Introduction

Introduction

The virtual world of Distance Education is constantly and currently evolving. Internet technology is on a continual rise, leaving room for advances in educational endeavors. Second Life, a current distance learning venture, is slowly becoming popular to the world of Distance Education. The virtual world of Second Life is easy to develop, has many benefits for educators and students, and fulfills a gap that currently exists in internet learning.

PsycINFO Annotations

Neal, Lisa, and Diane Miller. “Distance Education.” eLearn Magazine. 2005: 454-470. PsycINFO. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 25 February 2007.

This magazine article focuses on how distance education can provide a richer and more engaging educational experience than is possible within the confines of the classroom. She argues that it requires creativity and innovation in the design and development of Internet-delivered materials.

Davies, Jo, and Martin Graff. “Performance in e-learning: Online participation and student grades.” British Journal of Educational Technology 36 (2005): 657-663. PsycINFO. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 25 February 2007.

This article explains the beneficial effects of learners interacting in online programs. It argues that the benefits of online discussion should translate into improved student performance.

Francescata, Donata, and Minou Mebane. “Developing professional skills and social capital through computer supported collaborative learning in university contexts.” International Journal of Human-Computer Studies 65 (2007): 140-152. PsycINFO. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 25 February 2007.

This is a study aimed to compare the efficacy of collaborative learning in face-to-face and online university courses in developing professional skills and social capital. One hundred and sixty-six psychology majors learnt professional skills in seminars taught by the same teacher online and face-to-face. The different groups of participants achieved similar growth in level of professional knowledge, social self-efficacy, self-efficacy for problem solving and empowerment. Online students were top performers on competence-based tasks. Follow-up evaluation after 9 months showed that social ties, formed initially more in the face-to-face groups, lasted more among online students.

Jane Tompkins

First of all, I found this article to be very interesting. I have always had an interest for learning about Indians. The problem that Tompkins encountered was whether or not she could believe the perspective’s of others and pass them off as truth in her research. She researched the views of many authors such as Perry Miller, Alden Vaughn, Francis Jennings, James Axtell, Norman Heard, and Calvin Martin. After reviewing all of these views, she realized that she hadn’t come to a point where she felt she had the “correct” information on the Indians and their relations to the Puritans. What really happened? Which point of view do you agree with? How are they positioned above all others? Her struggle with believing the “perceptions” of others brought her to not take any into account with her research.

To resolve her issue, Tompkins pieced together the information the best she knew how, including her own views on what happened. She believed that the author’s perspectives were a product of their time and many have misunderstood what actually happened between the Indians and Puritans in the 17^th Century.

It is hard to believe everything you read. Even if the article is a scholarly article, there still may be some bias. The decision of what sources to use are solely the writer’s. As I get further into my research topic, which I hope will be soon, I know there will be many that I do not agree with. Therefore, I am going to look at both sides of the issue, and decide which articles I agree and disagree with and why.

Cited Annotations

Carnevale, Dan. “Employers Often Distrust Online Degrees.” Chronicle of Higher Education 53 (2007): A28-A30. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 10 Feb. 2007

The article looks at how employers often distrust online degrees. According to the article, the results of several surveys of those who evaluate potential employees and make hiring decisions indicate a bias against online degrees, even as more and more colleges are offering programs online.

Hirschheim, Rudy. “The Internet-Based Education Bandwagon: Look Before You Leap.” Communications of the ACM 48 (2005): 97-101. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 10 Feb. 2007

This article presents information on a study related to online education, which is the latest technique in the long history of distance education. Loss of educational quality as a result of Internet delivery is the major concern identified in this survey. The Internet is leading to a fundamental change in the manner in which students are learning and retaining knowledge. The new delivery mode is pushing change, and universities must consider if they are happy with the direction being taken.

Wilson, Jan. “The Power of Distance Learning.” Education 122 (2002): 638. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 10 Feb. 2007

This is an editorial that focuses on the benefits of distance learning, an educational approach that integrates technology, connectivity, curricular content, and human resources. It is a discussion of how it is more effective than the more traditional passive learning.

Voices

Comedic:

Are you serious!? So you are telling me that everyone who takes a distance learning course is stressed out? I don’t think so. There are many students who find distance learning a relief compared to a traditional face-to-face classroom. Should we trust people who make broad claims like this one? I know I wouldn’t.

Involved, Angry:

Quotes like this one is yet another example of individuals who have not interviewed a variety of distance-learning students to get an exact account on how many actually get stressed-out. So they say, “Distance-Learning stresses students out more than a traditional class.” But for this claim to be true, they would have to interview ALL distance learning students. They make this claim too broad to be passed off as the truth.

Distant, balanced:

The role of Distance Education conflicts with some views of individuals who feel that Distance Education is attacking the role of a traditional face-to-face classroom setting. Quotes such as “Distance-Learning stresses students out more than a traditional class” demonstrates this point of view. Although Distance Education can be stressful at times, it is not stressful for all students who enroll in this type of learning.

I’m sure I will use the Distant, Balanced voice. I’m not an angry person, nor do I feel angry about the subject of Distance Education. I’m also not much of a comedic person, especially when writing a research paper. I don’t want my paper to be completely informal! I do have a question though; can we have a paper with all three voices?

Fallacies

"Many universities are viewing distance learning as a cash cow, a way to earn money to supplement classroom instruction." (Hasty Generalization, name calling "cash cow").

"Everyone who does a distance-learning MBA has moments when they get fed up or the pressure gets too much." (Polarization. Not ALL distance learning MBA students will get fed up or have too much pressure. The writer exaggerates this comment by representing it as an extreme that “all” will have this problem. )

"Distance learning makes students grow fonder of college." (Hasty Generalization. Distance learning may make “some” students grow fonder, but not all. There are many other factors that make students grow fond of college, not just distance learning.)

"All learners are becoming distance learners." (Hasty Generalization. This is a very “broad” claim. Though most are using the internet as a means of learning, there are still many who learn by not using the internet.)

"Well, the opportunities are rife within distance education to do the same thing, to lessen the standards and give people degrees, which are meaningless, and make a lot of money doing it." (Slippery Slope. Although this could happen, or possibly is happeningplaces at this very moment, this quote assumes that if the first step is taken, other steps will follow. Ex. Distance Education=lessened standards, more money for institutions.)

Ballenger Article

I enjoyed reading “Learning to Trust the Twelfth Picture on the Roll” by Bruce Ballenger. The article made me realize that it is important to go through numerous steps of research to get a grasp on what you want to write about, and the importance of narrowing your topic. I enjoyed reading about his photographs and the persistence of narrowing the subject of the photos. He started off with a broad picture, and narrowed his way down. He also chose a subject that intrigued him, which I believe is very important. It seemed that the article reinforced what we have been learning all along about narrowing our topics and the importance of choosing a topic that suites our interests. It is not an easy thing to do, or so for me it isn’t. Too bad my topic couldn’t be photographed; it may have helped me a little!

Working Thesis

1. Distance Learning: Distance Education provides a virtual form of learning that is flexible, convenient, and rising in popularity.

2. Global Warming: Global Warming is negatively affecting the habitat of polar bears.

3. Spanish Education: American elementary schools are in desperate need to integrate Spanish into their curriculum.

LexisNexis Articles

Distance Learning

1. Boards offer Web courses; Internet learning designed to be flexible, interactive. Windsor Star (Ontario). January 16, 2003.

In Ontario high school students are able to take one class per semester online. They stress that eLearning is not for everyone, but they want their students to have the opportunity to try this style of learning before college.

2. Online learning is all about flexibility. The Ottawa Sun. December 13, 2006

“Thanks to the far-reaching powers of the Internet, online learning has quickly become mainstream. It is now the preferred mode of education for students who -- by virtue of their location, work schedules or family commitments -- cannot attend regular college classes.”

3. Technology and teaching. The Montreal Gazette. October 10, 2006.

In this article, it is arguing how socially defiant internet courses tend to be. “A proper university education is more than just classes, anyway. Sharing ideas in a seminar -- not to mention the coffee shop or the pub -- is a vital part of it. When ideas rub together -- even ragged, ill-informed freshman ideas -- the result can be that precious thing, true learning.” The article did not accept the idea that Internet Learning is better than an actual classroom setting.

Spanish in American Classroom

1. PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE; The beauty of language. San Francisco Chronicle. May 24, 2006.

This article was about a man named John Oliver Simon who teaches Latin American poetry to third graders, once a week, in dozens of schools in Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco. He argues “Above all, students are learning that a foreign language can be a thing of beauty, not some kind of obnoxious virus that needs to be wiped out. It's a lesson some of our national leaders have apparently not yet learned.”

2. GREENE RECEIVES HONOR FOR BILINGUAL PROGRAM. Global News Wire. August 15, 2006.

In Greene County North Carolina, kindergarten classes are mixed with both English speaking children and Spanish speaking children. The program is called “Los Puentes” which means “Bridges”. They are bridging children of both cultures together at an early age. "You have entered into a 12-year pipeline which will help students achieve fluency in both Spanish and English and will eventually place them among the leaders of our state," said David Williams, director of the Global Communicators Program.

3. TEACHING SPANISH TO DESTIN'S CHILDREN IS SUSAN WHEELES' THING NEW TEACHER AT DMS. KRTBN Knight-Ridder Tribune Business News - The Destin Log. September 20, 2006.

“With America's evergrowing Spanish-speaking population, Wheeles, at the age of 25, decided to begin teaching the language to children. "I love children. I always have," she said. "I love seeing them learn and helping them. About one-third of the country is Spanish-speaking, so Americans need to be more diversified." Susan Wheeles has taught Spanish to children for five years.

Global Warming/Animals

1. U.S. may call polar bear endangered: Move seen as sign global warming threat is finally being taken seriously. Edmonton Journal (Alberta). December 28, 2006.

"The science of global warming and the impact to polar bears are so clear that not even the Bush administration can deny that polar bears are threatened with extinction because of global warming."

If the proposal is accepted, the polar bear's new-found status could increase public awareness about climate change.

2. Bearing the burden. Kamloops Daily News (British Columbia). January 4, 2007.

Simply put, the polar bear that lives on the sea ice of the Arctic is threatened because the planet is warming. “Warmer temperatures are thinning the ice sheets off Arctic coastlines, shrinking the bears' hunting grounds and hampering breeding. Roughly 15,000 of the world's 20,000 to 25,000 polar bears live on Canadian soil, while Alaska is home to about 4,700 animals. That might seem like a large population, but scientists are reporting accelerating death rates because of the lack of pack ice.”

3. Bears endangered: Extinction: The U.S. wants polar bears shielded from effects of climate change. Nanaimo Daily News (British Columbia). December 28, 2006.

The United States is proposing listing the polar bear as an endangered species, marking the first time the Bush administration has suggested climate change could be responsible for threatening an animal with extinction. “The proposal to recognize the bear under the Endangered Species Act, drafted by the Interior Department's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has been applauded by wildlife experts in both Canada and the U.S.”

Narrowed Topics

Wow! I don’t feel ready for this, but I’ll throw some ideas out there!

1. Distance Learning:

Argument: Virtual Fantasy, or Deep Pocket Demon?

We all love the flexibility of a Distance Learning course, but does the increasing costs of an online course fade the convenience? Should online courses be the same price as a classroom setting course?

2. Global Warming:

Argument: Those Poor Polar Bears!

Global Warming has many negative effects towards all kinds of animals, but the polar bear is a great example to how Global Warming is affecting the climate and its inhabitants by thinning ice sheets, melting ice caps, etc.

3. Spanish Education:

Argument: More Spanish Please?

The Spanish culture is increasing in America more and more every single day. It is important to realize that education on this culture and primarily its language is of great use to native English speakers of America. Why shouldn’t our children be taught young?

Fulkerson Article

I honestly enjoyed reading Fulkerson’s article. It was simple, to the point, and interesting. After reading the article thoroughly, Fulkerson’s persuasion to get readers to choose a topic that interests them really pays off! He definitely persuaded me. What happens when you do not choose a topic that interests you? I believe that most papers in this situation are rather bland. There is no passion, no spark. Writing a ten page paper about something that does not interest you would be difficult.

The section of Fulkerson’s article that helped me the most would be the description of different types of arguments. As I was reading this section, I had arguments that pertained to my topics floating around in my head. It’s a bit difficult to read critically when your mind is on another topic. I guess that is a good thing in this situation! At this point, the evaluative question seems to be more of my style, but we’ll see!

Stuart Greene

Stuart Greene argued the importance of using argument in a research paper or debate. Since we all have the ability to form our own opinions, it is important to have argument. What jumped out most at me was the story about the girl who went to the Dominican Republic, which was an example of framing. As some others in the class, I enjoyed the framing part of Stuart Greene’s article. One phrase that jumped out at me was, “…framing encourages you to name your position, distinguishing the way you think about the world from the ways others do.” As I mentioned above, opinions are very important in argument, and distinguishing your thoughts from others is a must when creating an argument. Overall, the article was helpful at best.

Topics in Research

Thoughts on my research topic have been overwhelming. I do not feel that I have enough experience in anything to write a ten page paper, but there are many things I would be interested in researching.

1. Global Warming: I would love to write a ten page paper on the effects of Global Warming on the environment, whether it be a certain animal or plant. I already hold strong opinions on the issue, but I feel that I need to know more.
2. Forest Fires: I recently overheard an argument about forest fires by my boss and a forester. I found the argument to be very interesting. Though I do not have much experience with forest fires, I would find it fun to research.
3. The Rise of Distance Learning: I am definitely not a rookie at the distance learning thing. I have now taken twelve distance learning courses. I find this new phase of learning very interesting. I am curious to see how it grows in the coming years.
4. Dangers of Second-Hand Smoke: My grandmother died of second-hand smoke inhalation. This would not be my first topic, but we are asked to list seven.
5. The Spanish Language and American Children: I’m starting to push my topics a little bit, but I think it would be great if ALL elementary schools in the United States had a Spanish class. Just like art, music, and PE, it would be great if schools could fit a half hour session, or even 15 minutes into young children’s schedules to learn Spanish. For a semester in high school, I taught a second and fourth grade class Spanish, once a week. They absolutely loved it! We need to push our children’s learning abilities one step farther. Many other countries do it, why shouldn't we?
6. Military Action in Iraq: I have followed this War from the beginning, and I am more intrigued with it now than I have ever been. It’s almost comical to see how crazy it keeps getting. Though I would be interested in doing a topic with this subject, I don’t know if I would.
7. Earthquakes of the West Coast: If you’ve read my bio, I love the West. I can see myself living on the coast of Oregon, but the dangers of the fault line can be very serious.

Comparable Issues

A modern comparable issue to Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” is the debate over Global Warming. Similar to Carson’s case, many are trying to get the government to take action on the Global Warming issue. Many of these “global warming fighters” have received the support from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. "I promise to do everything in my power to achieve energy independence ... and to stop global warming," Pelosi said.

Another comparable issue is the War in Iraq. There are many anti-supporters of this war, including myself, who are waiting for the government to take some sort of positive action. I would really love to know Rachel Carson’s view on this war if she were still alive. Many have written books against the Iraq War, just as Carson did against DDT spraying. One book in particular is State of Denial by Bob Woodward. He argues in the book that The Iraq War is accomplishing nothing, and gradually getting more and more violent.

For more information on Nancy Pelosi’s support go to:

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Science/2007/1/20/pelosi_seeks_global_warming

To purchase the book State of Denial by Bob Woodward go to:

www.half.com

Critical Reading

Why is critical reading important? There are many reasons why critical reading is important. If a reader "skims" the text, superficial characteristics and information are as far as the reader goes. I’m sure the author’s purpose was for the reader to really understand their work or argument, not skim through their efforts. If a reader does not fully understand what they are reading, how can they possibly form a strong opinion or argument? Do they just believe what the reader says because they are too lazy to critically think about the argument? Reading critically proves that you seek knowledge and are open-minded. Everyone has opinions, and I believe that it is important to create your own and not believe that everything you read is the truth. Life is a critical process, so why not read critically?

Rachel Carson

The Rachel Carson article was very inspiring. I love it when people take a stand on an issue and make a difference. I believe that her arguments on the DDT spraying had such an impact for a few different reasons. While reading the article, I felt that not many people at that time had the confidence or popularity to stand up to such a big issue. Also, Rachel Carson did an amazing job by writing the book so that everyone could understand. Because of her “Down to Earth” writing tactics, Rachel was able to reach out to everyone, not just scientists or individuals relative to the spraying. Just reading the story about Rachel Carson’s arguments to DDT spraying impacted me, so I can imagine how it impacted the people actually living through its effects.

Global Warming

I am very interested in Global Warming. Though I have not researched it a lot, I still hold very strong opinions about the subject.

Global Warming is real. That is my opinion. We have all seen the effects already, whether it was an obvious effect or not. Canada's Inuit see it in disappearing Artic Ice and permafrost. The dwellers of Latin America and Southern Asia see it in lethal storms and floods. A situation I’m sure we all have noticed is Europe’s confrontation with fatal heat waves. Just look at our weather right now! It has snowed one time in the town I live in, and it was only just a slight blanket! I cannot understand how anyone can not believe in Global Warming and the effects it is having on our society. Maybe I need to study it a little more before constructing my opinion? Maybe not.

In response to the website, I did not find it to be completely helpful. It was not organized well and the content was overwhelming. It did, however, have many helpful links. It was also a great site for individuals looking for facts only. I would definitely recommend other sites on Global Warming instead of this one.

"With all of the hysteria, all of the fear, all of the phony science, could it be that man-made global warming is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people? It sure sounds like it."
- James M. Inhofe, speech in U.S. Senate, July 28, 2003

I love this quote because it sounds like the exact same situation the American government is trying to pull on their citizens at this very moment with the “war on terror”; fear and hysteria. Some politicians claim that Global Warming isn’t real. Why would they claim such a thing? Well, I can think of a few reasons why politicians would shy away from the issue of Global Warming. Let’s observe one; the oil company situation. The purchase and manufacturing of oil in the United States is VERY important to politics. Why do you think we are in Iraq at this very moment? If politicians were to claim that Global Warming was in fact a rising problem for humanity, the production of oil would have to be limited because of its damaging effects to the atmosphere. Who is willing to give up their monstrous profits for something that will not affect them in their lifetime? I do believe, however, that it will not be long until politicians will have to take action on the Global Warming issue whether they believe it to be real or not. They are already seriously addressing the issue in Congress.

If anyone has not watched “An Inconvenient Truth” by Al Gore, PLEASE DO!

My Bio

My name is Amanda Marie Crosby and I am twenty years old. I’ve grown up in a very small town called Gas City with the most wonderful family a person could ask for. My lovely parents, Tonya & Rex, just celebrated their 25^th wedding anniversary. I have one sister, who is seventeen years old and a complete brat! But, of course, I love her anyways. Our family recently built a new house and I am slowly getting acquainted with everything. It complicates your life when you live in the same place for nineteen years and your parents decide they are going to pack up and go. It has been very difficult adjusting, but I love it here.

I work at a place in Gas City called Ironworks Gym & Tanning. We also have an embroidery section, where I assume the position of the manager. It is a full time job, so I am trying to juggle numerous credit hours this semester and find time to work 40 hours a week. It is a very difficult task! I envy those who do not have to work while attending college.

I am currently peddling towards a Bachelor in General Studies, though my main focus is Dental Hygiene. I applied to the program last year and was a tenth of a point from being accepted. It was a bummer, but I decided that I needed a Bachelor Degree anyway, and this year is my time to work towards that. Hopefully I will be accepted in the Fall of 2007. Everyone wish me luck!

I recently found a little kitten on the side of the road, wet, hungry, and desperate for affection. I felt so bad for the poor thing that I brought it home and begged my parents to keep it. We had a cat for ten years at our old home, and my dad refused to take him to our new one, so we had to get rid of the little guy. That was the saddest thing I have ever had to do! It is heartbreaking how attached you become to things. So, with A LOT of begging, my dad finally gave in (He didn’t really have a choice.) At the moment, we are all trying to adjust to a new house, and a new kitten who is completely rotten!

My hobbies including hiking, riding my bicycle, taking walks in the rain, and reading. I do not listen to music much, unless it includes the genius lyrics of Mr. Bob Dylan. Being out in nature makes me feel that I am alive. When I hear birds chirping, or squirrels climbing trees, it makes me realize that we are all in this thing together, and that I need to make the best of my life while I am here. When I find time to travel, which is few and far between at the moment, I head out West. Being out West is the best place for me. Eventually, I hope to pack up my belongings and enjoy a life in Wyoming or Oregon.

My significant other and I out West!