Online learning and cultural issues Research Paper

Online learning and cultural issues - Research Paper Example Also effect sizes were found to be larger for studies that had the online instruction as collaborative or instructor-directed, as compared to those where online learners worked independently. Student learning outcomes were least impacted in the way in which various studies conducted online learning. Across various content and learner types, the effectiveness of the approaches of learning online appears to be massive. Another research of experimental and semi-experimental studies that compares various types of online learning standards report that candidate learning is usually comparable in both distance learning and face to face learning if a study compares a mixture of both to purely online conditions. It also concludes that objects such as video feed or online tests do not seem to impact the amount that students tend to learn in online classes. Online learning can be made effective by giving students control of their interactions with media and requesting for learner interaction as well. When a couple of students group together to learn online, support techniques such as guiding queries usually impact the way students interact, but does not influence the amount they learn (Means, et al., 2010). There were about half a dozen studies conducted from 1989-2004 that actually met the criteria for experimental validation to compare online and traditional courses. Based on this, the National Survey of Student Engagement research concluded that online learners have deeper approaches to learning as compared to classroom-based learners and they also claim to have experienced better use of polished thinking skills, combine thinking process and reflective learning (Susan and Allison, 2009). Another study describes strategies to build and maintain online learning communities. They suggest the effectiveness of setting aims, tasks and their results, role of an instructor, enhancing social comfort and scaffolding. The issues they addressed were cultural and individual differe nces, verbalization, and intimidation of technical skills to operate and interact online. They conclude by suggesting not to expect a radical change overnight to address the issues but further research on overcoming the issues from both the instructor’s end and the learners’ end (Ruth and Wing, 2002). Applications: There are many applications in use today for e-learning. They all emphasize in providing the qualities that would provide ease in communication and to bridge gaps between the student and teacher by employing effective techniques. eFront is the most widely used as it provides features to instructors as creating and managing lectures via visual content editors that support images, video and sound. It also provides a file sharing space which is organized by a file manager. It also provides the flexibility to assign assignments and generate surveys. Another tool is Moodle and its popularity is attributed to the fact that it is open source. Apart from course mana gement features, it provides support for chat between teachers and students. Dokeos is a tool that provides video conferencing capability along with chat and course management features. Claroline is the only tool to be translated in 35 other languages. It

Portlend Cancer Center Case Essay Example for Free

Portlend Cancer Center Case Essay The model calculates the NAL (or NPV) and IRR of the lease for both parties on the basis of relevant input data. The invoice price and lease rental payments must be the same for both parties, but the other input variables may be different for each party. The model also examines the differential profitability to the lessee between conventional and per procedure leases. The model consists of a complete base case analysisno changes need to be made to the existing MODEL-GENERATED DATA section. However, all values in the student version INPUT DATA section have been replaced with zeros. Thus, students must determine the appropriate input values and enter them into the model. These cells are colored red. When this is done, any error cells will be corrected and the base case solution will appear. Note that the model does not contain any risk analyses, so students will have to create their own if required by the case. Furthermore, students must create their own graphics (charts) as needed to present their results. Both instructor and student versions contains a sheet (Figure 1) that plots lessees NAL, lessors NPV, and total contract value versus the size of the lease payment.

Co-Occurring Disorders and Behavioral Health Services

Co-Occurring Disorders and Behavioral Health Services Jasmina Vuksanovic Co-Occurring Disorders and Behavioral Health Services Co-occurring disorders exist â€Å"when at least one disorder of each type can be established independent of the other and is not simply a cluster of symptoms resulting from a single disorder.†1 It has also been defined as the co-occurrence of â€Å"two or more psychiatric disorders.†2 Depending on the disorders involved, comorbidity may be homotypic, which involves disorders from the same diagnostic group, such as alcohol use and drug use, or heterotypic, which involves disorders from different diagnostic groups, such as alcohol use and depression.2 Prevalence and Demographic Factors Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent mental disorders in the United States, affecting approximately 6.7% of U.S adults each year.3 Alcohol use disorder (AUD), defined as both alcoholism and harmful drinking, is also prevalent in the United States and often co-occurs with MDD. AUD affects approximately 17 million Americans each year.4 Although research has not established a definitive etiological risk factor for both MDD and AUD, there are several proposed theories as to the association between these two disorders. Studies have shown that depressive symptoms may emerge during periods of heavy drinking and withdrawal.5 Continued heavy alcohol use may be a precursor to stressful life events, which in turn increases the risk of depression.5 Conversely, individuals battling depression are likely to drink heavily in order to cope with the depression, which in turn increases the risk of developing AUD.5 Among those with AUD, women have higher depression than men, as do Whites, compared to racial and/or ethnic minorities.5 In the general population, alcohol dependent men have a 24.3% lifetime prevalence of major depression, whereas alcohol dependent women have a 48.5% lifetime prevalence of major depression.5 In clinical samples, the lifetime rates of co-occurrence for women range from 50% to 70%.5 Co-occurrence of AUD a nd MDD is also associated with increased morbidity, mortality, functional impairment, and risk of suicide.6 Another co-occurring disorder of interest is schizophrenia and substance use disorder. Schizophrenia is a chronic illness associated with hallucinations and disorganized behavior, while the most common substances of abuse are alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine.1 Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of Americans, and approximately 50% of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia also suffer from a co-occurring substance use disorder.7 When compared to individuals who suffer from schizophrenia only, dually diagnosed individuals have lower adherence to treatment, increased risk of HIV, higher hospitalization rates, are more prone to violent behavior, and are more likely to commit suicide.7 Schizophrenia runs in the family. If one parent has schizophrenia, the risk of a child developing the disorder is 13%; if both parents have schizophrenia, the risk increases to 46%.8 Schizophrenia does not discriminate and affects men and women equally. Symptoms often begin between the ages of 16 and 30 and does not commonly occur in children or adults older than 45 years.8 Additionally, individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and a substance use disorder often experience onset earlier in their life than do those who suffer from schizophrenia only.8 Service Delivery Barriers and Strategies to Overcome These Barriers The fragmented health care system poses a huge barrier for individuals seeking care for co-occurring disorders. Due to this fragmentation, patients are not able to receive comprehensive and coordinated care for addiction services and mental health care. Of those struggling with co-occurring disorders, â€Å"8.5 % of individuals receive treatment for both disorders; 38.4 % receive treatment for one or the other disorder; and 53 % receive no treatment at all.†1 One strategy for overcoming this barrier is by integrating mental and physical health care delivery. Combining mental and physical health funds to pay for services would not only increase access to coordinated care, but it would streamline the coding and billing process through the use of common codes. It would also create a network of mental and physical health providers, who would all be responsible for well-being of each patient, thus encouraging coordinated care. A second barrier is the stigma associated with mental illness, which impedes help seeking. This barrier can be combated by educating patients about the resources available for treatment and the overall importance of a healthy mind and body. Businesses should do more to educate employees about mental health benefits, as many may not be familiar with them. Establishing behavioral health clinics, such as the WestBridge Clinic, would provide the compassionate care many individuals with co-occurring disorders are in need of and would likely encourage these individuals to seek treatment. A third barrier is one that is faced by Medicare patients as same day separate billing for mental health and medical care is not covered under Medicare.†1 With the oncoming demographic shift, this segment of the population cannot be ignored. Though this is a more difficult barrier to overcome, policy changes should be made to ensure the elderly have access to mental health services in the primary care setting. Increasing the scope of practice for clinical staff may be a feasible strategy for overcoming this barrier. Implications for Behavioral Health Throughout this course we have learned that organizational leaders and clinical staff must exhibit a certain level of commitment to providing quality care in order to effectively treat dually diagnosed individuals. As we see look at Accountable Care Organizations, the benefits of coordinated care become even more apparent. The ACA shifts the focus to evidence-based practices, which will become integral for more effective treatment and improvement in service delivery of co-occurring disorders. Adequate screening methods and health assessments by primary care providers are the first step in the treatment and recovery process1 and will undoubtedly lead to improved detection rates and treatment of dually diagnosed individuals. It is essential for clinicians to understand the epidemiology of all disorders a person is suffering from to ensure correct and effective treatment is received. Service delivery can be expected to improve with an increase in more knowledgeable clinical staff. Clini cians must be knowledgeable about possible interaction of the two disorders and how both can be treated, rather than just one. However, as long as stigma continues to surround the topic of mental health, there will continue to be hesitation by mentally ill individuals to seek treatment. As a society, we must take the necessary steps and encourage help seeking by those suffering from a mental illness.   References Levin BL, Hennessy KD, Petrila J (Eds.).Mental Health Services: A Public Health  Perspective, Third Edition.New York: Oxford University Press; 2010. Falk D, Yi H, Hiller-Sturmhofel S. An epidemiologic analysis of co-occurring alcohol and  drug use and disorders. Alcohol Research Health. 2008; 31(2): 100-110. National Institute of Mental Health. Available online at  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml. Accessed February 19 2014. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Available online at  http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-facts-and-statistics. Accessed February 19 2014. Conner KR, Pinquart M, Gamble SA. Meta analysis of depression and substance use among  individuals with alcohol use disorders. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. 2009; 37: 127-137. Riper H, Andersson G, Hunter SB, et al. Treatment of comorbid alcohol use disorders and  depression with cognitive-behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing: a meta-analysis. Addiction. 2013; 109: 394–406. Green AI, Noordsy DL, Brunette MF, et al. Substance abuse and schizophrenia:  Pharmacotherapeutic intervention. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. 2008; 34: 61– 71. National Institute of Mental Health. Available online at  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml. Accessed February 19 2014. QUESTION #3 Is Mental Health a Public Health Issue? Among U.S. adults age 18 years and older, an estimated 26 percent suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder each year, and for young adults, mental disorders are the leading cause of disability.1 Mental illness also bears a heavy burned on the global economy. The WHO estimates that 14% of the global disease burden is attributable to mental illness.2 Among the twenty most significant causes of disease burden worldwide are depression (3rd), alcohol use disorder (7th), bipolar disorder (12th), schizophrenia (14th), and substance abuse disorders (20th).2 Compared to all health expenditures, mental health and substance abuse expenditures have been decreasing since 1986, and are estimated to account for 6.9% of the nation’s health care expenditures in 2014.3 Mental illness increases the risk of developing a physical illness, communicable and non-communicable disease, and intentional and unintentional injury.2 To decrease prevalence of mental illness and its adverse effects on overall health of individuals, it is necessary to integrate mental health service delivery into the nation’s public health system. The public health system encompasses a broad array of topics, which creates opportunities for integration of mental health services through community education, epidemiologic surveys, health screening and assessment, ensuring adequate access to care, identifying risk factors and determinants of health, focusing on prevention and early intervention, and promoting sharing of information among health care providers.3 Traditionally, mental and physical health have been treated in two separate service delivery systems. However, majority of adults diagnosed with a mental disorder to not seek treatment, and those who do, seek treatment within the primary care sector, rather than a specialty behavioral health care sector.3 Integration of the mental and physical service delivery systems leads to better health outcomes in primary care, home health care, and long-term care setting, as well as increased mental health care access, rates of treatment, improved treatment adherence, enhanced clinical and functional outcomes, and greater cost-effectiveness.3 Among older adults suffering from depression, integration of physical and mental health services has shown a decrease in health care dollars spent on care, improved survival, and improved quality of life.1Among individuals suffering from substance abuse disorders, integrated care leads to lower â€Å"hospitalization rates, inpatient days, emergency room u se, and medical costs.†3 One example of an integrated health care delivery system is the Veterans Health Administration, the nation’s largest integrated health care system. Zeiss identified five key reasons for this integration. First, patients prefer to receive mental health care in the same setting as primary care, as they are most familiar and comfortable with their primary care provider.4 Second, primary care providers often fail to diagnose or misdiagnose a mental illness, especially in older patients who may have other health conditions.4 Integrating care can increase detection and accuracy of diagnosis. Third, patients are more likely to seek treatment for a mental illness when a diagnosis is determined in primary care and when care is available in the primary care setting.4 Of importance is the difficulty of primary care referral to mental health providers.4 Studies have shown an astounding 75% of patients fail to follow through with the referral and therefore do not get the mental health trea tment, whereas 90% receive treatment when it is provided by the primary care provider.4 Fourth, integrated care allows for information sharing among providers. Of highest importance is information relating to the patient’s diagnosis and treatment options. It allows both health providers to provide ongoing care and treatment to the patient, without overlap of information, or exchange of misinformation among the providers. Fifth, screening for mental illness in the primary care setting may lead to reduction in the stigmatization of mental illness as it will be viewed as one of many steps of a health assessment provided to all primary care patients.4 These findings have been echoed through other studies, as we have learned throughout the course of the semester. Implications for Behavioral Health Mental illness affects a significant proportion of the U.S. population and the importance of efficient treatment cannot be understated. Integrating mental health services into the traditional public health delivery system and increasing collaboration and information sharing among providers of different disciplines is a key aspect of delivering holistic care. Through course lectures, reading assignments, and videos, we have learned that populations at higher risk of developing a mental illness are more likely to delay treatment, or not seek treatment at all, receive lower quality care, and have higher rates of co-occurring illness and morbidity. The traditional health care model emphasizes preventive care and early treatment, which must be a primary focus for mental health services as well, in order to keep the population healthy, lower the prevalence of mental illness, and maintain an affordable health care system. The number of mental health facilities and organizations providing me ntal health services and treatment has decreased from 3,942 in 1990 to 3,130 in 2008,1 thus the need for integration is essential. In order to create a holistic healthcare system, we must break down the existing barriers between the mental and physical health care delivery sectors. References Levin BL. Week #3 Lecture: Mental Health Systems.2014. 1-11. Levin BL. Week #2 Lecture: Epidemiologic, Historical, Legislative Perspectives.2014: 4-  15. Levin BL, Hennessy KD, Petrila J (Eds.).Mental Health Services: A Public Health  Perspective, Third Edition.New York: Oxford University Press; 2010. Zeiss AM, Karlin BE. Integrating mental health and primary care services in the Department of  Veterans Affairs health care system. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings. 2008; 15:73–78.

Odysseus in The Hero and the Goddess and Calypso and Circe :: Goddess Calypso

Odysseus in The Hero and the Goddess and Calypso and Circe    Reflections on the experience of Odysseus as related to Jean Houston's The Hero and the Goddess: The Odyssey as Mystery and Initiation and Alicia LeVan's Calypso and Circe  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the lush, luxuriant island of Ogygia, Odysseus spends seven years of his ten year journey home with the beautiful seductive nymph Calypso, who virtually possesses him and compels him to live a sensual but vegetative existence.   For ten years, surrounded by men, he lived out the male heroic ideal of warrior, then spent several years further testing himself against otherworldly obstacles. In the process, he lost all of his companions, and has nothing left but the little that remains of himself. Here on Calypso's isle, he lives in paradise:    "Thick, luxuriant woods grew round the cave, alders, and black poplars, pungent cypress too, and there, birds roosted, folding their long wings, owls and hawks and the spread beaked ravens of the sea, black skimmers who make their living off the waves. And round the mouth of the cavern trailed a vine laden with clusters, bursting with ripe grapes. Four springs in a row, bubling clear and cold, running side-by-side, took channels left and right. Soft meadows spreading round were starred with violets, lush with beds of parsley. Why, even a deathless god who came upon that place would gaze in wonder, heart entranced with pleasure. Homer, The Odyssey, V:71-82, Fagles translation       Odysseus is now embraced by Mother Earth, in all her verdant fertility, and also living deep within caverns that are only reminiscent of the womb. For seven years, Calypso protects him from Poseidon's wrath. As the devoted and devouring mother, AND the seductive and engulfing mistress/lover, she is both what men most desire, and most fear.    Alicia LeVan wrote: Perhaps the 'necessity' he has for unity with the feminine, coupled with his yearning for home, (an embodiment of the feminine principle representing relationship, community, cooperation, and non-aggression) represents a need for integration of the feminine principle within his psyche after years of functioning in war, with the constant testosterone of destroying, killing, raping and surviving in the most   inhumane, strife torn, blood drenched, barren plains of Troy. After ten years of functioning as a killer and destroyer,he must heal his numbness and desensitivity by connecting with his feelings.

Fiction and Brother Leon Brought Essay

A Wife  is a story written by  Manuel Arguilla  about a man who comes home to his province to introduce his wife from the city to his family. This short story won first prize in the Commonwealth Literary Contest in 1940. Baldo  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ younger brother of Leon, fetched Leon and Maria from the road to Nagrebcan * Leon (or Noel)  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ older brother of Baldo who studied in Manila where he met his wife * Maria  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ the beautiful and stunning wife of Leon from Manila * Labang  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ the bull whom Baldo considers as his â€Å"pet† * Norman Tabios  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Maria’s ex-boyfriend who happened to be a loro * Gagambino  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Leon’s favorite fictional character who gave him lots of guts to study in Manila * Churita  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Labang’s girlfriend/fiance Baldo and his older brother Leon were both waiting for the arrival of their visitor riding the carretela. Seeing his brother’s wife, Baldo was easily taken away by the beauty of the woman from city as he narrates their journey to Nagrebcan. The idea of meeting with Leon’s parents for the first time made Maria a bit anxious. But along their way home, Maria discovered the peculiarities of the life in Nagrebcan as opposed to their life in the city where she met and fell in love with Leon. Summary: Exposition: Maria was the first one introduced in the story – the wife of the main character Leon. She first noticed Baldo, the brother of Leon; then Labang was introduced, the family bull. Complication: On the way, Maria expressed her fear – that their father might not like her. Conflict: Leon explained to Maria that their father is the mildest-tempered, gentlest man he knew. Climax: When they got home, their father did not welcome them. He was said to be in his room; â€Å"his leg is bothering him again. † Baldo saw his mother and sister Aurelia and Maria in the kitchen who seemed like crying. His father removed the roll of tobacco in his mouth when he saw Baldo and started†¦ [continues] â€Å"How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife,† is a short story written by the highly acclaimed Filipino writer Manuel Arguilla. This award-winning story is a long-standing favorite in Philippine literature. To examine this piece, the author’s background must first be considered. Formalistic, historical, and sociological approaches can also be utilized to analyze the story further. Prominent symbols and their interpretations will also be discussed. About Manuel Arguilla Manuel Arguilla was born to Crisanto Arguilla and Margarita Estabillo in Barrio Nagrebcan in Bauang, La Union on June 17, 1911. The Arguillas were a humble, hard-working family who farmed the small piece of land they owned to make a living. In school, Manuel was a sharp student who showed promise of being a brilliant writer at an early age. He graduated as salutatorian of his high school and then left La Union to study at the University of Philippines, where he would eventually earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Around the same time, he married fellow writer, Lydia Villanueva, and moved to Ermita, Manila. After college, he worked at the Bureau of Public Welfare and taught at the University of Manila. After working at the bureau for a few years, Arguilla was selected   to be the managing editor of The Welfare Advocate, the business’ newsletter. He served at the Bureau until 1943, when he was appointed to the Board of Censors. During this time, he was working at a Japanese propaganda agency and also as an agent of the Markings’ Guerillas, an anti-Japanese rebel movement. In 1944, the Japanese discovered Arguilla’s disloyalty and arrested him.

Foreign Market Entry Strategies Essay Essays

Foreign Market Entry Strategies Essay Essays Foreign Market Entry Strategies Essay Essay Foreign Market Entry Strategies Essay Essay When an organisation has made a determination to come in an abroad market. there are a assortment of options open to it. These options vary with cost. hazard and the grade of control which can be exercised over them. The simplest signifier of entry scheme is exporting utilizing either a direct or indirect method such as an agent. in the instance of the former. or countertrade. in the instance of the latter. More complex signifiers include foreign direct investings which may affect joint ventures. or export processing zones. Having decided on the signifier of export scheme. determinations have to be made on the specific channels. : Many agricultural merchandises of a natural or trade good nature usage agents. distributers or affect Government. whereas processed stuffs. whilst non excepting these. rely more to a great extent on more sophisticated signifiers of entree. These are discussed in this paper. The three chief ways are by direct or indirect export or production in a foreign state. Exporting Exporting is the most traditional and good established signifier of operating in foreign markets. Exporting can be defined as the selling of goods produced in one state into another. Whilst no direct fabrication is required in an abroad state. important investings in marketing are required. The inclination may be non to obtain as much elaborate selling information as compared to fabrication in marketing state ; nevertheless. this does non contradict the demand for a elaborate selling scheme. Here the fabrication is home based therefore. it is less hazardous than overseas based. Besides giving an chance to â€Å"learn† abroad markets before puting in bricks and howitzer. it besides reduces the possible hazards of operating overseas. Exporting methods include direct or indirect export. In direct exporting the organisation may utilize an agent. distributer. or abroad subordinate. or act via a Government bureau. The disadvantage is chiefly that one can be at the â€Å"mercy† of abroad agents and so the deficiency of control has to be weighed against the advantages. For illustration. in the exportation of African horticultural merchandises. the agents and Dutch flower auctions are in a place to order to manufacturers. Harmonizing to Collett3 ( 1991 ) exporting requires a partnership between exporter. importer. authorities and conveyance. Without these four coordinating activities the hazard of failure is increased. Contracts between purchaser and marketer are a must. Forwarders and agents can play a critical function in the logistics processs such as booking air infinite and set uping certification. Foreign direct investing Besides exporting. other market entry schemes include licencing. joint ventures. contract industry. ownership and engagement in export processing zones or free trade zones. Licensing: Licensing is defined as â€Å"the method of foreign operation whereby a house in one state agrees to allow a company in another state to utilize the fabrication. processing. hallmark. know-how or some other accomplishment provided by the licensor† . It is rather similar to the â€Å"franchise† operation. Coca Cola is an first-class illustration of licensing. In Zimbabwe. United Bottlers have the license to do Coke. Licensing involves small disbursal and engagement. The lone cost is subscribing the understanding and patroling its execution.