Are Computers Putting Our Childrens Education at Risk? :: essays research papers

Computers are woven into every aspect of our lives. From the microwave oven that small children can learn to use to heat up a hot dog, to the computers under the hoods of our cars, we interact with computers whether we realise it or not. (Campbell, 1999). But when it comes to the education of our children, the use of computers becomes a controversial issue. Of course, as stated above, computers are an everyday tool in the education of children, but the question being asked is, what effect do these computers really have on our children? Are computers being used in age-appropriate ways? Do program designers take into account the developmental needs of children? Are teachers receiving sufficient technology training? Is "learning software" really what it purports to be, or is it simply "edutainment" that reinforces impulsive point-and-click behaviour in the pursuit of a trivial goal? (Healy 1998) Many people are beginning to wonder about these questions, and are comin g to the conclusion that computers may be very harmful to the development of our children. Academically, physically, socially and emotionally. There are many negative issues surrounding the use of computers as educational tools. These range from ineffective learning, impacts on children’s health, creativity, brain development and social and emotional growth. Also, besides the issue of computers affecting children’s development, there is the ongoing issue of costs of this new and constantly updating technology. These issues, combined with many others, are beginning to emerge, and we can see why many people are reconsidering the validity of computers in education, especially that of young, primary school-aged children. In relation to the issue of the negative effects computers have on the physical development of children, Jane Healy has presented the following fact: The American Academy of Paediatrics has expressed concern about the amount of time children spend in front of various types of screens, and several experts in eye development have stated that computer use is creating problems in children developing visual systems. (Healy 1998, p.18) Healy also cites literature that suggests that during the first six years of life, misuses of technology may adversely affect brain maturation and development. Computers do have physical effects on those who use them, and these effects can be serious and long lasting, even permanent. Moreover, they contribute to a wide range of disorders – to muscle, joint and tendon damage, to headaches and eyestrain, to seizures and skin problems.

Assessment and Learners Essay

Introduction The aim of this report is to identify my roles and responsibilities as a teacher delivering the Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (City and Guilds). The course is attended by trainee youth workers aged 18 and over and consists of 20 taught sessions and a work-based placement. The qualification is assessment based, with all Learners producing a portfolio of evidence to support their learning. The portfolios are assessed, checked by an Internal Verifier and samples of the portfolios are checked by an External Verifier to agree the standards of assessment. Responsibilities The role of teacher holds many responsibilities. Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) defines two teaching roles: 1. Associate Teacher, Learning and Skills (ATLS) which is a supportive role 2. Qualified Teacher, Learning and Skills (QTLS) which is a full teaching role To become a QTLS the Institute for Learning (IfL) states: â€Å"As a new entrant to teaching in the Learning and Skills Sector, you will have to complete the PTLLS award. It must be completed within one year of initial employment. † (March, S, 2010: 4) It is my responsibility as a teacher to complete this qualification and continuously develop my skills as a professional. As a teacher some of my responsibilities include having knowledge and understanding of the subject, curriculum development and delivery and appropriate initial, formative an summative assessment methods. As a teacher within the Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice I am responsible for the development and delivery of a suitable curriculum to enable Learners to complete the qualification by demonstrating and evidencing their learning. This also includes carrying out initial assessments for all Learners and identifying any needs of the individual or the group. During the development of the curriculum I plan and prepare sessions to meet the learning outcomes of the course, sourcing and developing appropriate resources then delivering sessions and supporting Learners where necessary. Suitable assessment methods and evaluation processes will also be structured into the curriculum to ensure continuous development of the course, the Learners and the teachers. Other responsibilities within my role include: * Appropriate record keeping. This may include Learners details, registration forms, Initial Assessments, registers, portfolio files, results and assessment records, placement details and session plans alongside schemes of work. These records are kept to ensure all Learners’ needs are met and progress is appropriately recorded on Individual Learning Plans which are necessary for certification. Work placement details and Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks also need to be kept to ensure safeguarding and health and safety policies and procedures are followed correctly. Records must be kept in accordance to legislation and also as a matter of best practice and for auditing purposes. * Suitable evaluation. Evaluation of the Learners’ progress is essential to their learning to identify areas for improvement. It is important to evaluate the curriculum, sessions and my own development to ensure my practice is reflective, professional and continuously developing. * Respect. Paramount to my role as a teacher is respect for the Learners and my colleagues, including professional boundaries. This includes maintaining a degree of formality and understanding of the limits of my relationship with the Learners, ensuring these are made clear, preventing the crossing of boundaries. This also includes an awareness of my own limitations within my role and knowing how and where to signpost Learners for further support. Legislation There are many policies and procedures to follow within my own organisation and the qualification awarding body, governing many aspects of my role as teacher. Some of these relate to legislation such as: * The Equality Act (2010) This act promotes equality of opportunity. My practice must be inclusive and take into consideration this legislation to prevent discrimination as guided by mu organisations Equal Opportunities Policy. * The Data Protection Act (1998) This act regulates the processing and storing of information about individuals. My organisation follows appropriate policies and procedures in accordance with this act including storing all Learners’ files in a lockable file in a suitable environment only accessed by authorised staff. * The Copyright Licensing Act (CLA) (1988) Organisations must have a license to copy parts of books and documents. It is vital to ensure this is followed when copying any material to ensure it is done within the limits of the organisation’s licence. * Health and Safety at Work etc Act (1974) This is the main piece of legislation covering health and safety in the work place including anyone entering and using the premises. * Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999) This Legislation requires all  employers carry out appropriate risk assessments, implement necessary measures, appoint competent staff and arrange suitable information and training around health and safety. My organisation also follows appropriate policies and procedures to ensure both this and the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) are complied with. This includes risk assessments, record keeping, first aid training, incident reporting and safeguarding policies and procedures. As well as legislation and organisation policies and procedures there is a code of practice to be followed by teachers, produced by The Institute for Learning (IfL). This outlines the standards of professional behaviour expected of members working in further education and includes: * Professional integrity regarding all interactions with Learners, colleagues and other professionals. * Show respect to all Learners and colleagues and recognise and value diversity and engage in anti-oppressive practices. * Ensure reasonable care regarding the safety and wellbeing of others where possible and within legislation. * Provide evidence of your own professional development. * Notify the IfL as soon as possible after cautioning or conviction for a criminal offence. * Provide appropriate support during any investigation by the IfL. My own practice also requires me to work within the National Youth Agency code of practice too. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion As a teacher it is essential that my practice ensures the fair treatment of all Learners and that they are allowed equal opportunities to participate and gain the qualification. This may involve adapting sessions including timings, resources, assessment methods and providing additional support where necessary. The Equality Act (2010) bans unfair treatment and aims to achieve equal opportunities within the work place and wider society. The act replaces previous anti-discrimination laws to make legislation simpler and remove inconsistencies and covers nine protected characteristics which cannot be used as a reason to treat people unfairly. The protected characteristics are: 1. Age 2. Disability 3. Gender reassignment (choosing to live as a gender other than that assigned to you at birth, with or without surgery. ) 4. Marriage and civil partnership 5. Pregnancy and maternity 6. Race 7. Religion or belief 8. Gender 9. Sexual orientation The Equality Act identifies ways in which it is unlawful to treat people including: * Direct and indirect discrimination * Harassment * Victimisation * Failing to make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities My organisation operates within an equal opportunities policy influenced by this Act which must be followed by all staff and Learners. As well as a commitment to equality within my practise it is important to recognise and value individual differences and the different cultural backgrounds of Learners, colleagues and the wider community. My practice must promote diversity through my behaviour, use of language and appropriate challenging of others to reflect this. Inclusion within teaching ensures that all Learners are able to participate and feel included, removing any barriers to their learning experience. This should include all teaching and learning processes from the planning and delivery stages to evaluation and further planning. Appropriate information should be collected at the Initial Assessment stage to allow necessary adaptations to the teaching programme. This may include providing additional support for Functional Skills or allowing time and space for prayers. Recommendations for professional practice Throughout my teaching practice I will continuously update my skills through training, supervision and self-evaluation to ensure a high standard of professional practice. I will also review all necessary policies and practices to work within legislation and promote best practice. It is also important to maintain suitable contact with governing bodies to stay updates with codes of conduct and changes to legislation. Bibliography Cohen, L, Manion, L and Morrison, K. (2004) A Guide to Teaching Practice, 5th Edition, Suffolk: Routledge Great Britain. Equality Act 2010, London: HMSO March, S. (2010) Preparing to Teach – the first steps: Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.

Andy Goldsworthy

His work is ephemeral- not going to last forever. Because is artwork doesn't last, the videos/ photos become the artwork. Through the making of his artwork, he learns about nature It is always straight to work- no time for research on the area he is in. He has been taking photographs since school- it is the way that he documents his artwork It is his way of reflecting on what he has make He doesn't have a clear picture of what It Is he Is going to make- he goes out and sees what the day is doing, what it will let him make.The land itself entices him and the absence of nature Background, Influences: English- lives In Scotland The nature, area around him Land art/ earth art in the ass's-ass's art movement The term earth or land art is used to describe site-specific artworks made in the environment, using the materials and forms of the environment. Most earth art is known to the public through photographs and written records. Because earth art is part of the environment It is subject to the force of nature that can cause it to change over time, or can even destroy It.The rise of earth art In the 1960 Is sometime associated with an Increasing awareness of environmental Issues. Most artist, however were attracted to earth art as part of a desire to escape the gallery system and the communication of art objects. Interests, Themes, Ideas, Intentions: Responds to what is happening at that moment, In the day with the Items around him Death and decay Growth, change, flow, nature He uses everything from leaves and sticks to sheep wool. Movement, change (in material, season and weather) Light, sunlight, snow reflections, mist The energy and space around a material

Behavioral Management for Early Childhood Pre-K essays

Behavioral Management for Early Childhood Pre-K essays There has been an alarming concern towards violence in the society. Whether it is in a developed or industrialized country, or if it is a society crippled by war, man is surrounded by different forms of violence. In the streets alone, a child may potentially witness death from gang encounters. Schools should have been a place where children can safely spend a majority of their time. However, even schools could not escape from the ill effects of violence and violent behavior from its students. In 1999, two high school seniors in a public school in Colorado had acted out a year long plan to kill hundreds of their peers: at the end of the day, they had killed twelve students, one teacher, and the two armed students had killed themselves. The Columbine massacre is one of the most disturbing acts of school violence done by children. At present, it has been the concern of parents, teachers, government officials and social workers to deter violence in schools. Violence in schools these past years has become rampant. In 2003 along, 5,570 children aged 10 to 24 years old were murdered (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2007). Thirty-three percent of high school students were reported to have been part of a physical fight in a year, while 17% carry a weapon such as a gun, knife, or club, within the past month. There has been an increasing trend of violent behavior being manifested by children. A kindergartner in Philadelphia was reported to have punched his pregnant teacher in the stomach. Some schools have had uncontrollable incidents of violence from primary school students that police had been asked to guard the schoolhouse door. These very young children have been reported to kick, bite, scratch and hit both classmates and teachers. In Philadelphia, 22 kindergartners had been suspended because of unruly, aggressive behavior, while 500 kindergartners had been suspended from Minneapolis schools over the past two years due to ag...

The Top 5 Things I Learned in my Internship

The Top 5 Things I Learned in my Internship Being an intern is a trial run for the field you think you want to work in. In 90 days or so your trial is up. But then what? Did you actually learn something that pertains to your intended major?   Is it something you see yourself doing for years to come? In college, take advantage of internship opportunities. Trust me. You can never start too early in your career to gain experience, and there is no such thing as too much internship experience. From sophomore year in college, I started interning at different companies. As a college student, I wanted to know what my strengths and weaknesses were and what I actually wanted to do with my life after I earned my degree. As a marketing major, my field was broad, so interning was such a great hands-on experience. Interning with different companies in different marketing roles helped me narrow down what I actually enjoyed doing.Here are some tips I have learned throughout my experiences.Source: [GIPHY]Step out of your comfort zone.An inte rnship is your opportunity to try new things and  surprise yourself. Trying out new opportunities helped me challenge myself. Even if I had no clue on how to do a certain project, I would still take it on. It was the perfect time for me to learn and grow. Even if by the end of it I disliked a certain task, I would still feel accomplished.Always ask questions.Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for advice. People love to give advice. Whether it is advice about your field, feedback on performance, or even career moves, they are usually more than happy to assist. Asking questions is a great icebreaker for your coworkers to know more about you, and you never know what you may learn over a cup of coffee and a conversation.Get involved within the company.Understand the company you are interning for; go beyond what the website says and really dive into it. Company culture is something important to pay attention to. How does the company you are interning for treat its employees? Al so, interning is a great networking opportunity- while you’re there, get to know all about the different departments and what they do. And always offer to lend a helping hand on some of their projects if ever needed.Shine through your work.Go above and beyond in your work. Don’t be a slacker. Make yourself memorable for the company- you never know when opportunities may rise for the future. Your work ethic is very important. It’s the little things you do that make you stand apart from the rest. Take initiative and responsibility and complete tasks accurately and in a timely manner. If there is no set deadline, make your own, hold yourself accountable, and don’t procrastinate. This is not college where you can leave things for the very last minute.Send a â€Å"thank you† card at the end of the internship.Handwritten notes/cards are one thing that will never go out of style- they’ll always put a smile on someone’s face. When writing you r card mention what you learned from the internship. Thank your main contact  for giving you an opportunity to gain experience and learn. Go that extra mile and give back some appreciation.Source: [GIPHY]

Health Systems Administration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Health Systems Administration - Essay Example These industries require a specific type of integration specifically based on the standards followed, such as HIPPA (healthcare), UCCnet (retail), RossettaNet (high-tech), and GSTP (finance). Horizontal integration is type of integration, which is universal to all the industries, such as basic integration services including transformation, routing, adapters, flow control, etc. Vertical integration strategies are related to higher levels of managed care penetration within the market. Further, hospitals espousal vertical integration strategies reveal that they have more chances of formalization of integration activities than horizontally integrated facilities. An attractive feature of the horizontal model is that it allows one readily to infer the effect of a merger on price and cost. Horizontal consolidation, by definition, increases market concentration, so one can estimate the impact of consolidation simply by examining the effect of increases in market concentration. ... But, in spite of this fact, there is a paradigm shift from one system to another, for number of complexities existing in both the type of systems. As a result of this, many organizations follow both the type of integration systems. Excess provider capacity, specially in the form of over bedding and an oversupply of specialists, has established a new market for medical services in which insurers can rent physician and hospital services at the cost which is far less then the average costs associated with them as in case of vertically integrated system. Less opportunities of expansion in vertical integrated system diverts the insurers to concentrate on health plan management. The creation of an effective electronic medical record is extremely messy process. The emergence of new technologies helps the insurers to track and report individual provider performance against peer group and regional/national norms. Technology has therefore provided an alternative to outright insurer ownership o f physicians and hospitals as a means of reducing administrative costs. A critical basis of competitive advantage that was originally postulated for vertically integrated health plans -- superior clinical outcomes quality -- has therefore gone largely untested, in terms of both whether integrated companies can actually produce these differentiated results and whether customers will change their enrollment patterns based on them. The current stage of evolution in the supply and demand of "health care quality," then, hasn't supported the need for vertical integration between payers and providers The pure horizontal model, however, is not well equipped to explain the impact of hospital

How do you think the United States government can be improved upon, Essay

How do you think the United States government can be improved upon, changed, or reformed, to better represent your ideal governm - Essay Example Every citizen either born or lives in the country is free and enjoys a number of liberties envisioned in the American constitution. The country tries to protect the interests of American citizens living out of the country. In order to secure a a safe society for her citizens, the country tries to develop working relationships with other countries in the international community. After more than a hundred years of independence, the country has grown both economically, socially and politically to become the world super power it is today. However, the government is still not ideal and therefore deserves a number of changes in order to create a government that protects the interest of the citizen2. An ideal government exists only in an ideal society. This implies that before changing the government into an ideal government, the society must also change to represent the different social groupings all of who must exist peacefully. Peace is an essential attribute and a tool of governance tha t most democracies such as the United States try to create in their countries. A peaceful society is conducive for development and depicts a just society that values humanity. Human rights still is an issue in the country’s social spheres. While the country has developed through the years to result in the creation of a liberal society in which everyone is free and at liberty to make his or her own choices. The society has shown some extent of laxity in accepting dynamism among its population. The victimization of minority groups such as the gay and lesbians depicts a society that is slow to accept those it considers strange. An ideal society is one in which everyone lives freely enjoying their differences3. By victimizing a section of the population, the population portrays a failure by the government in creating a free fair and just society. Political leadership make policies and their acceptance of such minority groups compel adherence to such decrees thereby improving resp ect for humanity despite the diversities that humanity present. The country has an effective legal system, one that shows respect for humanity and offers equal opportunity both for the defense and for the plaintiff to present their argument and thereafter determine an effective judgment followed by a culpable punishment. The legal system works in unison with other arms of the government through which it obtains the legislations it implements. This requires unity in the operation of the different arms of the government. An effective judicial system coupled with an ineffective correctional facility is equally unrealistic. The correctional facilities must portray respect for human rights thereby defend them. It is in jails that people exist lawlessly and carry out activities that demean the value of humanity. The government should therefore develop correctional facilities that do not only restrain offenders from interacting with the rest of the society but just as the name suggests cha nges them thereby making them better citizens. Rehabilitation of behavior begins from the recognition of the equal value of humanity in the inmates thereby defending such. However, the system must be punitive enough to earn the plaintiff the satisfaction of compensation. The United States of America is not as peaceful as it may appear. The tranquility that the country enjoys currently exhibits deeper social injustices and past transgressions that the government must address in the process of becoming ideal4. For a long