Will Robots Take Over Human Jobs

The eNotes Blog Tips for Encouraging Collaborative Learning in theClassroom

Tips for Encouraging Collaborative Learning in theClassroom How do we invite collaboration and teamwork into the classroom? It can seem easy on paper, but actually getting our students to be open minded about working together often proves more challenging. Collaborative learning gets students working together to solve problems and complete tasks- unlike the more traditional, isolated approach many of us have experienced. Collaborative learning helps students solve problems, ask more questions, and dive deeper into topics than they might on their own. In studying literature, these actions are imperative in getting to know a text. Let’s examine four tips on how to encourage students to share ideas and make the classroom a welcoming, open space for all. 1) Encourage Expression of Individual Perspectives Picture a socratic seminar, that discussion style many students dread. One student builds up the nerve to make an observation to the rest of the class and is immediately shot down. Maybe her peers disagree with the observation or aren’t used to interacting with ideas that don’t come straight from the text or the teacher. Next, imagine a student who takes a chance on an assigned essay and offers an unconventional view. However, her grade suffers because either the teacher found it too perplexing or the student did not have an opportunity to express her ideas earlier. In order to foster individual perspectives and avoid these situations, it’s important to establish our classrooms as safe spaces for expressing thoughts and ideas- no matter what. This is especially important when discussing subjective questions, which, as we need to emphasize, have no clear answer.   Let’s take this further. If we create the right environment to encourage students to express themselves, they’ll feel more comfortable with ambiguity. This will encourage them to think creatively as opposed to attempting to find the conventional answer. As physicist Albert Einstein said, â€Å"If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.† 2) Allow All Voices- Even the Quiet Ones- to Be Heard Some students consider class discussions their worst-nightmares. While others have no problem speaking up and sharing ideas, these students may suffer from some serious stage fright. We have to keep this in mind when planning discussions. Make sure all students have the chance to be heard, but include different kinds of participation activities that may be more encouraging for your most timid students. One solution is to simply break up classroom-wide discussions into smaller ones of 3-4 students. We really enjoy activities that allow students time to reflect, discuss with a partner, and then share with a small group or the class. Scaffolding discussions in this way allows all students the opportunity to contribute at multiple levels. 3) Encourage the Sharing of Ideas When asked to analyze a text, most of us have felt the pressure to discover the hidden meanings and wisdom of the author- often alone and without resources. This pressure on all of us to come up with unique, original ideas on our own is damaging because it inhibits creativity and can harm learning. The reality is that collaboration helps us come up with better, more functional ideas because it gives us multiple starting points and perspectives to learn from. By using annotation tools like Google Docs  or Hypothes.is, students can â€Å"piggyback† off one others’ annotations and thoughts with their own. This allows them to build off of one another’s ideas, creating a productive environment for discussing texts. 4) Emphasize That There Are Many Correct Answers Since our classrooms should be open-minded spaces for discussion and idea-sharing, we also need to make it clear that in discussing literature, there are few wrong answers- in fact, there are often many correct answers when analyzing a text. If teachers and students alike have a mutual understanding of this, students will feel more comfortable sharing new ideas. This understanding helps clarify how important it is to emphasize that each student’s ideas are valid. This is not to say that students cannot disagree with one another; disagreement can spark rich discussions, as well. However, consider pointing out that some answers can be insufficient. For example, if an argument lacks evidence in the text, that’s something to discuss. Focus on demonstrating how a student can improve her work rather than telling her she’s outright wrong; this damages student-teacher relationships and hurts students’ inclination to share in discussions in the future.

Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 13

Case Study Example With the focus in increasing productivity and to improve cost efficiency, he has the duty to ensure that there is a proper customer service to attract more customers and retain them. High employee turnover can greatly affect businesses and can lead to low productivity levels. People should be allowed to work and in an event of bad conduct, the root cause should be known in good time and corrective measures taken before suspending or firing. Un-motivated worker may be unhappy with their job. They always feel overworked, under-appreciated and poorly paid and in turn. These can eventually lead to negative attitude and behavior towards work like those that were witnessed in Sally at her place of work. For the management to tactfully deal with her case, she should be informed of the organization’s mission and target to be achieved in the best way through the use of better communication skills. She should be given a brief job description to help her know what is expected of her and what she is accountable of. Sally should get motivated by simply being allowed to contribute and bring new ideas for improvement to the table and to have input in the whole process. This brings a sense of ownership in the business. She should get enrichment in form of skill-building and training through workshops to let her work independently with less supervision. Good performance in an organization is based on the workforce productivity that ensures the employees work more efficiently and effectively to have the same results at the end. To improve the store performance, Bill should offer employees training to improve their knowledge and skills. Bill should ensure that he instill into his employees the knowledge of team discipline, to make them work as a group towards achieving the set goals. They should be given equipment and new technology to

International Trade and Comparative Advantage Essay

International Trade and Comparative Advantage - Essay Example In the short run, farmers may be able to gain profits from planting tobacco but it must be kept in mind that the buyers of their crop are a very specialized group of companies. In the long run, their product can not be sold to everyone since even a smoker would have little use for raw tobacco unless it has been refined, packaged and sold as a finished product. This means that with time, the tobacco companies will be able to dictate the price at which they will buy tobacco or not. Additionally, if the farmer has taken a loan from the tobacco company then the dependency of the farmer on the company is doubled. The company will be able to push the price downwards or ask the farmer to bring more area under the cultivation of tobacco. In domestic terms, since the farmer will not be producing as much food crop, the prices of other food items would be expected to rise due to their relative scarcity. This comes across as a negative practice but for the tobacco companies, this is smart business which is not blocked by the American government (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2006). Acme Motors makes engines in the Nuevo Laredo facility simply because the assembly and manufacture of engine parts is much cheaper in the region. Engine assembly is an extremely labor intensive process and since labor is not that expensive in the region the overall cost of the engine is lowered. The other parts which are bolted on to the engine to complete the car are handled with automated robots to a large extent therefore the engines can be shipped back across the border to finalize the production of the car in America. This is a part of the international trade that is supposed to bring a better understanding for people around the globe and improve the human condition (UNCITRAL, 2006). Acme motors gains two significant advantages with this situation. First, the cost of

African-American History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

African-American History - Essay Example Larsen, in her novel attempts to sketch out the Reconstruction Era through the portrayal of the two different, light skinned American African Women, Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield. Clare and Irene were childhood friends who get together after a long time sharing their bitter experiences of being born as Negroes, denied of basic rights, try to find out comfort and consolation each other. Clare and Irene were born in mixed ancestries with light skinned complexion which later adversely affecting the free flow of their life and arise the question of existence in them. The novel raises many questions on various themes like identity crisis, race, lies, sexuality and jealousy. While reading through the novel, the readers understand that the novel obviously reflecting the views of the young African Americans who are wedged with their light skinned complexion and are searching for their lost identity. The era of Reconstruction was notable for the imminent changes it brought out in the percep tions of people, especially their perception to slavery and black people. The novel mainly focuses on the ‘passing’ of the members of one class to that of the other by the illusion that this ‘pass’ will bring tremendous changes to their life and social status. The story of the novel moves on through two female characters—Clare Kendy and Irene Redfield. The novel begins with Irene reading the letter of her childhood friend, Clare. The reading of the letter enables the readers to understand the character of Clare, when Irene recollects thus; â€Å"There had been, even in those days, nothing sacrificial in Clare Kendry’s idea of life, no allegiance beyond her own immediate desire (Larsen 2).† These words clearly express the attitude of the African American people who were totally dejected and depressed after the Civil War. Irene adds that Clare was selfish, and cold, and hard. But even then she had kept with her a strange capacity of transforming warmth and

Analysis Of The Oil Industry In Nigeria

Analysis Of The Oil Industry In Nigeria Oil and gas (OG) exploration and production (EP) nowadays need immediate thought of a range of economic, social, political, and environmental concerns. As energy requires keep on growing, OG companies should locate and produce growing quantities of oil and gas. Although doing so require more than merely ramping up production from traditional sources, to carry out good marketing strategy analysis and research you would need one of the marketing tools which is PEST model in accessing the oil and gas environment and have an overview and understanding market growth or decline, business position, potential and direction for operations Competition in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria is very intense and competitive over the year there has been lots of international company lobbing to be able to export crude for refining and bring in back to the country but that has proved impossible as the NNPC is run and controlled by the Nigerian government and it accounts for about 70 % of the government revenue and 40% of the country revenue the threat is minimum but there is much pressure on them as they lose a lot in export crude and they determine the price, which most oil and gas companies in Nigeria are trying to change that the government give other respected company license to export crude for refining and bring in back to the country for sale cause only few player can only bring in refined crude and are subject to quantity and cannot export crude. In recent times competition in the global oil and gas industry has been increasing rapidly due to globalisation. Mergers and acquisitions between major players have been tak ing place with a view to improving their competitive edge and strengthening their position in this industry Political factors Political issue has always been an issue in the oil rich state in Nigeria, there has been political instability in the oil rich region where the fuel is being extracted, as the government officials are corrupt and refuses to develop and enforce strict system that works in cleaning up of the oil spillage, this had bring up unrest in the region as the youth in the area has picked on arms and militancy kidnapping for ransom blowing up of oil pipe line and engage in oil bunkeries, this has affected oil production and transportation and has much effect on NNPC as is crude and oil production has gone to a record low. The political unrest needs to be addressed if the government wants smooth flow of oil and peace in the region. Economic factors The economical break down in the world affected every part of the world and the oil industries, and the Nigeria banks is undergoing reform as the central bank of Nigeria listed about eight banks in the country of un serviced loan and debts, and with the sacking of directors of eight to banks in Nigeria this has sent a shocking wave to the banking industries and are refusing to give out loan to companies and individual, even the oil marketers obtaining a loan in the banks have become problem, the refusal of banks to fund importation of products and the alleged inability of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to pay for products it received from its foreign suppliers of crude, has affected the country economy as there is scarcity of fuel for consumer lots of cues in stations. This is affecting the economy as the prices and black market luming businesses cant operate properly. Social factors The 21st century has witnessed a growing Nigerian economy, various projects are ongoing in Nigeria with solid infrastructures. This economic growth is having a huge impact on the Nigerian people; many Nigerians can now afford cars, both used and new. Many Nigerian are now moving to a cleaner source of energy to cook, which is natural gas. This economic growth mean that more Nigerians are driving leading to a higher number in the demand of energy compared to the past decade. The social factor is a good level of improvement that the NNPC need to base and use the advantages in and bringing in new market and improving existing products. Technology Technology is a major issue in the Nigeria industries and especially the oil and gas industries the refineries we have in Nigeria has been built since the 1970s and has not been improved and still lack a lot of new technologies and that why it has not been in operation over a decade. Improving in the technology aspect will be a good thing if the country goes into technology revolution as this will bring in new ideals and new technology in the operation of crude and the introduction of LNG liquefied natural gas which has been the world focus lately as an alternative to fuel. There has been major growth and improvement in technology as a whole in the country which will bring positive influences in NNPC and the oil industry as a whole cause it will help in maximising profit and efficiency. The oil and gas industry The oil and gas industry is a key part of the economic growth in Nigeria, the industry is very competitive and a bit risky, and the room for new entrant to the market is very tough and exploiting as the industry is a bit corrupt obtaining a license is very hard as well as being a major player in the industry is very tough, because NNPC is the biggest player in the industry in the country it tends to hold it self up with government policies. But NNPC still need to work hard in keeping it customers and in other to do that they have built various petrol stations in the country. New entrants to the market The energy industry is oligopoly at the upstream level, where as in the downstream level it could be said to be a perfect competition because there are many buyers and sellers and consumers are willing to pay a price for the products. NNPC to some extent determine the price but to the public no organisation can determine the price it. The industry is complex yet delicate; entry into the industry in the upstream sector is difficult while in the downstream it is fair to some extent but still difficult to obtain license. Product life cycle of oil The oil life cycle is said to be 50 years more to many analyst, as demand for energy continues to grow, new sources of oil and gas (OG) must be found and produced. Challenges for exploration and production (EP) today and into the foreseeable future include the deployment of new or newly adapted EP technologies, evolving environmental laws and regulations that vary among (and within) nations, socioeconomic concerns, and providing adequate returns to investors Environmental factors Environmental factor is a major issue in the world today as the issue of climate change is a major concern the oil and gas industry which is one of the worst polluters of c02 emission , the world is undergoing transformation to a low carbon economy which is switching to bio-fuel, and LNG, NNPC has always taking this into consideration but has not taking drastically some steps in making sure that is a major player in the transformation of Natural Gas/LNG will play a crucial role in enabling transition to a low carbon economy a goal accepted by the international community. For this to happen a global competitive gas market is in the interests of all stakeholders. It is therefore felt that the role of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum will be very crucial in enabling a global and competitive gas market and it will only grow in stature and importance as a cartel which NNPC would be a key player. And is working to have a big market on LNG. Introduction of new marketing strategy and how it will implemented with NNPC. First before bringing a new marketing plan and strategy you would need to carry out a SWOT analysis of NNPC, in other for us to determine the strength, weakness, opportunity and threats, after access this factors we would make a recommendation and implementation of the four marketing P and marketing mix. SWOT analysis of NNPC Strength NNPC has been operating for a long time is main strength is that it is being backed and run by the government. Secondly it is the only company that is allowed to export crude for refining and bring it back to the country before distribution to marketers, it almost work with all the oil company in Nigeria and have six joint venture with foreign companies. NNPC has a play a big part in determination of the price in Nigeria, NNPC has various subsidiaries including petrol stations. And NNPC has a good brand name and has been working hard in improving its process and products. Weakness NNPC has lots of weakness first it needs to work on its refinery as this has stop working for over a decade that is why they resulted in exporting crude for refining and import back to the country, if they fix the refinery it will save cost, risk of transportation as well as NNPC making on lost on the bye products of refining process which they would make lots of money from and open a new market. Secondly poor management decision and selfish interest from the government officials in charge of overseeing NNPC affairs. They donà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢t have penetration in the foreign market. Opportunity With the current state and stage of the market NNPC has lots of opportunity if only they could reinstall its refinery. An oil refinery or petroleum refinery is an industrial process plant where crude oil is processed and refined into more useful petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt base, heating oil, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas. NNPC would have lots on market on those waste product listed above which they are losing by exporting crude for refining. And also would make them a key player in the transformation to a low carbon economy if they increase is market on LNG and refine is product in the country. And this will increase its revenue and the country economical impact will be more as it will provide more jobs and safety to the public. Threats The threats in the oil industry anywhere in the world is always very intensive, like the global climate change which is one of the most threat forcing companies to try and find another market in the oil industries, this will lead to decline in production of crude as well as reducing profit. Secondly it is been speculated that oil has reached its picked and is got about 50years left before it goes dry, that is anither threat which means NNPC should be looking for other market apart from fuel and kerosene importation. Another major threat is Ghana which has just discovered fuel on its soil, if Ghana build a refinery with new technology and international standard it will increase the threat of other oil companies breaking a deal to extract and import crude to Nigeria. The main purpose of the SWOT analysis is to turn weaknesses into strengths, turn strengths into opportunities, use our strengths to profit from our opportunities. Action plans After carefully looking at the affair and doing a research on NNPC and with the swot analysis looking at its opportunity and is weakness NNPC has a refinery which was built in the 1970s but has stopped working due poor management decision and selfish interest from the government officials in charge of overseeing NNPC affairs poor maintenance culture and policy outdated nature of the technology used in designing the plants ( they where actually designed in the late 70s) employment of the wrong personnel to handle operation process. My action plan is for NNPC to invest more in reinstallation of refineries across the country, cause they have the resources and ability to do so and this will lead to them to invest a considerable amount of funds into the development of the Nigerian economy by assisting existing or abandoned government projects; a new department will be created in the organisation to support environmental issues that will help protect the earth. We will use our strong brand and credible repetition to create opportunities in the Nigerian market to carry out our already laid out objectives, these strengths will allow us profit from our opportunities. Marketing mix (marketing strategy) In all the elements used in marketing strategy, the marketing mix which is also known as the strategic tools or controllable variables play a major role. This is because it involves price, place, promotion and product. These are the major elements a company needs to improve the demand of its goods and to target its customers (Philip Kotler, 2008). Product The product being introduced in the marketing is a proposal to reinstall its refining plant and improves its technology with modern technology and sophisticated equipment with better and efficient maintenance culture, by doing this will be help NNPC to reduce cost of exportation of crude, the introduction of new products lost from the refining of crude products abroad, like gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt base, heating oil, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas, being LNG is one of the fastest growing alternative of fuel which NNPC can hold a strong ground by investing more on it and by doing so NNPC would be reaching out to the public and main consumers and helping the environment this will make it well recognize internationally. Prices This is the sum of money that is required for the purchase of products or services or the equivalent in value which customers are willing to offer for a given product or service. A price tag cannot be fixed because as at the time carrying out this research there was know much information released by NNPC on its current tag on LNG product, the price of reinstallation of its new technology and new refining will cost millions of dollars which the Nigeria NNPC and the government can fund if they agree to work together and ignore selfish interest and they would make the money back in just a year of running a standard refinery and would increase its revenue by 50% in 3 years. And this will reduce the prices of petroleum products and other products Placement The placement or location of refinery is already settled as NNPC has about 2 refinery abandoned and not functioning which all they need to do is reinstallation and improved technologies in other to make its supply chain more effective and faster which they have a marketing system in place to facilitate distribution of products if refined from the country, i think there might be a new installation of refinery in the east in other not to cause tribal conflicts. Promotions This a very important aspect of the marketing P this is because it helps in promoting the proposal and new product introduction and the way it would improve the economy and the environment as a whole so it can come into effect with is new product and the public would by the ideal and know its purpose this can be done by using various means of communication and enlighten them on changes before the proposal/product would come into effect, after then which the product would sell it self as NNPC is a branding on its own all it needs to do is sell it to the government and the public by all the forms of media available in Nigeria, news papers, radio, internet and mobile phones. An aggressive campaign will be lunched directly targeting all consumers at all levels and the government especially , this will be very essential to the marketing plan because this type of product is a reintroduction of its kind in Nigeria. It is important that the lunch is perfect because the first perception of th is product will determine its success in the Nigerian energy market. Implementation of action plan To implement the action plan and swot analysis and marketing Ps NNPC would have to introduce the following which are continues training, quality function development, transparency supervision, negotiators, management system that works. Training Training is essential because this is a reintroduction of a product/proposal which will need specialist in that field in other for it not to go wrong, and training process should be un going at least every 6 months in other for staffs to be well educated and understand its need, and schools should be giving training in other for them to carry more research on transformation to a low carbon economy by introduction of refining crude product in Nigeria and how it will affect the economy growth and job opportunity. Incentive This is possible in this kind of situation in other to market this proposal it will need a bit of incentive which is assuring the public that it will employ more Nigerians than bringing in experts from abroad which will mean most of them will be sent abroad for training, secondly offer the government a target of increase revenue in 3years after start of operation and promise marketers and distributors price cut and more investment on alternative fuel (LNG) and there would be more market of other products to be introduced and follow immediately refining starts. Management information systems Managing the progress of the product will be essential; this will allow us to manage the product efficiently so that areas which are lacking will be improved on. Managing a new product is as important as developing the product itself Contingencies Contingencies plan is always a key part of a marketing plan this is because of uncertainty this because the oil industry is not stable as there are lot of players and top people in the government running other oil companies and would not benefit more if NNPC starts refining crude products in Nigeria as most of them are owners of oil vessel and stuff just incase it fall short of government target i think it would rely on the public and the Nigeria Labour Congress who will be a key player in the transformation and communication to the public. Control of procedures Control of this procedures and introduction of this new process is essential in other for NNPC to be able to manage and monitor this transformation and evaluates its performance based on sales of product and impact it has on the economic growth, it will need to monitor its other subsidiaries and ensure it goes through proper review and new management process so it can be transparent in its dealings in other to be able to get feedback from marketers and distributors and consumers especially who are the main priority. The information received from these processes will allow us to make any necessary corrections and alterations to ensure that the product is being supplied to the right segment of the market with the most demands. Conclusion Why going through my research on NNPC and writing a marketing plan i realise that NNPC is a bit corrupt this is because the government has more say in its appointment of top management officials it will be a bit hard for the introduction of new refinery as most of them would be protecting their selfish interest so would want to use every means possible in blocking the process but with the support of the public and top Nigerian officials who are interested in transparency and intend for democracy to take effect it will surely buy the heart of them and the public and the international community who has been worried why Nigeria could not have its own refinery rather than taking crude abroad before bring back to the country. If NNPC follow this marketing plan it would not just help its name but help the economy in bouncing back from recession and help employments and the countries reputation in the oil companies abroad. Recommendation I would recommend NNPC undergo a new management reform in other to be effective, it should privatise most of its subsidiaries so the government does not have much say in policy making and appointment of management team without political motivations.

Diversity of Online Communities Essay -- Technology Internet Games Ess

Diversity of Online Communities The article in U.S. News & World Report called "Go Play-On the Web" represents a community of virtual gamers on the Internet. These games are a lot more complex than the online gaming of the past. When these people that belong to this particular community log on to the net they are interacting with each other in huge 3-D virtual worlds. Some of these games focus on a particular subject like playing virtual game shows with others on the net. Some of the new games that are just recently being released are far more complex. One of these new more complex games is called "Motor City Online". Motor City Online is a game where people buy old muscle cars and customize them to their own personal specifications. When they are ready they can go out to the virtual races and race other people that are logged on to the game. Although most people like to race cars what makes this game unique is the fact that people can do a lot more in this game than just race cars. Some people spend their time bro wsing the car actions and buying cars cheap, then they strip the cars down in order to sell the parts to other people online and make a profit. Other people find a niche in the game as a mechanic helping others find the best and cheapest parts for their street rods. These are just a few of the roles that a person can play in this game. I think the fact that you can assume so many different roles in games like Motor City Online makes it unique. To me these types of games seem to be more than just games but they are almost a virtual life that some people live in the spare time. When they log on to these games they are taking positions in jobs in these worlds such as Race car drivers, Mechanics, Promoters, and Auctione... ...of the Internet say that the net is a dangerous place for people to spend their time because there are so many horrible people and things that users can be exposed to on the net. I don't agree with this at all I think that the Internet is very similar to real life. The Internet can be what ever each individual user wants it to be. It all depends on what communities that people chose to go online and be apart of. It takes a lot longer to find a community online than it does in real life but there is a community online for everyone. I think the critics of the Internet just haven't spent enough time browsing for a place where they feel comfortable. Works Cited Reingold, Howard "The Heart of the WELL" Composing Cyberspace Ed. Phillip A. Butcher Boston: Mc Graw Hill 1998 151-163 Terrell, Kenneth "Go Play- on the Web" U.S. News & World Report Sept. 2001: 78-80