was your moment? When did you know that you wanted to be involved in the lives of students or youth?

What are the most common reasons why educators become jaded? What actions might ensure that we don’t lose sight of the commitments that we once made as new educators entering the profession

As preparation for the final research paper, formulate a theory about the correlation between measurable independent variables (causes) and one measurable dependent variable (the effect). Be sure to have at least two independent variables for proposed research paper. The topic proposal should include the following four items which serve as the foundation for the final research paper after instructor feedback is given.
Unit 5: 50 points

Create a draft of your report including the data. This copy of the data may be in an Excel spreadsheet.

**Below is a copy of the requirements for your proposal from Unit 2. Points are assigned for Unit 5 work as listed on each item.
1) Purpose Statement [10pts]

In one paragraph, state the correlation and identify the primary independent variables.

State the correlation as in the following:

“The dependent variable _______ is determined by independent variables ________, _________, ________, and ________.”

Identify and defend the “primary” independent variable, or the variable believed to have the strongest impact on the dependent variable:

“The most important independent variable in this relationship is ________ because _________.”
2) Definition of Variables [10pts]

For each variable, write a single definition paragraph talking about the variable. Paragraphs should be in this order: dependent variable, primary independent variable, and three independent variables.

In addition to defining the independent variables, defend why each determines the dependent variable.

For the primary independent variable, at least two research sources that discuss the variable also must be cited. These sources need not be technical documents but should contain evidence to justify the relationship between the primary independent variable and the dependent variable. List these sources in the Works Cited (reference) page.

**Note: Citations from encyclopedias, Wikipedia, blogs, abstracts, or non-governmental websites are not acceptable research sources.
3) Data Description [10pts]

For each of the variables, at least 30 observations of cross-sectional data must be obtained. Thus for the final research paper, a data matrix that is at least 30 rows by numbers of variables must be presented.

In one paragraph, identify the data sources and describe the data (i.e., which government agencies supply the data, which methods are used to compile them, when they were collected, etc.).
4) Works Cited Page [10pts]

The final page of the proposal should be a Works Cited page listing the two research sources for the primary independent variable and the data sources, with a separate citation for each table of data, including specific table numbers for each of the source

As you prepare for your Final Project, take this opportunity to create a mock presentation using PowerPoint, or other professional presentation software and present your action research proposal to your peers through Jing, Present.me, or PowerPoint to create your presentation with both a visual and audio component.

Your visual presentation must include all nine components of the action research plan and follow the guidelines for creating effective presentations as discussed in the required and recommended video tutorials located in the recommended and required readings section.

In order to ensure your viewers experience the full effect of your mock proposal, it is imperative that your voice and a visual presentation complement each other as you explain all nine of its components. Therefore, it is a requirement you include the video component with audio as you share your action research proposal.

You must keep your presentation under five minutes. Keep in mind, the emphasis is more on you and your ability to share your knowledge, heart, and passion about your topic, while leading your viewers through the nine components of your mock action research proposal. Your visual presentation will provide the main points of each of the nine components, as you follow the seven by seven rule. But your oral complement will elaborate to fill in the blanks between those main points. Thus, you will have the opportunity to provide all the details, important information, and passion behind it to your audience verbally. This will not only appeal to both visual and auditory learners, simultaneously, it will make your presentation more enjoyable and enriching for both you and your viewers. Include a link to your presentation or attach it to your discussion post.

Week 5 DQ 2

Consider the image/quote below.

“If one wants to write, one simply has to organize one’s life in a mass of little habits” (Graham Greene).

Interpret what this quote means to you in light of this week’s readings on personal writing rituals. What conclusions can you make from this simple statement?

Considering Chapter 8 of Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher, develop a list of up to five of your current personal writing rituals and how they help or hinder your writing. What ideas did you gain from chapter 8 that could help improve your writing practice as you progress through your Master progra

As you prepare for your Final Project, take this opportunity to create a mock presentation using PowerPoint, or other professional presentation software and present your action research proposal to your peers through Jing, Present.me, or PowerPoint to create your presentation with both a visual and audio component.

Your visual presentation must include all nine components of the action research plan and follow the guidelines for creating effective presentations as discussed in the required and recommended video tutorials located in the recommended and required readings section.

In order to ensure your viewers experience the full effect of your mock proposal, it is imperative that your voice and a visual presentation complement each other as you explain all nine of its components. Therefore, it is a requirement you include the video component with audio as you share your action research proposal.

You must keep your presentation under five minutes. Keep in mind, the emphasis is more on you and your ability to share your knowledge, heart, and passion about your topic, while leading your viewers through the nine components of your mock action research proposal. Your visual presentation will provide the main points of each of the nine components, as you follow the seven by seven rule. But your oral complement will elaborate to fill in the blanks between those main points. Thus, you will have the opportunity to provide all the details, important information, and passion behind it to your audience verbally. This will not only appeal to both visual and auditory learners, simultaneously, it will make your presentation more enjoyable and enriching for both you and your viewers. Include a link to your presentation or attach it to your discussion post.

Week 5 DQ 2

Consider the image/quote below.

“If one wants to write, one simply has to organize one’s life in a mass of little habits” (Graham Greene).

Interpret what this quote means to you in light of this week’s readings on personal writing rituals. What conclusions can you make from this simple statement?

Considering Chapter 8 of Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher, develop a list of up to five of your current personal writing rituals and how they help or hinder your writing. What ideas did you gain from chapter 8 that could help improve your writing practice as you progress through your Master program?

Week 5 Assignment

Sample Action Research Report Evaluation

The purpose of this assignment is for you to review a FINISHED action research report showing the entire planning process and allowing you to put together visibly, what a finished action research proposal consists of including the planning stage you are responsible for in this course as well as the results portion of the report for which you will be responsible for in EDU675 (MAED students). Having this exposure to a finished report should help you make connections with what you’ve been planning as well as what you will be actually implementing through your proposed intervention/innovation once you begin EDU675.

According to Mills (2014), “To evaluate a research study competently, you must have knowledge of each component of the research process” (p. 215). For this assignment, you will consider all that you have learned and practiced up to this point in our course and apply criteria for evaluating action research to the following:Sample Action Research Report 1: Effect of Technology in Enthusiasm for Learning Science. Finally, you will include a self-reflection. Note that it is acceptable to write in the first-person voice in the reflection.

Content

The assignment needs to include the following areas of content.

Area of Focus (1 point): Describe the area of focus and whether it involves teaching and learning. Include support from the literature where appropriate.Research Questions (0.5 points): List the research questions and discuss whether the researcher states questions that were answerable given the researcher’s expertise, time, and resources.Locus of Control (1 point): Discuss the locus of control and whether the area of focus was within the researcher’s locus of control.Data Collection (1 point): Describe the data collection techniques and whether the researcher used appropriate data collection techniques to answer the study’s research questions (e.g., qualitative and/or quantitative). Include support from the literature in your description.Ethics (1 point): Describe the ethical challenges the researcher faced and how they were resolved.Reflective Stance (1.5 point): Explain the ways the action research effort contributed to the researcher’s reflective stance on the ways teaching and learning are viewed.Action (0.5 points): Describe the actions that resulted from the study.Action-Data Connection (1.5 points): Describe how the proposed action connects to the study’s data analysis and interpretation.Reflection – Learning (0.5 points): Describe what you learned from this study and the process of evaluating it, considering what insight this researcher gave you indirectly regarding the process of action research.Reflection – Application (0.5 points): Describe what you have taken away from this experience for use in your Final Project in this course.

Written Communication

The assignment needs to adhere to the following areas for written communication.

Page Requirement (0.25 points): The assignment must be three to five pages, not including title and references pages.APA Formatting (0.25 points): Use APA formatting consistently throughout.Syntax and Mechanics (0.25 points): Display meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Your written work should contain no errors and be very easy to understand.Source Requirement (0.25 points): Use no less than two scholarly sources in addition to the sample action research report, which may be your course textbooks. All sources on the reference page need to be used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

Apply the concepts of project leadership to implement sound leadership practices and effectively lead high-performance teams in a project environment.
Determine the most appropriate leadership style (e.g., directive, consultative, participative, or delegative) in a project environment to effectively manage the project.
Analyze the project team using Jung theory and the four personality traits to understand human behavior and motivate team members
Use technology and information resources to research issues in project management leadership.
Write clearly and concisely about project management leadership using proper writing mechanics.

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills. Click here to access the rubric for this assignmen

Write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which you:

Describe the leadership style that Lieutenant Colonel Yaron exhibited as the commander of a battalion for the evacuation operation. Provide three (3) examples of his leadership actions and behavior. Discuss the pros and cons in each example you describe to support the response.
Analyze the leadership style that Lieutenant Colonel Daniel exhibited as he took center stage to lead this complex military operation. Provide three (3) examples of his leadership actions and behavior, assessing the pros and cons in each example you describe to support the response.
Compare and contrast the leadership styles of Lieutenant Colonel Yaron and Lieutenant Colonel Daniel. Provide three (3) examples of the similarities and differences between these project leaders, and discuss how each leader might address contemporary leadership issues and challenges in Israel today.
Discuss Lieutenant Colonel Yaron and Lieutenant Colonel Daniel interrelationship using Jung theory and the four (4) personality traits. Provide three (3) examples of how Lieutenant Colonel Yaron and Lieutenant Colonel Daniel personality and leadership style might enhance or hinder team performance for the complex military operation in this case study

In reference to your proposed Database Design Proposal, consider a situation where you want to track (and ultimately reduce) the occurrences of a risk incident within the environment you selected.

2) Identify and select an incident in which you are interested. An example of an incident could be that which is acquired or occurred during hospital stays.

3) Develop a 750–1,000 word proposal from the perspective of the Health Information Manager, which includes a specification of the requirements, the proposed solution, the database design and/or modifications to existing databases, and a breakdown of responsibilities among staff to collect, analyze, and disseminate the information.

4) This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment

Project Part 1 Assessment Preparation Checklist: Perform the following tasks to prepare for this assessment: Read Chapter 3, in the textbook, Contemporary Strategy Analysis, before attempting this assessment. Read the topic “Increasing Sales Revenue” from this week’s online lesson.
Title: Understanding Value Added Services During the lifetime of a company, it experiences P and L’s (profits and losses) for a variety of reasons. Many companies provide value added products or services as enhancements to increase their sales revenues.
Think of any one fictitious organization from the following sectors and then perform the given tasks: 1. Automotive 2. Healthcare 3. Manufacturing 4. Telecom
Task 1: Give a brief introduction of the company. Mention its name, industry type, kind of products or services it offers to its consumers, etc.
Task 2: Name three types of value added products or services that the company could include to increase its profitability.
Some examples may include: 1. A landlord’s lease or rent incentive 2. A software company’s add-on products 3. A retail store’s buy two and get one free option
Task 3: Create a table that includes the performance of the company for the past one year using: 1. Net cost of item 2. Net income from item 3. Net cost of value added item 4. Total net profit
Make sure to include product price, actual cost of giveaway (actual or presumed) item, and product or service, in a table that shows profitability measures.
Your instructor will consider the following points for evaluating your performance in this assessment: Did you submit your project on time? Did you create a fictitious organization from the given set of industries? Did you list at least three value added products or services? Did you include product price, actual cost of giveaway item, and product or service in the performance table?
Submission Requirements: Submit a Microsoft Word document of the following specifications: Font: Arial, Size 12, double space Length: 4–5 pages Citation Style: AP