Walmart, Amazon, and Ebay: Who Will Dominate Internet Retailing?

There are many different business trends shaping e-commerce today. For one, ecommerce remains the fastest growing form of commerce when compared to physical retain store, services, and entertainment. Another trend is that the online demographics of shoppers broaden to match those of ordinary shoppers. Also, small businesses and entrepreneurs continue to flood through the e-commerce marketplace, often riding on the infrastructures created by industry giants and increasingly taking advantage of cloud-based computing resources. Lastly, pure e-commerce business models are refined further to achieve higher levels of profitability, whereas traditional retail brands use e-commerce to retain their dominant retail positions. 1b Name and describe three technology trends shaping e-commerce today. There are many different technology trends shaping e-commerce today. One technology trend is that wireless internet connections grow rapidly. Also, powerful handheld mobile devices support music, Web surfing, and entertainment as well as voice communication. Podcasting and streaming take off as mediums for distribution of video, radio, and user-generation content. c List and describe the eight unique features of e-commerce. There are eight different unique features of e-commerce today. First, ubiquity, which means that e-commerce is available everywhere; it is available at home, work, and elsewhere via mobile devices. Mobile devices extend service to local areas and merchants. Next, global reach makes e-commerce unique bec ause technology can reach all the way around the Earth. E-commerce is also unique because of universal standards; there is one set of technology standards, namely internet standards, making communication between computer systems easy. Richness is a unique quality because it makes video, audio, and text messages possible. They are integrated into a single marketing message and consumer experiment. Interactivity is unique because it allows the technology to work through interaction with the users. Another unique feature of e-commerce is information density because the technology reduces information costs and raises the quality. Personalization is a unique feature because the technology allows personalized messages to be delivered to individuals as well as groups. Lastly, social technology is a unique feature of e-commerce because it allows the user to use social networking to share with personal friends, content of many different forms. 2a Name and describe the principal e-commerce business models. There are several principal e-commerce business models. E-tailer sells physical products directly to consumers or to individual businesses. Transaction brokers save users money and time by processing online sales transactions and generating a fee each time a transaction occurs. The market creator business model provides a digital environment where buyers and sellers can meet, search for products, display products, and establish prices for those products. The content provider model creates revenue by providing digital content such as news, music, photos, or video over the Web. The customer can pay to access the content, or revenue may be generated by selling advertising space. A community provider provides an online meeting place where people with similar interests can communicate and find useful information. The portal business model provides initial point of entry to the Web along with specialized content and other services. Lastly, a service provider provides Web applications such as photo sharing, video sharing, and user generated content as services. Other services are also provided such as online data storage and backup. 2b Name and describe the e-commerce revenue models. There are several different e-commerce revenue models that describe how the firm will earn revenue, generate profit, and produce a superior return on investment. The advertising revenue model is the most widely used revenue model. In this model, a Web site generates revenue by attracting a large audience of visitors who can then be exposed to advertisements. In the sales revenue model, companies derive revenue by selling goods, information, or services to customers. In the subscription revenue model, a Web site offering content or services charges a subscription fee for access to some or all of its offerings on an ongoing basis. In the free revenue model, firms offer basic services or content for free, while charging a premium for advanced or special features. In the transactions fee revenue model, a company receives a fee for enabling a transaction. Lastly, in the affiliate revenue model, Web sites send visitors to other Web sites in return for a referral fee or percentage of the revenue from any resulting sales. 3a How do social networking and â€Å"the wisdom of crowds† help companies improve their marketing. Social networking helps companies improve marketing because they link people through their mutual business or personal connections, enabling them to mine their friends for sales leads, job hunting tips, or new friends. The wisdom of crowds†, it is argued that a large number of people can make better decisions about a wide range of topics or products than a single person or a small group of experts. It helps improve marketing by suggesting that firms should consult with thousands of their customers first as a way of establishing a relationship with them and to better understand how their products and services are used a nd appreciated. 3b Define the social graph and explain how it is used in e-commerce marketing. The social graph is a map of all significant online social relationships, comparable to a social network describing offline relationships. It is a small world that links people more tightly than they think. Overall, marking with social media is still in early stages and companies are experimenting in hopes of finding a winning formula. It is used to shape social networks, connecting people all over the world to businesses. 4 Explain how Internet technology supports business-to-business electronic commerce. Internet technology supports business to business electronic commerce because it has potential to have trillions of dollars released for more productive uses, consumer prices would fall potentially, productivity would increase, and the economic wealth of the nation would expand. Business to business e-commerce refers to the commercial transactions that occur among business firms which flow through a variety of different Internet-enabled mechanisms. Transactions are automatically transmitted through networks, eliminating the printing and handling of paper. a List and describe important types of e-commerce services and applications. There are many important types of e-commerce services and applications. Location based services is built with a GPS and compass that can identify your precise location and where the phone is pointed. It can put adds on a website based on a person’s location and can allow business to market over the internet based on a person’s location. Bankin g and Financial services let customers manage their accounts from their mobile devices. Mobile advertising and retailing is where companies can put ads on different aps for smartphones to advertise or have their own aps where a person can download and get coupons and deals just by walking into the store and logging into the application on their smartphone. Games and entertainment platforms are offered on Smartphones where a user can play games, watch TV or videos, etc. and connect to other game players and users all around the world. 5b Describe some of the barriers to e-commerce. There are a few barriers to e-commerce. One barrier is security concerns. With this there are risks of identity theft, viruses, and much more that consumers are worried about because they do not want their information stolen, especially because the internet is so easily accessible. Another barrier through e-commerce is that over the internet, a consumer cannot tough and feel a product, such as a book. There are Kindle apps where you can virtually buy and read a book, but people like reading actual books in their hand. Education also acts as a barrier because with e-commerce, new processes are coming to the surface all of the time making employees having to adapt. This is hard because a lot of people don’t want to change their ways. 6a List and describe each of the factors that go into the building of an e-commerce Web site. There are many factors that go into the building of an e-commerce Web site. First, a team has to be assembled with the right skills to make decisions about technology, site design, social and information policies, and hardware, software, and telecommunications infrastructure. The customer’s demands need to drive the site’s technology and design. The site can eight be built in-house or parts, if not all, of the site can be outsourced to be maintained. With outsourcing, companies need to be aware of their Web-site budget and maintenance. 6b List and describe four business objectives of a typical e-commerce Web site. One business object of a typical e-commerce Web site is to display goods, meaning, making the goods and products easily accessible and viewable to consumers in order to be productive. Another is the objective of a personalized/customized product. This makes the seller stand out from other businesses, making their product stand out and be more appealing than others. This makes the customer want to purchase the unique product. Businesses providing product information is another objective. Consumers do not want to purchase something that they know nothing about; therefore it is important to tell the customer what they need to know. Lastly, the objective of coordinating marking/advertising is important because companies need to advertise their product to consumers in order for them to want to purchase it. Without marketing, the product would not be known and less people would buy it because of this. 6c List and describe four system functionalities of a typical e-commerce Web site. There are many different system functionalities of a typical e-commerce Web site. One is a product database, which is database of all of the company’s products, allowing the company to know how much they are selling and what they have in inventory. The shopping care and payment system functionality allows the user to put interesting items in their virtual shopping cart to purchase. Once they have finished shopping, they can view the total price, edit their order, and continue to check-out all over the internet. A site tracking and reporting system is a great function that allows the company to see who is purchasing what and from where. This is a helpful tool that allows companies the ability to change their market audience to an audience closer to what the site tracking system is displaying. Lastly, a digital catalog is important for a site so consumers can see what exactly a company is selling or offering. 6d List and describe four information requirements of a typical e-commerce Web site. There are several information requirements of a typical e-commerce Web site. Product descriptions, stocking numbers, and inventory levels are important information to have because the business needs to know what and where their consumers are buying so it can be efficiently shipped. Secure credit card clearing is important because consumers want to be able to trust a company with their purchasing information, knowing that the information will not be hacked leading to identity theft. The customer ID, product, date, payment, and shipment date is important for the company to have because it acts as a log of prior business and they can track profitability and productivity. The number of products purchased is important because the company needs to know if they are underestimating or overestimating their sales and must act accordingly.

Utopia Story

Utopia Thomas Mere's utopia which was the predecessor for the concept continues to be appropriated into a range of cultures and contexts. Increasingly however, these are Utopias are dyspepsia. A utopia is defined as an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect. The word was first used in the book Utopia (1516) by Sir Thomas More. The opposite of utopia is a dyspepsia, an imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one.The themes present in the texts Utopia, Cataract, Fahrenheit 451 and the Pedestrian whether they are a Utopia or a Dyspepsia intertwine and give us a sense that the slightest push in any direction for our society could result in a catastrophic dyspepsia. In Ray Bursary's The Pedestrian, the idea of technology taking over and the decline of human feelings and interactions are strongly represented. In The Pedestrian Bradbury has used a futuristic setting of society to critiqu e It. He presents the undesired characteristics lying within our society and enhances and pronounces hem in The Pedestrian.He conveys the alienation and lack of emotions that is beginning to show in our society and presents them in his text a possible future for humanity if we were to go down that path. The way Bradbury represents technology in his short story is as if it is evil and tearing humanity apart. So devoid of emotion is the environment and surroundings of the main character that it creates a giant contrast to the main character to who Is, to the audience symbolizes as us, an average person All of the techniques such as metaphors and similes are used to enhance the alienation of the main character representing us from the environment and everything else.In the text Cataract, the main themes are, like the pedestrian, the taking over of technology and loss of humanity. In Cataract, It Is In the future and every child Is made and selected through a far more advanced form of I F where the best genes are extracted from the parent's and then Implanted back In the mother. The hair and eye color and sex are chosen, any possibility for diseased genes is removed and as he characters are told â€Å"the children are still you, simply the best of you†.The story centers on Vincent, a child who was conceived naturally and suffered immensely because of the new way to discriminate, through inferior genes. The way the world In Cataract Is presented to the audience, with employees checking Into work by having their fingers pricked to test their blood and how strictly business like and devoid of emotion it is works to present a possible dyspepsia for our society through Cataract. Science and technology is key, there is no time nor place for emotion, this is was Cataract represents.Fahrenheit 451 Is another dyspepsia text that presents the themes of lacking emotion and the taking over of technology, In this text, everything we know In our society has been twisted a nd stretched to the extreme to resemble something we barely recognize. Firemen are now employed to burn all books, starting fires instead of putting them out. The characters in this text are shadows, seemingly without a purpose or many emotions.The concept of talking to each other and enjoying the environment is alien to them, their only form of enjoyment a four wall TV that surrounds like a room, further cutting them off from emotion, humanity and enclosing them in technology as such. These Dyspepsia are all conceived from the original Utopia written by Sir Thomas More, and are used like More did, to critique the society the authors live or lived in. The extreme elements in each of these Utopias could be possible and that is what the authors wanted to present, almost like a warning to us. Emily Newman

Anyone can make a difference

There is no such thing as a perfect world although we continue to try and make it seem that way. Mankind has dreamt about making this wish a reality for many centuries yet has failed in its attempts. This concept along with the failure it carries exists because no one man or women can entirely change the world we live in. No two people are alike so therefore how can millions of individuals be expected to have the same exact motives or desires.In contrast, the reality is that no matter what sex, GE, religious belief or ethnicity you carry, everyone has the same bottom line basic needs that must be met for survival. If each and every one of us could understand that perception and accept it than the key to peace would be among us. Over the centuries in which humanity has been alive it seems that this fact has not been discovered by all its civilization. So therefore many have learned that by separating themselves from trying to persuade this thought, they can more over begin to focus on their own parts to play in this action movie called â€Å"Life†.This world is filled opportunity; anyone of us can have and will have the chance to take a stand in making our home a better place. Being a strong advocate of voting, it is shocking to conclude that many of Americans do not participate in the act of voting, elections or other democratic virtues. The best tool that we have at our disposal is the Benton 2 power to vote, which is the most sufficient way to voice our own opinions. Too many people described as Americans like the idea of problems fixing problems but this solution is unrealistic.If someone does not agree with how the government is running things then it is stated in the Declaration of Independence to speak up! It is overall OUR RIGHT to say so! The government should never have full control over our country; we are supposed to have a democracy run civilization not some communist dictatorship! Another action that should be used in attempt to make our wor ld a finer place is to recognize how something so simple as showing respect and love towards one another can lead to such positive self-outcomes beyond measure.Anyone no matter hat sex, age, religion or ethic background again should be treated equally and not any different then how you would want or expect to be treated. No one human being is better than another even if he or she makes more money or is shown to be in a higher standing within the system. I mean if there really is a â€Å"God†, than we are all his children, correct? No favorites would have been picked from the bunch over another. Nevertheless, along with these examples, a dedication to volunteer activities can also provide an impact on the community not alone on you.Regardless of the location in which you become involved with such extracurricular activities it is always known to show a positive feedback. There are so many amazing, kind hearted and wonderful people who reside here in Fresno, California not menti oning the rest of the planet yet along with these people one should recognize that there will be a lot of harsh ones to follow. Yet, experiences with others should never change your own view and relations to the outside world. It is true that his economy is so horrid Benton 3 eight now that it is causing thousands to morph into self-centered monsters.This reality is disgusting as it is the barrier that is separating that of commonality. Sadly enough, this sequence of events is taking venue only because of the way we have let such issues prolong. The need for survival is a mind-controlling factor yet if we could all realize that by working towards a much deeper long-term goal, we all would be much better off. The strong crave for the light bulb to one day appear over the naive is prodigious as help from America's people is so desperately needed.Evidentially enough, it is impossible to turn the minds of everyone single handedly so some must carry on with their own lives and continuall y try their best in spreading their own opinions and words in the appropriate ways. While dreaming of a greater day, maybe this exhibit will one day be transformed into a reality for at lease our children or children's' children to experience. All that any single individual can do is give effort and think that maybe their suggestions will make a positive influence and one day spread into something larger and far greater†¦

Effect of the Population Growth Policy on the Economic Growth in Research Paper

Effect of the Population Growth Policy on the Economic Growth in France and Germany - Research Paper Example The increased birth rate is subject to numerous factors e.g. sociological, psychological, and cultural factors. The French government, using the family policy ensures the birthrate increases without having a big impact on the living standards. The infant mortality rate in France has fallen by 30 percent and this has led to an increased population. The population growth rate in France and Germany affect the prospects of economic growth directly. Population growth policy is a deliberately constructed institutional arrangement with specific programs through which governments influence the demographic change. The definition is vulnerable to multiple interpretations. It can also be viewed as a mechanism aimed at bringing qualitative changes into the populace of the territory under the government’s jurisdiction. The additions to membership are effected through births and immigration while losses are caused by death and emigration. The death rate is seen to fall, under health policy leaving the immigration and emigration to be subject to the governmental direction in population growth policy. This paper seeks to look into the effects of population growth on economic growth in France and Germany. The governments of France and Germany have been careful to allow modification of qualitative aspects of population growth policy. This has been tried to the family policy of both countries. The governments targeted the family unit as the most appropriate place to target growth. The policy looks into migration, fertility and the composition of these populations. This happens through the use of demographic factors and spatial distribution of the population. The birth rate in France is said to be falling. The lion share of the French national income goes to the family as opposed to other expenditure. The rising standard of living in France has altered the position of women in the society.

Quantitative Methods Class discussion wk7 Coursework

Quantitative Methods Class discussion wk7 - Coursework Example It means there must be parameters of identifying effective model inputs and outputs to improve robustness for further research (Anderson, 2012). Third, sensitivity analysis would be helpful when presenting certainty and uncertainty prospects when interpreting headcount, linear programming, operating expenses, and future tax rates. Therefore, in regards to understanding how shadow price operates, it is integral to understand the function of monetary values in the calculation of costs. Calculation, thus, entails the determination of how marginal utility applies in the economics of constrained optimization. Additionally, seeking of optimal solution means that the shadow price must abide by the limited resources that are found in the production line when a business is operating above a given limit. In the same context, through the use of infinitesimal change and the Lagrange multiplier, dual variables are calculable because of cost decisions. Overall, shadow pricing focusses on the impact of monetary values of goods and services being sold at the optimal level in the

Exam questions in History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Exam questions in History - Essay Example Analyzing the factual evidences and the historical facts, it becomes lucid that Columbus enjoys a distinction among the explorers which is not completely substantiated by his deeds. It is a fact that he initiated some important explorations which helped the European explorers to establish their imperial superiority in the land. However, it does not adequately establish his role as the chief explorer of the European desires and, in fact, he fell short of his ultimate goals. "Christopher Columbus is an unlikely figure to be considered the discoverer of America and the leading symbol of European exploration overseas... None of this is certain and probably never will be... By contrast, Columbus...knew what he was looking for--a sea passage that would carry him to the fabled wealth of China by sailing west from Europe. This is not what he found." (Marshall, 1998, p 16). The most essential irony of his life and explorations is that Columbus, all through his life, failed to recognize that h e had not reached the Orient but had stumbled upon vast lands totally new to the European mind. Thus, Columbus was a failure in achieving his ultimate goal and was a self-conscious explorer driven by the craving for discovery. It was never Columbus but others who found the full significance of his discoveries. In short, the profound popularity of Christopher Columbus is not completely substantiated by his actions. A. Module 1, Q 2: The actions of the Spanish, French, English, and Dutch explorers and colonizers and their impact on the native peoples, the environment, and Europe. Explorations and colonization by the European explorers including the Spanish, French, English, and Dutch explorers have influenced the course of human history in general and that of the native peoples in particular. These sea-faring nations of Europe were determined to enlarge their influence on the rest of the world through their explorations and colonization in the early fifteenth century. The main motive of these explorations and colonization was profit and the native peoples needed to suffer for the advantage of the European nations. The impact of the actions by the European explorers was favorable to the Europe, while the native peoples and their environment were adversely affected. The European explorers such as the Spanish, French, English, and Dutch attempted to discover better trade routes to Asia and the trade interests in home nations increased tremendously. Explorations were also fueled by the interest for colonization by the European nation, along with the quest for kno wledge about the new lands. The entire Europe has been enjoying the fruits of the explorations and colonization by the early explorers, while the colonized and explored lands of Asia, Africa, and America have been deeply disfavored by these explorations. "The nineteenth century was the great age of European expansion. For 300 years, following the voyages of Columbus, Da Gama, and Magellan, the shadow of the European hegemony had been moving across the oceans. For ten generations hardy explorers, traders, and colonizers had been hoisting sail in the harbours of the Old World to lay the broad

Literature Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Literature Review - Essay Example Thus, rapidly increasing profitability of a company denotes that it has high level of customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction depicts the ability of an organisation towards satisfying the needs of the customers. An organisation can effectively retain its customers by satisfying them (Kotler, 2009). Customer satisfaction depends on the product or service quality as well as the price provided by an organisation. It is referred as the key element in marketing from the perspective of theory as well as practice. In today’s business world, customer satisfaction has a huge impact on the competitiveness of an organisation. Hence, company managers provide more emphasis on customer satisfaction to increase the market share, the profitability as well as the sustainability of the business (Mohsan, F. & et. al., 2011). There are certain ways through which organisations can satisfy customers such as by creating customer loyalty towards the products as well as services, by improving the level of services and by enhancing the product value and product quality among others. In this context, it can be stated that customer satisfaction can be determined by effectiveness of employees in an organisation to provide good product and services (Taghizadeh & et. al., 2012). Customer Satisfaction in McDonald For McDonald, customer satisfaction has great importance to maintain profitability and to increase the market share. ... According to McDonald’s commitment, doing the right thing is important for satisfying customers. McDonald’s policies, strategies as well as practices have made the company more competent in the market (McDonalds, 2012). According to the observation of the CEO of McDonalds, the company positively satisfies the needs of the customers in terms of providing quality products with affordable prices (McDonald’s, 2011). Marketing Strategies of McDonalds for Customer Satisfaction The target customers of McDonalds are children, young people as well as urban families. In order to satisfy the target customers, McDonalds have been providing special facilities to children such as ‘play place’ which help to attract huge number customers to its restaurants. Young urban customers are also attracted toward McDonalds because of certain facilities such as fun games (Food Advertising to Children and Teens Score, 2010). For any organisation, customer’s perception a bout the product is considered as a significant factor for success. Many organisations fail to satisfy customers because certain products are unable to fulfil the customers’ needs. Therefore, customer perception as well as expectation is considered as one of the most significant factors in the marketing strategies for an organisation (Ghosh & et. al., 2012). Consequently, McDonalds also understand the importance of perception of customers and thus, develops its marketing strategies in such as way so that it can fulfil their expectations. The 4p’s marketing mix strategies help McDonald to satisfy their requirements from a fast food restaurant. The aspects of 4p’s strategies are product, price, promotions and place. Product Due to increased number of fast food chains

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

Globalization - Essay Example Collectively, they explained the dynamics of the global business landscape and the variables that drive the numerous processes at work within it. Concepts such as culture, technology, knowledge and the legal and political diversities found in various national economies all combined to demand new and complex requirements for multinational companies. These has called for their transformation as truly global organizations through changes in their organizational structure and the adoption of new business strategies in order to address the unique challenges and issues posed by the global environment. Before this module began, I have an inkling on what globalization is and its impact on both organizations, national economies and consumers. But my knowledge was limited to the superficial, abstract and general concepts. For instance, I know that globalization threatens local companies and could endanger their very survival because of the superior strength of the resources available to multinational companies that are invading the local market. But this module enlightened me further on the fact that it is not always easy for multinational companies to do this. ... † (p8-9) Secondly, there is the form of globalization that relates to the way organizations structure, control and manage their value-chains in terms of global operations. This is done â€Å"according to the availability of resources, cost levels, skills, quality and a host of other variables. (p. 9) These two forms of globalization supposedly were responsible for the emergence and the perpetuation of multinational companies who have already surpassed small national-economies in revenue generation. The third form, is characterized by how globalization adversely impacts several areas such as the democratic system, the environment, national cultures and identities, among others. (p. 12) The sheer complexity of the globalization economic model, hence, calls for a multidimensional approach by which stakeholders navigate its processes. Stonehouse, Campbell and Hamill emphasized, for example, that it should already be obvious how multinational/transnational companies must never adop t a global strategy that is primarily characterized by global standardization because it will fail. (p. 8) Companies have to make some fine-tuning in their strategies every time they enter a market. The reason is that each country has its own national circumstance. This can also be demonstrated in the numerous organizational configurations developed in order to pursue different objectives and address specific areas in the global business environment (see figure 1). Motives, Strategies and Organizational Configurations (Source: Bartlett and Beamish) As I saw from the diversity in organizational structure, I understood the sense in rejecting a global standards in strategy. For example, the Centralized Hub organizational model may work in some economies or markets with fierce competition but may not

Media, Democracy and the Internet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Media, Democracy and the Internet - Essay Example Here the power to rule is vested in the people, which is exercised through elected agents. Abraham Lincoln, calls democracy as a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people." Media also shares a similar role in a democratic state. If democracy gives the power, media helps to strengthen it through unrestricted dissemination of information. It gives 'information, knowledge, forums of communication and debate necessary to govern their own lives effectively.'(McChesney 2000) Thus media emerges a true watch dog, constantly monitoring the democratic system for its flaws and giving the necessary feedbacks to 'people in power and people who want to be in power.' (McChesney 2000) Media can fulfill these tasks only it served the democratic system and the people who hold its key with unbiased and uncensored information accessible for every one. Only then it can build a 'self governing society of political equals' (McChesney 2000) strengthening the pillars of democracy and there by building its own credibility. Mass media has been regarded as the champion of public cause and history is replete with examples how it has fought along with the people in changing the public policy in both democratic and authoritarian regimes. With the emergence of the global media, the surveillancei function of the mass media has become more intensive and the watch dog was given a new responsibility to watch the whole world for the possible violations of democratic ideals and human rights. It started with a total support for Corazon Aquino's campaigns in the late seventies in Philippines and still going strong with reports to garner public support against Iran's dubious nuclear programme. Although the global television has changed the perspective of the mass media taking it from the 'locale' to 'global', media still focuses the domestic front, influencing the public policies through agenda setting. Here the media has further responsibilities like providing the citizen the means to understand the substance of policies at any particular time. Secondly they should perform an amplifying function by giving publicity to the actions and views of important individuals. Thirdly they should provide the common fund of information necessary for the formation of public opinion and the conduct of the political process. Further the mass media should attempt to provide standards by which political actions can be judged, the common frame of reference which must unite rulers and the ruled in a democratic political structure. The media therefore could help considerably in public participation in national and regional policies. Internet as a form of political protest The internet pioneered the ICT and spearheaded a revolution just like the invention of the printing press. If printing empowered people with knowledge, the internet gave them digital liberation. 'In the information age, the critical organizational form is networking. The most critical distinction in this organizational logic is to be or not to be -- in the network. Be in the network, and you can share and, over time, increase your chances. Be out of the network, or become switched off, and your chances vanish since everything that counts is organized around a world wide web of interacting networks.' (Manuel Castells 1998) The freedom to interact directly and instantaneously, end to copyright

Examine some of the issues raised by Domer in this statment Do so with Essay

Examine some of the issues raised by Domer in this statment Do so with reference to specific practitioners - Essay Example Several philosophies and thoughts have emerged over the years. In his book The New Ceramics: Trends and Traditions, Author Peter Domer (1994) asserted that: With hindsight it is discernable that in the 1980's ceramics existed in a middle house between craft and art rather than design and art. In the 1990's this situation has become strongly apparent. The contemporary fine art world is centred on the galleries and the museums.......ceramicists want to join this enclosed, increasingly private realm of art...an art that has successfully disconnected itself from the responsibilities of the outside world and where practitioners deny any role to do with design, function or common meaning. But in artists, curators and other priests of art I'm not keen to embrace clay workers. (p.196) In examining the issues raised by Domer we must not forget our world is constantly evolving and developing new ways of doing things. We will take a look at the his assertions, searching for common ground or difference(s) in opinions or beliefs under the following headings; The notion thatCeramics as Craft and Art;The notion that craft is art has generated numerous comments; in describing the differences between craft and art against their functionality or usefulness, Kevin A. Hluch (1990), Professor of Art, quotes from Octavia Paz book In Praise of Hands that "there was a constant shifting ....between usefulness and beauty. This continual exchange has a name: pleasure. Things are pleasing because they are useful and beautiful. This copulative conjunction defines craftwork, just as the disjunctive conjunction defines art and technology: usefulness or beauty" (1). To buttress this point Kevin Hlutch (1990) stated that fine art is defined by contemporary art orthodoxy as that type of human expression that is at its core functionally useless (1). Hlutch further contends that to "equate craft as art and crafts people as artist" misses the point because craft and art have different aesthetics (1990, 1) He somewhat concludes that "as the original definition of craft looses credence in the craft world, the ceramic form that signifies that definition, utilitarian pottery has lost its 'market share' in that world" (Hluch, 1990). Ceramics as Design and Art If defining a place for ceramics in Arts and craft posited debates, as Domer himself pointed out, ceramics should have been seen as design and art, not as craft and art. Kevin Murray (2003) a ceramicist believes that the terms 'craft' and 'design' rest on a continuum and the continuum is understood as the degree of responsibility by the individual for the physical construction of a work. In the case of craft, it is assumed that an individual has made the work him- or herself, whether by hand or machine [while] design in contrast is often executed by others (9). He claims that "the design aura is an obvious advantage to those wanting to give their products extra value and protect their intellectual capital" explaining that "It is reasonable for designers to develop their 'brand identity' as much as their 'product'" (Murray,

Analyzation of the Kings Speech Essay Example for Free

Analyzation of the Kings Speech Essay Anatole Francis wrote, â€Å" To accomplish great things, one must not only act but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.† In the film The King’s Speech, King George VI did not believe that speech therapy could help him. He was so traumatized after trying to articulate clearly in front thousands of people. The audience frowned with disdain and sympathy for him. The minute one experiences embarrassment, he or she will never want to experience it again. The King tried many techniques one can think of, But because of his short fuse and temper, he was not too successful. His supportive wife Elizabeth, seeks a speech therapist named Lionel Logue, who was the key to his success and accomplishments with overcoming his speech impediment. Even though the speech therapist didn’t have a degree, his intense therapeutic lessons did the King well, which proves that no one has to have a degree in order to help someone overcome a challenging obstacle. Overcoming a challenge doesn’t happen instantly or automatically. It is the outcome of an intention and conscious efforts to doing things that scare a person. Pageantry involves frequent public speaking and impromptu questions. On one eventful night of the Miss Sophomore Sweetheart 2009-2010 pageant, there was a contestant who was truly awesome the whole night until the question and answer segment. She stepped out in a gorgeous turquoise cocktail dress and cinderella glass heels. She stood in front of the mic awaiting her question. The contestant was so nervous that her knees began to tremble. The only thing she could do was smile and listen. The master of ceremonies finally began asking the question. As the contestant began to answer the question, she stared right into the audience as they were whispering and giggling. She then stopped in her tracks and started to stumble. Her heart felt a deep pounding because of the embarrassing moment. She then got lost in her answer and terribly confused. To end that embarrassing moment, she just said â€Å"Thank you!† She quickly walked off the stage in disappointment knowing that her chance of the crown was gone. After that, she never wanted to do another show again. Later in the year 2010, she decided that she would like to vie for the prestigious title of Virgin Islands Carnival Queen. But she had one problem and that was the impromptu segment of question and answer. In the film The King’s Speech, there were many techniques used to improve his stuttering. This includes diaphragmatic breathing, shadowing, masking and pacing techniques. Also, when they would have little conversations, when he stuttered, Mr. Logue would tell him to sing it in a song. He also used tongue twisters to exercise his tongue. These techniques were also applied in the lessons for the contestant who stumbled on her words. Her chaperone, Mrs. Kenya Frett Rowe, like Mr. Logue, also doesnt have a degree, but, also like him, she did a great job. Taking smaller breaths with the diaphragm, helped the contestant to relax and to speak more fluently. When relaxing the breathing, the entire body will be relaxed, and this would make the body more comfortable than tense and nervous. This was exactly what the contestant needed. She was also taught to pace herself while answering the question. Slowing down and pacing helps tremendously in preventing stuttering and stumbling. Every other day, Mrs. Rowe and the contestant would work on her issue of answering impromptu questions and giving speeches for the show. The day of any interview or introductory performance, they would go to the place where the event was being held and practice. This was a big help for the contestant because it allowed her to feel comfortable on the day of the event. The night of the Virgin Islands Carnival Queen show was one of the biggest moments of her life. It was time to answer the impromptu question. She stepped out onto the stage with confidence, but deep inside, she was very nervous. As she stood in front of the mic, she thought of all the techniques she was taught. After they asked the question she took a deep breathe and began to answer. After she said â€Å"thank you†, she couldn’t believe that she done it. She was in shock and full of excitement at the same time. She was so relieved that it was over. Her chaperone was very proud. As a result of overcoming challenging obstacles, one grows as a person and expands the possibilities that surrounds their life. Stuttering is due to a combination of factors, including genetic and environmental. In order to overcome challenging obstacles, one must have support and someone who believes in them. Mrs. Rowe believed in her contestant just like Mr. Logue believed in the King. He believed that he was a strong and powerful individual whom with time can overcome any obstacle with good help and support. Even though Mr. Logue did not have a degree, he was still a great therapist. This shows that one does not have to be taught in an academic environment to help someone overcome challenging obstacles. Being experienced is just as good as having a degree.

Spent performing tasks Essay Example for Free

Spent performing tasks Essay Steven Johnson believes that the answer to this essay’s title is a resounding yes. Although a print writer and presumably an avid reader, Johnson argues that while the virtues of reading are immense, other forms of culture such as gaming have its own intellectual or cognitive virtues that could actually be comparable to the rewards of reading. He starts his argument by stating that video games are perceived rather negatively and viewed as a complete waste of time by the society in general, more specifically by educators, cultural authorities and parents. An explanation of this would be, the flaws and imperfections of this nonliterary culture are greatly highlighted because the criteria used in judging it are the same criteria applied in assessing novels and other forms of literature. The merits of gaming apparently lie elsewhere. Johnson argues that video gaming has become increasingly challenging – by the same standards used to measure reading’s cognitive benefits – over the past thirty years. Furthermore, video games sharpen a different but equally important set of mental abilities than the ones honed by reading. There also seems to be an experiential gap between gamers and those who have no experience whatsoever about gaming. The latter believes that games are just another culture that offers instant gratification. However, those who have at some point in their lives immersed themselves in video (or online) games know that an enormous amount of time is spent performing tasks that are absolutely not fun in order to receive a certain reward. Gratification is actually so delayed you wonder if it is going to appear at all. Interestingly, the same group of people who endure tedious tasks in virtual games are disinclined to perform chores in the real world. Even more remarkable is the fact that kids seem to soak in more information when delivered to them in game form. Gaming therefore provides a powerful learning experience where kids learn without actually being aware of it. Gaming and its Benefits 3 The neurotransmitter dopamine, having a large role in the reward circuitry of the brain, is pointed to as one of the reasons for such a phenomena. When expected rewards are not met, such as when a pack-a-day smoker misses his morning cigarette, the disappointment is triggered by low levels of dopamine. Consequently, lowered levels of dopamine set off a craving for that missed experience. The same principle can be applied to gaming. The brain craves for rewards that the virtual universe is teeming with. Unlike in the real world where rewards are abundant yet not well-defined, the rewards in games are more articulated such as more life, increased level, new equipment and new spells.

Uniform costing

Uniform costing Uniform costing is not a separate or distinct method of cost accounting like job costing or process costing. It is only a system of cost accounting to be used by the members of the industry or trade association. It involves adoption of same costing principles, practices and procedures by the individual members of the industry for inter-firm comparison.The system is made operative through Trade Association or Chamber of Commerce or some other central agency. Its underlying idea is that whatever costing methods are used, the same should be applied uniformly by all the members of the industry. Before a uniform costing system is applied, it is utmost necessary to educate the members about the desirability of this system and its underlying principles. Uniform costing is not a new concept. It was first introduced by the National Association of Stove Manufacturers of U.S.A. which developed a uniform formula for use by its members for costing industrys products. Similarly, a uniform costing system was adopted for printing industry in the United States. But in U.K., British Federation of Master Printers was the first organisation to introduce a uniform costing system. In India, it is being used in coal industry, steel industry and fertiliser industry. There is a good scope of using uniform costing system in other industries too. CIMA defines uniform accounting as â€Å"a system, using common concepts, principles and standard accounting practice, adopted by different entities in the same industry to facilitate inter-firm comparison.† Application Of Uniform Costing System:- Single Company having a number of factories located at different places producing similar products or performing similar operations. For example, this system is being used by Associated Cement Company for its plants. In this case, management prescribes a set of forms and procedures for the plant and all the records are maintained in a uniform manner. A number of companies within the same industry. Normally Trade Associations or Chambers of Commerce coordinates the function of uniform costing system. Members of the association are required to maintain uniform costing records which are helpful in measuring the operating efficiency of its members. It ensures that cost data submitted by member companies are comparable and consistent. Introduction of Uniform Costing helps the companies to submit reliable cost data to price fixing bodies, like Bureau of Industrial costs and Prices or other Govt. departments to determine the average cost and fixing the fair selling prices of various products. Objectives Of Uniform Costing:- To have a reliable cost data for inter-unit or inter-firm comparison of costs. To compare the operational efficiency of individual members against industrys overall performance of all member units. To fix a common selling price for the industry as a whole on the basis of cost of production of all member units. To reveal lines of individual products which have been marketed on an unprofitable basis. To reveal lines of individual products which have been marketed on an improfitable basis. Member-companies adopt one best method of cost accounting system known to the industry. This eliminates unsound method and saves costs required in perfecting systems through expensive experimentation. New companies can adopt it as a ready-made system. Other companies can adopt the common system for improving their existing system. It develops a sense of awareness for production efficiencies within the industry for controlling costs. It provides standard guidelines for pricing of products and indicates how prices fixed below la certain level may be self-defeating even though it may bring additional sales. It is beneficial to all the competing companies for filling tenders and quotations and consequently ill-effects of competition are avoided. In case of ‘cost-plus contracts, uniform costing facilitates preparation of cost sheets on commonly accepted standard principles and practices. Thus, it helps early finalization of ‘cost plus claims. It helps the Chambers of Commerce and Industry to present their case to Government on matters such as tariffs or export incentives. It encourages research and development work at comparatively low cost to the member-companies. The benefits of research and development carried out by large scale organized units can be shared by the small units. It enables the member-companies to receive the services of cost experts jointly with the minimum expenditure. It facilities the introduction of uniform wage structure for the industry as a whole. It serves as a pre-requisite to cost audit and inter-firm comparison. The various member-units in an industry differ widely with regard to location, age, condition of plant and degree of mechanization. This difference is sometimes so wide that it does not permit efficient use of uniform costing system. For smaller units, this system may not commensurate with the benefits derived. Uniform costing system may not commensurate with the benefits derived. The standard terminology used in the uniform costing system may not be understood properly by the member companies. However, this objective can be overcome by introduction of Uniform Costing. For Successful Application Of Uniform Costing System, The Following Conditions Must Be Satisfied: The members of the trade association or Chamber of Commerce should work with a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation. Members should exchange their ideas freely, without fearing the leakage of secrecy. The well-organised and large-scale sector should be prepared to pass on the technological improvements in the process/method of production to the other companies who unable to conduct their own research and development activities. The companies must furnish full and correct information to the Association so the efficiency of the members-companies can be compared. The members should not work with a sense of rivalry and jealousy. The term ‘Uniform Cost Plan covers activities such as cost accounting system, format for reports, analysis of cost data, etc. Some of the activities which may be carried on partially or completely are as follows: Publication of pages, speeches or discussions of important matters pertaining to costs in Trade Journals. Publication of educational literature pertaining to objectives of cost finding. Studies of particular costing problems in the industry to develop sound principles. Activities of counseling nature relaxing to establishment or operatives of cost accounting system. Development of estimating formulae or short-cut methods of establishing basis for pricing. Development and promotion of uniform cost programme. Cost studies in determining average or representative cost of products, functions or activities for general information of members. Regular collections and dissemination of cost data under some kind of reporting plan. Complete analysis of cost data to interpret results to show trends, weakness of operation, etc. Whether cost data are required for one product or al the products produced in a factory. Costing techniques to be used, i.e, historical, standard or marginal. Definitions of various elements of cost such as: v direct material v direct labour v cost of direct services v factory overheads, administrative and selling overheads. Items which are extraneous to costs such as bad debts, donations, etc, and to be excluded from cost. Classification of production and service departments. Method of treatment of spoilage, defectives, etc, in costs. Treatment of research and development in costs and methods of allocation of research and development to each cost centre/cost unit. Treatment of handling and storage cost of raw materials. Method of pricing of materials used such as FIFO, LIFO, simple average, weighted average. Production centres, cost centres, etc, to be used for analysis and comparison of costs. Methods of payment of remuneration. Treatment of items like interest on own capital, rent of premises owned, etc Method of working out depreciation, i.e, whether straight line method or written down value method to be used. Method of apportionment of service departments costs to production departments. System of classification and codification of cost accounts. Method of valuation of work in progress. The method of presentation of data and reporting to management. Treatment of under/over absorbed overhead, eg. Applying supplementary rate or write off to profit and loss account. For successful implementation of uniform costing system, it is the primary duty of a Trade Association of devise a cost manual containing recommended cost accounting plan. All the participant members should be invited for detailed discussion before a cost manual is finalised. The cost manual is of immense help in guiding the participating firms to operate their accounts on uniform basis. If the industry consists of companies of similar size and a common range of products, it is entirely feasible to present the accounting procedure in one manual for use of all members. Where, however, there is a great disparity in size of companies in an industry, it is better to issue a separate manual for large companies and one for the small. The Characteristics Of A Good Uniform Cost Manual Are Summarized Below: v It should present a strong case for the desirability of using uniform cost accounting methods. v It should serve as a comprehensive reference book on cost accounting procedures. v It should be useful to the executives/cost accountants for saving all problems in installation and execution of recommended uniform costing method. Introduction Statement of objectives and purpose of the system. Education the management and people about the uniform costing system Scope of the system. Case for use of the system. Organisation Organisation for developing and operating the system. Stages in which the system is to be introduced. Management of the organisation by trade association or otherwise. Accounting System General principles of accounting to be adopted. Terminology to be followed. Details of coding system. Classification and description of accounts. Reconciliation between financial accounts and cost accounts. Accounting period. Method Of Costing [E.G. Process Costing, Job Costing, Standard Costing.] Unit of production. Costing periods [e.g. monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annual] Expenses to be considered in costs. Methods to be used for inter-unit transfer pricing. Classification of departments [Production department, service department, etc.] Material cost direct and indirect, treatment of idle time, treatment of fringe benefits, overtime, production bonus. Overhead-classification,collection, apportionment and allocation. Direct and indirect depreciation, method of depreciation to be used, research and development expenditure,methodofallocation/appotionment of service department cost to production department, capacity cost etc. Reporting. Periodically of reports. Levels for whom the repors are to be sent. Cost statements. Ratios -cost as well as financial. Supplementary data. Ø Nature and extent of information to be accumulated Inter-firm comparison requires that all relevant and detailed cost information should be collected regarding business firm. No definite list of information can be suggested for collection. However, the following are the usual information which are applicable to all industries and therefore can be collected for the inter-firm comparison: Information regarding cost and cost structure. Labour efficiency and labour utilisation. Machine efficiency and machine utilisation. Raw materials consumed wastage and stores-keeping. Return on capital employed. Liquidity and liquid resources. Reserve and appropriation of profits. Debtors and creditors. Methods of production and technical aspects. Inventory and inventory systems. Ø Responsibility for collection, coordination and presentation of information In some countries separate organisations have been established for collecting and presenting information. in India inter-firm comparison information is collected by various trade associations, chambers of commerce, the national productivity council, research and statistics division of several commerce and trade journals and periodicals and newspapers. Ø Method of collection and presentation of information Information for the purpose of inter-firm comparison is usually supplied by business enterprises to organisation regularly. Information can be collected by field workers also. After the information is collected, it is properly compiled and arranged and finally a consolidated report is prepared for the benefit of business firms. For the information to be purposeful, it is essential that participating firms should agree about the meaning of various terms used in ratios and accounting information The printing industry in UK has played a leading role in the establishment of uniform costing system this industry was first to introduce the uniform costing system.This was a welcome step for introduction of inter-firm comparison in the printing industry. The industry awas divided into various groups each having its own ratios based on differents characteristic of the firms. The division is based on the following characteristics: Nature of activities carried in the printing industry, eg, genral printers , book printers,. newspapers houses, and Size determined bu number of employees. It is to be pointed out here that actual figure sof profit or other details are not issued to members so that there is no betraying of confidence. Emphasis is always laid on depicting the average results so that a single firm can make a comparison to see whether its own ratios are equal, better or worse than the average for its own particular group. For each ratio the median and upper and lower quartiles are computed. The principal ratios used by the principal industry in u.k are given. The benefits from inter-firm comparson include the advantages of uniform costing system and benefits arising out of the use ratios. The advantages of uniform costing system has been discussed before. The following additional advantages are obtained from inter firm comparison: The extent of weakness of the participating firms is reaveled. Management is, therefore induced to take suitable remedial actions. The participating firms give information voluntarily and willingly in the prescribed questionare. The definations of various terms are clearly explained to the users. Thus the results obtained from the information are accurate and capable of being compared. Inter- firm comparison promotes cost consciousness among the members of the industry. It enables the government to take measures for effecting price regulation. It facilitates government to grant protection to industries, wherever necessary. It introdues a sense of healthy competition among the participating firms. It provides substantial data to the members-firms to present their case to government. It forces ‘self searching exercise among the members-firms. The benefits arising from inter-firm comparison have been outlined above. It is very good practice which promise substantial benefits to the members of the industry. The practical difficulties which are often experienced in the implementation of IFC scheme are summarized below. The member-firms often express resistance to the idea of disclosing data relating to the performance. Satisfaction with the present profits may bring about a sense of complaceny which is disastrous for active participation in the implementation of IFC When the companies do not follow suitable cost acconting system,the inter firm comparison will not be meaningful and effective. Non availability of suitable basis for comparison presents problem to the introduction of IFC. Ø GOOGLE.COM Ø YAHOO.COM Ø COST ACCOUNTING BY JAWAHAR LAL Ø COST ACCOUTING BY SULTAN SONS

Civilization Cure Or Disease :: essays research papers

Upon flipping to the business section of the New York Times an Ohio University student saw a startling headline glaring back at her â€Å"American Corporations Suspected In Millions of Third World Deaths.† As she read the article it became apparent that international corporations many of which were based in the United States exploit the poorest of the poor. These companies paid workers extremely low wages and exposed them to hazardous materials with out any protection. Working conditions were unsafe and often lead to health problems. It appeared that slavery was alive and well in the name of â€Å"Global Industrialization.† Even more shocking was the fact that this new form of slavery was also present within our own borders. Migrant workers and illegal aliens were becoming an increasing percentage of America’s labor force. These workers were paid well below minimum wage for jobs, which often put their health if not their life in jeopardy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It appeared that America’s industrial empire was built upon the exploitation of the poor throughout the world. Often women and children were the victims of the â€Å"Global Market Economy.† The article stated that millions of goods were produced by children as young as 6 in third world and developing nations. Companies producing these goods claimed that it was not â€Å"slave labor† they claimed it was the â€Å"efficient use of human resources for production.† It seemed that companies in their desire of â€Å"progress† and profit were oppressing the world’s poorest nations and their citizens. This is not a new phenomenon it has gone on through history; the strong oppress the weak. What is amazing though is the fact that industrialized nations all consider themselves to be the most civilized societies in the world. Industrial powers view less developed nations as backwards which is a synonym for barbarous. But are the societies of industrially advanced nations truly the most civil? This is the question Montaigne raised over 400 years ago in his paper entitled â€Å"Of Cannibals.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout history it seems that the most technologically advanced societies are the most powerful. And the most powerful nations view themselves as the most civilized people in the world. But what exactly are the defining attributes of a civilized society? According to Webster’s Third International Dictionary a civilization is: an ideal state of human culture, characterized by complete absence of barbarism and non-rational behavior, optimum utilization of physical, cultural, spiritual, and human resources, and perfect adjustment of the individual within the social framework.

Speech Outline How to Prepare for Finals :: essays research papers

Outline: Purpose my demonstration speech: I want to demonstrate how to prepare for final exams Central Demonstration speech Topic Idea: It is important to be stress free during final exams and this demo is the best way to do that. Introduction: What you are going to teach: 1) I am going tell few parameters that determine your final exam result. 2) Few things that keeps things simple 3) Productive ways 4) Smart work Why this demo: The reason I choose this topic is I personally have experienced few times.9p=-/I felt good during some exams and some not. I used to see my brother going through this and few of my friends. So I came up with some thoughts which will make that process easy Why listeners should know: How many of believe that you are a student all your life. And you often come up with exams of different kinds all your life. These principles can be applied to any kind of contest/exam/game/job to name some every walk of life Once after this demo you pretty much can apply these instructions immediately and you will see the best results. Demo Speech Outline: 1) Smart Work: a) Reviews: Go through the mistakes you have done in the previous exams (mids) b) Get help. Ask a teacher or try comparing notes with a classmate. That way, if you didn't get the information from the lecture, you can get it from each other during participation. 2) Parameters: a) Stress free : How relaxed are you b) Preparation: How good are you prepared, Being proactive How many of believe that preparation is the separation. Health. How is your health condition (right food, ill free) 3) Productive ways: a) It's important not to cram. Cramming isn't a productive way to study because it's hard to learn so much information in a short time. Study ahead of time, because you can put only so much more in your brain. b) Have a note-taking system that works for you. Take notes as if you had to rely on them to pass the course. c) Start making a pre-test. Collect questions, problems, essay topics, etc. from past exams and homework assignments. Take the test a week or two before the final exam to see where you need to focus your studies. Decide where the test questions come from -- the textbook, the lecture or both. I believe in Preparation -----> demo/exam ------> review/changes------> exam What I mean by this is I prepare for the exams and put myself in an exam environment and do it. Then I come up with the personal review of my performance.

The Effects Of Divorce on Students :: Essays Papers

The Effects Of Divorce on Students How significant is the impact of divorce on children? There have been studies that show that divorce has a negative effect on children. The impact on a child's life often varies depending on the type of divorce and the age of the child during the divorce. The influence of a separation normally effects a child's learning and behavior skills. For a young child the concept of divorce is something that creates many misconceptions. Children do not understand the true meaning or reasoning behind why their parents would ever want to be separated. The initial reaction for most children is to blame themselves or to create a type of reasoning that they can relate to. Due to this, many children often concentrate on rebuilding their family structure instead of engaging in normal childhood activities. Sudden changes in a household can disturb a child's psychological well being. Children sometimes have a tough time being separated from their parents; they fear that if one parent can leave them why can't the other. Role changes often also occur; the mother may begin to work or a baby-sitter may now play a role in the child's life. The feeling of sadness, loss and abandonment are emotions that almost all children go through. As children develop in households that have experienced divorces, problems begin to come out in many phases of the child's life. After reading an article about the effects of divorce on young children I learned many interesting issues dealing with divorce. The authors say â€Å"Although there is considerable variability in outcomes over time, children in divorced and remarried families are more likely than children from non divorced families to have problems in their relationships with parents, siblings, and peers as well as lower self-esteem and academic problems† (Hetherington, Bridges, & Insabella, 1998,pg#2-3). The article also discuses the fact that the percentage of children who drop out of school and have divorced parents is greater then drop out rate of students who's parents are still married (Pedro-Carroll, 1999 pg.3). Over the years organizations have been established to help children cope with issues that have to due with divorce. An organization called The Children of Divorce Intervention Program (CODIP) is a support program that was formed to meet the needs of children.

The House on Mango Street Reflection Paper

February 6, 2013Cynthia Cotto [email  protected] edu Response Paper In the very first vignette Esperanza discusses how her family moved around a lot and even though the house on Mango Street was not the house of their dreams, it was a great achievement to own it. Although Esperanza knew they were not moving anytime soon, she recognized one advantage; her family was free of landlord management. In my community home ownership is a constant battle and for many simply a dream.I learn the value of home ownership in a similar sequence as Esperanza. My little sister and I were moved to and from apartment to family member’s houses until our first small home. A home with no back yard and only four stairs and side walk out front. None the less, a home to call our own; it was then that I knew one day I will own my home painted â€Å"white with trees around it, a great big yard and grass growing without a fence. † Setting this goal meant one thing to me, out; out of Philadelphia like out of the House on Mango Street.How to get out and leave my home, my Philadelphia that is so much a part of my maturing process that has molded who I am today is the challenge. Poverty is the drive behind my force on getting out, like Esperanza, poverty is a constant scene that drives my motivation to rise out from my community in Philadelphia. For many families it is not unusual to live in a row home next to an abandoned home or open lot where houses use to be; look around and see no grass only concrete, see no trees only stumps of where trees use to be and garbage carried by the wind collected alongside stoop of houses.The tricky part of growing up with this experience is realizing it molds character and influences a sense of direction. My experience in poverty directed my ambition in education therefore strengthening my chances in attaining my goals. Ultimately what was said to Esperanza by the three sisters, â€Å"You can’t erase what you know. You can’t for get who you are† is valid in the sense that no matter which path one is headed, their past is part of who they are, it is where they have been.Even though leaving Philadelphia is a dream of mine, I know there is no other place in the world I would rather be from; it has prepared me to be brave and define what I desire for my life and what is undesired for my life. Self-exploration is hindered in this book and my life. I can very much identify with Esperanza perspectives on societal issues that Latin women face. A society dominated by men and women relying on them, whether it is a father, spouse or friend. Men are considered the strong reasonable as where women are weak and emotional, in turn women need men for protection.A young girl may have two story paths, one where she relies on the protection of her father while she watches her mother cater to him or two, witnesses the struggles of a single young woman and absence for a father. This book describes marriage as priority for every girl or else how could she survive; appearances and physical features are highly valued traits. This attitude is not one that Esperanza agrees with, nor do I. For example, Marin she is the girl standing on the street just â€Å"waiting for a car to stop, a star to fall, someone to change her life. This character implies that she does not dream of actively setting life goals for herself and working to earn them, instead she will wait until a man makes it happen for her. The ideology behind this thought being that as a woman she must thrive to be as attractive as possible to heighten her chances of marriage and acquire worthiness. First women are to become wives, then mothers this is to be success enough. The thought of a woman exploring her independence not only from her family but from men is not an appreciated ideal.Esperanza mentions many women that are prisoners in their marriages and trapped in their homes due to such bias. This is an important issue and should be addres sed because reflecting on Esperanza’s perspective and my personal opinion; Latin women are not encouraged to explore independence much less through education. Sally is a great example that can express my reason for writing about this issue, her father sheltered her all her life and she married before eighth grade.Practicing those societal values leads Sally’s life to be encaged by her husband and home accompanied by nothing but the things she owns; this to which Esperanza understands that even though Sally has all the material things that her husband can buy, that is not worth much if there is nothing to do, no social interactions, or no self-respect. Esperanza absorbs her surroundings, contemplates her neighbor’s situations and visualizes her life and the thought of her life sadly gazing out of a window, this was all the motivation she needed to decide that she will not be end her story in the same manner; this I have done throughout my life as well.Being born and raised in the heart of Philadelphia I am consistently expose to the abundance of inequality, injustice and overall hardships that seem to walk hand in hand with this territory and culture of my community. Esperanza introduces Alicia, a girl that has a strong quality in common with Esperanza as well as I; the virtue of education. Alicia’s circumstances are very relatable to young Latin girls today in my life for example, I can recall positive reinforcement when I received good grades but there was rarely any encouragement to have me participate in extracurricular activities or educations competitions because there were chores.My family believed the transition would be easier if I did not move away for college and so I did not; I am encouraged to live home until marriage, therefore I have been. Things such as living on my own is addressed with the attitude of â€Å"why waste money, you minus well wait until you get married to move out,† but my education is my future; it is my gateway out of Philadelphia and into the path of my home with trees and grass to come home to after a day with my second grade students. With independence from my family and men is born a woman that can support herself and does not need to rely on a man.I am writing about the inequities regarding Latin women addressed in this novel as it is connected to my life. I like Esperanza, refuse to accept the limitations surrounding me like fog in the night discouraging me to pursue new paths. Most of the women characters Esperanza describe have strong personalities yet are unable to escape from their suppressing community and culture. I am neighbors with Mothers the age of fifth-teen and grandmothers the age of thirty-two. There are women that are raising their grand-children and mothers hoping to complete high school.Yet somehow this has become a norm it is not surprising to see a Latin woman have children at a young age as well as marriage. I personally never get tired of being asked: Do you have children? Are you married? You are in school? (in a very sarcastic tone); in that specific order. The expectations in this novel for young Latin girls are to find a man to support them and the way to find a man is through physically looking as attractive as she can and in order to become a loyal wife and mother. This is a society where a woman leaving their families to seek self-identification is not a natural thought.Esperanza was strong enough to fight through the society norm and pursue her talent and not become trapped in a house ruled by a man. Today I fight the same battle as do many Latin women do, we are strong and it takes bravery to go after one’s happiness in life. We strive to rise above poverty and community inequities through hard work and self-dedication to one’s ambitions. As The House on Mango Street is part of Esperanza, my Philadelphia community is part of me; without what I have seen I would be blind to what I want.

King of Kong

The King of Kong: A fistful of Quarters. The King of Kong: A fistful of Quarters provided many techniques and insights into interviewing different people. This documentary profiled people and showed how they had become the people they were in there everyday lives. Many times it showed previous achievements or failures and how they directly affected a persons will to succeed in the future. At the beginning of this film, Billy Mitchell was introduced as the successful gamer of the 80's that everyone one liked and looked up to.He was the idol of the gaming world that had begun to exist when he achieved his high scores in many of the classic arcade games such as donkey kong. The directors clearly focused on Billy Mitchell's self arrogance as he grew older and was engulfed into the persona of being the best gamer in the world. By the end of the documentary, it is clear that Billy Mitchell is now viewed by some as living in his own reality of the gaming world. The competitor in this film, Steve Wiebe, is portrayed as someone who has never quite been able to reach his goals.He has not been as lucky as Billy Mitchell and he assumes the underdog role. Throughout the film he is forever attempting to reach his goal of breaking the Donkey Kong record only to be shut down by unfair circumstances. Many quotes are taken from Steve and his wife about his reliance, and need of achieving the record for self justification. Throughout the entire story, Steve is followed and shown the changes in his life do to this new gaming need.Steve does not achieve his goal when he wanted to but the interviewees choose to come back and show that he did eventually persevere and obtain his goal. They chose to show that Steve was not a quitter, and could achieve what he wanted to with dedication. Overall, this documentary shows man techniques of providing different sides and views of a story. They used family members, friends, and the persons own account to express the different experiences that had occurred.

Becoming a Guidance Counselor

Every classroom presents an exclusive community of learners that varies not only in abilities, but also in so many learning styles. In education it is my role as an educator to give children the tools with which to grow their own gardens of knowledge. To accomplish this goal, I will teach to the needs of each child so that all learners can feel capable and successful. I will present curriculum that involves the interests of the children and makes learning relevant to life, but also be able to make sure that I am able to achieve the goals of the district in a manner that learning is enjoyable.I will integrate themes, integrated units, projects, group work, individual work, and hands-on learning in order to make children active learners. This allows children to have amazing teach-able moments. Finally, I will tie learning into the world community to help children become caring and active members of society. All of these beliefs will allow me to become a successful Guidance counselor. B ecoming a guidance counselor allow me to have a more one on one relationship with students. In many cases you are able to teach children in small group setting teaching ideas that children are able to take for the rest of their lives.Having a guidance counselor that is able to advocate for the children is so important. Education has changed through the years in my option it has changed for the better. In the United States many children are able to attend Private, Charter, or Public schools. In the early 1840’s you were not able to attend any school unless you were able to pay for the education. It was in Horace Mann in Massachusetts and Henry Barnard in Connecticut where they saw a need for free education. They were able to show that there was a need for quality education in order to prevent crime in the community.It was then that at the end of the 19th century all American children were able to get free education. It was not until 1918 that all states passed a law requiring all students to go to at least elementary school. Private schools were then created by many Catholics because they disagreed with the beliefs of the public schools. With private, catholic, and charter it all raises an issue should all education be the same for everyone? If it was up to me I would have to say no. The logic is because I believe that teachers have the right to be able to decide the way that they would like to teach.As a teacher in a school I like to be able to share lessons with my colleagues but I want them to make the lesson their own. I think this is the same for schools; all schools should be able to have the same guidelines but be able to make it their own. In the 1990’s the public schools saw a signifying improvement among the graduation rates. In education I think it is so important that you are able to use each moment of the day as a teachable moment. This is not to say that everything in your day is going to be structured but you have to be able to use every moment as a teachable moment.An example of this is I had a child that every day would run through the cafeteria to get into the line to be first. After several warnings the child ran into a younger child carrying soup the soup then spilled all over the student and the other student that was running. It was then that I was able to use that time as a teach-able moment. I explained to the child that if they were to slow themselves down that this may not have happen. This is not to say that the child will never run again but they may slow down before going into the cafeteria.In the school that I teach in we would say that a â€Å"Windsor knight does what’s right even when nobody is looking†. This is part of character education to teach children that they have to follow the rules even if there is not a teacher around. â€Å"A teacher's personal philosophy of education is a critical element in his or her approach to guiding children along the path of enlightenment. â €“ Barbara Wilt† In Idealism believes in refined wisdom. It is based on the view that reality is a world within a person's mind. As a result the teaching method is to teach on past heroes.This is something that I think was taught when I was growing up but seems to be pushed out. Realism it is based on the view that reality is what we observe. This shows children the order of society and all information is factual for the children to observe it. The one that I feel is the majority to the technique that I am is Realism. I think that I am capable to have articulated the reality of how things are and that most of the times the children are able to observe how it may be. I think that with technology today this is an easy way to provide this.A wonderful example that we did was that we were able to experience the winter Olympics as a whole school watching what was happening while it was happening. I think that this is also a great example of how in some ways Montessori also runs. Montessori was a philosopher that I wish so many teachers where more like. She was someone that was able to observe the children by giving them an activity in the environment and then allowing them to have the freedom to explore it. I think that many teachers do give them the activity except then are not giving them the freedom to explore.As a child that attended Montessori school I can say that many of my most memorable moments in my education were at that school. It is not only something that I can remember but have taken into my everyday life. It has brought wonderful insight on me as a teacher today. When you think of a teacher you think about the story book character that may be at chalk board. That is not the case. As a teacher you are not only a teacher, mom, staff member, friend, janitor, shoe tier, the list goes on forever. What you are is someone that has to wear many hats all in one day of work.In education you are not able to just have that 9-5 job. You are always think ing about making sure your lesson are finished, or did you get enough snack for all the kids in the class. You are always thinking about how the children may come in the next day: did they sleeping well for the test, are they eating well, and when was the last time they had a bath. This is all something that colleges do not tell you about. Just because your contract may say 8-3 that is not what you work. Your hours go above and beyond that.Many times during the holidays we as teachers have heard that a family does not have a holiday meal so we all get together and take it to them. This is something that as teachers we feel that it is important for every child to have a wonderful holiday. You have to be willing to change your hat whenever it needs to be changed. While working in the school I have learned more then I think any schooling could have ever taught me. I think that Curriculum for every school is important but the most important is how it is taught.Ideal curriculum was broug ht that there is an â€Å"ideal child† in every child. In this curriculum it wanted children to be able to build self- confidence allowing him/her to set goals and be able to achieve them. Allowing them to be part of an environment that teaches confidence, and endurance success. In this ideal curriculum learning is fun. The teacher is able to make the environment fun but it is up to the students to make the activity fun. I think that this is so important. Many times teachers get caught up with the curriculum and forget that learning is fun.I think that when teachers remember that they have to be there just as long as the students that making them enjoy what is going on in the classroom not only is a positive for the student but for the teacher as well. One way to do this is through Character Education. In the school that I teach in we do Character Education every day. In the morning we have a pledge that is said every day and a character word of the month is added to that ple dge. At the end of the pledge we say â€Å"A Windsor knight knows what’s right even when know body is looking†.We are able to then follow this rule whenever someone may not be following it. On each Day 2 in the cycle a class then takes that character word of the month and comes up with a play or a skit for the school to see. This makes learning fun the children not only learn what the character word means but then it also gives them a learning experience. Many teachers may do role plays, or act out a book, make a movie, all done by the children with teacher assistance. In the teaching field you have to be able to change be able to teach on a variety of different stages.Instructional methods are used by teachers to create learning environments and to specify the nature of the activity in which the teacher and learner will be involved during the lesson. While particular methods are often connected with certain strategies, some methods may be found within a variety of str ategies. It is the role of the teacher then to make sure you are using the right teaching method for the classroom. I am a believer that you method may change year to year depending on your class. As a teacher you are going to have to be aware of whether you method is working or not.In education the only way that you are able to see if what you have taught is sinking into these little brains is using assessments. As a teacher that is doing them daily before the end of school right now I would state I strongly dislike them. In the scheme of things they really are the only true way to determine how your students are doing. This is a tool that you are able to provide the teachers to not only track how they are teaching but how the students are doing. This is not to say that it should be used to evaluate any teacher but it should be looked at if a whole class assessment is low.These assessments are really used to be able to provide the right intervention for students. It is always an ac complishment in AIS reading when you have a student who comes in below grade level and with this intervention they then leave at the end of the year above grade level. This is not only an accomplishment for the child but the teachers as well. On the flip side I understand that education is now filled with tests and these children are always taking test and we are expected to know more now than ever. I don’t think this all bad. I think that if are able to use these as an assessment tool for the children.In doing this it allows the children to receive AIS services, Special education services, and enrichment, all from an assessment. In New York State we have state test which allow the students to receive AIS intervention programs if they score a low number on the test. It is a great way to see if these children need a little extra help. In schools today it is a teacher job to explain the rules and roles of everyone in the school. In many schools today we try enforce that just li ke teachers, aids, nurses, bus drivers, that they as kids also have a job and that there’s may be the most important one of all.Their job is to learn. School is supposed to be a learning environment and sometimes family’s think of it more as a daycare. With this in mind the thoughts then pass on to the children. It is our job as educators to let the children know the correct way to act as a student. It is important that children take school seriously. It saddens me to hear in elementary school that a child did not come to school because they did not feel like getting up in the morning and the parent had to work third shift and was not there to wake them.This is part of society but we have to make sure that the children in the society realize that a good education is the best gift that society is able to give them. As an educator in an elementary school I come across many cases that the child may have several strikes against them. One example of this is a mentor student that I have right now. There are 5 children in the family the parents work different shifts they have been kicked out of the house due to not paying their rent and now are living in a camper in the back of the grandmother house.Four of the children come to school and the baby stays home with whoever is home so they do not have to pay child care. The middle brother has a hard time in school. He is always feeling like nobody likes him and cares for him so he acts out in class. I have sat down with him and talked to him several times and he has told me that the only one that cares for him is his other grandmother and he is not allowed to see her unless he is good. We have many cases just like these in our school and every case is different. In the classroom many times the children act out for attention.They do not care whether it is negative or positive attention they just want that one on one interaction. Many times due to outside circumstances the children become below level grade l evel in the school work. In these cases intervention is something that would have to take place. After an evaluation you would be able to determine how much intervention the child may need. In this case this child receives AIS math and Reading because he many times is out of the classroom because he is in the time-out room due to an outburst in the classroom.He is also provided with a mentor that makes up a schedule with the child. I am actually his mentor and we meet twice a week. During this time we have a nice lunch in my classroom and then do something fun go outside, play a game, watch some of a movie, or sometimes have special desert. This is something that is one on one with the child in a non-negative situation. I also talk to him during this time about what is happening at home and things that he could do to improve his school work. Many times during the year he will come to me for help get a project done that he knows he may not receive the help at home.He also receives in tervention from the social workers that come to the building they are able to do an assessment to tell whether he may need to be assessed further from an outside facility. All of these interventions are things that schools have to do to help these at risk students. I think that with the world as it is today children are dealing with things that they should not have to deal with at such an early age. We as educators have to be there to pick up many of the pieces. Times have changed and we are the ones that have to shape these children into whom they are and who they are going to be.In New York State the thought is that â€Å"The sooner problems are identified and intervention services begin, the sooner the children are on their way to academic success. † (NYSUT). It is so true once you are able to identify the problem then you are able to get the services that the child may need. In order to be able to identify you need to really understand that child, which sometimes takes ti me. In many jobs there may be a right way to do things and a wrong way but education is different. Teaching is something that not every person is cut out for. You really have to dig deep to see if you are cut out to be a teacher.I know that I am, I have worked in the school for 4 years and I could not have asked for a better job. It is a hard job and I work more the just what I am suppose to but that is because I want the best for the children in the school. I love to see their faces when they come in the morning smiling or if you have a sad face it is my job to figure what is wrong and try to make it right to have a better day. We are not just the teacher during the day we are the nurse, janitor, mother, father, therapist, shoe tier, and many more all these hats are done throughout the day.This is all while you are also teaching a lesson and making sure that 21 students are learning, safe, and attentive. There is no other job like this. There is also no other job as rewarding as be ing a teacher and watching you kindergarten class leave your room and then 12 years down the road watch the same children graduate and moving onto to college. I will leave you with a Chinese proverb â€Å"Teachers open the door. You enter by yourself. † This is what education is all about.Bibliography Gurian, M. (1996). The Wonders of Boys. New York New York: Penguin. Graesser, A. 2009). Journal of Educational Psychology. Journal of Educational Psychology . NYSUT. (2010, June 14). Retrieved 2010, from New York State NYSUT: http://nysut. org/ais/index. html Richard Ogusthorpe. (2009). On the Possible Forms a Relationship Might Take between the Moral Character of a Teacher and the Moral Development of a Student. Teachers College Record, 111(1), 1-26. Retrieved February 24, 2009, from Research Library database. Webb, L. D. , Metha, A. & Jordan K. F. (2010). Foundations of American Education (6th ed. ). Saddle River, NJ:   Pearson Education Inc

Autonomous Learning Essay

2.1 A General Review on Learner Autonomy Two classic definitions of autonomy influenced my study a lot when I set up my research programme.The first was put forward by Henri Holec in 1981, and the second by David Little in 1991. 2.1.1 Definitions of Autonomy â€Å"Learner autonomy is when the learner is willing and capable of taking charge of his/her own learning. The learner should be capable of determining the objectives;defining the contents and the progressions; selecting methods and techniques to be used; monitoring the procedure of acquisition, evaluating what has been acquired.†(Henri Holec,1981). â€Å"Autonomy is a capacity for detachment, critical reflection, decision making and independent action. It presupposes, but also entails, that the learner will develop a particular kind of psychological relation to the process and content of his learning†.(Little,1991). It is clear from this that autonomy is not a method of language learning – it is a capacity: the capacity to take control one’s own learning.(Benson, 2001:2)This seems to distinguish it from some other types of learning with which it is sometimes associated, such as: â€Å"self-study†, â€Å"distance learning† and â€Å"indepen dent learning†. The main point here is that most of these can be seen as ways of organizing learning, as methods. They may be more or less teacher-led and the degree of teacher control is not clear. Holec use the term â€Å"autonomy† to refer to a â€Å"capacity† and not a â€Å"method† It is a capacity that usually needs to be acquired, hence our emphasis is on â€Å"learning how to learn†. On a general note, the term autonomy has come to be used in at least five ways: the first is for situations in which learners study entirely on their own; the second is for a set of skills which can be learned and applied in self-directed learning; the third is for an inborn capacity which is suppressed by institutional education; the fourth is for the exercise of learners’ responsibility for their own learning; and the last is for the right of learners to determine the direction of their own learning. (Benson & Voller, 1997: 2) It is noteworthy that autonomy can be thought of in terms of a departure from education as a social process, as well as in terms of redistribution of power attending the construction of knowledge and the roles of the participants in the learning process. Autonomous language learning requires the learners to be responsible for their learning, including deciding their learning objective, choosing their learning materials, monitoring and adjusting their learning process and evaluating their learning results. There is broad agreement in the theoretical literature that learner autonomy grows out of the individual learner’s acceptance of responsibility for his or her own learning (e.g., Holec, 1981;Little, 1991). This means that learner autonomy is a matter of explicit or conscious intention:we cannot accept responsibility for our own learning unless we have some idea of what, why,and how we are trying to learn. The learner must take at least some of the initiatives that give shape and direction to the learning process, and must share in monitoring progress and evaluating the extent to which learning targets are achieved. The pedagogical justification for wanting to foster the development of learner autonomy rests on the claim that in formal educational contexts, reflectivity and self-awareness produce better learning. The autonomous learner shows initiative regarding learning, and shares in monitoring progress and evaluating the extent to which learning is achieved (Schunk, 2005).The ideas that cluster around the concept of learner autonomy have also been promoted under banners such as, â€Å"humanistic language teaching,† â€Å"collaborative learning,† â€Å"experiential learning,† and â€Å"the learning-centered classroom.† We prefer the term â€Å"Learner autonomy† because it implies a holistic view of the learner as an individual. This seems to us important for two reasons. First, it reminds us that learners bring to the classroom a personal history and personal needs that may have little in common with the assumed background and implied needs on which the curri culum is based. Second, it reminds us that the ultimate measure of success in second or foreign language learning is the extent to which the target language becomes a fully integrated part of the learner’s identity. In conlusion,some of the most well known definitions in present literature are: â€Å"Autonomy is the ability to take charge of one’s own learning† (Henri Holec,1981); â€Å"Autonomy is essentially a matter of the learner’s psychological relation to the process and content of learning† (David Little,1991); â€Å"Autonomy is a situation in which the learner is totally responsible for all the decisions concerned with his [or her] learning and the implementation of those decisions†. (Leslie Dickinson,1987); â€Å"Autonomy is a recognition of the rights of learners within educational systems†. (Benson,2001) 2.1.2 Theoretical Background of Learner Autonomy Autonomy is not developed by single, clearly defined theories or methods, its evolution has reflected a more general trend in language teaching; however, its independence from specific theories does not mean that theory is not relevant. In fact, many researchers in the literature seek justifications of learner autonomy from a wide variety of philosophical, psychological, and political sources. And some approaches to educational psychology— humanism, constructivism— had a profound impact on the advocacy of autonomous learning. A review of the two approaches to language education, especially to second language learning and teaching will be offered. 2.1.2.1 Constructivism Constructivism is one of the hottest topics in educational psychology. Constructivism is a new educational psychology school which is influenced by Piaget’s cognitive developmental psychology and Vygotsky’s social interactionism. Constructivism is described as a learning theory based on authentic and real-world situations. Students internalize and construct new knowledge based on past experiences. The constructivism theory is student-centered and encourages higher level processing skills to apply their working knowledge. In other words, â€Å"everyone makes their own sense of the world and the experiences that surround them. In this way the learner is brought into central focus in learning theory†(Williams M.&Burden R.L., 1997:2). The educational impact of constructivism is positive, in that instruction is based on student’s prior knowledge, allowing them to make significant connections and solve complex problems. Vygotsky’s point of view was that acquisition and participation were synergistic strategies in learning situations. Aspects of participation involved teaching in contexts that could be meaningful to students based on their personal and social history, negotiating, class discussions, small group collaborative learning with projects and tasks, and valuing meaningful activity over correct answers. Social Constructivism emphasizes that learning takes place through interactions with other students, teachers, and the world-at-large. (Vygotsky,1978) In terms of process of learning, acquiring and constructing new knowledge, the student plays an active role. The student brings past experiences and prior knowledge to the classroom and uses these to actively connect with new ideas or problems that are presented. ‘Knowing’ is being able to internalize the material, connecting it with things you already know. Students use higher level processing skills, such as evaluating, analyzing and synthesis to apply newly constructed knowledge to problems or situations. According to the theory of constructivism, student responsibility is greater, as they discover how new knowledge connects with prior knowledge. The learner continuously asks questions and guides their own learning process. Students learn that there is not just one way to solve problems, but rather multiple ways to finding answers. Typical classroom instruction, consistent with the constructivist learning theory may include: problem-based approach to teaching, hands-on activities, including the use of manipulatives, experimentation, and simulations. The constructivist theory allows teachers to be creative and innovative with teaching. In brief, constructivism believes that learning is a process in which learners construct new ideas or concepts based on their past knowledge. Constructivist learning theory advocates that learning is student-centered and instructed by teachers, which puts great emphasis on learners. Students are not passive receiver. Instead, they are active constructors. The learners select and transform information, construct hypotheses and make decisions relying on a cognitive structure. Cognitive structure (i.e. schema, mental models) provides meaning and organization to experiences and allows the individual to go beyond the information given. 2.1.2.2 Humanism Humanism is a school of thought that believes human beings are different from other species and possess capacities that cannot be found in animals. Humanists, therefore, give primacy to the study of human needs and interests. In humanistic view, the basic concern is the human potential growth and education is to enhance actualization and give free harness to one’s potential. â€Å"Humanistic approaches emphasize the importance of the inner world of the learner and place the individual’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions at the forefront of all human development†(Williams,M.&Burden, R.L. 1997:4). These aspects of the learning process are often unjustly neglected, yet they are vitally important if we are to understand human learning in its totality. There are five basic objectives of the humanistic view of education: the first is to promote positive self-direction and independence (development of the regulatory system);the second is to develop the ability to take responsibility for what is learned (regulatory and affective systems);the third is to develop creativity (divergent thinking aspect of cognition);the fourth is to arouse curiosity (exploratory behavior, a function of imbalance or dissonance in any of the systems);the last is to cultivate an interest in the arts (primarily to develop the affective/emotional system). 2.1.3 Teachers’ Role in Autonomous Learning In literature works there are many detailed descriptions of the teachers’ role in developing learner autonomy. According to Huttunen (1986), teachers should guide the learners in the process of their logical, psychological and ethical development towards autonomy. Their task is to enrich, balance, and clarify the learners’ experience and to help them to seek new experiences to structure and simplify experiences they need, and to find ways of associating the learners’ experiences with the various aspects of life in their culture, including its heritage; Higgs (1988) stated that in the process of learners’ autonomous learning teachers should act as a manager who is available as a resource, will create learners a supportive and nonthreatening learning environment, can motivate learners to achieve their potential and can help learners to be aware of institutional requirements and expectations associated with the discipline in which they are learning; according to Nunan (1993), teachers are readjusting their traditional roles and to the new ones. They become active participants, monitors, consultants and guides in the process of students’ language learning and help students to develop better learning strategies; Hill (1994) suggested that â€Å"since the decision to promote autonomy comes usually from the teacher, and the success of attempts to empower learners to become actively involved in their learning depends to a large extent on the teacher’s ability to redefine roles†; to Little (1999), he believes that teachers should be responsible for â€Å"deciding whether and to what extent it is possible for learners to determine their own learning objectiveness, select their own learning materials and evaluate their own learning process†; HuaWeifen (2001)believes that language teachers should enable students to set learning objectives, choose learning materials, develop the effective learning strategies, monitor their learning process and evaluate the learning results. She further proposes three roles of teachers in developing students’ independent learning: a counselor who helps learners to develop their own learning ability instead of making decisions for them, a facilitator who provides psychological, social support and technical support, and an information resource; Xiao Fei (2002) feels that teachers must adjust their counselors, roles from the â€Å"purveyors of language information’ to the organizers and managers of learning activities, and resource learning providing necessary help. Teacher serves as one of many resources for students, not necessarily the primary source of information. The teacher engages students in experiences that challenge previous conceptions of their existing knowledge. The teacher uses student responses in the planning of next lessons and seeks elaboration of students’ initial responses. The teacher encourages questions and discussion among students by asking open-ended questions. The teacher assists students to understand their own cognitive processes (metacognition) by using cognitive terminology such as classify, analyze, create, organize, hierarchy, etc. when framing tasks. The teacher encourages and accepts student autonomy and initiative by being willing to let go of classroom control The teacher makes available raw data and primary resources, along with manipulative and interactive physical materials. The teacher does not separate knowing from the process of finding out. Nouns and verbs. The teacher facilitates clear communication from students in writing and verbal responses, from the point of view that communication comes from ones deep structural understanding of the concepts being communicated. When they can communicate clearly and meaningfully, they have truly integrated the new learning. The teacher’s role is to anticipate and address student misconceptions while presenting authentic questions and real-world problems or situations. The teacher does not provide clear answers on how to solve these problems or questions, but guides students to make sense of how things work according to what their past experiences are and how it applies to the new knowledge they are constructing. 2.2 Input Theory 2.2.1 Krashen’s theory of language acquisition During the late 1970s Krashen put forward an account of SLA first known as the Monitor Model after its main claim about the role of monitoring in language learning (Krashen, 1979). In the early 1980s this was expanded into a broader-based model, described in Krashen (1981;1982), which consisted of five linked hypotheses: acquisition/learning, monitor, natural order, input, and affective filter. The aspect of the model that became most developed was termed the Input Hypothesis, the title of Krashen’s last major theoretical book (Krashen, 1985). In order to better understand the Input Hypothesis, it is necessary to have a general idea about the five hypotheses as they are closely related to each other. They are:The Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis;The Monitor Hypothesis ;The Natural Order Hypothesis; The Input Hypothesis ;The Affective Filter Hypothesis. Krashen summarizes the five hypotheses with a single claim: â€Å"People acquire second languages only if they obtain comprehensible input and if their affective filters are low enough to allow the input `in’ †¦In other words, comprehensible input is the essential ingredient for second language acquisition. All other factors thought to encourage or cause second-language acquisition work only when they contribute to comprehensible input and/or a low affective filter.† [pic] 2.2.2 Input hypothesis in second language learning The Input Hypothesis is Krashen’s attempt to explain how the learner acquires a second language. In other words, this hypothesis is Krashen’s explanation of how second language acquisition takes place. So, the Input Hypothesis is only concerned with â€Å"acquisition†, not â€Å"learning†. According to this hypothesis, the learner improves and progresses along the â€Å"natural order† when he/she receives second language â€Å"input† that is one step beyond his/her current stage of linguistic competence. For example, if a learner is at stage â€Å"i†, then acquisition takes place when he/she is exposed to â€Å"comprehensible input† that belongs to level â€Å"i+1†. Since not all of the learners can be at the same level of linguistic competence at the same time, Krashen suggests that natural communicative input is the key to designing a syllabus, ensuring in this way that each learner will receive some â€Å"i+1†in put that is appropriate for his /her current stage of linguistic competence. The Input Hypothesis is simply stated: â€Å"Humans acquire language in only one wayä ¸â‚¬by understanding messages or by receiving `comprehensible input†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ (Krashen, 1985ï ¼Å'2). That is to say, language acquisition depends upon trying to comprehend what other people are saying. Provided that the learner hears meaningful speech and endeavors to understand it, acquisition will occur (cited in Cook, 1993). The theory (Krashen 1981;1985; 1989) also makes the following claims, as Ellis (1994) has summarized:Learners progress along the natural order by understanding input that contains structures a little bit beyond their current level of competence. Although comprehensible input is necessary for acquisition to take place, it is not sufficient, as learners also need to be affectively disposed to `let in’ the input they comprehend. Input becomes comprehensible as a result of simplification and with the help of contextual and extralinguistic clues; â€Å"fine-tuning† (i.e. ensuring that learners receive input rich in the specific linguistic property they are due to acquire next) is not necessary. Speaking is the result of acquisition, not its cause; learner production does not contribute directly to acquisition. It is understood that to be useful to the learner, the input must be neither too difficult to understand nor too easy. This is conceptualized by Krashen in terms of the learner’s current level, called â€Å"i†, and the level that the learner will get to next, called â€Å"i+1†.For the learner to progress rather than remain static, the input has always to be slightly beyond the level at which he or she is completely at home; the gap between the learner’s â€Å"i† and the â€Å"i+1†that he or she needs is bridged by information drawn from the situation and from the learner’s previous experience. â€Å"We also use context, our knowledge of the world, our extra-linguistic competence to help us understand† (Krashen, 1982, 21).Krashen emphasizes that input does not need to be â€Å"finely tuned† in the sense that it is linguistically adjusted to contain â€Å"i+1†.It requires only rough tuning, which is automatic if the focus is on successful communication. 2.2.3 The web-based meltimedia language input for autonomous learning Students need accessible materialsï ¼Å¡comprehensible input, the underlying assumption is that the learner needs help identifying the critical features in â€Å"the wealth of the linguistic and nonlinguistic information they receive† (Plass & Jones, 2005, p. 470). This means that the supports embedded in a multimedia instructional approach should guide what students notice in a word, sentence, passage, or image. The autonomous leaners need to be provided with more and up-to-date language input in as many ways as possible, such as vedio and audio materials downloaded from the internet. This strategy can also be accomplished through immediate and focused teacher feedback. When a teacher highlights portions of an assignment that require revisions, the student’s ability to evaluate and revise her work increases. These strategies help the learner understand task directions and focus on pertinent informati on to comprehend or revise. 2.3 Web-Based Language Teaching and Learning 2.3.1.The development of web-based language teaching and learning Web-based language learning is developed from Computer-Assisted Language Learning. It may be defined as â€Å"the search for and study of applications of the computer in language teaching and learning† (Levy, 1997:1).As for teaching, the lecturer presents a language teaching plan in a logical order and learns whether the students’ responses are correct or not correct by computers. As for learning, the language learners use computers to monitor their own progress, and provide themselves with proper lessons, materials, etc. Richards. J.C.(1998) also points out that CALL refers to the use of computer in the teaching and learning of second or foreign language. The CALL in the academic literature has been existed for about forty years. The subject is interdisciplinary by nature, and it has evolved out of previous efforts to find ways of using computer for teaching or for instructional purpose across a wide var iety of subjects areas, with the weight of knowledge and breadth of application in language learning ultimately resulting in a more specialized field of study (Levy, 1997). According to Warschauer and Healey (1998), CALL has experienced three stages in the last forty years: behavioristic, communicative and integrative. Each stage will be featured by its important projects and development despite the fact that there is in fact no clear-cut line among stages (Hu&Jiang, 2002:5 34-538). The first stage of CALL, Behavioristic Call, started from the 1950s and applied in 1960s and 1970s, was on the basis of the then dominant behaviorist theories of learning. Programs of this stage were repetitive language drills and can be concluded as â€Å"drill and practice†. One of the most complicated projects of this period is the PLATO (Programmed Logic/Learning for Automated Teaching Operations) system, which operates on its own special PLATO hard ware, including central computers and terminals. The vocabulary drills, brief grammar explanations drills, and translation tests at various intervals (Ahmad, Corbett, Rogers&Sussex, 1985)were included. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, behavioristic CALL was replaced because of two important factors. First, behavioristic approaches to language learning had been out of stage at both the theoretical and the pedagogical level. Secondly, the application of microcomputer provided a whole new range of chances. The stage was set for a new era of CALL-Communicative CALL. One of the main advocates of this new approach was John Underwood, who in 1984 proposed a series of â€Å"premises for `Communicative’ CALL† (Underwood, 1984:52). According to him, the Communicative CALL focuses more on using forms. The teacher uses the computer to teach grammar implicitly rather than explicitly; allow and encourage students to utter naturally rather than just manipulate prefabricated language; it does not assess everything the students do nor give them congratulatory message, lights, or bells; avoids telling students that they are incorrect and is flexible to a variety of student responses; it uses the target language exclusively and creates an environment in which using the target language feels natural, both on and off the screen; and will never try to do anything that a book can do just as well. Many types of CALL programs were developed and applied during this period. Integrative computer assisted language learning covers the more recent development of 1990s, and even the multimedia computers and the Internet. This period was greatly influenced by the growth of constructivist approach, which believes that knowledge is not obtained through the transmission of teachers, but the meaning construction of learners themselves in a certain social and cultural context with the others, including their teachers and their peers, and also the use of resources. Furthermore, this approach emphasizes that learners are the necessary component of learning main body in the cognitive process and the active constructor of knowledge meanings, and teachers take the roles as organizers, guiders and facilitators. Also, the importance of authentic learning environment and social interaction is emphasized. This phase is featured by the use of multimedia, hypermedia and interactive technologies to enhance comprehensive skills. 2.3.2 web-based language learning context and input thoery Compared with the traditional language teaching and learning context, web-based language learning would expose college students to greater amount of language information input. On the one hand, the colorful, multi-facet, and limitless information provided by the internet and computer programs attracts the learners’ attention. It could also make their English study much easier. It is obvious that, the multimedia, hypermedia and Internet enrich the information input and to a large extent promote the students’ curiosity, interest and motivation in English learning. On the other hand, the multi-facet or multi-channel information input may be in some way distract learners’ attention and make learners feel at a loss in their autonomous learning after class, thus weaken the learners’ productivity of English language. Therefore, to help learners to wisely choose the useful information to develop their own autonomous language learning models become the teachersâ₠¬â„¢ focuses. 2.4 Assessment in autonomou learning In a recent report, Dam and Legenhausen (1999: 90) claim that learners’ ability to reflect critically on their learning is a measure of the effectiveness of the learning environment. They use the term ‘evaluation’ to refer to the metacognitive activity of reviewing past and future learning experiences in order to enhance learning, and claim that: In an autonomous classroom . . . [evaluation] is viewed as the pivot of a good learning/teaching cycle . . . Evaluation has a retrospective and prospective function, in which the learning experiences of the past are reflected upon and transformed into plans for future action. The potential for learner autonomy increases as an individual’s learning awareness grows. Therefore activities which prompt learners to reflect on their learning aim to enhance learners’ insight into their learning processes. Assessments for autonomous learners may cover a wide area of knowledge,for example, reading an authentic languag e text or a small, tightly focused area ,for example, questions at the end of a worksheet on a specific grammar point. Assessments may serve one or more of a number of purposes, such as confidence building, demonstrating learning gain, or motivation, and they may be constructed in a number of ways, for example, by the teacher, by the learner, collaboratively or as a portfolio (Gardner and Miller, 1999). Assessments with any combination of the above criteria can be self-assessments because this term refers simply to the mode of administration, i.e., assessments which are self-administered. It is reasonable to assume that autonomous learners would benefit from feedback on chievements in their learning through engaging in some kind of assessment procedure. The individualised nature of autonomous learning makes large-scale, institutionalised assessments problematic although an autonomous learner may make the decision to include these as part of a personalised assessment regime. Self-assessment seems to accommodate itself much more easily to the diverse and flexible requirements of an autonomous learner. Indeed, it has been argued that self-assessment is an integral part of autonomous learning (Holec, 1981; Tudor, 1996; Thomson, 1996; Gardner and Miller, 1999) and that all learners engage in it (Holec, 1985) although not necessarily knowingly (Thomson, 1996). Dickinson (1987) argues that self-evaluation of performance is an important skill for all language learners but of particular importance to autonomous language learners. Thomson (1996) implemented a self-assessment project as a way of getting learners involved in self-directed learning. The effectiveness of self-assessment is detailed by Nunan (1996: 21), who states that, â€Å"Autonomy is enhanced when learners are encouraged to self-monitor and self-assess.† An important aspect of the monitoring process for learners is simply knowing how they are doing in their learning. They want to know if they are becoming more proficient as users of the target language. Brindley (1989: 60) says that self-assessment has five purposes. Firstly, learners have greater responsibility for assessment of their proficiency and progress; secondly it lets them diagnose their strong and weak areas; thirdly it lets them compare their present level with the level they wish to obtain; fourthly it helps them become more motivated; and lastly it helps them to develop their own criteria for monitoring their progress.However, Brindley (1989: 61) also points out that there are objections to self-assessment. â€Å"The idea that learners can be reliable judges of their own performance is by no means universally accepted.† Therefore self-assessment is a skill, that has to be learned. Brindley (1989: 83) divides this learning into technical training, and psychological training. Technical training is to help the students judge their own performance, and consists of self-monitoring of language use, development of criteria, definition of objectives, and knowledge about language learning. Self-assessments help learners monitor their level of success in specific learning tasks. A series of self-assessments will contribute to monitoring progress towards specific learning objectives. They can also have a motivational effect. Success breeds confidence. Self-assessment does not always demonstrate success but where it does, even on a small scale, learners’ motivation will be enhanced. Teachers also need to know how well learners are doing. They have a professional responsibility to help learners learn. Gardner and Miller (1999: 210) suggest the assessment should contain the following pieces of information: the purpose of the assessment, the benefit to the learner, the procedure for conducting the assessment, the procedure for marking the assessment, a suggested marking scale, a choice of follow up actions based on the score achieved.