The European Society and Its Role in the Modern World - Research Paper Example

Prompt 01 - The European Society and its role in the modern world; based on Podcasts/Webcasts and R.S.S feeds. Evaluation The primary purpose of podcasts, webcasts and R.S.S feeds is to spread information about a particular topic to a selected audience. Various internet resources resort to these modern methods of information dispersal due to its relative inexpensive nature coupled with high quality. Those willing to receive the requested information can freely choose to access it whenever they consider appropriate (Primary Research Group 12). As far as the intelligence types related to these technologies are concerned, Linguistic intelligence, Musical intelligence and Logical intelligence collectively play their part in the process. Podcasts, webcasts and R.S.S may engage all these types of intelligence to achieve a learning outcome that is not only satisfactory, but also a means of stimulating the thought process, that is essential for learning. I have chosen these technologies keeping in mind the fact that this subject is extensively multifaceted and demands are lengthy discussion which is not quite possible in a class setting. For this reason, and also due to the fact that these technologies are easy to use because the users can access the required material whenever they have time, I have opted for a mix of these technologies. Additionally, the resources may be kept handy by the user for future utilization, if the need arises. I understand that human mind has the remarkable capacity of holding a lot of information about any subject. Since the subject of this assignment is very broad in nature, I plan to delivery relatively more information to the learners in a short period of time by the use of these technologies. Additionally, since many of the students have difficulty in managing their daily routines due to time constraints, these technologies provide them with a means of effort-free access to the material; the only contribution required on their part is ‘attention’ and that too, whenever they feel comfortable. The first challenge that I expect to encounter is the preparation of resources for delivery to learners. This will demand an extensive research to be conducted on the subject prior to the preparation of a podcast etc. Then comes the challenge of preparing the audio or video files that need to be used for the purpose. This is itself a challenge and demands a high degree of professionalism, because production of low quality content may compromise the results of this activity. Once the content is available for use by the learners, the next step is to convince them regarding its usefulness. Also important to note is the learning styles of the learners to whom this method of information delivery is being offered; some may benefit more due to their built-in tendency to benefit from educational resources of this type, while others may not be comfortable about it at all. Prompt 02 – The origin of slave trade and the story of its extermination; based on computers and search engines. Evaluation Computers whether individual or part of a network, are extremely useful when used to search information by the use of search engines (Shelly & Misty 58). The computers may be connected to each other, or to the computers of educational institutions to serve a variety of purposes. Search engines fulfill the information needs of individual computer users by providing them access to a wide range of information. Their role is intermediary in this process; but this is a very key role since it shapes the research process as a whole (Croft, Donald & Trevor 7). Related intelligence types may include Linguistic, Logical and Intra-personal intelligence. The role of intra-personal and linguistic intelligences may overlap when dealing with the search engine technology. Regarding the use of interconnected computers, it is safe to say that a certain level of inter-personal intelligence will also play a role in the process. These technologies are selected due to the fact that a deep insight into the history of this subject is needed to reveal the underlying facts. These facts may be derived from the knowledge of others about history or from authentic resources that are accessible through the use of search engines. If access to the knowledge of others is required, the computers may serve the purpose of connecting to other knowledgeable individuals. On the other hand, if access to libraries or other educational resources is needed, search engines may serve this purpose. I intend to use this technology to develop a habit of research in the learners. The use of computers to interconnect with other individuals will serve the purpose of sharing knowledge. Isolated computers may serve the purpose of producing papers of high quality by the use of word processing and printing facilities, whereas interconnected computers may serve the purpose of developing and promoting healthy discussions among learning fellows and teachers. Since modern research is to a large extent related to the working of search engines, I aim to teach the learners the benefits of using this technology to get insight into the historical perspectives of the chosen subject. Regarding challenges, it can be said that although computers are beneficial for academic use, their misuse may result in wastage of resources and time. Additionally, the search engine technology is not simple as it appears apparently. The search engines use complex algorithms to search for related content and an idea of the working of search engines is essential if a learner has to derive maximum benefit from the use of this technology. Prompt 03 – The emergence of Islam, its impact on the world and the future prospects; based on E-books and Internet videos. Evaluation E-books and internet videos are extremely useful resources for education and their use in this regard has risen during the past few years (Reese 121). E-books serve the purpose of providing easy access to information by making it possible for the learners to read them on a variety of digital devices including laptops or tablets. Internet videos, although more resource consuming in nature, are beneficial as they provide dual stimulation of senses, i.e. auditory and visual senses. As the famous saying goes ‘a picture speaks a thousand words’; the experience of learning by the use of videos is more engaging and hence more contributory towards learning. Regarding the types of intelligences involved, it can be said that linguistic intelligence, spatial intelligence and logical intelligences may all play their role. E-books may involve the linguistic and logical faculties whereas the internet videos may engage all three of the above mentioned types. “Technology will play a large role in instigating the changes in both our society in general and education in particular” (Duffy and McDonald 425). Keeping this notion in mind, I expect that the use of chosen technologies will serve the purpose of enhancing the learning. An additional factor is the availability of a large amount of content on this subject in the form of E-books and Internet videos. For this reason, it is safe to assert that the chosen technologies will provide sufficient information to meet the demands of learners. Through the use of these technologies, I hope to offer the learners an opportunity to learn with ease and at their convenience about the subject. Since, the subject is controversial in nature, I intend to offer the learners an opportunity to learn about the various aspects of the subject and in doing so develop their own opinion about the subject. The use of these technologies is likely to bring forth a number of challenges. As far as E-books are concerned, it is important to note that a vast majority of the available E-books may contain biased information about the subject. For a learner to choose the right E-book from amongst the thousands of texts available online, it is almost impossible to make a perfect choice. As far as internet videos are concerned; they are resource consuming and they require a high speed internet connection which may not be available in every setting. References Croft, W B, Donald Metzler, and Trevor Strohman. Search Engines: Information Retrieval in Practice. Boston: Addison-Wesley, 2010. Print. Lever-Duffy, Judy, and Jean B. McDonald. Teaching and Learning with Technology. Boston, MA: Pearson, 2011. Print. Primary Research Group. The Survey of American College Students: Use of Blogs, Listservs, Podcasts & Webcasts. New York, N.Y: Primary Research Group, 2009. Print. Reese, Jean. Internet Books for Educators, Parents, and Students. Englewood, Colo: Libraries Unlimited, 1999. Print. Shelly, Gary B, and Misty Vermaat. Discovering Computers: Fundamentals. Boston, Mass: Course Technology, Cengage Learning, 2008. Print. Read More