Personal Creativity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Personal Creativity - Essay Example It is creativity that gives meaning to our lives and it is during the process of creation that we feel life in its highest, most enjoyable form i.e. we feel happy and fulfilled at not only being connected to the highest being of the universe but also being able to benefit the existing universe as a result. But what exactly is Creativity? Is it found in a special class of human beings or is it a quality we all posses? Some definitions of ‘creativity’ explain that the idea behind the term is the conceiving of a new idea.’ â€Å"The word creativity is a noun naming a phenomenon in which a person communicates a new concept (which is the product). Mental activity (or mental process) is implicit in the definition.† (Rhodes, n.d.). ‘Creativity involves being imaginative, going beyond the obvious, being aware of one’s own unconventionality, being original in some way.† (Craft, 2000) â€Å"Creativity is the act of turning new and imaginative ideas into reality. Creativity involves two processes: thinking, then producing.† (Naiman, 2011) Contrary to common belief, we are all involved in various acts of creativity without realizing it. Without creativity, not only would our lives be empty, it may even be a continuous downward spiral as life needs creative input. At every step of our lives we have to do something new to change for the better. It can be as simple as trying out a new route to work in order to create a shortcut and save time. Or taking the risk of adding an extra ingredient to enhance the taste of something you’re cooking. Creativity is not accepting things just as they are, but in order to improve them, striving for new ideas. Thus creativity is present in all of us at some level and it comes to use when there is some problem to be solved. According to Nomura Institute of Japan, we are presently living in the era of Creativity, where constant innovation is required for us to be able to survive (Naiman, 2011). This statement proves itself as we take a look around and see how the economy and the com petitiveness surrounded by it have resulted in a need for change in all fields of work. Followed by the Agricultural, the Industrial and then the Informational age (Naiman, 2011), the age of Creativity looks for the New and the most Efficient. In this age anything, even a light bulb that produces less than it is given as an input, will be thrown out of the race and only the fittest will survive. Therefore every field of knowledge has increased pressure on research to keep up, and thus we see a faster pace of development. Along with the quantity we also have much better quality. With economic and environmental sustainability in mind, more responsible technology, education, designs and services are produced in all areas of life. In spite of what I’ve said about the everyday nature of creativity, when it comes to the working environment, where there is competition, not everyone stands at the same level. There are the original genius’s who seem to make everything work in w ays so simple they surprise us. Then there are others who have followed every rule, have stuck to routines that ensure maximum productive time and yet they’re work, although detailed and complete fails to bring to attention anything new, thus lacks creativity. This can be very commonly observed in creative fields such as art and design of which I am a part and have worked through various types of creative processes. People who are more creative in nature than others usually have a certain type of personality i.e. they have certain traits that distinguish them from others. The first

The Anthropology of Latin America and the Caribbean weekly Reflection Assignment

The Anthropology of Latin America and the Caribbean weekly Reflection - Assignment Example Mestizos in the Latin society gain their identity from their hard work and economic success while Mestizaje refers to those that are indigenous. Metrizos build racial discrimination to the African-origin people regardless of them gaining the originality from industrialization. Indigenous and black movements seek to minimize the politics of difference by sensitizing minimum native identification and equitable distribution of resources. (Sanabria Harry, 2007) On gender and sexuality, the Latin American women for a long time have been considered inferior in allocation of labor activities and distribution of resources for economic growth. High rates of illiteracy gaps between the male and female gender has been associated with the minimum number of females who are educated. Since colonialism, the Latin American gender parity has reduced and enabled more women get education and training. Gender in the Latin society is faced with a new identity that is considered a third sex in the society. This is neither man nor woman, transgender. The anatomic difference between proto-men and proto-women are not systematically cognized. (Sanabria Harry, 2007)To them sexual identity is less important in defining a person’s interpersonal bonds and self identity or recognition in the society. Heterosexuality and homosexuality is disregarded and the society does not teach any sexual disparity to the younger generation. Feminism has promoted empowerment of women in the general aspects to men. Women through their movements have been able to maintain their homesteads as single mothers who have been oppressed by masculine domination and left to fend for themselves. Behavioral experiences, drugs and gangs in the Latin American society degrade the fatherhood ability of the male gender leaving women to be the responsible homestead keepers. (Sanabria Harry, 2007)Gender violence is an issue that will require

Examine the relationship between content and form in any of the texts, Essay

Examine the relationship between content and form in any of the texts, photographs, or portfolios in the section - Essay Example The individual insight with a subjective value is inevitable. For instance, on the first photo we may observe people against the background of Leaning Tower of Pisa. They make a picture of memorable moment in their life and stay in famous position showing a person who preserves a Tower. For some people it is just a tourist who made a funny picture, for others it is a close friend who visits a historical place of interest. As for the person who is in the photo is it some other connotation with a special meaning. The second photo represents the tourist group in front of the Temple of Athena. Still, the foreground of the picture involves a person who makes the photo of this people. It may be the tourist from this group, or a guide of the excursion or even a random tripper with no relation to this exact group. A man is a form while the variety of contents is different to any possible viewer. The second important thing is the origin and types of occurred meanings that appear in the process of perception and interpretation of creation. The question of origin is coherent and logical. It depends from the observer and predetermines by his/her social, cultural, intellectual and other competencies (Durant and Fabb, 142). What is more, every person attains individual perception that is fully subjective. It is clear that people who visit historical places what are in the pictures will acquire rather sundry connotations than those who dream to make a vacation in these places. As for the types of meaning it is rather controversial. Recent research investigations divide this huge variety of connotations on two basic kinds. Peirce identifies coded and non-coded relationships between form and content (Durant and Fabb, 142). Still, these types may mix, and one connotation may contract both types or interchange it according to some

Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Discussion - Essay Example The activist was introduced to the ideas of black supremacy and the need to fight for equality when he was in prison and when he became a member of the Nation of Islam (Hamlet 199). Malcolm X believed that African Americans were prior as they were original people who inhabited the world and, hence, they were superior to whites. Importantly, he also stressed that black people could not live in the USA and there could be no integration. The activist emphasized that African Americans had to establish their state in Africa and, meanwhile, they could live in the USA but they had to be completely separated from whites. Importantly, Malcolm X often supported violent acts and he believed that black people could win the fight using force only. On the contrary, Martin Luther King never supported the idea of using violence. He was a Baptist minister and Christian values had a great impact on his worldview. Notably, Kind admitted that it was possible to use force when defending oneself. However, he never believed that violence could be used to achieve equality in the USA (Goudsouzian 167). King stressed that only nonviolent struggle could help African Americans obtain equal rights. The Baptist minister often referred to Jesus’ sermons in his speeches. He also advocated full integration of the US society and he believed that blacks and whites could and had to live and work together to develop the American society. Martin Luther King encouraged people of different races and backgrounds to join the struggle for real equality in the USA. He believed that all people were equal and they had to enjoy equal rights. His speeches inspired many Americans and the society started becoming more integrated. It is clear that the two approaches were very different and it can be difficult to identify the most effective one. King’s views and his fight can be regarded as more influential as it led to significant changes in the

The Security Council Essay Example for Free

The Security Council Essay The Security Council of the United Nations was one of the original bodies of the UN formed with the United Nations charter in 1945. The Security Council was created to put all the superpowers of the world on equal footing, giving each one vote in binding resolutions for the member nations of the UN. The charter members with permanent seats on the council are the United States, France, Great Britain (the United Kingdom), Russia and China. In 1945, these nations were considered the most powerful on Earth and were charged with keeping the peace of the world. In addition to the five permanent seats, the Security Council is comprised of 10 other member nations elected by popular vote of the entire UN and serving two-year terms. Each member nation of the Security Council has equal power in theory, though in practice some deference is given to the permanent members. The Security Council can pass binding resolutions on the other member nations, but each council member can veto any resolution. As such, the Security Council rarely can form a consensus, though it often discusses major issues around the world. Often, the only time a consensus is reached is when the matter is so trivial or involves such a small country that it has no friends on the council. Though the council was set up to have inherent checks and balances, it has often become a staging ground for popularity contests and member nations have neglected the world’s best interests in favor of the more proprietary interests of their nation. This is how programs like the United Nations’ Oil for Food program have become corrupted by individual nationalism and greed. Furthermore, on the rare occasions when the Security Council can agree and pass a binding resolution, it has limited enforcement powers and often the only punishment for breaking a resolution is a verbal slap from the council. Some member nations, particularly the United States, have lead coalition forces on occasion to enforce UN resolutions, but these military actions often are disapproved by many member nations and the Security Council itself rarely votes in favor of military action. The end result is that the United Nations provides an interesting forum for smaller countries to air grievances and for all countries to point out flaws in their neighbors, but as a governing body, the United Nations and the Security Council has no teeth. It becomes like a restrictive parent who tries to tell a child what to do, but fails to enforce its own rules. In the end, no one respects the rule of the United Nations and might still makes right. Smaller countries object to the permanent members of the council and their might, both military and economic, but they also turn to those countries when they are the ones being oppressed. In short, the United Nations and the Security Council format need to be revisited and the UN must be given some enforcement power to assure that its resolutions are kept. Otherwise, it is a useless home of debate that is ignored and laughed at.

Learning Management Systems (LMS) in Universities

Learning Management Systems (LMS) in Universities Abstract Learning Management Systems (LMSs) are the typically adopted technology and they provide a significant tool in supporting blended learning in universities. Therefore, these systems are being explored from various aspects. Educational technologists conclude that every university or even departments within the same university differ in its experience in adopting these systems. Department of Industrial Management, University of Kelania is adopting the LMS portal for supporting blended learning. This university administration raises considerable attention in assessing the actual extent of staff and student adoption of the LMS. In this regard this paper presents data collected from the surveyed 100 students at the Department of Industrial Management, university of Kelaniya regarding their LMS adoption. Keywords: Introduction The significance to the advancements of web-based technologies is the development of powerful software systems, known as learning management systems (LMS), have become a widely-used technology and a key instrument in supporting e-learning in higher educational institutions. As LMS offers numerous benefits to individuals and institutions, many universities have deployed some form of LMS. Students can access course materials independent of time and location. Significantly, it opens up fresh potentials for initiating academic innovations where students function as dynamic, control their own learning, develop critical thinking and become collaborative participants. In addition, LMS provides an automated mechanism for teachers in the management of online courses, allowing them to create, add, modify, customize, and reuse digital content and learning objects and tracking learner progress. Blended learning is defined as a combination (blend) of e-learning and face to face classroom learning environments (Graham,2006; Wu and Hwang, 2010; Murshitha S.M and Wickramarachchi A.P.R, 2015) Recently, blending learning has been increasing in higher education, as students are involved in collaborative learning and interaction with instructors and classmates (Wu et al., 2010). Almost all universities in Sri Lanka have developed their own LMS portal for the use of their own lecturers and students. The administrators of Sri Lankan universities are keen on assessing the actual status of faculty and students usage of the LMS as the acquisition or construction of such a system and its annual cost of operation are significant. Investigating and assessing the usage of LMS within a department and especially between different departments and universities is essential for its continuous use. The objective of this study is to investigate the status (extent of use) of LMS adoption in blended learning at university level. This research will be interested to both researcher and university community, as it will significantly contribute and improve the body of knowledge in the context of LMS adoption. Literature Review All learning management systems are not the same; they can be adopted in different ways. Different tools such as activity tools (Lesson, HTML page, Glossary, Assignments, Quiz, Choice, Database, Workshop, Wiki, Chat and Forum etc.), blocks (People, Calendar, Online Users, Latest News, Upcoming Events, Search, etc.) and filters (associated components to the activity tools and the blocks) are integrated in a single system which offers all necessary tools to run and manage an e-learning course. All learning activities and materials in a course are organized and managed by and within the system. Significant dedication in universities using an LMS is how to evaluate the actual extent of LMS usage by the staff and student. While the trends are towards more student centric learning tools, the research done has shown that yet the teaching staff is the key driver of an LMS usage. The need for a reliable guide of the extent of LMS usage becomes apparent when one considers the complexity of assessing to what extent an LMS is actually used within an university. In this direction, range of aspects of LMS adoption, implementation, support, and usage have been the subject of numerous studies (McQuiggan, C. A. 2007). Lane determined that the manner of LMS usage was largely shaped by the nature of the product as introduced to faculty [14]. Kincannon earlier studied the reaction of faculty to use of a C/LMS and determined that faculty expressed dissatisfaction at the time demands imposed by using it [13]. Amrein-Beardsley, et. al [4], Allen and Seamans for the Sloan Consortium [2], the Georgia Vista Implementation Enterprise Wide study [25], Harrington [12] and Morgan [19] all attempted to gain insight into C/LMS usage via student or instructor-supplied data, and to assess the level of faculty adoption of C/LMS via the use of surveys, determining that 96% of the largest institutions of higher learning were, as of 2006, using C/LMS to support online learning in addition to in-class courses. Vonderwell, et. al [26], Cramer, et. al [9], Mandinach [15], Tobin [23], Shiratuddin [22], and Bork [8] attempted to evolve methods for the assessment of student performance, or propose reasoned suggestions for the improvement of performance, when C/LMS software was involved in the process of education. Yet a glaring omission exists in the empirical measurement of the actual extent of usage of C/LMS by faculty derived from the databases supporting a given C/LMS, that is, regularly measuring the extent of faculty usage of the C/LMS as evidenced by the contents of the database supporting it, making it possible to detect and respond to trends. The lack of adequate means of assessing C/LMS usage has prompted some researchers to propose the application of data warehousing technology to the problem of providing a base of readily accessible faculty and student C/LMS usage data. Van Dyk and Conradie [24] proposed such an approach in 2007 in support of action research, defined by ZuberSkerrit as a critical enquiry by academics themselves into their own teaching practice, into problems of student learning and into curriculum problems[30]. The prototype data warehouse they proposed was intended to be used directly by instructors who were interested in studying the relationship between learning styles as defined and measured using the Felder index of learning styles [11] and student interaction with the C/LMS, and potentially conducting other similar ad hoc studies. Their prototype data warehouse was formed according to established dimensional techniques and In order to assess the usage and extent of use of LMS this research adopted Janossys, J (2008) assessment method that make it possible to assess usage between units of a university and between universities, drove the development and proposal outlined in detail in Figure 2.2 , which depicts a model for the derivation of a simple metric expressed as a number from 0 through 13. Figure 2. 2 Janossys LMS Usage Level and Metric Values       The formation of this model proceeds from the definition of five overall levels of possible C/LMS use. These five levels span the continuum from no use of the C/LMS by an instructor through a level which exceeds the capabilities of most C/LMS systems using the technology currently available to many institutions (Janossy,J., 2008). The Figure 2.3 provides greater detail concerning the functional usage represented by each metric value, proceeding from the lowest value through the highest: Figure 2. 3 A Level-Model for Assessing The LMS Usage among Staff and students Level 0 refers to no LMS usage. Thus, the lecturer does not create a course in LMS or does not activate student access to the LMS for the students in the course if a course is automatically created in the LMS. Level 1, refers to the very basic usage of the system only for uploading lesson content by the teaching staff and downloading lesson content or submitting assignments by the students. Level 2, refers to the usage of communication tool in an LMS. It includes the usage of modules such as email, discussion forum or chat. Level 3, refers to the usage of the testing tool (quizzes, pool or survey). For instance, students can take some quizzes and tests online, with some scores provided immediately possibly with feedback answers for incorrect items and similar. Level 4, is defined with a view to the current technological developments which require to share knowledge and to treat users as co-developers. Currently this was achieved by adding a blog module on the system but in the future there might be other modules to enrich this level of LMS usage. It is interesting to note that one could draw a parallel between the levels of this model and the theories of learning. In fact, the lowest levels of the LMS usage actually correspond to the more teacher centered approach which is typical for a basic level of learning and behaviorism. As we go upper in the level spectrum of LMS usage actually we move towards constructivism and social constructivism and end up in Level 4 which promotes building knowledge through sharing experiences and co-developing which on the other hand are some of the main principles of connectivism. Assessment of the LMS adoption in learning process. A total of 100 questionnaires are distributed and all of them are returned and usable. Table 1 summarizes the demographic profile and descriptive statistics of the respondents. Item Frequency Percentage Gender Male Female 38 62 38 62 Age or Level 20-22 (Level 2) 23-25 (Level 3) 48 52 48 52 PC ownership Yes No 84 16 84 16 Laptop ownership Yes No 94 06 94 06 Often of LMS use Regular Just-to download 30 70 30 70 Table 1: Demographic profile and descriptive statistics of surveyed students This section describes the answer for the research question, thus how is the status of LMS adoption in learning process? In doing so, descriptive profiles for each of the adoption variables are explored. Table 4.59 exhibits the descriptive profile of the five LMS adoption tools i.e. downloading lesson, chat, discussion forum, e-mail and assessment. Table 4. 59 Descriptive Profile of LMS Adoption Tools The conceptualization of students LMS adoption consists of five LMS tools namely, downloading lesson content, chat, discussion forum, e-mail and assessment. However based on the analyzed data only two LMS tools i.e. downloading lesson content and assessment were prominently adopted by students at Department of Industrial Management, University of Kelaniya. Downloading lesson content relates to the utilization of LMS for downloading notes that are uploaded by their lecturers. In this instance, lecturers impose the students to use this tool by uploading their lesson contents. In fact, findings of this study revealed that students downloading lesson contents was the highest in terms of mean compared to other LMS tools. Since being a student, one is always subject to lecturers decision. Hence, by uploading lesson content lecturers insist or impose students to use this tool and students without any questions must abide and adhere. Moreover, findings from lecturers questionnaire also indicted that all most all lecturers use this tool to upload their lesson content. Chat denotes to the utilization of LMS for the purpose of pedagogical chatting via LMS and students are being monitored by the administrator. Hence, they use this tool only for the above purpose. Findings of this study showed that chat tool recorded the lowest mean. There would be two reasons behind this lowest mean. The first reason is, normally students are being more interested and constantly engaged in chatting other than pedagogical one and use chatting tools such as facebook, twitter, skype, whatsup, viber, tango etc. The second reason is, a very few lecturers use this chatting tool as evident by lecturers questionnaire and they do not insist or impose the students to use this tool as they insist the students to download the lesson content. Discussion forum, relates to the utilization of LMS for the purpose of discussing on a certain topic with their peers and lecturers to enhance the critical thinking, analytical skills and exchange of their knowledge. Findings of this study showed that the tool of discussion forum also recorded lower mean. There would be two reasons behind this. The first reason is, as the respondents are the internal students, they have enough time for discussing face to face. The second reason is, according to the data derived from lecturers questionnaire only 25% of lectures use this discussion forum. Hence, students also do not give preference to this tool as their lecturers. E-mail denotes the adoption of LMS for communication purposes. This is also same as the previous two tools. Thus students use other mail accounts in yahoo, gmail for their e-mailing purpose. Assessment tool relates to the utilization of LMS for the purpose of assessing students through various sub assessment tools such as quizzes, short answers, multiple choice, essay questions etc. Results revealed second scoring for assessment tool in adopting LMS. This is because; students are being imposed by their lecturers to adopt this tool, as they are imposed by lecturers to download lesson contents. Findings from lecturers questionnaire indicted that 80% of lecturers use the assessment tool to assess their students. From the above discussion it is obvious that, subjective norm has a strong predictive power in determining individuals behavior. Thus, subjective norm in the form of lecturers acceptance and use of technology were found to influence students acceptance and use of the same. Thus if lecturers use or adopt LMS, students also believe it as important to them and they also imitate their lecturers and vice versa. Research Methods This study is descriptive in nature and self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. The questionnaire was divided into three sections. References Graham, C.R. (2006) Chapter 1: Blended Learning System: Definition, Current Trends, Future Directions in Bonk, C. J. and C.R. Graham (eds.) Handbook of Blended Learning, San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer. McQuiggan, C. A. (2007). The role of faculty development in online teachings potential to question teaching beliefs and assumptions. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 10(3). Lane, L. M. (2007). Course Management Systems and Pedagogy. Retrieved October 10, 2007, from http://lisahistory.net/pages/CMSandPedagogy.htm Wu, W. C, Hwang, L. Y.(2010) The Effectiveness of e-Learning for Blended Courses in Colleges International Journal of Electronic Business Management, Vol. 8, No. 4, pp.312-322 (2010)

Being Pregnant Essay -- Original Writing Personal Narrative

Being Pregnant Through out my teenage years I always had it made. I had security, support of my family, and other things. When I turned 16 I had found out something that would change my life forever, I was pregnant. As a teenager I was anorexic, therefore meaning I had a problem with getting fat. If I had gained just a little bit of weight I went on a crash diet (eating nothing at all for a period of time) till I lost the weight I had gained. For a period of time I had went through a spell of doing nothing but eating. My mom had started to ask questions, and I had told her everything was ok; I was just going through one of my eating spells. My uncle had accidentally dropped me on a cement block therefore resulting in hurting my tailbone. So for the rest of my life my tailbone would freeze up where I could not move or just hurt all the time. The moral of this part is when I was 16 my tailbone had frozen up and my mom and brother had taken me to the hospital. I would have never known this would be a turning point in my life. The doctor took x-rays to find out what was wrong and later sent us home telling us he would call us if anything abnormal showed up. Later on that day we were all just watching television then the phone rang. Little did I know what he was about to tell me would result in the actions I had to take. I answered the phone and it was the doctor. He had proceeded to tell me the x-rays were fine except one thing, and the words he had told me put me ... Being Pregnant Essay -- Original Writing Personal Narrative Being Pregnant Through out my teenage years I always had it made. I had security, support of my family, and other things. When I turned 16 I had found out something that would change my life forever, I was pregnant. As a teenager I was anorexic, therefore meaning I had a problem with getting fat. If I had gained just a little bit of weight I went on a crash diet (eating nothing at all for a period of time) till I lost the weight I had gained. For a period of time I had went through a spell of doing nothing but eating. My mom had started to ask questions, and I had told her everything was ok; I was just going through one of my eating spells. My uncle had accidentally dropped me on a cement block therefore resulting in hurting my tailbone. So for the rest of my life my tailbone would freeze up where I could not move or just hurt all the time. The moral of this part is when I was 16 my tailbone had frozen up and my mom and brother had taken me to the hospital. I would have never known this would be a turning point in my life. The doctor took x-rays to find out what was wrong and later sent us home telling us he would call us if anything abnormal showed up. Later on that day we were all just watching television then the phone rang. Little did I know what he was about to tell me would result in the actions I had to take. I answered the phone and it was the doctor. He had proceeded to tell me the x-rays were fine except one thing, and the words he had told me put me ...