Islam, Christianity And Buddhism In The Post Classical Era Essay

Islam, Christianity And Buddhism In The Post Classical Era - Essay Example By confusion, it is meant that there was no particular ruling force and everything was haphazard taking on its own directions. To sum it up, The Roman Empire, Gupta Empire of India and Han Dynasty of China had been overthrown. This meant that the large populations that these Empires ruled over were left without a leader, direction as well as discipline. This further more led to the instability of political and economic conditions of the region. Hence this period specifically highlights the changes and innovations that were made in order to overcome this chaotic situation. A major part of these changes was the spread of three major religions, namely: Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. (2012-2013 APWH Unit 3: The Post Classical Age - Howard's History 2013) When these typical classical and royal Empires fell, the only way out of it was an automatic power to take over. And this automatic power was taken over by the religions of those times. As mentioned above, these three religions are am ongst the most commonly practiced religions of today’s times. ... Now that we are focusing on Islam and the changes that it brought in Arabia especially, because this is where the basic advent of Islam started. Before the post classical era, Arabia was a place of great hospitality but little rules and peace. Arabs were always caught up in some war or battle; they were unsophisticated and would spend a larger portion of their life by taking revenges. Clans were the way of living, loyalty to one’s clan was considered to be of great importance and disloyalty meant nothing but straight away. 3 Moreover, Arabs by profession were traders. However, there was a distinct difference in classes, there was an elite class and then there was the labor class. To put it in small, easy words, Arabia was in a total disarray and required revolution in order to set things right. And obviously, this revolution was brought when Islam came into being with the birth of Muhammad, who claimed to be the last prophet of Allah. Islam brought it with it a complete packag e of life; it was a religion of peace and prosperity. It provided rights to everyone, from elites, to slaves and animals even. The status of women was affected greatly when Islam came into the picture. Previously, women had little or no rights but after Islam came their way, this was one of the many things that changed. (KschlegelApwHP2 - The First Global Civilization The Rise and Spread of Islam 2013) After the death of Muhammad, Islam had become quite popular in Arabia itself. People had started accepting Islam due to its message of equality and sense of balance between everything. It eradicated every such bad thing that could harm the human race in any way. Islam is a religion of peace and it gave rights to

(B&M) Managing Sustainability Reflective Log Essay

(B&M) Managing Sustainability Reflective Log - Essay Example Sustainability affects each level of human life starting from the local neighborhood to entire planet. Issues Affecting the Human Beings in Relation to the Planet â€Å"In the late 1960s, a second imperative emerged alongside human rights: sustainability† (Vischer, 2006, p.51). It is beyond to mention that the natural resources have certain limited availability and the human beings would have to respect the limits. There are certain issues which are facing the human beings. According to a news piece, the issues have emerged in various areas. Climate Change Global warming has put its increasing impact on the global environment and in turn has led to the emergence of various threatening issues for the human race. The greenhouses gases like Carbon-di-oxide have been responsible for the same and thus increasing the temperature of the planet (Oracle ThinkQuest, n.d.). According to UK prime minister, one of the most significant environmental issues, which have emerged as significant threats for the human race, is climate change leading to growing number of storms, drought, flood and loss of significant species. The depletion of ozone has resulted from the emission of the fluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons and some more hazardous gas releasing from industries like manufacturing and chemical factories. This has ultimately caused UV rays to enter in the atmosphere of the earth. Penetration of these rays may lead to severe carcinogenic reaction in human bodies (The Views Paper, 2009). Natural Resources With the enhancement in the life styles, energy consumption has increased with decline in the natural resources. The world is now facing with an increasing crisis for this earth to retain the sustainable supply of the resources. Resource sustainability is a significant requirement in today’s world. The petroleum products, coal and mineral resources have also been intensively exploited to certain greater extent. If the situation persists like this, after a sho rt span of time, all these resources are expected to be non-existent in the near future. Biodiversity Loss Despite of an increase in the conservation efforts the biodiversity state experiences a decline in turn most of the indicators. The significant pressure on the biodiversity has continued to grow considerably. Even, there is no or less indication displaying a considerable reduction in the declining rate in the biodiversity across the globe. The following are the indicators which have raised enough concerns among the researchers and scientists. Even a number of scientists think that the Earth is approaching to enter into the ‘sixth great extinction phase’ (Kirby, 2004). Figure 1: Indicators Displaying Biodiversity Loss (Source: Shah, 2010) Figure 2: Factors Affecting the Environmental Sustainability (Source: Kirby, 2004) The above figures show the increasing amount of population growth with growing usage of cars, consumption of water, paper and fertilizers. With the enhancement in the social lifestyles, there has been huge loss of rainforest, growing amount of carbon-di-oxide concentration. At the same time, the fisheries have been exploited heavily. The

The Drivers of Globalization Essay Example for Free

The Drivers of Globalization Essay At the dawn of 21st century, information technology, communication, transportation and even banking systems took a great leap of improvement that changed billion of lives around the world. Using a personal computer, an individual could perform a number of trade and banking transactions from anywhere, for as long as there is an Internet connection. People who are fond of traveling around the world could remain in contact with his families and employers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Important events could now be shared by millions of viewers around the world through satellite connections and the use of the World Wide Web. The world became a small a neighborhood through fast delivery brought about by airplane travel around the world, minute by minute. All of these improvements contributed to the creation of a single thread that connects billion of lives throughout the globe. That thread came to be known as globalization and it is a trend that contributed to the development of the so called global society. Globalization acknowledges the emergence of a global society in which political, economic and cultural events could easily influence the lives of people from all parts of the world. The so called global society also implies the idea of a global market which allows freer movement of goods, services, investment and capitals across the globe . The global market focuses on economic globalization, a sub field of globalization which focuses on the improvement and changes that occur in the sector of trade and commerce. Economic globalization suggests diminishing national boundaries and territory to allow freer movement of goods and services . Tariffs and trade regulations are created to further improve and ensure that the flow of goods and services would continue and safe from illegal activities. Along with these and the improvements achieved in the field of transportation, information technology and communication, the cost of transactions and operation of companies around the world and have opened up millions of jobs throughout the world and have reduced the cost of transactions. An example of this would be the large increase of trade and movement of capital in the form of bonds, stocks and investment. The volume of world export level from 1950 to 2001 grew 20 times from its original level. Analysts have also deduced that investors and shareholders nowadays are so well informed that they could easily manipulate their shares and capitals through Internet to enable them to gain more profit. It was eminent that the consumer himself was an influential catalyst for change; however, there are other factors which contribute greatly to the development, growth and spread of globalization. It is possible that there are many reasons or factors that have caused globalization spread so fast but it would be best to narrow it down based on the influence and number of changes that it has brought forth towards the globalization as we know of today. As much as possible, these factors would be in touch with market and product globalization. The assessment of these factors would be the key in answering why globalization has spread so fast over the past decades. Lastly, the last part of the paper would be a reflection about the influence of globalization on the lives of normal people such as the author of this paper. A. The Consumer and the Nature of Man In his endless pursuit of greater pleasure, comfort and perhaps happiness in life, man has always sought to improve the quality of his lifestyle and everything around him. Whether it was accidental, planned or forced, man never failed to bring advancement in his daily life and to his predecessor in the future. In the early years, man was forced to develop and improve his agricultural system and tools to cope up with the growing population and harsh environment that surround him. The idea for gunpowder and guns that change how wars are fought, were brought by the creation and extensive use of firecrackers by the Chinese. The Industrial Revolution for instance, was a period in which many innovations were introduced that forever changed how goods are being manufactured and also transportation services was the main attraction during that time. Personal computers, cell phones and satellites connections of the 20th century could connect people from any part of the world in a matter of minutes or even seconds. Even couples who are having problems in bearing children could now resolve this through artificial insemination. These are manifestations of how far man could go when he attempts to further improve his lifestyle and it is for a fact that there is no possible end on how man could go when he wishes to seek more pleasure and comfort in life. This desire of man to further enhance its current lifestyle has pushed the boundaries and possibilities of 20th century world market. Merely supplying people with basic goods and necessities is not enough for a company to stay in the business. They need to be innovative about their product and they need to produce product that will capture the taste of the consumers. Even services being offer by manufacturer and companies should be top rank in order to ensure that consumers would adhere to their product. Moreover, considering the status of information technology and how easy it is to gain various amount of information, it could be consider that consumer nowadays is more informative and knows what they need not to mention how picky most of then when it comes to the quality of the product they’re going to buy. In the least sense, consumer itself was the one who shaped and pushed the current market to its current level. Globalization was merely a tool that helped in satisfying the demand of consumers for product that could improve and make life easier. Through a freer movement of capitals and less restrictions concerning importations of foreign goods, people across the globe was able to experience gadgets, goods, services and even infrastructure that usually could only be found in developed countries. Such conditions could be seen in countries in Asia and South America were investors from the so called 1st world countries have invested huge amount of money to penetrate and dominate local markets. When it comes to infrastructure, one example that could be found is recent spread of high class casinos and hotels in tourist destinations especially in areas such as the Caribbean, Mediterreanan and Hawaii . Globalization for a moment has satisfied the consumers’ needs but at the same time it has invoked greater desire for the consumers to experience and use more product that could further improve their lifestyle. Additionally, the power to avail certain kind of products such as luxury cars and advanced gadgets represent the social status of consumers. 3rd world countries have opened their markets to foreign investors not just to increase revenue but also to provide its people with job opportunities and improve their economy through such investments. Product Innovations It is eminent that there is no permanent product that would dominate a market for long a time. Aside from our basic necessities, everything that we use will eventually come to an end. This is why leading companies and manufacturers are forced to develop and produce new products that would interest the public and would help them stay in business. Microsoft for instance, continuously creates and develops operating systems for personal computers in order to cope up with the latest programs and software that are being sold in the market today. From time to time, leading cell phone manufacturer like Nokia and Samsung need to release new models of cell phone that are better that its predecessor and could offer new tricks to its user. Everything has its own evolution, even the tiniest gadget that we use started of from a humble beginnings and had been changed in order to cope up with the demands of the public and at the same time stay on course with regards to business operations. Through product innovations and improvement, leading companies and manufacturers could supply the public with goods that could satisfy their demands . When a product is adhered to by billions of people around the globe, leading companies turn their attention to manufacturers for possible business expansion and reproduction of their product. Manufacturers are either hired or created by those companies who personally want to manage the production of their products. Investment comes in huge amounts of money and it often creates thousands of job opportunities. Globalization comes into play during these times. Tariffs and trade regulations are lowered in order to accommodate business expansion and to give investors flexibility about they’re investment. Countries who sought to increase their nation’s revenue, turns their heads to foreign investment for possible influx of money and generating jobs that could decrease unemployment level . For an instance, famous clothing lines have opened not only outlet stores but also their own factory outside of their main offices in order to meet the demands of the public. Clothing lines like Lacoste, Luis Vitton and other famous brand could now be found in various parts of the world. Michelin, the French tire company owns a factory in south California where they produce tire that would answer the demand of the local market. Globalization spread across the globe because of the opportunity that foreign investment could offer to a country. Aside from lowering the cost of foreign product through local manufacturing, foreign investment could boost the economic performance of those poor countries.

Is Social Trust a Cause for Civic Disengagement?

Is Social Trust a Cause for Civic Disengagement? Is social trust a cause for civic disengagement in the last few decades? Research question In the last few decades since the Post War period, there has been a sharp decline in civic engagement in world democracies. Civic disengagement is mostly reflected in low levels of electoral turnout, low volunteering activity, low levels of social capital and social trust. This research focuses on low levels of social trust as a crucial cause for low civic engagement. Social trust refers to the level of trust each individual has towards other individuals in a community, organizations and authorities inside a community. Levels of social trust are often associated with levels of social capital. Social capital is the network of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively. The decline in social capital erodes civic participation, impersonal trust, social and political trust. This research will base its literature review upon two different theoretical arguments; one theory based on Robert Putnam, Dietlind Stolle et al., argue that the main cause for low social trust levels rests on ethnic diversity and that more homogenous communities have higher levels of social trust which in turn leads to more social capital. Whereas Natalia Letki develops a counterargument in which refers to social deprivation being the main cause for low levels of social trust but nevertheless it is neglected by many analysts which primarily focus on ethnic diversity. Based on the methodology, the research will conclude whether to accept the working hypotheses and reject null hypothesis and decide which theoretical argument fits better based on the results. The topic raised by this research is of great significance as the rise of civic disengagement is a problematic evidence in world societies that needs to be addressed and be given importance. The absence of social trust causes setbacks to social cooperation, civic activity and creates individuality and social divisions in a community. This research attempts to raise awareness by analysing these problems and provide a series of solutions that could be used to boost higher levels of social trust in a community in order to increase civic engagement. Literature Review Social trust is strongly associated with many other forms of civic engagement and social capital; people who trust their fellow citizens volunteer more often, contribute more to charity, are more engaged and participate more often in community organizations, serve more readily on juries, comply more fully with their tax obligations, are more tolerant of minority views and display many other forms of civic virtue (Putnam , 2000, p. 136). The issue of diversity in relation to trust is widely discussed between political analysts. Robert Putnam, Dietlind Stolle et al., argue that social and all elements of social capital are unlikely to happen in multi-ethnic community as neighbourhoods, regions or states with more ethnic, racial experience substantially low levels of social capital and cooperation which hinder collective action and social welfare. According to Putnam trust should prosper in homogenous settings and suffer when faced with heterogeneity. ‘Trust seems easier to develop when we are familiar with the people around us, and particularly when they appear similar to ourselves’ (Stolle , et al., 2008, p. 58). This theory argues that ethnic and racial differences discourage reliance on the behaviour of one’s neighbours, friends and colleagues, thereby reducing levels of interpersonal trust, the capacity for cooperation and support for collective action. On the other hand Natalia Letki, counter argues that the main factor undermining all types of interactions and positive attitudes among neighbours is low-socio economic status as opposed to ethnic diversity. She further develops that many analysts often combine ethnic diversity with social deprivation which leads them to cause a direct correlation between ethnic diversity and low levels of social capital; deprivation is the major factor eroding community relations and negatively tinting ethnic diversity due to correlation of ethnic diversity and social deprivation (Letkin, 2008, p. 101). She agrees with Putnam’s theory that diversity may well have a negative effect on individuals’ propensity to interact with fellow neighbours; however, once the interaction takes place, its effect is positive: the attitudes of racial hostility, distrust and prejudice are overcome and an individual becomes more favourable towards other people in general (Letkin, 2008, p. 105). According t o her, common principles and shared values can also be founded in multi-ethnic, multi-faith and multi-cultural societies (Letkin, 2008, p. 103). Hypotheses As for this multivariate analysis, the main dependent variable of the model tested in this research is neighbourhood social trust, which is regressed at the individual level on social volunteering, ethnic diversity, social deprivation, education and age. This research hypothesises that low social trust levels are mainly affected by social deprivation rather than ethnic diversity, therefore supporting the theoretical argument from Natalia Letki. It also hypothesises that the ethnic diversity can also have a significant impact on social trust level in a short term period, but it is unlikely that this variable will continue to have a significant impact in the long run once the interaction between diverse ethnicities takes place, its effect is positive: the attitudes of racial hostility and prejudice are overcome, and an individual becomes more favourable towards other people in general, increasing levels of social trust. Therefore, the association between ethnic diversity and social trust is a spurious association. In a spurious association, the confounding variable acts as obscure in the true relationship between two variables. The confounding variable in this case is ethnic diversity (X variable) which has a direct relationship with social trust (Y variable), however, because social deprivation (Z variable) is also considered, the significance of the direct relationship between ethnic diversity and social trust disappears. Therefore the association between ethnic diversity (variable X) and social trust (variable Y) is due to both of them being influenced by class deprivation (variable Z) as illustrated in figure 1. Methodology To answer this research question it is necessary to use statistical data to support the argument. The raw data supplied is from SPSS statistics which this research will work with. The table below shows the data results accounted for each variable in the model. Data results were coded from respondents which were asked how much they are likely to trust an individual based on nine different variables in the model. Note that only the most important/significant variables are illustrated graphically. Volunteering measures social capital levels. Its P-value is smaller than 0.05 and therefore, we reject the null hypothesis as there is an association between social trust and social capital controlling for all other variables in model. The association is positive as B coefficient is 0.492 and this means that as volunteering levels increase social trust is also increasing. This positive relationship is illustrated graphically in figure 2 and through the slope of the line of best fit, it is possible to see the type of relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Ethnicity-white, measures the white population density where respondents live in relation to social trust. P-value is bigger than 0.05 and so we accept the null hypothesis as there is no association between white ethnic density and social trust when we control for all other variables in the model. Social deprivation is measured through social class and professional occupation. P-value is less than 0.05 and so the null hypothesis is rejected as there is an association between social deprivation and social trust when we control for all other variables in the model. The relationship is positive as B coefficient is 0.40 meaning that as the levels of social status increase, social trust also increases. This is graphically illustrated in figure 4, as the slope of the line is upwards. Ethnicity measures the ethnicity of the respondent against social trust. It is a dummy variable 0= white, 1= ethnic minority. Its P-value is less than 0.05 and the relationship is negative as B coefficient is -0.548. We reject the null hypothesis as the there is an association when we control these two variables in the model. This is graphically illustrated in figure 5. Graduate measures the level of education against social trust. Its P-value is smaller 0.05 and there is a positive association between the two variables when we control the two variables in the model as B coefficient is 0.775. This means that as number of graduates increase social trust levels will also increase. This is graphically illustrated in figure 6 through the slope of the line of best fit. The P-value is smaller than 0.05 when age and social trust are measured. There is a positive association when we control both variables in the model as B value is 0.21. As age increases social trust also increases and this is graphically illustrated in figure 7 through the slope of the line of best fit. Conclusion To conclude this research, it is important to link the results from the data with the two distinct theoretical arguments from Putnam, Stolle et al. Based on the results, it is more plausible to accept Letki’s argument in which social deprivation has a bigger impact on social trust levels than ethnic diversity. The B coefficient for social deprivation is 0.40 and 0.004 for white ethnic density when both are measured against social trust. The slope of the line is more positive for social deprivation meaning that the higher the levels of social status the higher impact it has on social trust levels, if social status decrease then social trust will immediately decrease. Therefore we agree with the argument Letki makes on social inequality affecting social cohesion – ‘Individual-level deprivation, regardless of one’s ethnic background, limits opportunities to participate in social life and exercise civic rights and neighbourhood deprivation is associated with po or living conditions and disorder’ (Letkin, 2008, p. 101). It is also important to name a few solutions that could be used to increase social trust levels in a community. Firstly, we need to mobilise people to engage. Mobilisation is a very consistent influence on civic engagement. People who are asked to undertake a particular action are more likely to be civically active than those who are not, particularly if they are asked by a close acquaintance. Therefore, people respond most readily to requests from friends and family. But failing that, they are also responsive to requests from more distant acquaintances – better to be asked than not to be asked at all (Pattie, et al., 2003, p. 461). Also people also need to be persuaded to take more actions inside a community, as Putnam suggests it seems that encouraging people to join clubs, societies and voluntary organisations helps engender some form of civic action. Social trust is often emerged through collective activism, as individuals interact more with each other in any kind of socia l activity they become more familiar and confident with the surroundings and other individuals around them. Bibliography Halperin , S. Heath, O., (2012) Political Research: Methods and Pratical Skills. 1st ed. New York: Oxford University Press. Letkin, N., (2008) Does diversity erode social cohesion? Social capital and Race in British neighbourhoods. Political studies , 56(1), pp. 99-121. Pattie, C., Seyd, P. Whiteley, P., (2003) Citizenship ad Civic Engagement: Attitudes and Behaviour in Britain. Political Studies, 51(3), pp. 443-466. Putnam , R., (2000) Bowling Alone: The collapse and revival of American community. 1st ed. New York : Simon Schuster Paperbacks. Stolle , D., Soroka, S. Johnston, R., (2008) When Does Diversity Rrode Trust? Neighbourhood Diversity, Interperonal Trust and Mediating Effect of Social Interaction. Poltiical Studies, 56(1st), pp. 56-71. 1

The Effectiveness of a Multicultural and Bilingual Education Essay

The Effectiveness of a Multicultural and Bilingual Education 1 There is a lot of controversy concerning our public educational programs. Opinions and lifestyles differ; [-- often] Often what is beneficial for one group of people is counterproductive for another group. Educational issues are complex and sensitive; [-- therefore] Therefore, we must analyze both sides of the issue before we make a decision. Two controversial issues in today's public educational program are multicultural and bilingual education. 2 Some experts believe there are many benefits we, as Americans, can experience in a multicultural education. James A Banks states; "An education that reflects the experiences of a nation across its racial, gender and socioeconomic boundaries-benefits all students." (96) [This is from the book editor, not from Banks.] Banks is a professor and director of the Center for Multicultural Education at the University of Washington in Seattle. [Put this before the quotation.] He also believes that an important goal should be to educate students so they can participate successfully in the workforce and in their civic communities to help the nation actualize ideals such as justice, equality and freedom (Banks 97). Studies show that student participation and test scores are increased when taught with group-oriented strategies consistent with their community cultures. Research indicates [whose authority?] students from diverse ethnic backgrounds do better in school when they have a better un derstanding of each other?s cultures (Banks 99). 3 Gena Dagel Caponi associate professor of American Studies at the University of Texas in San Antonio states; "Studying any one part of us does not divide us, it educates us. Occ... ...reenhaven Press Inc. 2000. 101-102. Chavez, Linda. "The Dangers Of Multiculturalism." Reprinted in: Williams, Mary E. ed. Are Multicultural Approaches Good For Education? Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego. Greenhaven Press Inc. 2000. 106. Chavez, Linda. "Bilingual Education Is A Failure." Reprinted in: Williams, Mary E. ed. Are Multicultural Approaches Good For Education? Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego. Greenhaven Press Inc. 2000. 130-134. ["Bilingual" goes before "Dangers"] Famularo, Thomas J. "Multicultural Education Is Counterproductive." Reprinted in: Williams, Mary E. ed. Are Multicultural Approaches Good For Education? Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego. 2000. 103-108. Garcia, Ofelia. "Bilingual Education Is Beneficial." Reprinted in: Williams, Mary E. ed. Are Multicultural Approaches Good For Education? Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego. 2000. 126-129.

Sin, Guilt and Shame in The Pardoners Tale Essay -- The Canterbury Ta

   Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Pardoner's Tale," a relatively straightforward satirical and anti-capitalist view of the church, contrasts motifs of sin with the salvational properties of religion to draw out the complex self-loathing of the emasculated Pardoner. In particular, Chaucer concentrates on the Pardoner's references to the evils of alcohol, gambling, blasphemy, and money, which aim not only to condemn his listeners and unbuckle their purses, but to elicit their wrath and expose his eunuchism. Chaucer's depiction of the Pardoner in "The General Prologue" is unsparing in its effeteness; he has "heer as yelow as wax/ But smoothe it heeng as dooth a strike of flex/ By ounces heenge his lokkes that he hadde...But thinne it lay, by colpons, oon by oon" (677-681). The pale, lanky qualities of his hair relate to his androgynous makeup, and the repetition of "heeng" ironically foreshadows his castration. Further hints of the Pardoner's being a eunuch, such as "A vois he hadde as smal as hath a goot/ No beerd hadde he, ne never shold have," are interspersed between description of his "feined flaterye and japes" that accompany his selling of false relics (707). The assumption can be drawn that the Pardoner's status as a man is also one of "feined flaterye and japes," that he relies on words to compensate for what he considers a body as fraudulent as his relics. In this sense, the relics become a substitute for the Pardoner's loss of masculinity, yet also a symbol of his incompleteness. The Pardoner's need to flaunt them corresponds with his desire to boast of his hypocrisy, a preemptive, self-deprecating strike that ensures future resentment from his audience: "Thus can I preche again that same vice/ Which th... ... I wol thee helpe hem carye./ They shal be shrined in an hogges tord" (664-7). The Pardoner is speechless, and his repressed motive to expose the direct connection between his relics and his testicles is finally made by someone else. After the knight restores tranquillity, it leads one to wonder whether the Pardoner's underlying intent may have been to expiate his guilt and face his shame.    Works Cited and Consulted Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales in The Riverside Chaucer. General Ed. Benson, Larry D. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1987.   Pichaske, David R.  Ã‚  Ã‚   "Pardoner's Tale." The Movement of the Canterbury Tales: Chaucer's Literary Pilgrimage.   New York:   Norwood Editions, 1977   Rossignol, Rosalyn.  Ã‚   "The Pardoner's Tale."   Chaucer A to Z: The Essential Reference to His Life and Works.  Ã‚   New York:   Facts On File, Inc., 1999   

Technology Is Changing Education :: essays research papers fc

Technology is Changing Education The best method for improving educational standards is to utilize every tool available, including state-of-the-art technology. Computers and the Internet have expanded the way in which education can be delivered to the students of today. Today's networking technologies provide a valuable opportunity to the practice of learning techniques. Educators are discovering that computers and multi-based educational tools are facilitating learning and enhancing social interaction. Computer based telecommunications can offer enormous instructional opportunities, but educators will need to adapt current lesson plan to incorporate this new medium into all the classrooms. The only problem is that some of today's schools are hindered by an under-powered technology based curriculum and, in order to stay competitive, the American educational system must do a better job of integrating. Computers have made a fundamental change in most industries, providing a competitive advantage that has come to be essential to stay in business. Therefore, education must also use technology to improve the educational process instead of simply applying it to existing structures. School systems often consider acquiring an enterprise computer network, but justify its purchase by applying it to routine administrative tasks, or take period by period attendance. Although these tasks are important, they only represent a small part of what technology can do for an educational institution. Technology must go beyond just keeping attendance, it must focus on keeping students interested and productive. "Curriculum improvement is the best strategy to prevent dropouts; technology is especially useful in this regard" (Kinnaman 78). Technology can provide a unique and compelling curriculum resource, that challenges every student. The Clinton administration has taken steps towards improving educational standards via its "Goals 2000: Educate America Act of 1994" (Thornburg 23). However, several interpretations of the Act never mention the use of technology. Advocates of the Act need to realize that Internet linked computers can provide more current information than what is found in today's "exciting" textbooks. For example, science textbooks and history textbooks are notoriously out of date. In contrast, the Internet offers students a vast pool of current scientific data. Most of the time the Internet makes learning fun, unlike the plain fashion of the "almighty" textbook. Computers and other technology can also heighten the learning process by actively engaging students in the task of exploring data. Some students may be tempted to simply download information from the Internet that does not have anything to do with a particular subject that they were asked to research. This shows that the Internet may have a greater impact to education than to learn that information from a typical textbook. Since computers and the Internet have expanded the way with which