Essay --

While it’s not truly the holiday season without hearing Mariah Carey’s â€Å"All I Want for Christmas is You,† you might want to branch out a bit if you plan to do some caroling this season. What’s a caroling group to do? Instead of singing old favorites like â€Å"Frosty the Snowman,† consider shaking things up a bit with the following six Christmas carols that don’t get enough airtime. â€Å"Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella† Take a step back in time with this understated Christmas classic. â€Å"Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella,† is believed to have originated in France in the 16th century and was translated to English in the 19th century by E. Cuthbert Nunn. This Christmas carol includes a playful reminder to those gathered around Jesus to be quiet, so as to let him sleep. The song is upbeat and filled with excitement, as you can hear with the lyrics â€Å"Christ is born, tell the folk of the village/Jesus is sleeping in His cradle.† â€Å"Good King Wenceslas† If you’re looking for a carol with a reminder to help others, then consider adding â€Å"Good King Wenceslas† to the mix. The song was written by John ... Essay -- While it’s not truly the holiday season without hearing Mariah Carey’s â€Å"All I Want for Christmas is You,† you might want to branch out a bit if you plan to do some caroling this season. What’s a caroling group to do? Instead of singing old favorites like â€Å"Frosty the Snowman,† consider shaking things up a bit with the following six Christmas carols that don’t get enough airtime. â€Å"Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella† Take a step back in time with this understated Christmas classic. â€Å"Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella,† is believed to have originated in France in the 16th century and was translated to English in the 19th century by E. Cuthbert Nunn. This Christmas carol includes a playful reminder to those gathered around Jesus to be quiet, so as to let him sleep. The song is upbeat and filled with excitement, as you can hear with the lyrics â€Å"Christ is born, tell the folk of the village/Jesus is sleeping in His cradle.† â€Å"Good King Wenceslas† If you’re looking for a carol with a reminder to help others, then consider adding â€Å"Good King Wenceslas† to the mix. The song was written by John ...

Lesson Observation

PGCE 1 Observation 1 Date 24/11/2009 Author: Gareth Jones Observation of an Experienced Teacher An Evaluation Introduction My first observation was at a4e, which is where I volunteer for 5 hours per week. These hours count towards my teaching hours as part of my PGCE. The teacher delivering the session was Charlotte Faichney who is the Skills for Life specialist. She delivers the Numeracy and Literacy modules at the a4e Wrexham office. The students’s ages ranged from 16 to 18 and were at Entry Level 2 and 3. The session was held in Basic Skills Classroom, which is well equipped, well lit and well maintained. This showed an understanding about ways to maintain a learning environment in which learners feel safe and supported (BK 1. 1) This was my first observation and would count towards the PTLLS module of my PGCE. The session ran for 95 minutes. Planning The aim of the lesson was to introduce the learners to different aspects of handling data through the use of circus skills. The learner’s objectives were to record numerical data, extract and interpret that data and to make comparisons with the use of bar charts. They would have to find the average and the range for a set of data. The lesson plan showed a logical flow from introduction of the session, to the practical exercises, collecting and interpreting the data and the final Q & A session that evaluated the success of planned learning activities (DP 3. 1). These Q & A sections were relevant and acted as a natural stepping stone to progress the lesson. The first Q & A established prior knowledge, while the second assessed the newly acquired knowledge before starting the main activity. The next session re-capped the activity and gave the learners the opportunity to analyse their results. The fourth session enable students the knowledge to calculate arithmetic averages for their sets of data and the last session was a summative assessment of the whole session. This detailed plan really showed how to plan a teaching and learning session (DK 1. 2). Management of Learning Communication, both verbal and demonstrative was clear, concise and always relevant. The teacher was always engaging and confidently controlled the classroom. I noticed that she used open and Socratic questions to draw out answers from the learners. There was strict adherence to the rules of the classroom that were predominantly displayed on a poster. These rules covered behaviour, what the teacher expected from the learners in terms of input and what the learners could expect from the teacher. Mobile phones had to be switched off and food and drink were not allowed. The teacher was proactive and walked confidently around the classroom.. It showed me the importance of establishing and sticking to firm rules and gave me a valuable insight on how beneficial classroom management can be to both the teacher and the learner. The lesson was definitely learner focussed, as all students were fully engaged and participed in collaborative learning activities. Biggs (1994) argues â€Å"The focus should not be on the skills itself, but whether its deployment has the desired effect on student learning. † Learners were encouraged to discuss their findings and the Q & A ensured that the learners had to think about what, and how they could use, what they were learning. Gibbs (1981) states that â€Å"this is one of the qualities displayed by learners with a deep approach†. . Resources The circus skills theme was fun and made the collection and interpretation of data less mundane than it could have been. This highlighted ways to engage, motivate and encourage active participation of learners and learner independence (BK 2. 2). The handouts were clear and relevant, whilst the flipchart provided a good point of reference throughout the session. Although I have used these resources myself, I could see how well thought out and good quality handouts greatly enhanced the learning experience. The flipchart was covered when not in use to prevent distraction. There were three skills to try, which catered for the varying abilities. Information was easily recordable, which meant extraction and interpretation was very manageable. I could see that the impact of resources on effective learning (BK 5. 1) was clearly visible and the emphasis was on the needs of the student. Reece and Walker, (2007, p26) state that a teaching strategy maybe defined as â€Å"a purposeful combination of student activities supported by appropriate resources to provide a particular learning experience (process) and/or to bring about the desired learning (product)† Assessment Initial assessment was carried out by using a Q & A session to establish prior knowledge of tally and bar charts and also of the meaning of mean, mode, range and median. Formative assessment took the form of Q & A about the results from the tally chart exercise, the deliberate omissions from the tutor’s bar graph. The leaner’s swapped graphs and had to interpret each other’s results, which showed ways to develop, establish and promote peer and self assessment (EK (1. 3). The results from calculating the mean, mode, range and median were discussed and an understanding of the terminology was verified. For summative for assessment, we re-visited the flipchart to re-cap on the session, using Q & A to determine which areas the learners required more information on. The session showed the teacher used appropriate forms of assessment and evaluated their effectiveness in producing information useful to the teacher and the learner (EP 1. 1) Conclusion The first thing I noticed was how the layout and environment of the room impacted on the learner’s attitude to the session. They are normally in a nosier more congested classroom and as a whole are generally quite rowdy. They settled quickly and seemed eager to start the session and were asking questions before the session had even began. Once they realised they were going to try various circus skills their level of interest grew even more. It seemed to me to be a great way of delivering a session. They were having fun, learning about collating, recording and extraction of data, carrying out self and peer assessment and obtaining an understanding of various mathematical terms. This technique would be useful in covering differentiation within the classroom. The teacher guided the session, whilst the learners drove it. She was inclusive and took an active part in what was going on. However she stood back as soon as the learners were actively engaged to observe and assess the activity. Most of the learners want to work in factories or retail, so an understanding of sales and production figures, which normally come in the form of charts, is required. Most stock taking is initially carried out using a tally system and knowing how to calculate the mean, range, median and mode is useful in most present day jobs. Most businesses place a huge emphasis on the gathering and interpretation of data. Without detailed and up-to-date information they consider themselves to be â€Å"running blind†. This session has shown me that you don’t just go out and deliver a given subject in its rawest form. I can see the benefits of innovative teaching methods and using visual and kinaesthetic strategies. The use of formative and summative assessment to establish that learning has taken place can not be argued against. Whilst the teacher’s use of peer and self assessment to compliment this strategy underlines the value placed on it. I agree with Reece and Walker (2007, p369), who state that, â€Å"The important thing is that assessment is an integral part of each lesson, the course and of the learning†. References Biggs, J (1999) Teaching for Quality Learning at University, Buckingham: SRHE and Open University Press. (Gibbs, G. (1981) Teaching Students to Learn. Milton Keynes and Philadelphia: Open University Press Reece, Ian and Walker, Stephen, (2007) Teaching, training and learning, 6th Ed. Tyne and Wear: Business Education Publishers Ltd. Appendix Evaluation Sheets Session Plan Handouts

Computers in Healthcare Essay

In all aspects of life—home, work, socially—a basic understanding of computer operation is by and large a necessity. Even the medical field has become dependent on computers, both to record vital patient information, but also for billing, researching maladies, and prescribing medicines. This report takes a look at how and why health care professionals use computers, where computers are used in the health care system, and how all this new technology is affecting the medical field for both the patient and provider. Health Care Professionals use computers because they boost productivity. Health care staff, for instance, can more easily keep and access medical records. Specific computer programs also allow physicians to analyze patient data both statistically and mathematically, which leads to the creation of multimedia patient records. A multimedia file is an image, text file, a video clip or audio file–anything that can be displayed or played on computer monitors or speakers. An example, a cardiologist can use a computer to scan a patient’s EKG strip, and then attach that image to the patient’s permanent record for future reference (Spekowius and Wendler 38-39). The ability to store patient data on a computer hard drive reduces paperwork, and the number of staff members needed to maintain that paperwork. Having a patient’s file just a few computer clicks away also cuts down on the time it takes a physician to locate the necessary information. Beyond simplifying office paperwork, computers also open lines of communication between the patient and physician. Physicians who engage in emailing can easier answer patient questions, and cut down on phone calls. Computers are used throughout the Health Care System. Clerical staff relies on computers for reports, memos, patient records, billing, statistics, insurance claims, as well as charting and researching graphics. Nursing stations depend on computers for reports, patient records, along with hospital information systems. And computers are critical in the operation of patient monitors, medication delivery systems and lab equipment (Spekowius and Wendler 76). Also, in medical education, computers are essential for Computer Aided Instruction, Computer Managed Instruction, and Interactive Multi-media systems (Forman and Pomerantz). Beyond all of these uses, the computer has become increasingly necessary for diagnosis, research, publication retrieval (National Library of Medicine), and automated patient interview and history. Computers have become increasingly vital to Pharmacies. With the use of computers, pharmacists can fill prescriptions, control the dispensing, and talk with the patients through a video hookup. People living in remote areas also may use computers to order and receive their prescriptions without having to make a special trip into town or even leave their home. This is a particularly valuable tool for the elderly. Also, physicians now are able to type prescriptions into computers and email them to pharmacists, cutting down on errors because of sloppy doctor handwriting. Computers have become commonplace in Radiology. Radiologists use computers to prepare and store patient case histories, prepare conference talks, and to examine images. Computers are especially important when examining images; radiologists depend on digital radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, and ultrasonic imaging (Trovato). Computers can also enable a radiologist to view an emergency case from home, reducing the response time when dealing with a crisis situation. In radiology it is imperative that the computer system be powerful enough to observe very fine images; faulty screen imaging could lead to a false analysis, and possibly compromise patient health (Leach). Computers are also used in surgery to produce a three-dimensional image of the organ that is being operated on. This technology is especially useful to young surgeons, small clinics and developing countries where such sophisticated imagery has previously been unavailable. In addition, this type of surgery is less invasive on the patient, so recovery time and cost are reduced. Genetics is another area of medicine in which the use of computers has been increasingly useful. Pharmacogenomics, for instance, helps determine what drugs are compatible with a patient’s gene type. Gene information obtained from a patient blood sample is entered into the computer, which then determines which drugs may not be compatible before dispensing. In the future doctors may be able to use a similar method to determine the most effective type of chemotherapy for a cancer patient. This could save a patient from having a series of unnecessary and ineffective treatments (Mandel). Computers also allow access to the Internet, which can be a very useful tool when trying to run an office. Connecting to the World Wide Web can help lower costs, improve patient/member service and assist in the delivery of better-coordinated care. The physician is able to compile and analyze data from a single or multiple number of sources, reveal health problems, and even gains a better understanding of a treatment’s financial performance. Also, the Internet is a great marketing tool for a physician’s medical practice. The Internet is awash with medical information, which is both useful for patients and possibly detrimental. Some patients who should see a doctor instead try and self-diagnose using information gleaned from computer research. So many medical sources exist on computers—much of it valid, good information—that a person might read the symptoms and believe they have a particular disease and try to treat themselves. Faulty treatment of a medical problem could lead to more serious medical problems down the road. Another pitfall to consider is how web sites allow a person to seek medical advice by querying a so-called physician online. The problem: That advice may be coming from an accredited medical person–or someone pretending to be a physician. So now with all this talk about how computers can be very beneficial to the medical field, one may wonder if computers do a better job than humans. The answer: Yes, due to a computer’s flawless memory. Even though physicians have the desire to be efficient and thorough when it comes to their patients, they are human and they occasionally make mistakes. Computers accurately remember vast amounts of information, which is especially important these days given all the emerging medical information and technology in the world today (Spekowius and Wendler 439). In conclusion, it is obvious that the medical field has benefited greatly since the advent of computers. Without computers the world would not be as advanced as it is today. New discoveries might never have been made, unnecessary tests and treatments would have been performed, and lives would have been lost. Computers are propelling the medical world into a new dimension where literally anything is possible—including increased longevity, cures for cancer and paralysis reversal. It is indeed a win-win situation for physicians and patients. Works Cited Forman, Lloyd J. and Sherry C. Pomerantz. â€Å"Computer-Assisted Instruction: A Survey on the Attitudes of Osteopathic Medical Students.† JAOA Medical Education (2006): 572-575. Leach, Michelle. â€Å"Computed Radiography Vs. Digital Radiography.† n.d. ehow. February 2013

Bilingual Education and Bilingualism

Discusses the spread and decline of various languages. This paper discusses the pros and cons of bilingualism focusing on the homogenizing of the worlds languages and the struggle to keep some languages and cultures alive. It mentions the effects of colonial powers, the necessities of learning other languages for trade purposes and the reluctance of younger members of minority groups to learn their original tongue. Contains information such as the top nine countries language wise contain 3,300 languages. The paper also discusses the gradual process of change in a language. From the paper: ?Bilingualism is a reality today and it will become a greater reality as time goes. The extent to which it is prevalent is evidenced by the presence of bilinguals in every country today, as well as in every social class and every age group. International travel, communication and the mass media, emigration and planetary economics have created a so-called global village whereby inhabitants speak more than their own native language.

Leadership & Change Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Leadership & Change - Coursework Example An argument against this point of view that I think is important is the fact that in most cases the manager and the leaders who are in the organization’s higher positions are the drivers of change. These are people who can analyze think and develop the behavioral changes that can influence the individuals who bring the resistance to change (Mullins, 2010, pg.31). I believe it is the role the managers to changes in an effective way. They have to develop some individual management skills. They should be sense maker and sense giver. Through effective communication, they can translate the changes. They can also minimize the anxiety of the employees through sharing the information and discussing the needs and the advantages of the change (Rubin, et al.2010, pg.217-9). A leadership style that is democratic can reduce the opposition and assist to in getting an easy acceptance. Whenever empathy is displayed by the leader, those employees who are scared of change will embrace the change process voluntarily. The industries such as advertisement, PR and media require a constant change. And for the globalised competition survival, the other industries have to bring in some change. I would recommend the Lewi’s Change Management model because many people prefer and work within given zones of safety. The model is also is easy to use, and a lot of organizations use this model to implement major changes (Ibarra & Hansen, 2011,pg.69-70). It has three stages; 2. Translation – Immediately change has been initiated, the company goes to the translation period, and this may take some time. Efficient leadership and reassurance is important for this process to succeed. The General Electrics managed some important changes its work culture at the time of transformational leadership tenure. Charles Handy’s framework was utilized to identify the cons of autocratic culture in its organizational

Design a bioreactor that can replicate the in vivo loading conditions Essay

Design a bioreactor that can replicate the in vivo loading conditions experienced by bone cells in the body - Essay Example It is followed by the dedifferentiation of the cells. This process produces only a minimal concentration of the cells. Hence the use of micro carrier cultures is done for the well-mixed bioreactor systems. The defects in the skeleton system are a big impediment to the normal functioning of the human system. The autogenous bone transplantation is practiced for the bone replacement so far. (Schieker, 2006).This method has increased risk of surgery and post operative morbidality to the patients. This method also has the disadvantage of limited quantity and the secondary operational procedure costs. The calcium phosphate ceramics is widely used for the production of the bone supplement. The hydroxyapatites of the calcium phosphate ceramics have considerable clinical use because of their chemical and relvant crystallographic structures to bone. The cell based therapy aims at developing the 3D biohybrid structure of a scaffold and cultured cells. The bioreactors that are established for th e microbes and mammalian cultures are not suitable for the 3D structure constructs. Hence the need for a tissue specific bioreactor design arose. To restore back the skeleton function, the bone tissue engineering is used. The production of tissue engineered piece of spongy bone is one of the challenging fields in bone tissue engineering. The three key elements of bone tissue engineering are osteogenic progenitor cells, osteoinductive growth factors and osteoconductive matrices. Osteoblasts are the differentiated cells that arise from the osteoprogenitor cells. These cells are very mobile and they change the shape and size according to the matrix of the bone. These cells appear with in the vascular tissue. These cells are responsible for the synthesis and the secretion of the organic matrix of the bone. Bone remodeling and the bone reformation are the two types of the tissue engineering processes that can are possible with the osteoblast cells.

Business-to-Business E-Business Technology Research Paper

Business-to-Business E-Business Technology - Research Paper Example The Business-to-Business E-Business Technology concept emerged owing to the growing use of internet technology in the business sphere. With the enhanced use of internet technology, business corporations can effectively interact with each other both in an intrinsic and extrinsic manner. Intrinsically the business corporations can better relate the head office functions with the several branches spread along different regions and also to the warehouses. The business corporations with the use of internet medium can modify the business functions related to purchases and sales in a much faster and efficient fashion. Business-to-Business technological interface helps the business corporations gain a huge number of advantages which can be enumerated as follows. Management of the inventory and sales functions is better managed by business houses through the expanded use of internet technology. The business corporations through the use of the internet medium can effectively track changes in t he external market and thereby modify the products and services rendered. Through enhanced satisfaction of consumer demand, the business houses can generate more amount of profit and also augment on the market share. Moreover, with the enhanced use of internet technology in the business medium the business corporations can effectively minimize the cost of business operations thereby enhancing the productivity aspects. Different companies pertaining to manufacturing and other information technology companies have gained largely owing to the expanded use of internet technology in the business to a business sphere (Haag, 2005,p.139-410). An enhanced understanding of the Business-To-Business Electronic Commerce technology shows that the above technology can be used in different forms by the business corporations while performing business activities.