My Students Will Facebook Me but Wont Keep Up With My Online Course - Essay Example

My Students Will Facebook Me but Won’t Keep Up With My Online Course INTRODUCTION Tolliver states that an analysis of the various sources of literature has discovered that in spite of the increasing interest to transform the education system to suit the needs of the technologically advanced students. The study reveals that while most college students are interested in the use social media, video games and consumer electronics, they are not adept when it comes to the use of these applications in the education setting. There are studies that have analyzed the nature and extent to which college students use technology for learning purposes (Tolliver 69). The study found that the use of the latest technologies in learning is minimal. ICT has changed rapidly since the 1980s and has brought numerous challenges in the education sector in the contemporary world. The study also gives a brief discussion over online learning. In general, the purpose of the study is to have a say on the debate of online learning by analyzing the competency of the online students. The study mainly focused on students pursuing online courses in Delaware State University in the 2009/2010. The specific objectives of the study are to evaluate the students’ digital competence, evaluate the students’ with online studying and to scrutinize the relationship between the personal use of technology and the digital performance in the academic sector. Background The study concentrates of ways to improve instructions in higher institutions of learning. There are there those who support online learning while other is against it. Various studies explore the advantages and disadvantages associated with online learning. Researchers have found that learning in an online environment requires self-motivation and discipline (Tolliver 62). The online environment has proven to one whereby students can gain technical and media skills. There is limited research on the correlation between internet usage for educational and social purposes. Literature Review The study analyzed a wide range of literature on various areas including digital natives (Prensky 2), asynchronous Learning (Garrison 45 and Benton 15), student preparedness for the online environment (Ito, 32), social networking and academic instruction (Economist) and enhancing online courses (Means et al. 45) (Tolliver 68). Methodology Data for this study was conducted on students’ experiences pursuing online courses at DSU. Professors teaching 38 online courses were consulted. Students were required to complete a survey that consisted of 13 items and those who completed it were given credit for taking part in the study (Tolliver 68). Discussion The study gives statistics on students’ preparedness on online learning and the correlations between various factors affecting it. From the findings, it was clear that most students had been oriented in learning (Tolliver 71). Various measures including the mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. Limitations of the Study There are several limitations associated with the study: the study was an exploratory study that failed to use the right number of participants to collect data that could be generalized to the entire population, incentives may be needed for the participants and the relative frequency of the data interpretation does not allow for a detailed analysis of the respondent’s encounters (Tolliver 73). CONCLUSION Researchers have found that it is important to have the required skills to be learned in institutions and the motivation that is related to the needs of the curriculum. Secondly, being conversant with ICT does not mean one is competent in its use. Equally, research has found that students have not been equipped with the appropriate skills to use technology in the education sector. Institutions of higher learning pay attention in technology but pay less attention the optimal returns. It is important for learning institutions to ensure that the faculty is familiar with the use of technology in order to shape the students’ expectations about ICT (Tolliver 74). The study mainly focuses on the problems associated with the implementation of ICT in institutions. Upcoming research should analyze online learning in an environment where Digital Immigrant and Digital Native connect and give suggestions on how to improve online learning. “Prompting Bar Patrons with Signs to Take Free Condoms” This journal article was published from the findings of a study that was designed to establish whether signs would encourage bar patrons to reward themselves of free condoms. The initiative was implemented in there gay bars and involved placement of a large sign above the free condom container. This sign had the numbers of the individuals who had died of HIV/AIDS in the state and stated that condoms can minimize prevalence of the disease. More signs were placed restrooms and gave additional information about safe sex and informed patrons that free condoms could be obtained from different spots in the bar. An ABAB design framework was adopted with a two-week baseline, two-week reversal with no signs, two-week treatment with signs and two week reinstatement of treatment with signs present. The results for the three bars were brought together, 748 condoms were taken where these signs were present and 510 where these signs were absent (Honnen and Kleinke 215). Taken as a whole, where these signs were present there was a 47 percent increase in the number of condoms taken. The article states that the cure for AIDS is absent and the best way to fight it is through prevention. Research has made efforts to segregate variables forecasting individual’s ability to take part in safe sexual practices apart from celibacy and monogamy that are not popular. The most effective sexual practice has been found to be condom use (Honnen and Kleinke 215). This is explains why the use of condoms has been highly prioritized especially among high-risk population. The other method for increasing the use of condoms among the population is prompting. The study was conducted in gay bars because alcohol use increases the risk to sexual activity and because gay and bisexuals are at a high risk of contracting HIV (Honnen and Kleinke 217). The signs were placed strategically in bars to create awareness of safe sex practices by use of condoms. From the findings of the study it clear that the signs were most effective in the two bars where they were well lighted and placed strategically. The results of the study were forwarded to the owners of the three bars and they were reminded to post free signs reminding individuals to use free condoms. In a follow up check, the signs were all intact. In my opinion condoms, use is the safest method for AIDS prevention mainly among high-risk populations. Placing these signs above the condom containers has a positive impact on the use of condoms in gay bars. It is true to state that alcohol consumption increases the risk to irresponsible sexual behavior and these signs will serve as constant reminder to the individuals to practice safe sex (Honnen and Kleinke 217). The signs should be visible and placed in strategic points in the bar to facilitate sharing of the message and this promotes the use of condoms. In summary, I agree with all the findings and conclusions of the study. Works Cited Honnen, T. J. and Kleinke, C. L. “Promoting bar patrons with signs to take free condoms”. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. 23 (1990): 215- 217. Print. Toliver, Francine. “My students will Facebook me but won’t keep up with my Online Course: The Challenges of Online instruction.” American Communication Journal 13. 1 (2011): 59- 80. Print. Read More