Tuesday, September 10, 2019
A Comparative Narrative Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
A Comparative Narrative - Term Paper Example Both the countries have an open economy. Their relations have enhanced rapidly after the free trade agreement between them, which reduced their existing trade barriers (Berkelmans, Davis, McKibbin & Stoeckel, 2001, pp. 1-112). On the other hand, trade relation between China and the US has been a topic of serious discussion in recent times. Due to sustained growth in economies of both the countries, there has been a considerable enhancement in import and export activities between them (Wang, 2010, pp. 165-210). This paper intends to analyze the present trade or business relations between the countries of China and Australia with the US. Furthermore, the paper would aim to present a comparative analysis with regard to the business relationship between Australia-US and China-US. Discussion Trade is an important aspect for economy of any country. In the modern day context, trade between countries has expanded rapidly primarily owing to the enhanced globalization. In this portion of the p aper, the trade relations of Australia and China with US would be exemplified. Trade Relations of Australia with the US The two nations i.e. Australia and the United stated share a healthy trade relationship. Both the countries share many cultural and traditional values among them. Trade is equally important to both the countries. Approximately 11% of the Australian exports are conducted with the United States. Moreover, the United States is the origin of one-fifth of the imports of Australia (Garnaut, 2002, pp. 123-141). The US is one of the major single investors in Australia. The main source of finance of Australianââ¬â¢s firms is from the US investors. The extent of merchandise and services trade between the two countries is quite positive. It was observed that in the year 1999, the total trade involving the two countries was valued at around US$23.3 billion. 90 % of trade deficit between the two countries is in terms of merchandise and the remaining 10% is of services (Berke lmans, Davis, McKibbin & Stoeckel, 2001, pp. 1-112). Both the countries possess an open economy. To enhance their relation in terms of business, the two countries have undergone a free trade agreement (FTA) to minimize the existing trade barriers between them by a considerable extent. Both the countries have been recognized to be aware of the economic gains that would arise from the agreement. After the agreement both the countries have experienced an increase in welfare (i.e. distinguished by household consumption) and production (i.e. recognized by GDP) due to the reduced barriers. Australian welfare continued to rise from 0.3 percent to 0.5 percent. After the agreement, Australia enjoyed a US$2 billion annual increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) i.e. 0.33 percent increase. Similarly, the US also experienced an increase of US$2.1 billion annually in their GDP i.e. 0.02 percent increase. It can be seen from the GDP scenario that the Australian economy was more benefitted by the trade agreement than the US economy. Overall, there was an optimistic economic gain for both the Australian and the US economy from the trade agreement. The undertaking of the agreement would further increase the trade among the two nations in the future (Berkelmans, Davis, McKibbin, & Stoeckel, 2001, pp. 1-112). Nevertheless, there are certain barriers in relation to trade that prevail among the two nations. For the United States, the trade of dairy, sugar, shipping and commercial vehicles has certain barriers. The barriers to Australian sugar exports generate from high tariff which is almost equal to 80%. There are certain other barriers on trade of cotton, financial and metals services among others that exist for Australian
Monday, September 9, 2019
Learning Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Learning Theory - Essay Example Kolb. However in the recent years the ways of learning given by Kolb have been amended and put into different forms. This essay would further analyze the different ways of learning in the light of the basic tool of Kolb. According to David A. Kolb individuals learn through four different styles. The styles followed by individuals are in accordance to the behavior exhibited by the individual. These four learning techniques not only apply to objective instances but also to practical ones. It helps to decide and take decisions accordingly in businesses and while leading. The learning ways given by Kolb have changed through out to give a better understanding to the learners. These can be divided into Activist, Reflective, Theorist and Pragmatist. People who tend to work out their role through experimentation are included in the group of Activists. Individuals in this group tend to play an active function to attain knowledge and produce effective results in accordance. As experimentation is the basis of this group it makes the individuals change the whole scenario of a certain theme. It can be said to be a disadvantage if used in an environment where theories and structure play a role. The main key to this type of learning is getting influence from others and then taking an action accordingly. Similarly this learning style can be an advantage if used at a place where individuals are more goal oriented. This learning technique can be made stronger if facts are used instead of direct experimentation. One can think properly before carrying out a certain step and this can make this learning style a perfect one. Furthermore this style is only welcomed at places where experimentation is recommended. Team work is usually preferred i n this type of learning technique as it would help the individual to take influence from others and work accordingly. Another learning way as described by Kolb is Reflective. In this type of learning one does not act or implement his thinking in the way it should be. He rather thinks and observes all the things thoughtfully for a long time. Clearing up of ideas and concepts is the basic theme in this type of learning. One is discouraged from carrying on the experimentation stage rather he is diverted towards learning and balancing concepts. In this type of learning one can evaluate a situation from all possible angles and can know better how it should be implemented in practice. However mostly they do not tend to carry out the experiments related to the concepts learned and assessed. These individuals tend to work in groups and are more diverted towards the field of arts.The third way of learning is known to be Theorist which deals with the individuals who tend to gather out facts arrange it and conclude accordingly. These types of individuals do not take into account the emotions and reality but r ather base their conclusions on theories. The practicalities of different situations are not taken into account by this type of learning individuals. These individuals are more diverted to abstract thoughts and do not pay heed to human factor i.e. the emotional factor. Most of the individuals who belong to this category may not do well in instances where the techniques are to be related to the humans or to the feelings of these human beings. Most of the people belonging to this group are more indulged in the field of science. The fourth and the last way of learning i
Future of Food Supply Chain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Future of Food Supply Chain - Essay Example n will collect more information and data from their suppliers, including the farmers, so that they can serve the internal demands related to risk assessment, strategic decision-making and the monitoring of progress towards future-looking targets (Mattoo, Mishra and Narain 56). The forces shaping the food supply chain, which will greatly influence the systems of the future, include dependency on ecosystem services, forest footprinting, and the production of greenhouse gases ââ¬â irrespective of the fact that the different players within the supply chain will employ their methodologies across the varied business areas (Marsden, Banks and Bristow 426-427). Some of the companies that have been acting in ways that are similar to the outlook of the future food supply chain include LEAF and Landcare as well as commercial players like Unilever; these companies have been gathering information about the sustainable nature of their supply chains, which has helped them to make strategic deci sions (Fafchamps, Vargas-Hill and Minten 257). Farmers will need the information required to support the changes that will make their production more attractive in the market. Further, the end consumer will exercise more control over the production systems and the technologies of the producer, due to changes in preferences and lifestyles ââ¬â among them the increasing demand for organic foods. The power of farmer groups and Land-management The flow of knowledge, on itself is not sufficient to ensure hat farmers and other players within the supply chain improve their output, efficiency in the use of resources and quality (Marsden, Banks and Bristow 426-427). Regulatory, cultural and organizational changes will become more necessary, in fostering the implementation and the maintenance of positive... This report approves that the future of the business of farmers will represent the outlook of the Farmer Field school movement, which offers training to farmers and allows them to experiment on their own farms, and then group together to chart the way forward for their farming outlook. Through the grouping of farmers into groups, there will be a more strategic realization of strategic partnerships between them and the companies that consume their produce. One example of such a strategic partnership is that of Unilever and its suppliers ââ¬â the company has strategically positioned itself with the primary processor suppliers. Some agencies that are already studying the system applied to agriculture and their impacts include LCA. Irrespective of the fact that innovation in agriculture is difficult, the future outlook of the members of the supply chain will be more conscious of the changes of land use required.The different areas that will be explored at greater depths include food safety, water footprinting, social impacts, biodiversity, and legality. This essay makes a conclusion that world business and economics are changing swiftly, and that is calling for the constant improvement of the food supply chain. The changes anticipated in the future supply chain include improvements in information and knowledge flow, the increasing command of farmer groups and Land-management and innovating according to market needs. Many of the supply chain changes anticipated for the future are evident from the business of Wal-Mart, which uses IT to monitor its supply chain from the store to the farm.
Sunday, September 8, 2019
The effects of ergonomics, health and safety on productivity in hotels Dissertation
The effects of ergonomics, health and safety on productivity in hotels - Dissertation Example The current economic climate in Ireland poses many challenges for businesses entities in the country. Many have had to reduce costs drastically. One of the highest costs for any employer is staffing and a reduction in staff numbers has become the main criteria for cutting costs. With a reduced number of employees and a larger work-load, a high level of labour productivity is essential. Some may argue that the level of productivity from an employee depends on their attitude towards the job, the job rewards, and the way in which a manager motivates the employee, all of which have been proven to be true. But today, employers are under more pressure to ensure that maximum level of productivity is achieved which necessitates finding new ways to achieve this. Fraser, 1994, makes a point that the level of work productivity depends on basic human abilities, enhanced by education, training, selection, and direction. Education and training transform an individualââ¬â¢s basic abilities into skills. Selection and direction ensure that these skills are matched to the most appropriate tasks. But if the tasks, the working environment and job factors are not suited to the worker, the resulting mismatch can lead to poor work quality, worker fatigue, and reduced productivity. Traditionally, projects focusing on the improvement of working environment were based on energy-saving. ... Productivity can be defined as ââ¬Å"output to the labour hours used in the production of that outputâ⬠(Bureau of Labour Statistics). In more simplified terms, it is a measurement of work produced within a given time. Attention to productivity levels is particularly important in Ireland as the cost of labour is very high in comparison to other countries. Hotel managers must ensure that the high rate of pay is justified. An emphasis on productivity in hotels over the past few years with the economic decline has meant that employees have had to work harder and some employees have lost their jobs. An article by James R. Brown of Cornell University suggests that a hotel's size, its service orientation, its ownership arrangement, and its management arrangement affect productivity. His research also found that large hotels use their labour more productively and generate the most income from their capital investments. Upscale hotels are inclined to be more productive than mid-market hotels, while hotels operated by branded management companies use their capital and labour resources more efficiently than do hotels operated independently or by independent management companies. Finally, company owned properties tend to employ their labour more productively than do franchised hotels. (Brown, 1999). Currently hotels in Ireland are focusing on reducing labour costs while maintaining sales. Concentrating on the reduction of labour costs as a percentage of sales may achieve short term productivity targets but can also jeopardise long term viability due to the erosion of service standards. Poor service affects customer satisfaction, which in turn influences sales and
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Chipolte External Factor Evaluation Essay Example for Free
Chipolte External Factor Evaluation Essay Analysis of the External Environment Within the fast casual segment, there are certain external trends and forces that Chipolte must address. Some of these trends and forces can lend themselves to being opportunistic in nature; however there are some that can threaten the well-being of the restaurant. The success of a company ultimately depends upon how well it can use its strengths to take advantage of external trends. By utilizing an External Factor Evaluation Matrix (EFE) a companyââ¬â¢s chief strategist can analyze and determine crucial external opportunities and threats important to the future of their organization. Another growing trend that the fast casual industry can capitalize on is the growing health trends among consumers. More and more people are becoming aware of the foods that they consume and are making strides to eat healthier. In fact, according to a recent survey by the National Restaurant Association, 19% of all customers are actively seeking out healthy alternatives when dining out (franchisedirect.com, 2011). This is a direct result of obesity rates constantly rising in the United States. Furthermore, several restaurants competing in the fast casual sector have made conscious efforts to offer rather healthy meals to their customers. Certainly, realizing that customers are seeking out healthy options when dining out will prompt the industry to enjoy much success in the coming years. A third trend is the expanding interest in, and availability of, organic food ingredients. Several restaurant chains have dedicated their mission and vision statements to seek out the finest ingredients. It is no secret that many fast food chains use cheap ingredients that even compromise the nutritional value of the food it serves. However, several fast casual chains refuse to compromise the integrity of the ingredients used in its menu options. The use of produce that comes from sustainable practices is becoming more and more important to customers after so much light has been shed on how animals are treated before being used for food. This has evenà prompted many chains to purchase pro duce from locally-owned organic food producers. In fact, according to the National Restaurant Association, 70% of adults say they are more likely to visit a restaurant that offers locally produced food items (franchisedirect.com, 2011). The recent advances in technology have also enabled various restaurants to offer customers a more customizable way to order food. There are currently applications that allow customers to order food via their smartphone. Capitalizing on an idea from pizza parlors, fast casual restaurants also allow customers to order food online and specify a particular time for pick up. As these restaurants offer its customers more ways to place an order, the business can maintain a larger propensity for growth as ordering food becomes more convenient. The fast casual segment has also begun to enter into the construction of sustainable restaurant designs. Currently, there are numerous initiatives for developing LEED and other sustainable buildings. These buildings are very environmentally friendly, and offer advant ages to the communities that they are erected within. At the head of this curve is Chipotle, which has received the first certifications for LEED-designed restaurants (fastcasual.com, 2008). Using sustainable buildings to house its restaurants is not only advantageous because it would appeal to customers, but there are also other governmental incentives in the form of tax credits and deductions (irs.gov, 2011). Thus, not only are sustainable buildings great for attracting and maintaining new customers, but it also makes great business sense too. Diversification of food concepts is a tremendous way to attract a wider audience with a differentiated taste. As the fast casual segment continues to grow and prosper, the companies competing can afford to implement spinoffs much in the same way as the giants of the fast food industry have done through the years. Many of the key players within the industry attract a customer with a specific taste profile. As these restaurants continue to expand and grow, they too can spinoff another brand of restaurant with a differentiated menu. Accompanying the numerous opportunities to the segment, there are also several existing threats that must be navigated in order to remain successful. The first of these potential threats pertains to rising food prices. The fast casual segment must especially take note of this because it already uses the highest quality ingredients which lead to higher costs. However, if food pricesà continue to rise, the industry would be forced to either cut costs or raise the prices on its menu. This is a very touchy subject as the restaurants within the segment cannot afford to raise prices too high without facing adverse effects to its normal business operations. The ease of entry into the market is also another threat that the organization must combat. Although fast casual restaurants offer a distinct experience for consumers, its products are not necessarily revolutionary by any means. This leaves them somewhat vulnerable to competitors to enter the market and attack the brand; especially given the low startup costs for restaurants. However, with adequate marketing and utmost customer satisfaction, these restaurants can maintain their customer base and thwart any potential competitors. Increasingly inclement weather and the apparent increasing threat of natural disasters always remains a possible hardship. This would cause food shortages and a st eep rise on the price of ingredients. This makes it absolutely necessary for organizations to diversify their distributors to different parts of the U.S. in order to prevent catastrophic shortages. This way, if a flood destroys the supply of one supplier in an area, the restaurant can use another supplier elsewhere in order to maintain adequate distribution to its restaurants. The threat of recessions also can be a harmful blight to the segmentââ¬â¢s success. Economic downturns often affect most businesses in negative ways and the fast casual segment is not protected from such an event. Although it did enjoy moderate growth and prosperity through the most recent recession, the segments growth was stunted a bit, as was the case for a majority of industries. However, restaurants were steadfast in maintaining prices and a quality experience and customers continued to support the food segment. The threat of consumersââ¬â¢ taste preferences changing is always of concern. Although most people are creatures of habit, diff erentiation of taste preferences can change, leaving the restaurant vulnerable. Knowing this, it is crucial that restaurants constantly improve upon food quality and the dining experience. Doing so will keep the entire experience ââ¬Å"freshâ⬠and entice the customer to come back. One of the obstacles in restaurants expanding into different areas that most do not realize, is the fact that there are often difficulties in acquiring the necessary agreements to open new stores (Chipotle 10-k, 2011). These consist of building permits if the company isà looking to build a brand new fixture for the new restaurant, to lease agreements for current buildings. Different cities have different zoning and ordinance codes, making the decision to rent a preexisting space a plausible alternative. However, the restaurant management typically has a target number of what it wants to pay on a monthly basis. Often, there can be a discrepancy between what management feels is fair and what the lessor feels is fair. This can hinder the expansion rate of a restaurant until both parties come to grips on fair terms of a lease agreement. It is important that fast casual organizations constantly analyze opportunities and threats that are presented outside of the organization. If companies do not exploit its advantages within the market, it cannot grow at a pace that it should be. On the other hand, if it does not properly navigate and combat the external threats presented, it will surely not be in business for the long term capacity which is often hoped. Thus, an EFE is extremely important in developing and maintaining a successful business. Works Cited David, Fred R. Strategic Management Concepts: A Competitive Advantage Approach. Boston: Pearson, 2013. Print.
Friday, September 6, 2019
Igor Stravinsky Essay Example for Free
Igor Stravinsky Essay Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky was born on June 17th, 1882 in Oranienbaum, Russia. He was one of four to his polish parents, Anna nà ©e Kholodovsky and Fyodor Stravinsky. Igor Stravinskyââ¬â¢s first exposer to music was from his father, who was a bass singer at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. His father helped him learn the love of music. His first musical education began at the age of nine with piano lessons, studying music theory, and attempting composition. By fifteen, he had mastered Mendelssohnââ¬â¢s Piano Concerto in G Minor and finished a piano reduction of a string quartet by Glazunov. That same year, Stravinsky rebelled against the Russian Orthodox Church and abandoned it. Even though he excelled in music, his parents still wanted him to become a lawyer. In 1901, Stravinsky enrolls at the University of Saint Petersburg; however he never attends many of his classes during the four years of school. When it came time to take final examinations in 1905, the school was closed for two months because of Bloody Sunday. He then later received a half course diploma in April 1906. In 1902, Stravinsky began receiving private lessons from Nikolai Rimsky- Korsakov, the leading Russian composer at that time. That very same year Stravinskyââ¬â¢s father dies from cancer. In 1905 Igor Stravinsky proposes to his first cousin Catherin Nossenko. Even though the Orthodox Church opposes marriage of first cousins, they got married on January 23rd, 1906. The same of his marriage, Stravinskyââ¬â¢s creates first important composition Symphony in E Flat. The following year they have their first child Theodore and then the next year they have their second child Ludmila. The same year as Ludmilaââ¬â¢s birth, Rimsky, Stravinskyââ¬â¢s father like figure, dies. In 1909, Stravinskyââ¬â¢s compositions, Scherzo fatastique and Feu dââ¬â¢artifice (Fireworks) where performed at a concert in St. Petersburg. In that very audience Serge Diaghilev, founder of the Ballets Russes, was extremely impressed. He was so impressed that he chooses Stravinsky to carry out orchestrations and to compose a full length ballet, The Firebird. In 1910 Stravinsky travels Paris for the premier of The Firebird. At this performance he meets Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, and many other important musicians. Towards the end of the ballet season, his family moves to Switzerland with him and, Catherine expecting her third child. In Lausanne, Switzerland in September 1910, Sviatoslav Soulima their third son was born. In 1911, Stravinsky completes another successful ballet, Petrushka. Three years later, Stravinsky composes the two part ballet Le Sacre du Primtemps (The Rite of Spring). This ballet marked the coming of modernism in music and was met with astonishment and hostility. The riot that followed was the most notorious event in music history. Right after the performance, he developed typhoid fever, which took six weeks to recover from. Around the same time, Catherina and Ludmila were found to have tuberculosis. A year later Ludmila did and after giving birth to their fourth child Maria Milena, Catherina also died. Three months after that his mother died also. After all these deaths in his life, Stravinsky also diagnosed with tuberculosis. He spent five months recovering with his newest daughter Milena; she took six years to recover. Stravinsky met Vera de Bosset in Paris in February 1921, his new wife to be. At the time when they first met Vera was still married to the painter and stage designer Serge Sudeikin. They began an affair which led Vera to leave her husband. During his last years in Paris, Stravinsky made professional connections with people in the U.S.
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Computer Assisted Instruction in Education Essay
Computer Assisted Instruction in Education Essay INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY In recent years, due to advancement of computer technology, the concept of Computer Assisted Instruction is now more prevalent, and has become a trend (Yang Wang, 2001). Electronic learning popularly referred to as e-learning is increasingly becoming acceptable in tertiary institutions all over the world. This is as a result of the opportunity provided by higher institutions and more students taking part in it (OECD, 2005). Digital learning is basically the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to enhance and support learning teaching and research (Eteng Ntui, 2009). With digital learning, there is a shift from the traditional approach of teacher-directed didactic to modern methods where computer technology plays an significant role, thereby improving the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of teaching, learning, research and educational management. Its methods including the integration of the World Wide Web, multimedia, information search, electronic libraries , and remote learning. In this digital age, teachers must deal with the challenge and developmental opportunities of how to appropriately use information technology and how to integrate various educational materials into course design and teaching methods (Rosenberg, 2001). The characteristics of digital learning is different from the characteristics of traditional classroom environment learning, and can improve upon some learning problems of students who are physically or mentally challenged, helping them to learn more effectively (Chen, 2003). It provides stimulation from different channels such as words, pictures, sounds, animation, and images, and can frequently help students use learning functions of different sensory organs, and achieve the learning targets of diverse wisdom (Li, 1998). In designing digital learning, scholars emphasize that learning ideals rather than computer technology should lead the design of a computerized learning environment (Chiou Chong, 1993; Yang W ang, 2001). The need for digital learning has now become important more than ever before as the objective of university education in Nigeria as defined in the National Policy on education (2000) includes the provision of high level manpower for national development and this is to be achieved through its programme of teaching, learning and research. Digital learning can help adults in developing their literacy and innumeracy skills, while also building Information Communication and Technology skills for life and work (CILIP, 2005). In spite of the bright prospect of digital learning in the country, it is so worrisome that there are some hurdles militating against the effective use of the educational technology in Nigeria. Folorunso, Ogunseye, Sharma (2006) and Resnick (2002) indicates that mass unawareness, low computer literacy level and cost were identified as critical factors affecting the acceptability of digital learning by students and lecturers of Nigerian universities. Sharma, Ekundayo, Ngige (2009) points out that digital learning place high demand on learners who have to be more proactive and disciplined than in traditional face-to-face education whereas this proactiveness and discipline is lacking. Various barriers to ICT use in Africa schools have been identified to include: poor infrastructure, epileptic power supply, lack of electricity, lack of trained personnel, poverty, inadequate funding and limited or no internet access (Aladejana, 2007; Jegede, 2005). STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM While there had been a giant attempt at integrating digital learning into instruction in other advanced countries, Nigeria is not yet fascinated by the potential of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Many of our schools are lagging behind in integrating technology into instruction. Teachers are apprehensive about improving and modifying instruction by incorporating the new technologies (Huckle, 1997). According to Salomon (1989), there are clear indications from many developing countries like Nigeria that the supply of relevant and appropriate software is a major bottleneck obstructing wider application and utilization of digital learning in Nigeria tertiary institutions. Schulmeister (2006) states that experience proved that the benefits of digital learning could not be fully taken advantage of, expectations could not be met and that technology often was used to simply reinforce outmoded approaches to learning. Resnick (2002) criticizes that even though Information Communi cation Technology is applied in education, the approaches to teaching and learning remain largely unchanged. There is therefore non-availability of internet access in some tertiary institutions because of the recurrent cost of bandwidth. Inequality of access to technology is the challenge of digital divide existing among the student in Nigeria tertiary institution (Omofaye, 2007). Thus, some of them are unable to afford computers due to the relative cost to the average income of workers in the country (Ajadi, Salawu, Adeoye, 2008). The cost of accessing the internet in Nigeria is still on the high side, some students find it a challenge to afford (Arikpo, Osofisan, Usoro, 2009) PURPOSE Based on the aforementioned research background and the statement of the problem, the purpose of this study is to explore the utilization and effect of digital learning on students in Lagos state Tertiary Institutions. RESEARCH QUESTIONS The following questions will guide this study: What is the level of awareness of students on the availability of Digital learning in Nigeria tertiary institution? What is the status of the utilization of digital learning? What are the challenges faced in the utilization of Digital learning on students? SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The study is significant in that it will provide information about the current status of utilization of modern technology in Nigerian secondary schools. It will also provide baseline data for future policy regarding technology training and the development of strategic plans aimed at encouraging technology-based innovation in teacher education programs. It is also hoped that this study will trigger off more research studies that will inform/encourage implementation of new technology in teacher education. This study will be useful to inform teachers on how use digital learning to teach students which will address the needs of students with different learning styles and motivation. It will offer great potential to transform and improve student learning, engagement and retention and support student success which will help institutional goals with potential benefits including improved retention and time savings for instructors. Average teachers will benefit as digital learning will help r each their excellent peers and take complex tasks off their to-do lists, enabling them to focus on the parts of teaching at which they can excel. Through technology, they can also obtain real-time data and advice about how to help each of their students succeed, saving time and improving performance. It will make it easy for teachers to personalize instruction, which many average teachers find difficult or impossible to achieve with whole classrooms of students with a wide array of needs. Also teachers will increasingly be able to teach more students in person as digital learning replaces portions of instruction in an individualized fashion and provides time-saving student data; reach students remotely via technology; and capture and share their performances and methods widely through video and smart software that individualizes learning. Even among excellent teachers, various people will thrive in different roles. By emphasizing the use of simulation games to teach mathematics, it is hoped that the study will lead to the improvement of mathematics teaching and learning in our secondary schools. The general poor performance of students in mathematics and their attitudes towards some aspects of the subject are expected to be better. With this study, the researcher aims at exposing the teachers and students to the importance of using simulation games to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics. Technology and digital learning can increase the ability to meet the needs of individual students. Whether through the availability of timely data or the ability to connect students with the content and activities that meet their learning styles and needs, technology and digital learning provide opportunities for teachers to personalize learning for more students at any given time. HYPOTHESES There is no significant difference between the challenges faced in the utilization of digital learning and students performance. There is no significant difference between the level awareness of students and availability of digital learning in tertiary Nigeria institutions. There is no significant difference between status and utilization of digital learning. SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY This study will cover the teaching and learning activities in Lagos State Tertiary Institutions. CHAPTER TWO:à LITERATURE REVIEW DIGITAL LEARNING RESOURCES In this study, the term digital learning resources refers to learning premises and platforms that include technology enablers such as laptops, multimedia, CD-ROMs, and Internet resources. Digital learning resources can give students authentic as well as up-to-date information that is not necessarily available in textbooks. Generally, e-learning resources are useful as they represent a collection of cultural and scientific knowledge accumulated over the years (Yeo Tan, 2008). Moreover, this type of resource can be useful to students because it can foster their learning and their critical thinking, their ability to make connections between different concepts, and bridge the gap between their theoretical and practical knowledge (Palmer, 2007). Despite this, availability of resources does not lead to automatic learning improvement; in fact, productive use of resources can be difficult to achieve (Bera Liu, 2006). Technologies and Methods of Teaching There are evidences supporting the introduction and use of new technologies in instruction. The World Bank (2004) opined that ICTs should be considered within education for the purpose of reforming curriculum, reinforcing teaching/learning and to improve leaning. The UN Secretary of State (2005) speaking on the role of technology in education said we must ensure that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are used to help unlock the doors of education. As a result, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) came up with this policy to co-operate with the private sector, to make available the benefits of new technologies, especially ICTs to increase educational opportunities and unlock the door of education. As a result of this, new technologies are being disseminated into educational institutions at a rapid rate. For the new technologies to be effectively utilized, teachers at all levels need not only to be proficient in the technologies but must also be well versed in its effect ive integration into their instruction. The major area Nigeria could meet this expectation is the teachers preparation in the methods class. It is in the methods class that the students can see their teachers modelling the use or lack of use of the technology. The use or lack of use of the new technologies may widely affect the students in future as regard whether to use them or not. CHALLENGES OF DIGITAL LEARNING The information on any subject which has been put on the web need to be transformed to knowledge at some stage for it to be made useful. As suggested by Mehdi (2004) it can be extremely easy and quick to transfer information from one place to another, it is often very difficult and slow to transfer knowledge from one person to another .There have been devised several methods to ease the process of conversion of information to knowledge, digital age has enabled swift transfer of information and now strives to produce faster ways to convert it to knowledge. Teresa John (2007) talked about the various evolutions in digital learning like word-processing, hypermedia, Computer-mediated Communications, New Literacy Studies, Digital Archives and Information Literacy. The best effective method for this conversion cant be defined as learning ability differs from person to person and different tools produce different results in individuals. We usually tend to divide these groups based on age, country or technical background. The various needs for direction of development in the field of digital learning have been felt since a long time. We cant expect every individual to respond in a similar manner to tools that are available for digital learning. Therefore different tools and teaching methods are required for different groups of people which can be implemented with the help of human computer interaction (HCI) as emphasized by Bee Laurel (2004). Another issue is the awareness to all new tools which can be helpful to a learner which can also be done with human computer interaction. Also a matter of concern is that there still exists a small population who is completely devoid of digital learning even if they can afford it. This is largely because of various myths and unawareness. As marked by Guerra, Alfonzo, Suarez, Hernandez Milan (2007) teaching aids have moved from blackboard to projector transparencies and then to video projectors and PowerPoint. The teachers are u sually not able to produce very effective multimedia or other forms of digital learning. This is quite obvious as we cant expect every teacher to be a multimedia expert. The Development of various tools was done so as to enable the learners to acquire he knowledge easily. Another issue is the capital required for the spreading awareness, conducting workshops, providing training and releasing new education tools and multimedia products for learning. PERCEPTION ON DIGITAL LEARNING To successfully create digital learning program, we need to ensure that value really is there and it is in concrete terms. That means we need to sell learners on the truthful proposition that participation will provide benefits worth the time and effort. The curriculum needs to be the point of reference for creating an effective digital learning. Doing so will stimulate vital motivation and give the program a chance to succeed (Allen, 2003). Bad digital learning perception may be due to lack of understanding, lack of communication, and lack of trust or conflicting agendas in appropriate use technology. Some goal coaching and awareness exercises are probably needed to strengthen peoples perception (Allen, 2003). It is important to realize that learners are both emotional and intellectual; and emotions have much effect on peoples perception and what they do. In some digital learning studies conducted in developing countries, it was found that lack of vision and framework in implementin g digital learning lead to a failure of these digital learning projects (Kizito Bijan, 2006; Pal, 2006). Lack of both technical and social skills required for implementation contributes to the failure of some projects. If learners cannot use adaptive tools they might feel ashamed and this affects perception. When learners feel ashamed and guilt it is because they are sent in environment in which they are not entirely pleased. The feeling will influence their study situation, as well as the whole learning process and this result in negative feedback, which may reduce concentration and motivation (Ostlund, 2005). Digital Learning Models Horn Staker (2011) offers this summary of various digital learning models: Face-to-Face Driver This approach retains teachers to deliver most of their curricula in a traditional brick-and-mortar school setting. The teacher deploys online learning on a case-by-case basis to supplement or re-mediate, often in the back of the classroom or in a technology lab.à Rotationà The common feature the rotation model is that students rotate between learning online in a one-to-one, self-paced environment and in a traditional classroom. The face-to-face teacher usually oversees the online work.à Flexà Programs with a flex model feature an online platform that delivers most of the curricula. Teachers provide on-site support on a flexible, as-needed basis through in-person tutoring sessions and small group sessions. Many dropout-recovery and credit recovery blended programs fit into this model.à Online Lab The online lab model relies on an online platform to deliver the entire course, but in a brick-and-mortar lab environment. Usually these programs provide online teachers. Paraprofessionals supervise, but offer little content expertise. Often, students who participate in an online lab program also take traditional courses.à Self-Blend The most common version of blended learning is the self-blend model, where students choose to take one or more courses online to supplement their traditional schools catalog. The online learning is always remote, which distinguishes it from the online lab model, but the traditional learning is in a brick and mortar school. All supplemental online schools that offer a la carte courses to individual students facilitate self-blending.à Online Driverà The online driver model involves an online platform and teacher that deliver all curricula. Students work remotely for the most part, Face-to-face check-ins may à be included. Some of these programs offer brick-and-mortar components as well, such as extracurricular activities. THE NEED FOR DIGITAL LEARNING IN NIGERIA TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS The world is advancing at a rapid rate. Events have moved to the electronic stage with the computer at the centre. This development has brought a lot of innovation and revolution into teaching and learning. The 3Rs (reading, writing and arithmetic) which forms the nucleus of the old system of education has witnessed series of literacy reforms. The world is now in the age of information technology or computers age; hence, there is a need to keep abreast of time. One of the ways of achieving this is through the introduction of computer education in our institutions of learning (Ajibade, 2006).
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