The Effect of Online English Courses for Teaching English Grammar on Essay

The Effect of Online English Courses for Teaching English Grammar on Distance Students' Achievement at the University of Dammam - Essay Example A Proposal Submitted as a Requirement for the PhD in Education. Introduction Since the 1990s, technological advances have led to an increase in the 'integration of web-based and web-enhanced resources into instructional practices' (Rodriguez, Ooms, Montanez &Yan, 2005). Considered the most effective technologies to change the face of education, computers and the internet have caused a revolution, forcing the reformulation of curricula and the way it is delivered (Ameneh, 2011). With this revolution and development in the medium of delivery and presentation of knowledge, an increase in lifelong learning has been observed (Medford, 2004). As a result of the increasing demand for learning at all levels of society and in many different circumstances, Saudi Arabia (S.A.) has started delivering online courses. In S.A., online learning has been used to offer learning opportunities to students who are unable to attend an institute for various reasons, e.g. on medical grounds, due to living i n remote areas, or because they are over 25 years old. Online learning has many advantages for students and also for faculties. For example, it offers learning opportunities at any time, in any location and in a way adapted to modern lifestyles (Perry & Pilati, 2011). It also provides extra time for the students to apprehend the material and understand more abstract concepts through the application of different types of media (Perry & Pilati, 2011; Rose & Billinghurst, 1996). Moreover, online learning has proved to have many positive effects on student behavior, motivation, communication, and achievement (Samuel & Baker, 2005), e.g. it can encourage students' creativity, problem-solving, communication, collaboration and self-learning skills (Ameneh, 2011). In what concerns benefits for faculties, online learning provides a chance to be purposeful in their teaching (Perry & Pilati, 2011). It is an opportunity of sharing workload amongst staff and can include collaboration with other faculties. Content may also be built and modified, while satisfying the needs of different learning styles (Tang & Byrne, 2007). Furthermore, faculties can manage students' progress more easily by using the different management tools applied in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to deliver the course. Taking into consideration the advantages mentioned above, it is understandable the increasing number of students in S.A., who have demanded online learning over the last few years. This process is also supported by companies' gradual acceptance of online degrees, and the universities that offer them. The University of Dammam (U.D.) in S.A. started delivering online courses in January, 2012 to distance students in 2, out of its 28 colleges. Currently, all the departments in the Arts College offer online degrees, except the English Language department. Faculties in the English department are reluctant to use online learning techniques. A reason for this reluctance is the belief that technology cannot support or replace face-to-face (F2F) learning and teaching methods. Findings of this research may give the chance for reconsideration of this reluctance. Research Problem and Objectives U.D. adopted Blackboard as their VLE in 2011 for all students, both on-campus and distance learners. U.D. offers a BA in English language due to the consideration of English as the

Macbeth by Shakespeare

Macbeth by Shakespeare Macbeth , written by Shakespeare, is a tragic play written around 1050 A.D. In this catastrophic play, the symbol of blood is mentioned differently several times. Shakespeare uses intricate imagery with the association of the word, blood. This specific word is significant because he uses the word creatively to develop the character of Macbeth and the unfortunate events that occur in the play. The word, blood, is mentioned about forty-two times and ironically the word, fear, also appears forty-two times in the play. As Macbeths character fluctuates throughout the play, the powerful emblematic meaning of the word, blood, changes from the beginning to the end as well. Once Macbeth and Lady Macbeth start their murderous journey, blood soon emerges into a symbol of their guiltiness. They both begin to feel that their appalling crimes have forever stained their lives. The first mention of blood seems to establish the significance of honor. Next, the second allusion of blood shows a terribl e example of betrayal. Lastly, the third reference of blood appears to establish the sense of guiltiness. Therefore, all of these different kinds of images of blood help develop the atmosphere and scene and as well contribute to the over all drama of the play. To begin with, the first allusion of blood in Macbeth is based upon honor. Near the beginning of the scene two in act one, a bleeding sergeant appears on the stage. It is known that Macbeth and the Scottish army defeated Macdonwalds army. The sergeant continues with his description of the battle and how Macbeth and Macbeths friend, Banquo fought bravely, â€Å"For brave Macbeth-well he deserves that name- / Disdaining fortune, with his brandishd steel / Which smokd with bloody execution, / Like valors minion carvd out his passage† (1.2.19-21). In this specific passage of the play, the allusion of blood is a symbol of bravery and courage. Heroic blood shed for a noble deed is known to be the good kind of blood. On the other hand, Macbeths character changes drastically throughout the unfortunate events in the play by the allegory of the blood he sheds. Before Duncans murder, Macbeth had a horrific vision of a dagger floating in the air in front of him, Macbeth describes intrica tely, â€Å"†¦and on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, / Which was not so before. Theres no such thing: / It is the bloody business which informs / Thus to mine eyes† (2.1.46-49). The blood imagery in this passage obviously refers to betrayal and murder. This is a dire contrast to what blood symbolized in the beginning of the play. Blood was once seen as a positive merit, but is now associated with the darkness of evil. This imagery also shows the beginning of Macbeths character transformation of nobility and bravery into treachery and evilness. After Macbeth murders Duncan, he begins to realize the severity of his crime as he tries to wash Duncans blood off his hands, Will all great Neptunes ocean wash this blood / Clean from my hand? No; this hand will rather / The multitudinous seas incarnadine, / Making the green one red. (Act II, Scene 2, Lines 71-75) This passage illustrates the act of murder has changed Macbeths character. No longer does the blood connote an image of ambition; it now symbolizes guilt, remorse, and an entry into the gates of hell from which no one can return. Macbeth laments that not even all the water in the ocean will wash the blood off his hands, he is beginning to realize the magnitude of his crime, and that he has done something truly evil. This same blood symbolism continues when Macbeth, shortly after he sees the ghost of the murdered Banquo at his feast, goes into a state of shock and has to be escorted back to his chamber by Lady Macbeth. He tells Lady Macbeth before he goes to sleep, All cau ses shall give way: I am in blood / Steppd in so far that, should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go oer: (Act III, Scene 4, Lines 159-161) Like her husband, the once ambitious Lady Macbeth finally realizes the significance of associating herself in the murder plot, and the severe repercussions it will bring. Tormented by nightmares, she sleepwalks through her bedroom and cries, What, will these hands neer be clean?†¦Heres the smell of the blood still: all the perfumes of / Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. (Act V, Scene 1, Lines 40, 46-47) The blood imagery exhibits Lady Macbeths guilt over Duncans murder. Her hallucinations of blood on her hands and her constant efforts to wash it off demonstrate that the agony of having guilty feelings is causing her to go insane. We later learn that this guilt strains her mind to the point that she commits suicide. We now find that Macbeth has entered so far into hell and the world of evil, it is impossible for him to return to righteousness. He will be forced to kill more and more people in order to retain control of the throne. The sins he has committed have not only perverted his virtuous life, but have condemned him to an eternity in hell. There is no chance of redemption; he has permanently allied himself with the forces of evil. In the plays final scene, Macduff confronts Macbeth to avenge the murders of his children and his wife at Macbeths hand, and to see Malcolm established as the rightful King. As Malcolm sees Macbeth, he exclaims, I have no words: / My voice is in my sword, thou bloodier villain / Than terms can give thee out! (Act V, Scene 8, Lines 8-10) Shakespeare uses this blood imagery to enhance the audiences understanding of Macbeths character. The audience has now witnessed the complete transformation of Macbeth. He begins as a noble, just and brave person, to becoming evil , ambitious, and treacherous during Duncans murder, to his final feelings of remorse for his crime and finally, to the realization that he will be punished for his sins.

Hiring a New Employee Essay -- GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Hiring a New Employee â€Å"A company is only as good as the employees who work for It.† Seems to be the slogan driving most employers in today’s marketplace. Your employees are a direct reflection of your company and in many industries, may actually be considered the product. Finding the right employee can be one of the most crucial and difficult decisions a business can face. Businesses must be prepared for this process and understand the steps involved in hiring a new employee. When an employer makes the decision to hire a new employee, they must first decide what advantages this employee will offer the company. The employee may be considered a producer, who would benefit the company by producing, creating, selling or supporting the product. This employee would be responsible for direct profits for the company. He or she may also belong to the coordinator category of employees. These employees are responsible for the productivity of producers by coordinating their tasks with those of other producers to gain the most cost effective solution. It must be determined if the efforts of a coordinator would benefit the producers in a specific company. A new employee may also offer your company the assistant qualities needed to free up the time of a higher paid employee. An assistant can be very valuable to your company by helping your executives become more efficient. Once the potential gains of a new employee are determined, the costs associated with this...

How Technology Transforms the Private and Public Realms

Jenny Tae English 100 Professor Nicole Pekarske I’m Sorry, What? Robert Samuels, â€Å"Breaking Down Borders: How Technology Transforms the Private and Public Realms. † Reading Popular Culture pages 9-12 I completely agree with this article that technology makes people oblivious to everything around us and be consumed in our own technology. This article portrays exactly what is becoming of the society with the progressing technological advances. Samuels explains how technology can be a barrier to the outside world, our surroundings, and even our loved ones. He explains his observations in the Borders Cafe and how the people are so tuned into their technology and there is barely little to any actual social interaction. He continues to say how anyone can make any public setting their own personal space filled with their technology and their business. I was especially interested and could relate to how he couldn’t even go on to the second page of his book because of a woman talking on her cell phone along with her computer turned on and a magazine on her lap. She’s oblivious to her surroundings and has made that table space her own personal office. Everyone around her learns how she had to cancel her appointment on Friday because of her loud phone conversation. Probably not knowing there were people around her she continues to loudly announce her schedule on her device. Some people might say that technology is a definite positive development with only positive changes. However, although the technological advance have been and is extremely helpful to everyone around the world, people need to think about how people can be too consumed in the technology that they can isolate themselves from the outside world even. Having fun with technology is normal, but we must not forget how to really communicate without the use of texting or email. Communicating face-to-face should be a key skill humans should never lose. The saying, â€Å"having too much of a good thing, can be bad,† is what comes to my mind when I think of technology. The progressing advancements in technology can be hurtful and turn into losing loved ones, with only your technology to console you. Many people don’t realize that having all of this technology is a privilege and they abuse it. Something Samuel said in this article really caught my eye, â€Å" With wireless technology, laptops and cell phones not only help us cross back and forth between the public and private, but they also function to determine the distinction between work and play. † (11) This quote really makes me think and caught my attention because I could relate so much and I’m sure many other students, even adults can say that they have done this at least once. We know that we have work to finish or something we have to do and need technology to accomplish it, yet our hands and eyes wander to personal interests and make us less productive. Technology tempts us to slightly or extremely go off track even though we know we have work to do. The way Samuel presents this problem in the article really shows people to stop and take a look at their personal lives and how much technology we consume ourselves with without even knowing how much we depend on it. He tells the reader how technology growing so rapidly results to us becoming less aware of our surroundings and can hurt loved ones around us. Have you ever had the experience of going out with your family or friends and they are constantly on their devices? Then when they’re not listening while you tell them a story, they go â€Å"I’m sorry, what? † That just makes the outgoing very dull and can make the other person even very upset. Although he/she is out with someone else, they are texting someone else. How about going to a public setting and seeing very young kids on their technological devices talking about web camming with each other and facebooking together. I see that everywhere to kids even young as 10 talk about facebook and twitter and texting 24/7. When I see that I remember how it was when I was a kid and remembering going outside with my friends and talking about how boys were gross. Now as technology grows faster it seems that young children feel that they are more grown than what their actual age is. Remember newspapers, magazines, and book? Who needs them if we can buy anything online onto our kindle, iphone, or laptop? Want to pay your bills? There’s a site were you can dot that. Anything these days can be found online and can be purchased online so we don’t even have to go to the store. Technology has given us the opportunity to become lazier and more content with just pushing one button and not moving from our seats. Technology also can be contributed to people exercising less which can result into the growing obesity rate of America. Technology is rapidly growing to make life more convenient, but we need to make sure that it does not damage and disrupt our personal lives. Being aware of our surroundings and still interacting socially is key. We cannot abuse all of the technology around us that is ever so changing. There are positive aspects to technology and how it has helped the world, however, the negative aspects outweigh the good. The negative aspects can be detrimental to society if people do not realize the damage technology can have if we let technology consume our lives.

What +-Motivates Me

Different things motivate me to learn. I can relate to Sara’s story because I am about the same way when it comes to learning or doing something. I need to know I am going to gain something from it. I know that going back to school and getting my degree will better help my me get a better career and will benefit my family in the long run. I see myself making goals and visualizing me with my degree as Chris does with his â€Å"finish line† visual. I always prepare myself for something coming up and slowing me down which it has in the past. Real life experiences have knocked me down more than once and I can justify with Fred’s story on future and past experiences. I have been laid off first because I had no degree in my past and I look back at that and it motivates me a great deal to keep going forward with school. I like to learn new stuff and accept challenges in a new job or learning something new just like Jamie in her story. I think what content that motivates me the most me the most to learn is Practical context. It is hard for me to just go do something without knowing I am going to benefit from it. I am the type that has to have someone push me or set me straight. For example I went on a job interview and they really liked my experience and skills but told me I wasn’t going to work out because they needed someone with a BA degree and told me that once I got so many credits under my belt they would consider me in the future if a spot is available. I have seen several job postings and they want you to have college credits. I know if I get my degree I am going to gain a lot from it and that motivates me to get out there, learn and move forward. Personal context is something I can also relate to motivate me to learn because I always visualize me getting that degree and starting my career as a Social worker or a Parole officer, so when I actually see myself doing this I get motivated and excited to do my classes. If I ever have doubt or think I can’t, I really just visualize how it will be and it helps me.