ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Connectivism is discussed today as a new and specific learning theory that can explain the principles and outcomes of e-learning and the active use of technology in the educational setting. However, the first question that is asked by researchers and practitioners at this stage is whether Connectivism can be viewed as a standard theory. The problem is in the fact that Connectivism is also regarded as an approach to teaching and learning or as a complex of specific techniques to educate students in the digital era (Tschofen & Mackness, 2012). From this point, it is important to discuss assumptions of Connectivism regarding the nature of learning, the nature of learners, and the character of knowledge among other aspects from several perspectives, including the views of an instructional designer, an educator, and a learner. According to the principles of Connectivism, the nature of learning is based on connected­ness in the context of networks, openness, students’ autonomy, and diversity (Tschofen & Mackness, 2012). These principles effectively explain the task of an instructional designer who is expected to apply technology in order to guarantee connected­ness and openness. In the context of creating specific networks, these principles are reconsidered with reference to the role of technology in education. Therefore, an educator’s task becomes more complicated because it is necessary to find the best approach to sharing and assessing the knowledge in order to address students’ autonomy and their diversity in expressing ideas (Clarà & Barberà, 2014). Thus, the nature of learning in the context of Connectivism can be explained with reference to massive open online courses (MOOCs) that enable educators to use technology, share information, and build connections (Tschofen & Mackness, 2012). From this point, this theory aims to address such issues related to education as students’ autono
The TED Talk under the headline “To eliminate waste, we need to rediscover thrift” given by Andrew Dent covers the issue of excessive waste and potential solutions to it. Today, as the demand for resources grows significantly, this problem is especially acute. Andrew Dent begins the speech by introducing the concept of thrift – effective management of resources available for recycling and reusing. He suggests that this concept can be an economic and effective resolution to the problem of waste. Before moving on to elaborate on this idea, Andrew Dent emphasizes the severity of the issue. He argues that, since the majority of items that are being used daily can be easily replaced, people are inclined to dispose of them rather quickly. However, it is highlighted that this inclination is not reasonable. Instead of quickly disintegrating, discarded objects are transferred to landfills where they accumulate uncontrollably. According to Dent, it results in approximately 1.3 billion tons worth of waste every year. The point expressed and emphasized is that enormous amounts of refuse can be avoided if people start reusing resources instead of disposing of them. To support his claims, Dent provides examples of companies that implement a zero-waste policy. A good instance of such policy is the automotive industry where up to 90% of source materials become reused in an organization’s new products. Architecture, on the other hand, is an industry that causes a lot of waste because, instead of being dismantled so that source materials can be reused, buildings are usually demolished, leaving nothing to recycle. Thus, to reduce waste, different industries need to change their approach to the utilization of materials, and the minimization of resources can simplify the process of building. For instance, digital manufacturing contributes to reducing waste by essentially limiting the number of required resources used in a project. Another potentially good solution to the problem of excessive waste is bioderived materials. Introducing this idea, Andrew Dent appeals to the fact that no resources are wasted in nature and everything is used during a certain process. Therefore, Dent suggests taking materials provided in natural objects, such as fiber, which can be isolated and reused in man-made items. This solution can be especially effective, as it requires a renewable resource which reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Essentially, Dent’s central idea is that infinitely recycling materials is the best option for achieving zero waste. To conclude the TED Talk, Andrew Dent urges people who have the opportunity to contemplate whether they can give a second life to something they own. He reminds everyone to try to adhere to an approach which would allow using materials repeatedly. Through this, Dent high
Innovative technology Implementing internal and external technologies. How do the implementation issues differ? How are they the same? The following factors should be considered when implementing an innovative technology that is developed internally. They are ease of use, level of interaction and needs of users. The innovative technology should be easily applied by high school students. The students should use the technology as a platform for interaction. In addition, students’ requirements for technology should be put into consideration. Needs assessment, training for students, and deployment issues should be considered when implementing an externally acquired technology. Students should be trained on how to use the new technology. If the number of limitations of the technology exceed the amount of its benefits, then there would be no need of implementing it. The new technology should meet the needs of the students and be deployed with ease by high school administration. The implementation of an internal technology would start from the process engineering stage, while the implementation of an externally acquired technology would start with training for students on the applications of the technology. Both technologies would involve testing during implementation (Miluzzo et al., 2008). Evaluating an internally implemented innovative technology To evaluate an internal technology, the following factors should be considered, such as data security, students’ experiences and troubleshooting. Effective technologies have few cases of data insecurity. Students should demonstrate that they use the technology for the intended purposes. Such a technology would be user-friendly and interactive. An effective technology should be easy to troubleshoot when errors occur (White & Bruton, 2007). Acquiring an innovative technology externally The following factors should be considered when acquiring a technology externally: technology failures, financial resources, and software/hardware compatibility issues. The externally acquired technology should have low rates of failure. It should be purchased at an affordable price and does not need to have many hardware and software compatibility issues because they result in low technology functionality (Miluzzo et al., 2008). Organizational Ecosystem Case Study What is a business ecosystem? Do all businesses function within an ecosystem? Why or why not? A business ecosystem is defined as a number of firms that rely on each other. The interactions existing among businesses within a business ecosystem are result of business competition and cooperation. All the organizations operate within ecosystems because they interact with suppliers, distributors, and competitors. However, their successes are based on the benefits they obtain from the ecosystems. For a business to survive within comp
A gated community refers to residential development with a secured entrance and is surrounded by walls, gates and fences. Setha Low explains that these home units have privatized public land because individuals are denied access to residents’ houses. Additionally, public places and services such as open space, parks and roads within the enclosure are also restricted. There are rare public facilities in a gated community, but the homeowners enjoy services such as fitness centres, tennis courts, swimming pools, and golf courses. Although the land is designed to benefit all community people, it is available for those living inside the development. Most people prefer a gated community to the suburbs for security reasons. Putting barriers, gates, and walls is beneficial to the residents but can cause adverse effects to the community. For example, people living in the suburbs can assume that those in enclosed places mistrust them. This can be proved by having security guards or key-card access on the gates for determining who gets in or not. This might cause division among community members creating the rich versus the poor mentality and result in inequality. Although a gated community should be a public space, it benefits some people resulting in a lack of democracy because the entrance is minimized to the residents. According to Are Gated Communities Bad for Cities? video, the cons of gated communities in the cities outweigh their pros. Interacting with the outside world increases an individual’s knowledge, which is not the case with home unit developments. A person lacks exposure to the gated communities, resulting in fear and feeling isolated. For example, people can feel threatened when walking outside their enclosed areas. However, individuals should know that the next-door neighbour can be a criminal, or robbers might access their houses if they monitor the key-card password. Also, people living in gated communities might hesitate to contribute to projects that benefit society because they can access them from their residence. In his work In gated communities, such as where Trayvon Martin died, a dangerous mindset published on April 6, 2012, Edward J. Blakely explains the essentiality of co-habiting together in society. Blakely writes, “But according to my research and that of local police departments across the country, gated communities do not have less crime than the suburbs from which they’re walled off”, to contradict the idea that enclosed areas are not prone to crimes. For example, Blakely explains that people living in enclosed areas do not know their immediate neighbours; therefore, not guaranteed security. The author emphasizes the importance of democracy and equality because they will minimize the community’s social problems, such as crimes and poverty. Blakely writes, “How can a democracy function if some of its members develop a private space that operates in isolation?” Blakely’s work’s most significant parts are where he says that although the gates in the enclosed areas reroute traffic, they do not prevent or lower criminal activities. Additionally, the author argues that although th
Abstract The objective of this paper is to discuss the effects of abuse on childhood behavioral development as well as to highlight some clues regarding behavior that may alert the community on ongoing child abuse. A young child’s behavior is a mirrored external manifestation of inner security or stability. All kinds of abuse have adverse effects on children and may cause long-term behavioral and sociological behaviors. Scholars in the field of counseling and psychology have taken on a strong interest in how a hostile environment affects one’s developmental progression more so through Erikson’s psychological phases. Often, such forms of abuse hinder the child’s development as he grows into a mature adult. Child psychological abuse sets in motion a vicious cycle that if left unchecked may create future perpetrators of similar vices on their offspring. Throughout the paper, the impact of psychological abuse on the brain and social development will be examined. Introduction Psychological abuse leads to impairment of the body’s neuroendocrine mechanism. Exposure to extreme stress levels activates the body’s fight or flight mode as a form of survival. This mode activates the sympathetic system while at the same time suppressing the parasympathetic system (Lutzker, 2007). The fight or flight mode significantly increases the levels of cortisol in the human body’s central nervous system that allows the individual experiencing the given circumstances to take any action that will increase his chances of survival. However, at extreme levels of abuse, these sudden developments may lead to alterations in the development of the brain leading to the destruction of its cells. Discussion In Children, significantly high levels of cortisol may disrupt the process of cell differentiation, migration as well as critical aspects of the functioning of the body’s central nervous system. Abuse and trauma affect the basic regulatory processes that are concentrated in the brain stem, the neocortex, the limbic brain as well as integrative functioning across numerous core systems in the central nervous system (Pandey, 2007). Traumatic experiences are usually saved or stored in the child’s mind, and any forms of fear, dissociation, and arousal associated with the initial trauma may carry on even after the arousal or danger threat has subsided (In Reece, In Hanson & In Sargent, 2014). Development of the capacity to effectively regulate may be disrupted or impaired by severe forms of abuse or trauma. Children exposed to chronic or acute trauma may have regular mood swings, emotional irritability, aggression and anger, impulsivity, anxiety, depression, or dissociatio
“The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” portrays cultural differences between the American doctors and the Hmong parents who have contrary opinions regarding the child’s health problems. The two cultures collide based on beliefs and traditions. While the American doctors suggest the Hmong child suffers from a medical condition, the parents blame it on spiritual issues and superstitions. It is possible to empathize with both parties of the conflict. On the one hand, the doctors are basing their conclusion on facts and information they specialize in. Doctors tend to look at a problem from a scientific perspective and try to solve it using standard medical practices, medications, and prevention measures. On the other hand, the Hmong parents are sure their child is suffering spiritually rather than physically, blaming her condition on a loud noise that has caused her spirit to leave her body (Fadiman, 2007). This situation makes the reader reflect on whether there is a balance and a middle ground when it comes to two completely different cultures. The doctors were not trying to empathize with the parents who, perhaps, lack knowledge or are too deeply consumed by their beliefs. Moreover, the parents were not subjective and did not follow the medical advice that could potentially benefit their daughter. I was challenged by the fact that I could not wholly empathize with the parents, which is understandable. It is a cultural-based experience, which is why not every reader can comprehend the parents’ decisions. However, this book made me realize how vital empathy is. Rather than blaming someone for basing their judgment on superstitions instead of logic, a middle ground would mean walking in someone else’s shoes and trying to come to a mutual understanding. Reference Fadiman, A. (2007). The spirit catches you and you fall down . Farrar Straus & Giroux Inc.
The article, Assertive Community Treatment: Evidence Based Hope for the Seriously Mentally Ill, raises the question of whether the seriously mentally ill population suffers from greater health care needs than any other segment of the population because of their mental illness. If so, does this make it more difficult for mental health professionals to provide quality health care for this population? According to Rice, evidence shows that change is needed because of the ever-expanding list of medical health care issues that make it increasingly difficult for this population to gain access to primary care services, which further complicates their conditions (Rice, 2011). Rice states the change agents who offer the greatest opportunities to address this problem are the Assertive Community Treatment teams, or ACT teams (Rice, 2011). These teams offer inter-professional support services which include social work, counseling, psychiatric nursing psychiatrists, and vocational rehabilitation for early intervention (Rice, 2011). The target audience in outpatient mental health in patients with severe mental illness and their families. This group needs specialized care because of the many problems they face as highlighted above. Mental Hospital Deans, the heads of the healthcare sector, and practicing doctors are key in outpatient mental health since their contribution and opinions run the healthcare industry. Rice conducted a study and obtained summaries from the current best available evidence. He analyzed services within mental health and identified the difficulties associated with conducting a valid study, especially with the dually diagnosed population. He compares data from one study of mental health consumers who are receiving structured case management services to those who are receiving ACT team services to decide if the evidence supports the need for change. Rice concludes that upon closer examination of the evidence, there is a need to look beyond the probabilities given in the small sample sizes and examine the effect of the size of the interventions (Rice, 2011). Rice identifies the problem, the population, and suggests early intervention through ACT involvement. He compares other mental health services to the ACT team and focuses on outcomes. He admits that the study is small which may indicate it is possible that there are not enough participants to show that a difference actually exists between the intervention and the comparison group. Further studies need to be compiled to further support the evidence. The article does not offer statistics in order that the reader can extrapolate his or her own conclusions. The author adopted the protocol to fit his specific service providers and the ACT model. He noted that evidence-based practice shows that ACT teams need to integrate primary medical care into their protocol. Rice noted that evidence shows that operations of ACT teams indicate that vocational services may be undervalued and underemphasized in consumer treatment plans, so he suggests providing r
The need for energy is increasing greatly in Saudi Arabia. Since Saudi is member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), saw the need to enlarge its ability to meet the world growing energy demand due to the growing population. On that basis, Mega Projects has been constructed in the last few years and more are being designed to be constructed. Some of them include the one’s done by Saudi Arabian Oil Company and some in petrochemical sector; Yansab and Saudi Kayan, Hawiyah and Khursaniyah Expansions. Executing Mega Projects is considered as a chance for organizations to develop their experience and knowledge in many disciplines (Christof & Christoph 2004) Charles (2009, p. 4) describes Mega projects as projects that have a large cost capital of at least half a billion U.S. dollars. It is also important to note that apart from the large amount of money used on such projects, many other resources are used. Various individuals with various skills are brought together to work as a team. They include contractors and subcontractors, suppliers, banks and the owners. It is also critical to note that projects are developed in consecutive phases. For most of the projects, use of contracting approaches is very crucial; there are two main phases used; the development phase that uses basic engineering skills and the implementation phase, which deals with construction, procurement and detailed engineering. Procurement is the link that exists between the construction and the engineering. It is clear that the equipment and the materials are usually constructed and installed according to the engineering package for quality work. According to Joseph (2001, p.1), the main equipments are very costly and they should be produced in the right time to avoid delays. Therefore, the procurement decisions on such items take place during the basic engineering before the project is drawn and finer details inserted. It is also important to note that the management of procurement varies from that of construction and engineering since it deals with various disciplines like subcontractors and suppliers. Thus, management of procurement should be done efficien
Most of the educated people who are considered to be critical thinkers usually take different perspectives in forming beliefs that are of great significance and straightforward. In most cases, they usually evaluate critically, logically, and carefully the exhibited evidence alleged to either support or is against certain overlaid claims. It has been proven that whenever the exhibiting factor as evidence outwits the counter-explanation about the claim, then it is certified to be true as suggested by Barrett (2004). Melchert (2006) suggests that both scientists and philosophers currently are out to search and evaluate evidence as a virtue of formulating beliefs. Most of the beliefs people hold in life including those formed by scientists and philosophers originate in less transparent weird ways. Believing in something gives a clear impression that someone has an intensified commitment to that thing thus being true and correct in one way or another. Believing can be explained in different versions. For instance, it can be used to portray weak commitment, having trust in an individual, and so on. Generally, it is clearly stated that people evoke all the above-mentioned commitments of beliefs when discussing matters related to God. According to Melchert (2006), people believe in God from different perspectives. For instance, they believe in God’s love, his existence, approval of their behaviors, magnificent powerful nature, provision nature, and many more other beliefs about God. According to the argument of Melchert (2006), it is believed that when people reflect on beliefs that are related to God, religious beliefs usually steers up their minds thus initiating positive changes. Christianity beliefs encapsulate the minds of pastors, theologians, social scientists, and other Christianity personnel thus capturing their attention. Religious beliefs in most cases exist in various perspectives that are reflective. It is believed that God manifests himself in their forms, it is also believed that God has greater desires for peace to prevail on earth, it is also believed that God watches over human actions due to his omnipresent nature. Some claims that are non-reflective Christianity oriented perceive that God is believed to communicate to man through prayers. It is believed that God is the overall solution to any problem parse (Melchert, 2006). This is because people perceive prayers differently and whenever they pray in different languages, God can hear and understand their prayers thus giving them a solution to their problems. By doing this, they believe that God perceives every activity they partake and in the long run, they may end up facing judgment. Some Christians believe that different people have got a diversified range of traits and attitudes. All these factors are believed to be under the control of God’s will thus lacking any free will to control over their personality about the way they behave in daily life activities. Biblically it is believed that everything that exists under the sun is owned by God and he can a