Analyzing the development of a web portal within an education setting Essay

Analyzing the development of a web portal within an education setting - Essay Example The purpose of the study The Internet has a profound effect on higher learning, and this effect is likely to develop in the current generation (Becker, 2005). Actually, in some aspects the internet is the current generation of instructors just as personal computers were in the previous generation. As a result, "web knowledge† will gradually become an ordinary tool of the exchange, and instructive web sites will develop to regular additions to classroom events (Becker, 2005). One of the improved ways to remain up to date with the development of education is to come up with a learning web site to present learners with the education syllabus and teaching learning resources (Becker, 2005). One benefit of publishing syllabi, as well as other learning resources on the web is that learners have all the time to access the resources (Preece, Rogers and Sharp, 2002). In addition, teachers can put review questions on web pages containing information on class assignments, study tips, gradi ng, among others (Preece, Rogers and Sharp, 2002). By printing these resources and information on the site, teachers avoid repetition of questions all through the academic period (Preece, Rogers and Sharp, 2002). Therefore, this study aims at analyzing the development of a web portal within an education setting (Preece, Rogers and Sharp, 2002).... Documents presented on the portal areas usually updated in libraries available with current research findings. Finally, simulation of real life is also presented to the learners through the web portal (Preece, Rogers and Sharp, 2002). A web portal gives information that is assorted in a combined manner. These are sites of information, which developed during 1990s and in 2000 (Preece, Rogers and Sharp, 2002). A web portal operates just like an investigator or explore engine, however, this portal has several features or purpose than the search device itself (Becker, 2005). A web portal, provides information a researcher wants to discover or search, as well as certified web portal. Apart from this, it also provides email internet services, entertainment cites to the users (Cappel and Huang, 2007). This portal can be defined as a website that presents reports together from different sources in an even manner. Normally, every information port acquires its dedicated part on for presenting information. Usually the researcher can figure out which presentation is important to search (Palmer, 2002). Web portals can be classified in to group’s horizontal and vertical web portals. The horizontal portal is usually used in several companies as a platform in economic issues or manufacturing issues. The vertical portal is a specific entry point for markets a given subject or a given interests. Therefore, the horizontal portal covers several areas, while the vertical portal covers specific areas (Pang, et al., 2009). The web portal has the following major functions; search, navigate, provides information or manages content, personalization, push technology, management of tasks, conducts the integration of applications and organizes business infrastructure (Pearson and

BeckerKevinE2Phil100F2014 Essay Example for Free

BeckerKevinE2Phil100F2014 Essay Empiricism, or the belief that knowledge is achieved through the senses, was a popular belief amongst some of the greatest modern philosophers. Perhaps the most prominent Empiricists were John Locke, George Berkeley and David Hume, all of whom are regarded as some of the most influential philosophers of the last 500 years. Each of those philosophers can be considered Empiricists due to the importance of experience throughout their philosophical principles. More specifically, Lockes empirical views can be seen in his idea of the primary and secondary qualities of an object. Berkeleys empiricism is evident in his critique of Lockes concept of abstract ideas. Lastly, Hume can be considered as the most consistent empiricist of the group as he did not waver from experience being the source of knowledge and at the root of reasoning. His views are evident in his concept of humans having perceptions and impressions and his idea of â€Å"self†. John Lockes empirical views are evident throughout his philosophical principles. Locke believed that there were no such things as innate thoughts and that the only way a person could obtain  knowledge about something is through directly experiencing it. This is especially evident in his explanation of objects having primary and secondary qualities. Locke suggests that all things posses two qualities about them: primary qualities and secondary qualities. Primary qualities consist of traits that are completely within the object such as the shape of a ball. This primary quality about the ball will not change even when viewed from a different perspective because that is the physical structure of the ball. On the contrary, a secondary quality is a trait that requires perception by an observer. Secondary qualities are relative to the observer and change depending on the observers perspective or the physical differences between observers. For example, the color of the ball can change depending on the lighting in the room or due to an observer being color blind. In his 4th book of his Essay, Locke writes,â€Å"We cannot demonstrate the certain equality of any two degrees of whiteness; because we have no certain standard to measure them by, nor means to distinguish every the least real difference, the only help we have being from our senses, which in this point fail us. † (Locke, Book 4, Chp 2, #13). In other words, he is saying that the secondary quality of the color white cannot be scientifically quantified because each individuals perception of the color is different which prevents us from being able to determine the true â€Å"whiteness† of the given object. Locke makes this distinction between primary and secondary qualities in a response to the idea of innate thoughts, or thoughts that are naturally ingrained in our minds without having to experience them. Further, Locke is suggesting that innate thoughts are simply  common experiences. Locke also believed that the primary qualities of an object were things that could quantified and measured by the Newtonian science of the time. Lastly, Lockes concept of primary and secondary qualities indicates that he is an Empiricist because they show that he believes that we need past experiences in order to have an idea about different objects. Without experiencing the color red previously, we wouldnt have an idea of how red a ball is. George Berkeleys philosophical methodologies and principles reflect empiricist ideas as well. This is evident in his critique of John Lockes concept of abstract ideas. According to Locke, we can come up with an abstract view of, say a cat, by taking our experiences of many different cats and extracting from them common properties that all cats have. This abstract idea therefore applies to all cats despite their size, breed, or coat color. Berkeley argued that these abstract ideas cannot be thought about in our mind without creating an image of a particular cat in our minds. One cannot imagine a cat that is neither big or little, of no specific breed, or colorless. Berkeley addresses this idea in his book A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge, saying, â€Å"Whether others have this wonderful faculty of ABSTRACTING THEIR IDEAS, they best can tell: for myself, I find indeed I have a faculty of imagining, or representing to myself, the ideas of those particular things I have perceived. † (Berkeley, 10). In other words, Berkeley is saying that unlike others who claim to be able to come up with abstract ideas, he is only capable of imagining these â€Å"abstract ideas† with previous particulars that he already experienced at some point. The author of our textbook, William Lawhead summarized Berkeleys critique quite nicely, saying â€Å"We can think of, speak about, and imagine only particular things. † (pg 322). Furthermore, George Berkeleys critique of abstract ideas reflects his empiricist views because they show how important experience is to his concept of ideas. To Berkeley, one cannot come up with abstract ideas because we always draw on previous experiences to give us an idea of what were thinking about. This is a more strict version of Empiricism compared to Lockes. David Humes concept of perceptions are simply the contents of our consciousness, similar to what Locke would call an idea (Lawhead, 336). Hume further breaks down perceptions into two categories: impressions and ideas. To Hume, all original experiences are considered impressions. These impressions remain as â€Å"copies† in our mind and we draw upon them when we have a similar experience later on in life. These â€Å"copies† of the original impression are what Hume calls an idea. In his work, Treatise of Human Nature, Hume says â€Å"When we search for the characteristic, which  distinguishes the memory from the imagination, we must immediately perceive, that it cannot lie in the simple ideas it presents to us; since both these faculties borrow their simple ideas from the impressions, and can never go beyond these original perceptions. † (Hume, Section 5). In other words, Hume is saying that when one is trying to think about a characteristic of an object we always revert back to the original impression that we previously had in our mind from a past experience. Further, Hume is saying that even simple ideas about an object are faint memories of our previous experiences. David Hume can be considered the most consistent Empiricist especially when considering his idea on a persons perception of self (or lack thereof in this case). Lawhead described this simply by saying â€Å"Hume maintains that when we introspect we only find some particular perception of one sort another. If you focus on your experience right now you find puzzlement, tiredness, heat, anger.. What you dont find is a self. † (pg 340). This is an extremely empirical way of looking at ones self. Hume is such a consistent. Empiricist that he goes so far to say that we cannot have an idea of our self, because our minds always revert back to previous experiences of other perceptions. In addition to this, Hume suggests that we cannot even be certain about things such as the sun rising tomorrow. To Hume, the only reason that we know the sun will rise tomorrow is because of all of the past experiences and perceptions that weve had of the sun rising each morning. Therefore, we can only be certain of things that we have experienced. These two beliefs by Hume are evidence that he was the most strict Empiricist of the  group mentioned above. John Locke, George Berkeley, and David Hume can all be considered Empiricists due to the prevalence of experience in their philosophical principles.Lockes experience oriented principles can be observed in his idea of primary and secondary qualities of an object. Berkeleys can be seen in his critique of Lockes abstract ideas, which Berkeley suggests do not exist. Lastly, David Hume, who can be considered the most strict Empiricist, demonstrates his empirical views in his concepts of impressions and idea and his lack of self perception.

Program for Bullying Awareness

Program for Bullying Awareness Dominique Bibbs Proposal Introduction Young Scholars with Voices (YSWV) is a non-profit organization founded in 2012 to prevent and raise the awareness of bullying amongst adolescent youth. YSWV provides services to victims, survivors and individuals affected incidents of bullying. YSWV is a community based organization offering support and meeting the needs of its addressed target population. YSWV offers one-on-one peer mentoring, prevention/awareness workshops and clubs and will hold poetry showcases in which the members of YSWV share their talents through poetry and spoken word to raise the awareness of bullying. The organization is needed in communities because there is a lack of awareness and knowledge of the incidents of bullying. Young Scholars with Voices will support victims, survivors and individuals of bullying, but also educate the bystanders and those who are unaware of the scope, causal factors of bullying and solutions to prevent and raise the awareness of bullying. Statement of Need The following arguments will document that bullying exist and is a problem and further provide explanation to why the YSWV program is needed. Bullying is becoming more widespread and relevant, effecting society today. There is an increase in the incidents of bullying amongst adolescents living in urban communities. Bullying is defined as an unwanted behavior that involves an imbalance of power (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001). When bullying is thought of, it is thought to be an aggressive behavior against a weaker individual and according to the many definitions this it true. However, physical bullying is not the only type of bullying that exists. Different types of bullying include: physical and hazing, cyber and verbal and indirect and social alienation (Stop Bullying, Harassment and Violence, 2009). In the article How Our Society has manifested the bullying Epidemic? researcher Amy Weber argues that bullying is a multi-layered epidemic. She argues that bullying is like a disease that cultivates and feeds of off the bloodline of social acceptance, fueled by fear and pain so deep, it is subconscious (Weber, 2012). Furthermore, Weber states that the behavior is learned and it manifests form single or multiple sources where a child is listening and watching; children mirror back what they see, revealing the ugly truth of societys relentless intolerance and cruelty towards each other over the decades (Weber, 2012). In an article done in 2011 by the American College of Pediatricians bullying is typically directed at unique characteristics whether real or perceived by others of an individual such as: ethnicity or race, physical build or features of appearance that are unique and different, social or economic status, physical inabilities and disabilities, mental of scholastic abilities, speech quality or tone, sexual orientation or sexual activity and moral or religious beliefs (American College of Pediatricians, 2011). National statistics show that 28% of U.S. students in grades 6-12 have experienced bullying and 20% of U.S. students in grade 9-12 have experienced bullying. Furthermore, approximately 30% of young people admit to bullying others, 70.6% of young people have witnessed bullying in their schools and 70.4% of school staff has witnessed bullying. The following percentages show the various types of bullying experienced amongst U.S. middle school students: name calling (44.2%); teasing (43.3%); spreading rumors/lies (36.3%); pushing/shoving (32,4%); hitting, slapping or kicking (29.2%) and only about 20 to 30% of U.S. students who are bullied notify adults about bullying (U.S. Department of Health Human Services, 2012). Working directly with the target population bullying is witnessed and the causal factors vary for each individual. Some the causal factors include physical appearance, the target population bullies one another based on what is seen on the outside. Thing such as clothing, skin tone, weight, height, and even speech difficulties are reported causes for bullying by the target population. Additionally school is another cause, such as the lack of athletic ability, popularity and scholastic ability. Based on the target population survey How does bullying affect you? conducted for Lincoln University of PAs Masters of Human Services Program showed that 30% of the respondents surveyed believed that appearing to be different from others was the cause for bullying, only 20% of the respondents believe that bullying was caused by scholastic achievement and 50% of the respondents believed that bullying was caused by the victims appearing to be weaker. Furthermore, 60% f the respondents surveyed sai d they would participate in the act of bullying if it protected them from becoming a victim of bullying and only 40% of the respondents reported they would not participate in the act of bullying even if it did protect them from becoming a victim of bullying. Additionally previous pre/post test and participant satisfaction survey results have shown that YSWV is an effective program and has helped to raise the awareness of bullying and also offer solutions for bully prevention. Pre/post test scores have shown a 95% increase in participant knowledge of the topic being addressed. Furthermore, the participant satisfaction survey showed that the members of YSWV were not only satisfied with the services received but also expressed hopes of the program continuing. Project Goals and Objectives The following statements will explain the goals and objectives of YSWV that are expected to be accomplished and also discuss the S.M.A.R.T. objectives that have been formulated for YSWV. The ultimate goal of YSWV is to prevent and raise the awareness of bullying. YSWV is a system with several sub system components, the sub systems will work as objectives to meet the ultimate goal of preventing and raising the awareness of bullying. Furthermore, each sub system has its own goal and objectives. YSWV offers a one-on-one bully mentoring program and the goal of this component is to foster a confiding friendship, self-acceptance, understanding and confidence. Victims of bullying isolate themselves from socialization and do not have trusting individuals who they can come to about their experiences of bullying. Additionally, bullying causes victims to lack confidence and acceptance of themselves. The objective to meet the goal of the peer mentoring component is for all members to be matched with a trusting individual who will build self-acceptance, understanding and confidence through mentoring. Another sub system of YSWV is the workshops. The workshops will be for educational purposes only and the goal of every workshop is to raise the awareness of bullying by increasing the participants knowledge about the incidents of bullying. The objective to meet the goal of the workshop component is to construct fun learning by bring clear, concise and retainable information to the partici pants. YSWV also offers a speaking out club, which is a spoken word/poetry club. The goal of the poetry club is for the members to share their voice on the issue of bullying in spoken word or poetry form. The objective to meet the goal of the speaking out club is for members to use the knowledge gained from the workshops, their personal thoughts, feelings and experiences and write poems that will help to prevent and raise the awareness of bullying. The last component of YSWV is the poetry showcases. The goal of the poetry showcases is to bring the community together, prevent and raise the awareness of bullying. The objective to meet the goal of the poetry showcases is for the members to advocate positivity, members will use their poetry pieces as a tool for preventing and raising the awareness of bullying and the showcase will be used as a tool to bring the community together. The S.M.A.R.T. objective developed for YYWV states, In time for the annual quarter ceremony all members of YSWV will increase their knowledge about bullying by 90% from the utilization of peer mentoring, educational workshops and poetry clubs by showcasing their talents in a poetry showcase to prevent and raise the awareness of bullying. Project Logic Model The following session will explain the theory behind the logical model and the rational for the use of the model. The logical model is a planning tool used to clarify and graphically display what your project intends to do and what it hopes to accomplish and impact. A logical model summarizes key program elements, explains the rational behind the program activities, clarifies intended outcomes and provides a communication tool (National Network of Libraries of Medicine, 2012). The purpose of using a logical model for YSWV is to illustrate the sequence of events that identity the programs resources, match resources to needs, activate the service process, complete the service process and measure the program results which is displayed in the model below. This model allows the planner to see the rational flow of addressing the problem and applying process, while maintaining a focus on the purpose of the entire effort: preventing and raising the awareness of bullying. Project Description Project Resources and Budget The following section will discuss and explain the budget summary for YSWV, including all expenses and possible in-kind contributions. Budget Summary Item Agency Funds Student Funds Other Total Project Personnel (salaries, wages fringe benefits) $3,200.00 $1,700.00 $4,900.00 Consultants Contracted Services $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Supplies $1,500.00 $1,500.00 Equipment $300.00 $300.00 Space $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Travel $12.50 $12.50 Printing Photocopying $30.00 $30.00 Other $400.00 $400.00 Total Project Cost $9,192.50 Budget Detail Item Total Personnel: 4 Group Facilitators (30 hours @ $20.00 per hour) 4 Consultants (4 days @ $250.00 per day) 4 Lecturers (4 hours @ $50.00 per hour) 10 peer volunteers (10 $50.00 gift cards) 1 DJ (1.5 hours @ $200.00) Subtotal: $2,400.00 $1,000.00 $800.00 $500.00 $200.00 $4,900.00 Supplies, Technology Equipment: Office, writing art supplies 4 Laptops, all-in-one printer 1 LCD projector Microphone system Subtotal: $300.00 $1,200.00 $200.00 $100.00 $1,800.00 Space: 10 sessions (2 hours @ $50.00 per hour) Subtotal : $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Travel: 25 miles @ $.50 per mile Subtotal: $12. 50 $12.50 Printing Copying: 1000 copies @ $.03 per copy Subtotal: $30.00 $30.00 Other: Poetry showcase decorations/refreshments Refreshments (10 sessions @ $25.00 per session) Subtotal: $150.00 $250.00 $400.00 Total Project Cost: $9,192.50 Budget Narrative Personnel: The personnel costs include the cost of four group facilitators (three hours, once a week for ten weeks) who are employees of the agency and four additional consultants (four days an hour per consultant). Additionally, the program will require ten peer volunteers (three hours, once a week for ten weeks) and a DJ (1.5 hours) for the YSWV annual poetry showcase. The personnel cost will be absorbed by the agency as the project will happen on agency time and the consultants will donate their services in-kind. Supplies, Technology Equipment: Office supplies will include copy paper for the photo copying of flyers for promotion of the poetry showcase. Each participant will receive writing supplies; this will include one, one-subject note book, four pens and four mechanical pencils. The art supplies will include crayons, markers, color pencils and construction paper that will be used by the members to design and create additional flyers for promotion of the poetry showcase. The office, writing and art supplies estimated cost will be in-kind donations from local businesses. The programs workshops will require one LCD project four laptops will be required for each group to allow the members of YSWV to complete research for the project during meeting times and an all-in-one printer. The technology equipment will be barrowed in-kind donations from the agency as the project will happen on agency time. Space: The program will require the use the facilities classrooms (four) for the group sessions and auditorium for the poetry showcase. The cost is base agencys normal rental rate. Travel: The consultants will use their own personal vehicle to travel to the program for the workshops. The estimated cost is based on the mileage reimbursement rate used by the agency; the consultants will be given a maximum of 15 miles at $0.50 per mile. Printing Copying: The printing and photocopying estimated cost will be donated in-kind by local businesses. Other: Decoration and refreshments for the poetry will be in-kind donations from local businesses. Refreshments for each session will be provided by the agency, the estimated cost is $25.00 per session. Total: The total expenses associated with implementing this project is $9,192.50. Program Time Frame and Gantt Chart The following section will explain the project activities and the timing of the activities being implemented for YSWV. The charts being used in this section will be a Work Plan and Ganntt Chart. Work Plan for YSWV Steps To Be Taken Who Is Responsible Start Date Completion Date Required Resources Constraints, Anticipated Obstacles Proposed Counter-Measures For Anticipated Obstacles Choose the focus of the project D. Bibbs 08/29/13 9/02/13 Project Proposal Plan First project option not being accepted Revise Project Proposal Plan Recruit coalition members D. Bibbs 09/02/13 09/04/13 Project Plan, Needs Assessment Report, Agency Employees Conflicting schedules Reschedule and secure a fit meeting time for all coalition members Design the project D. Bibbs, Coalition Members 09/09/13 09/13/13 Coalition Members Experience and Expertise Conflicting scheduling Reschedule and secure a meeting time for all coalition members, gathering outside information Secure the approval of project from a facility D. Bibbs, Coalition Members 09/16/13 10/16/13 Project Plan, Needs Assessment Report Non-inclusive Project Plan, Needs Assessment Report Revise Project Plan, Re-conduct Key Informant Surveys/Interviews Launch the project D. Bibbs, Coalition Members 09/18/13 09/18/13 Dixon House Agency size Adjust the size of project participants Develop an evaluation tool for the project D. Bibbs 11/04/11 11/06/13 Personal computer, Needs Assessment Report A lack of data to facilitate a solution Key Informant Surveys/Interviews, Literature Review Evaluate the project/ Complete Evaluation Report D. Bibbs 11/06/13 11/11/13 Project Report The sampling frame may not produce proper information to evaluate the project Use a different sampling frame Submit evaluation report to project manager D. Bibbs 11/13/13 11/13/13 Dixon House Project mat be declined Re-evaluate program and resubmit Stabilize or terminate project D. Bibbs 11/20/13 11/20/13 Dixon House Ganntt Chart for YSWV Activities Dates 09/01/13 09/20/13 10/01/13 10/20/13 11/01/13 11/20/13 Develop a coalition team Sep. 2th, 2013 Sep. 4th, 2013 Present and design project Sep. 9th, 2013 Sep. 13th, 2013 Present findings to an agency Sep. 16th, 2013 Program Implementation Sep. 18th, 2013 Sep.25th, 2013 Oct. 2nd, 2013 Oct. 9th, 2013 Oct. 16, 2013 Oct. 23rd, 2013 Oct. 30th, 2013 Nov. 6th, 2013 Nov. 13th, 2013 Formulate and submit written evaluation report Nov.6th, 2013 Nov. 13th, 2013 Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plans and Measures The following section will explain the methods that will be used in the evaluation of the proposed program YSWV and the difference and purpose of qualitative data and quantitative data. There are several types of evaluation designs. These designs include experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental. The non-experimental design will be used in the evaluation of the bully prevention and awareness program, YSWV (Young Scholars With Voices).Non-experimental designs do not involve random assignment of subjects to groups, nor is there a control or comparison group. Non-experimental designs do not have comparison groups. They are used to assess the programs impact. Non-experimental designs can be used for process evaluations when the primary purpose is to describe participants experiences (Kantor and Kendall-Tackett, 2000). The types of non-experimental designs used in the evaluation of YSWV were pre/post tests and participant satisfaction surveys. The pre/post test will measure the knowledge of the participants. The pre test measures the knowledge before the participation in YSWV. The post test measures the knowledge gained after participating in YSWV. In the end the results of each test is compared to see if the participates knowledge increased and the program was effective. The participant satisfaction surveys will measure the levels of satisfactory delivered to the members of YSWV.The pre/post test is a summative evaluation method. The focus of summative evaluation is the outcome. Outcome evaluation relates to the effect of intervention and whether the project achieved its goals. Outcome evaluations assess the effectiveness of a program in producing change. Outcome evaluations focus on difficult questions that ask what happened to program participants and how much of a difference the program made for them (Linnell, 2012). The participant satisfaction survey is a formative evaluation method. Formative evaluation is a method for judging the worth of a program while the program activities are forming and summative evaluation is a method of judging the worth of a program at the end of the program activities (Clark, 2010). Formative evaluation focuses on process. Process evaluation measure relates to methods or activities and explains how and why the results were achieved. Process evaluations document the process of a programs implementation. The focus of a process evaluation is on the types and quantities of services delivered, the beneficiaries of those services, the resources used to deliver the services, the practical problems encountered, and the ways such problems were resolved (Linnell, 2012). Qualitative data gathers information that is not in numerical form. For example, diary accounts, open-ended questionnaires, unstructured interviews and unstructured observations (Mcleod, 2008). Qualitative data is useful for studies at the individual level and to find out in depth the way people think or feel. Analysis of qualitative data is difficult and requires accurate description of participant responses for example, sorting responses to open questions and interviews into broad themes. Qualitative data is typically descriptive data is harder to analyze than quantitative data. Quantitative data gathers information in numerical form which can be put into categories, or in rank order, or measured in units of measurement. This type of data can be used to construct graphs and tables of raw data (Mcleod, 2008). For example, a rating scale or closed questions on a questionnaire would generate quantitative data as these produce either numerical data or data that can be put into categori es. Conclusion Reference(s)   Ã‚   U.S department of health and human services (2001). What is bullying. Retrieved from http://www.stopbullying.gov/what-is-bullying/index.html Stop bullying, harassment, and violence (2009). Female bullying. Retrieved from www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/female-bullying.html Weber, A. (2012, may 27). How our society has manifested the bullying epidemic . Retrieved from http://www.huffinftonpost.com/amy-weber/how-our-society-has-mani_b_1548368.html American college of pediatricians. Bullying at school: never acceptable (2011). Retrieved from: http://www.factsaboutyouth.com/post/bullyingat-school-never-acceptable U.S department of health and human services (2012). Facts about bullying. Retrieved from http://www.stopbullying.gov/news/media/facts#ftn16 Kantor, K.G. and Kendall-Tackett, K. (2000). A guide family intervention and prevention program evaluation. Retrieved from: http://www1.cyfernet.org/eval/family/default.html Linnell, D. (2012). Demystifying evaluation: process evaluation vs. outcome evaluation. Retrieved from: http://www.tsne.org/site/c.ghLUK3PCLoF/b.8023393/k.47B3/Articles__Demystifying_Evaluation_Process_Evaluation_vs_Outcome_Evaluation_for_Nonprofits.htm Clark, D. (2010). Formative and summative evaluations in the instructional design process. Retrieved from: http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/isd/types_of_evaluations.html Mcleod, S. (2008). Qualitative Quantitative. Retrieved from: http://www.simplypsychology.org/qualitative-quantitative.html Appendices Evaluation Data Collection Instruments: Method I Pre/Post Test The following test will be used as a data collection instrument to evaluate the knowledge gained from the bully prevention and awareness program YSWV (Young Scholars With Voices). The test will be given in a two part series. The Pre-Test is series one and will test the participants knowledge on bully prevention and awareness. The Pre-Test will be given during the first two weeks of programming. The Post-Test is series two and will test the participants knowledge gained from YSWV. Both tests will consist of the same questions and there is no right or wrong answer. The information collected from the test will be used as a form of research to construct a final project and presentation for Lincoln Universitys Master of Human Service academic program. The test is anonymous and will not effect or penalize any youth participating in YSWV, so I ask that you answer each question honestly to the best of your ability. Thank you for you participation in YSWV and also for you time. Dominique Bibbs Please circle one of the following options: Pre-Test - Post-Test In your own words, please define bullying? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In your own words, what do you think causes bullying? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In your own words, what do you think will prevent bullying? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How can being a member of YSWV raise the awareness of bullying? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If you witness bullying who should you report it to? Please choose all that apply School faculty and Staff (teachers, principle, school police, ect.) Parent/guardian Friend(s) All of the above None of the above If nothing is being done about the incidents of bullying you are witnessing, should you keep reporting the incidents?

Why Software Systems Fail Essay -- Software Systems Computers Technolo

Why Software Systems Fail 1.0 IntroductionIn this report I will be concentrating on the failure of software systems. To understand why software systems fail we need to understand what are software systems. Software systems are a type of information system. This is because a software system is basically a means for hardware to process information. Flynn’s definition of an information system is:"An information system provides procedures to record and make available information, concerning part of an organization, to assist organization-related activities."Humans have been processing information manually for thousands of years, but with the vast increase of demand for knowledge this century has meant that a new method of information processing has been needed. Software systems have provided a new means that is much faster and efficient. As a result a huge number of organisations have become software dependent. Some of these systems are used to safeguard the lives of many people. This means that if these systems were to fail they could lead to devastating consequences. Here are some examples of where software systems are used heavily and could be very dangerous if they were to fail - aviation, hospitals, space exploration, nuclear power stations and communications. I will be looking at some examples of actual software failure in these fields to explain the reasons why systems fail.2.0 Reasons for Systems FailureIf software systems failure can be so dangerous why can they not be completely eliminated? According to Parnas, "The main reason is that software can never be guaranteed to be 100% reliable. Software systems are discrete-state systems that do not have repetitive structures. The mathematical functions that describe the behaviour of software systems are not continuous, and traditional engineering mathematics do not help in their verification." In other words some software can be so large that thorough testing can be almost impossible and so bugs in the software can go unnoticed. An example of this was when an Atlas-Agena rocket veered off-course when it was ninety miles up. Ground control had to destroy the $18.5 rocket. The reasons for this - a missing hyphen. However there are many more reasons for software systems failure, and most of them are due to human negligence that leads to software failure. There are two types of software systems... ...e held responsible for the actions of the organisation. 4.0 Bibliography Flynn, Donal J.; "Information Systems Requirements: Determination and Analysis"; McGraw-Hill Book Company; 1992Parnas; 1985; taken from: Sherer, Susan A.; "Software Failure Risk – Measurement and Management"; Plenum Press; 1992Jones, Carpers; "Patterns of Software Systems Failure and Success"; Thomson computer press; 1996Neumann, Peter G.; "Computer Related Risks"; Addison-Wesley publishing company; 1995Petroski, Henry; "To Engineer is Human"; MacMillan Publishing; 1985Flowers, Stephen; "Software failure: management failure"; Chichester: John Wiley and Sons; 1996.Report of the Inquiry into the London Ambulance Service; February 1993. Simpson, Moira (1994); "999!: My computers stopped breathing !"; The Computer Law and Security Report, 10; March – April; pp 76-81Dr. Dobbs Journal; January 1997 edition<a href="http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Risks">http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Risks<a href="http://www.scit.wlv.ac.uk ">http://www.scit.wlv.ac.uk <a href="http://www.bbc. co.uk/news">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/sections/travel">http://abcnews.go.com/sections/travel

Cancer and Technology Essay

Over the years, technology has evolved and given us many advantages such as the breakthroughs in medical science, transportation, and the internet. Imagine your life without all of these benefits. Technology has forever changes our lives and given us new ways to see life. Can you imagine where we would be now without it? During the last 30 years medicine has reached new frontiers and many new breakthroughs that benefit the public on regular bases. Now what were once unknown diseases that could not be treated such as cancer are now able to be treated. In consequence of technology evolving and becoming more high tech, machines that allow chemo therapy and radiation are available. I am very grateful for this breakthrough in science because my grandfather had cancer and because of radiation the cancerous cells were killed and now he is able to live a long and healthy life in the sun. Another benefit that technology had given us in science is beneficial to deaf people. Hundreds of years ago these disabled people had no hope of recovering any hearing, but now there are hearing aids, and surgeries that replace impaired parts of the ear. Surgeries now are available to anyone at any time, we might take this a common action now but a hundred years ago surgeries were dangerous and done raw without any sedatives. Technology has also brought us one of the most life altering deices, The World Wide Web. The internet has, one could say, taken over our lives in practically every way. It is the number one way to require quick information which helps students, teachers, and anyone trying to gain information all by a click of a button. The internet has shown very useful when encountering natural disasters. For example during hurricane Sandy the cell phone lines where always busy or the connection was lost, so the most reliable way to communicate was through the internet via Facebook, Email, and Twitter. Another way technology has amazed me is through video chat. Instead of having to travel to see your family, you are able to see them face to face and for a brief moment you might think that they are actually there with you in the room. Another remarkable way technology has greatly impacted the world is through travel. Hundreds of years ago it was would take weeks to cross the Atlantic Ocean and now thanks to technology and planes it only takes 6 hours to cross the ocean. The concept of flying and being able to be in one country one day and in another the next still astounds me to this day. Technology also gave us buses and trains. These modes of transportation also have greatly impacted our society today. Many people rely on buses to get to and from work. Another mode of transportation that technology has created is the spaceship which has allowed us to explore different planets and given us a better understanding of the world around us. Technology seems to have completely taken over our lives. It has given us so many advantages from medical breakthroughs, and the internet, to transportation in this world and to other ones. This one discovery has impacted our lives forever and we can only imagine what other great ideas can come from it, and how it will affect our lives once more.

Research Submission essayEssay Writing Service

Research Submission essayEssay Writing Service Research Submission essay Research Submission essayThis paper provides a report of the key findings of the interview of two people aged 70 years old. The interview was focused on the experiences of two people as senior U.S. citizens. Mr. Brown (70) and Mrs. Smith (70) are two elderly citizens of the U.S. They were interviewed with the major goal – to assess the effectiveness of the retirement program and learn more about the experiences and impression of the interviewees. Both Mr. Brown and Mrs. Smith are satisfied with the retirement program, which provides considerable benefits to elderly people living in the U.S., although their retirement incomes are different.Before retirement Mr. Brown and Mrs. Smith did different types of work: Mr. Brown was a professor at the university, while Mrs. Smith was an elementary teacher. The retirement income of Mr. Brown meets his current and future needs. He receives the annual medial income of $23,000. The retirement income of Mrs. Smith does not meet her current and future needs. She receives the annual medial income of $12,000. These facts mean that gender and position of retirees influence the annual retirement income. Females in lower positons have lower income than males who held higher positions in the same field (Dorfman 8).Moreover, both Mr. Brown and Mrs. Smith are concerned about their general health. Both of them have Medicare insurance, specially developed for elderly people. This type of medical insurance is adequate for their care, as the Medicare Program provides several parts to address the needs of elderly patients, including a Medicare part (coverage of hospital bills), Medicare Part B (medical insurance coverage), and Medicare Part D (coverage of prescription drugs) (Hoffmann 24). Both Mr. Brown and Mrs. Smith are satisfied with the services provided by health care professionals.In conclusion, it is necessary to say that both interviewees contributed to the U.S. development as they held valuable positions in the field of e ducation. However, their retirement incomes are different. As a result, they have different opportunities in meeting current and future needs.