Online education Essay Example for Free

Online education Essay The shift from a traditional classroom setting to online education has both been hard and easy. The transition has been easy because the internet and other on line websites are not new for the generation of today thus there is really not much adjusting that is needed to be done in order to be familiar with this tool. There has been sufficient guidance extended by the schools which makes the transition easy and there are approachable staffs that are ready to answer any queries about the new system. The change also allowed the students to manage their time better because they are now less time constraints since there is no requirement to attend classes personally. (Clark, Kim. Online Education Offers Access and Accessibility. Retrieved from website http://www. usnews. com/articles/education/online-education/2009/04/02/online-education-offers-access-and-affordability. html. Everything is being done through the computer. The transition was hard at first because of the adjustment in a new learning environment. There are no more fixed school schedules to attend to thus there is a need to discipline students regarding their task to finish school work. The two systems can co-exist because the choice of one would not really result to the elimination of the other. If a student would chose to avail of attending some regular class and also of taking some online education subjects, this would work for the advantage of the student. The reason for this is that the student is given the option to manage his or her time properly and chose what subjects he or she thinks is better to be completed within the school grounds for reasons of the use of the library or counseling from the professor.In this way, the student would be able to maximize both his and her time and potential in a subject that truly interests him or her. Reference: Clark, Kim. April 2, 2009. U. S. News. Online Education Offers Access and Accessibility. Retrieved on May 7, 2009 from website http://www. usnews. com/articles/education/online-education/2009/04/02/online-education-offers-access-and-affordability. html.

Crossover Design for Speakers

Crossover Design for Speakers Crossover Design In terms of crossover design, there are two distinct options; passive or active crossovers. Passive crossovers are the most common implementation, since only one amplifier is required. In this case, filters comprising passive components (inductors, capacitors and resistors) are used to ensure that the correct frequency range is supplied to each driver. Low-pass, high-pass and band-pass filters are commonly used and need to be matched to ensure that the frequency roll-offs compliment each other, such that in the crossover zone(s) the combined acoustic output of the drivers maintains a flat frequency response. In terms of these passive filters, it is the order of the filters used that is the primary consideration. A first order filter has a roll-off of -6dB per Octave and a Butterworth characteristic. First order filters are undesirable for two reasons; a +3dB peak is introduced at the centre of the crossover band and the crossover bandwidth is large due to the gentle roll-off, which means the drivers need to be capable of handling a greater frequency range. However, first order filters require the least components, incur less power loss as a result and do not introduce a phase change in the output. Second order filters are the most commonly used type in passive crossovers, since they are relatively simple but solve the problems associated with first order filters. The roll-off is -12dB per octave and the filters may be designed with a Linkwitz-Riley characteristic which maintains a flat frequency response across the crossover band, unlike the combination of Butterworth filters. Third order filters offer a roll-off of -18dB per octave, however there is a problem of phase separation; in a two-way configuration there is a phase shift of 270 degrees which â€Å"can result in lobing and tilting of the coverage pattern† (DellaSala, G. 2004). Some designs such as the D’Appolito configuration[1], which uses three drivers, actually make use of this phase separation in order to minimise lobing, however the D’Appolito configuration is notoriously complex and difficult to implement well without precise driver measurements. If a high-order crossover is desired, fourth order filters are perhaps the best choice. Although they are more complex in terms of design and require more components, the advantages are a small crossover bandwidth (roll-off is -24dB per octave) and a 360 degree phase shift; hence no phase correction is required. Passive crossovers beyond fourth order are generally not considered. Borwick (2001, p.267) notes these â€Å"are seldom used in passive crossover designs because of their complexity, cost and insertion losses†. The other approach to crossover design is the active crossover. In this case active filters (normally based around op-amps) are used to divide the input signal into the required frequency bands prior to amplification; the crossover has multiple outputs and a separate power amplifier is needed for each frequency band. Some audiophiles complain that active crossovers (which normally employ high-order active filters) are not a good choice, due to the poor transient response of high order filters. However as Elliot (2004) notes, â€Å"the additional control that the amp has over the drivers behaviour improves the transient performance, and especially so at (or near) the crossover frequency the most critical frequency point(s) in the design of any loudspeaker†. Apart from the increased complexity and multiple power amplifier requirement, active crossovers are far superior to their passive counterparts in almost every way, although some purists may disagree. Good quality op-amps are cheap, as are the required resistors and capacitors (since these do not need to handle much power). The active solution means frequency response is no longer defined by the quite complicated combined resistive, capacitive and inductive load of the passive crossover and drivers. Thus the frequency response of the crossover is independent of dynamic changes in the load. Furthermore, the active crossover makes it easy to tune the crossover dynamically; with most commercially available active crossovers one can simply dial in the required frequency bands. Efficiency is improved with active crossovers, since no power is lost by the amplifier in driving passive inductors or resistors. The amplifier also has the best possible control over transient response, since there is nothing between it and the driver other than cable. Thus the amplifier can respond directly and â€Å"presents the maximum damping factor at all times, regardless of frequency† (Elliot R. 2004). In view of the above one may then wonder why passive crossovers continue to remain so popular, since it seems far more logical to implement frequency division before amplifying the signal. Ease of installation is perhaps the main factor. Almost all commonly available hi-fi systems use speakers with passive crossovers. For the consumer this makes things easy; the speakers are simply connected to the amplifier and installation is complete. In contrast, turnkey active solutions for the average consumer are not forthcoming, although rack-mounted â€Å"professional† active crossovers can be obtained for quite reasonable prices (around  £150 for a 4th order 2 way Linkwitz-Riley design)[2]. However, these require a fair amount of audio engineering expertise to set up correctly and the typical home listener simply does not possess this knowledge. For the high-budget client seeking the best audio reproduction, active crossovers are certainly the best option; the technical advantages have been seen to be numerous. This is offset by the fact that the system will be far more complicated to correctly install, but it is assumed in this case that complexity of installation is of little concern to the high-budget client who is unlikely to handle the installation themselves in any case. For the low-budget client, the best solution is the passive crossover. It is a simple option, only requires one amplifier and yet produces acceptable sound quality. It is far from the best solution, but adequate if a competitive price point is desired. In conclusion, all but a few dyed-in-the-wool purists will agree that the active crossover is a superior solution in terms of quality and control. What it lacks in simplicity is outweighed by a far superior level of control over frequency response and the drivers themselves. However, due to issues of complexity one can expect that the traditional passive crossover shall continue to lead a healthy existence in the majority of loudspeaker designs. Sources Borwick, John. (2001). Loudspeaker and Headphone Handbook, Focal Press. DellaSala, G. (2004). Filter Crossover Types for Loudspeakers, Audioholics Magazine. Dickason, V. (1995). The Loudspeaker Design Cookbook, Audio Amateur Publications. Elliot R. (2004). Active vs Passive Crossovers, Elliot Sound Products. Rossing, T. (1990). The Science of Sound, Addison-Wesley. 1 [1] D’Appolito’s full 1983 paper may be obtained here: http://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=11762 [2] For example the Samson S-2: http://www.inta-audio.com/products.asp?partno=sto-oth-sam2w

Constructing and Reconstructing Essay -- Constitution, Founding Father

1. Woody Holton reveals the motives of the Founding Fathers depend widely on individual judgment of the terms under the Articles of Confederation. Holton claims that historians excessively rely on sources by the Federalist which reveals a prejudiced Federalist view (Hollitz, 110). Woody Holton uses the writings of James Madison and Alexander Hamilton to expose the Founding Fathers deeper motives in writing the Constitution. The Founding Fathers were frustrated because state legislatures had been given in to popular demands to reduce taxes and increase the money supply (for relief from the recession). While citizens were behind on their taxes; states were unable to pay interest on bonds, which crippled the government operations (Hollitz, 91). The idea of Hamilton claiming that states suffered from an â€Å"extreme democracy†, the Founding Fathers establish a central government that was less responsive to the will of the popular support (Hollitz, 94). The Founding Fathers , Holton says, mistrusted the abilities of average citizens who made up much of America’s voting population, and believed that power should be left to the elites (Hollitz, 94). However, the â€Å"framers† also recognized that the Constitution did not address ordinary citizen’s concern, and it would need to be ratified by the 13 states. As Woody Holton explains, the Founding Fathers felt that the uneducated citizens had â€Å"driven the country toward economic recession†, proving that they do not â€Å"possessed the ability to govern themselves† (Hollitz, 94). Also, the Confederation demonstrates the dangers of democracy showing that common people should not have control over their government. 2. From Federalist No. 10, James Madison explains that a republic is a government i... ...litz, 306). African Americans found themselves separated from white society and segregated by class. Blacks were often educated in segregated schools and churches, punished in segregated prisons, nursed in segregated hospitals, and buried in segregated cemeteries (Hollitz, 306). African Americans were segregated and treated with inequality especially in their public life. African Americans in free states faced barriers with job opportunities and were limited to the protection of life, liberty, and property (Hollitz, 306). Republican Party refused to address social equality for African Americans and claims to be â€Å"white man’s party† and do not accept black equality. Woodward and Foner conclude Reconstruction laws proved the failure in American race policy for earlier generations and betrayed the hopes that African Americans had invested in the new governments.

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible Essay

A crucible is defined as a severe trial or a container in which metals are melted at very high temperatures. Much like how metals mold to a new shape at very high temperatures, people change when severe trials and challenges present themselves. When innocent lives are lost, a person will realize the wrongs and attempt to make things right again. The character John Hale must forget his old teachings and way of life to try to return the town of Salem to a peaceful community. In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, Reverend John hale transforms from a prideful prosecutor of witches to a humble defender of the accused because of the guilt he experiences over the innocent lives lost during the Salem witch trials. Reverend John Hale arrives in Salem as a prideful man with intentions of persecuting the accused of witchcraft and ridding the town of all evil. Author Arthur Miller says of Hale, â€Å"This is a beloved errand of him; on being called here to ascertain witchcraft he felt the pride of the specialist whose unique knowledge has at last been publicly called for.†(Miller 1252) Miller explains that the reverend has great pride in having the opportunity to show off his skills to rid the town of Salem of witchcraft. His skills in the beginning of the trials come from his books instead of from his own intuitions. Reverend Hale brings many books into the town in order to use their knowledge to persecute the accused. He believes these books to be infallible, and they cause him to believe that he will solve all of the town’s problems with them. Along with the knowledge from his books, he speaks, â€Å"with a tasty love of intellectual pursuit.†(Miller 1257) These stage directions imply that Hale thirsts to be the all-knowing savior of Salem. In his early days at Salem this thirst and his faith in the judicial system guide him to find the suspected witches and deal with them accordingly. The reverend’s early thirst for heroism soon vanishes as the trials pursue and more unexpected people in Salem are accused of witchcraft. Hale travels to the Proctor residence by his accord, without the court’s authority, to learn more about them because Elizabeth Proctor has been mentioned in the court. Learning about the faith life of Elizabeth, Hale starts to question whether all of the accused participate in witchcraft, and doubt of the infallible judicial system starts to arise in him. This doubt grows as he says to Judge Danforth about the trials, â€Å"But is does not follow that everyone accused is part of it.†(Miller 1300) He realizes now that the accused are given no chance to plead innocent without the sure fate of death. Hale sees flaw in the judicial system that he has lived by, and wonders if the many he has condemned to death had no opportunity at all to seek innocence. Knowing that the accused have no chance for survival but through confession of witchcraft, Hale proclaims, â€Å"I have this morning signed away the soul of Rebecca Nurse, Your Honor. I’ll not conceal it, my hand shakes yet as with a wound!†(Miller 1301) He knows that Rebecca has a good life of faith, and she will most definitely be condemned to death by the so called infallible judicial system because of him. Hale shows the feeling of guilt by signing away the life of Goody Nurse, and realizes that he must try to defend the accused because the court will not. Hale loses all motivation to condemn the accused and no longer holds pride in himself or his judicial system. With his motivation to seek out witches now gone, Hale believes many of the accused to be innocent and tries to convince this to the court. He tells Judge Danforth, â€Å"I beg you, stop now before another is condemned! I may not shut my conscience to it no more—private vengeance is working through this testimony! From the beginning this man has struck me true. By my oath to Heaven, I believe him now.†(Miller 1311) His guilt pushes him to defend the accused in front of the judge so that their blood will not be on his hands. Hale knows his association with the courts will result in the loss of innocent lives, and he cannot live with himself knowing this. Knowing now that the court operates with error, he quits it and denounces its proceedings. John Hale no longer want to participate in the court’s murdering of the innocent, and feels guilty for the lives that he has already condemned through the judicial system. Hale now knows that he needs to think for himself rather than following the laws and rules of the judicial system he has lived by his whole life. Working separate from the court, the reverend says, â€Å"I come to do the Devil’s work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves.†(Miller 1325) Hale knows that the only way to rid the guilt from his mind is to convince the accused to lie and confess so that their lives may be saved. He has lost faith in the court system that will condemn innocent lives, and, throwing away his pride, puts out one last effort to save some of the lives he has condemned. His motivation has changed from condemning the witches in the town to attempting to save the accused. As his efforts are about to fail, he drops to his knees and says, â€Å"What profit him to bleed? Shall the dust praise him? Shall the worms declare his truth? Go to him, take his shame away!†(Miller 1334) His efforts to defend the accused fail, and guilt overwhelms him. Reverend John Hale cannot live with the innocent lives he has sentenced to murder and is humbled as the accused are led to their death. â€Å"Cleave to no faith when faith brings blood†(Miller 1326) says a transformed reverend as the Salem witch trials come to an end. Reverend Hale loses not only his faith in the judicial system, but also in the God who he believed to be too perfect to allow these tragic events to happen. He humbles himself because the pride that he once had leads to the death innocent lives in Salem. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Reverend John Hale changes from a prideful prosecutor of the witches to a humble defender of the accused because of the guilt that overwhelms him due to the innocent blood shed at his hands during the Salem witch trials.

Body – Traffic Jam

Chapter 1: Introduction 1. 1Origin of the report This report has been prepared following the instruction of our course teacher Pro. Ali Akkas as a part of our course â€Å"Business Communication† under the EMBA program of Dhaka University. 1. 2 Objective of the report 1. Broad objective To discuss traffic jam, it’s causes and remedies 2. Specific objective -To discuss the effects of traffic jam on environment and social life, -To be introduced with the way of relief from traffic jam. – To find the way of upgrading the traffic systems . 3 Scope and Limitations of the report This report could have even more wealth and information. But, due to limited time, few information could be collected. More budgeting on this report could have given it a aristocratic look. In spite of these limitations, it has been tried to enrich this report by proper and authentic information. It has been tried to be rational with the real figure of traffic jam. It is believed that this repo rt will help the follower to go for further analysis. Chapter 02: Methodology 2. Population Parameters A parameter is a numerical summary of a population; because populations have so many members, these can never be known except if a census is taken. 2. 2 Sampling Design In the theory of finite population sampling a sampling design specifies for every possible sample its probability of being drawn. Mathematically a sampling design is denoted by the function P(S) which gives the probability of drawing a sample. 2. 3 Variables Covered Here we have included -urban traffic problems -suburban traffic problems high way traffic problems 2. 4 Methods of Data Collection There are four main methods of data collection. †¢ Census. A census is a study that obtains data from every member of a population. In most studies, a census is not practical, because of the cost and/or time required. †¢ Sample survey. A sample survey is a study that obtains data from a subset of a population, in or der to estimate population attributes. †¢ Experiment. An experiment is a controlled study in which the researcher attempts to understand cause-and-effect relationships.The study is â€Å"controlled† in the sense that the researcher controls (1) how subjects are assigned to groups and (2) which treatments each group receives. †¢ Observational study. Like experiments, observational studies attempt to understand cause-and-effect relationships. However, unlike experiments, the researcher is not able to control (1) how subjects are assigned to groups and/or (2) which treatments each group receives. 2. 5 Data Analysis Plan The appropriate methods of data analysis are determined by data types and variables of interest, the actual distribution of the variables, and the number of cases.Different analyses of the same data set may reflect or represent different aspects of the underlying data structure. Once a plan has been established, it could contain any combination of the f ollowing types of data analysis strategies: †¢ Exploratory: This type of data analysis often occurs when a program is new, and it is unclear what to expect from the data. †¢ Descriptive: The most common type of data analysis, this approach will summarize your findings and describe the sample. †¢ Inferential: Inferential statistics allow us to draw conclusions about the larger population from which the sample is drawn.These powerful techniques may be able demonstrate if a change has occurred as a result of your program. PDA's Statistics Division specializes in many sophisticated data analysis techniques. Chapter 3: Traffic Jam, It’s Causes, Effects and Remedies 3. 1 Causes of Traffic Jam â€Å"During experiment, it has been found that human error is a major cause of most frustrating kinds of traffic jams†. ( Annexes – I) In generally the traffic jams are causes by following reasons- -Dishonesty of traffic polices -Insufficient roads and highways. P oor communication system. -Too many vehicles -Low price fuel ( CNG) and available motor cars. -Traffic jams are usually caused because there must be an accident. -Most often, traffic jam are caused by – those who drive too slow always end up compacting the faster drivers behind them -In rush hours when too many people start for destination. -Free parking here and there causes hindrance on traffic way -Some drivers tries to drive faster than the flow of traffic. -Some times drivers stop on the highway and causes a traffic jam. . 2 Traffic Jam Affects Society and Environment Traffic jam affects the society in some of the ways below: †¢ creates mental stress in the motorists †¢ paves way for wastage of fuel and wear & tear of vehicle parts which ultimately waste the money of the motorists †¢ becomes a cause for rash driving and road accidents involving loss of lives †¢ makes the motorists to inhale lot of vehicular smoke emissions in a short period of time ca using many diseases †¢ wasting time of motorists and passengersTraffic jam affects the environment in some of the ways below: †¢ efficiency of fuel usage by idle running of vehicle engines in low speed is very low leading to wastage of fuel which ultimately results in over exploitation of fossil fuel reserves †¢ vehicles at low speed emit lot amount of carbon monoxide, unburnt fuel particles, suspended particulate matters and other pollutants into atmosphere causing air pollution more grave †¢ when vehicles start to move slowly, noise pollution is created by blowing horns by the motorists. 3. 3 Remedies to Traffic JamIncreased regulation would not work in practice. Regulation either requires more cops, which are an expensive kind of work force, or automated systems, which are sketchy from a legal point of view. Technological solutions aren’t the way to go, either. They are predicated on the assumption that all (or enough) drivers would adopt this technolog y, which will be expensive and error-prone, and possibly encourage risky behavior. Traffic jams are a symptom of more vehicles than the planned carrying capacity of the roads. In order to prevent traffic jams: -one method is to reduce the number of vehicles. Imposing disincentives (taxation, congestion fees) is one way, but offering sensible alternatives (mass transit, a functional passenger rail system, telecommuting) is smarter. -no hand held cell phones while driving. -controlling Speed of traffic more efficiently during rush hours (points to one idea, the classic â€Å"slow down and keep a constant speed† method). Chapter 4 : Conclusion and Recommendation 4. 1 Conclusion The present problem of traffic jam has not created by one day. For long unawareness and long time plan and booming number of traffic cause this.As Bangladesh is a developing country, it should be more aware of time and money. Not only this, as Bangladesh is a low land country, so it should be aware of gre en house gas. Traffic jam is killing time, wasting money, causing more green house gas. If we can’t reduce traffic jam significantly we will be great looser. Our development may slow down due to traffic jam. 4. 2 Recommendation: -We will have to go for long time plan to improve our roods and high way communication system. -Withdraw of old and slow vehicles. -Trained driver -Maintain LAN during driving -Use of dividerAnnexes-I |Bottlenecks (traffic demand   exceeds roadway capacity) |50% of total traffic jam | |Traffic incidents |25% of total traffic jam | |Work zones |15% of total traffic jam | |Bad weather |10% of total traffic jam | |Poor signal timing |  5% of total traffic jam | Fig :- On an average major causes of traffic jam References: 1.Text books: Giltow, C. & Oppenhein, R. (1995). Management: Tools and methods for improvement. Boston: Irwin-Mcgraw-Hill. 2. Websites: -HYPERLINK http://statisticssolutions. blogspot. com/2008/09/what-is-included-in-data-analysis-p lan. html -http://wiki. answers. com/Q/What_causes_traffic_jams -http://wiki. answers. com/Q/What_are_some_ways_a_traffic_jam_affects_the_society_and_environment – http://freakonomics. blogs. nytimes. com/2008/03/10/what-causes-traffic-jams-you/ http://www. infoplease. com/ipa/A0931283. html#axzz0wBBDMA5L

Role Of The Internet In Providing The Technical Environment

1.   Explain the role of the Internet in providing the technical environment for businesses who manufacture new technologies and the advantages of it. Support your answers with real examples (at least three examples).The modern world of technological advancement is associated with a number of improvements especially in business transactions. The use of information and communication technology as a tool of doing business incorporates the purpose of internet. A major advancement in technological advancement is the internet which has led to integration of business transactions across regions. Internet plays a very important role in creating technical environment for organizations that manufacture new technologies (Andrea, Andrew, Michael, 2003). The global interconnection of computer network through a protocol known as internet has an integrating force. The internet connects communication technology and computing to provide information necessary for business.Key roles of internet incl ude research, sale of products and communication of a company’s message to consumers. Businesses that manufacture new technologies conduct research via internet to acquire relevant information about their services. Example of research engines includes Linux, OpenOffice.org, and Mozilla Firefox used to provide information relating to business. Another role of internet is enhancement of personalized marketing that allows businesses manufacturing new technologies to market their products to specific people. Examples include My Space, Face Book, Orkut, Twitter and friendster. Communication about new technologies manufactured by businesses through advertisement is another role of the internet (Andrea, Andrew, Michael, 2003).The use of internet has certain advantages which include first; it is efficient due to low costs making it easily accessible to acquire relevant business information. Second, internet allows businesses manufacturing new technologies to do business fast. A third advantage of internet is that it provides businesses with the capacity to gather opinions about their products from end users and other professionals. Fourth, internet provides businesses manufacturing new technologies with the capacity of trying out new ideas necessary for improving performance of the business.2. During this course (BA545 Emerging Technologies) we discussed Pull and Push technologies. Provide three examples of each, and talk about the advantages and disadvantages of Pull and Push technologies.Pull technologies requires the user of internet services to actively research and retrieve information necessary for research or any other stipulated purpose. The pull technology is a network communication style whereby request for data is initiated by the client and response provided by the server. Examples include the web, library and Usenet newsgroups. Advantages of pull technologies include acquisition of first hand information, encourages research and it is easy to use. On the other hand, disadvantages include high costs for conducting research, requires thorough training and failure to handle adequate bandwidth.Push technology on the other hand is an internet based communication style whereby request for information or any other internet service is initiated by the central server. It is based on information preferences which are expressed in advance. Examples include email, television and radio as they deliver information to the user. An advantage of push technologies includes ease of use as minimal effort is required by the recipient to receive information. The ease of use feature has made email a more preferable web site than any other internet applications. On the other hand a major draw back of push technologies is rapid exposure to technological problems, power failures and virus infections.3.   You are a systems technologist working in a big Fortune 500 company. Advancement in technological development in the field of business is one of th e most critical aspects of the market. Computers have changed the way of doing business from manual operations to electronic trading called e-commerce. This is one of the best achievements in the current trends of technology which has led to improvement in business performance. A close look of electronic commerce gives an overview of how technology has led to integration of markets.The use of internet which connects computers through application of protocols helps traders from different geographical locations to carry on business without movement. Through the aspect of globalization, current technological trends have made the exchange of goods and services to be easy and effective. Technology has made it easy for organizations to advertise their products through the internet hence capturing global markets (Andrea, Andrew, Michael, 2003). This has led to an increase in volumes traded hence leading to high profitability. Sales are made online through the help of technology and this he lps to cut down some costs and saves time.A company using e-commerce has to ensure that it has up-to-speed systems in the aspect of databases, network security and payment methods. Databases are essentials in a company that uses technology to carry on with its operations. The company is supposed to ensure that its systems are efficient to avoid losses and satisfy customer needs. A company using technology is supposed to frequently check on its systems for any technological problems. This helps to maintain efficient and up to speed system which helps to avoid wastage of resources and time.Online payment of goods and services is one of the most critical aspects enhanced by technology that needs high speed systems. This can be enhanced through the use of wire transfer which ensures that money is received on time. Doing business transactions online require adoption of strong security measures that prevents loss of information and other resources such as money. The use of passwords to ac cess accounts is a major security measure that can be used by organizations. Encryption of information is another important network security consideration.   This helps to deal with hackers as they are protected from accessing accounts of the company and other important business information.4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   You are an Information Systems educator, and you have been asked to write an article about emerging technologies and how important it is to be prepared to adapt to new technologies (on-time), and the efforts and expenses businesses are likely to spend. Include at least four examples of emerging technologies.The development of technology in the modern world has led to emergence of certain technologies applied in certain aspects of life. This has drastically changed the way of life in positive and negative aspects. Nearly every activity in organizations, government offices, institutions, homes, health centers and hospitality industry is carried through the use of informatio n systems. Some key emerging technologies include communication, transportation, bioinformatics and entertainment (Andrea, Andrew, Michael, 2003). These key areas of development have been enhanced by application of information technology systems.In communication, technology has made it possible for individuals to pass information across long distances within a short period of time. This includes the use of mobile phones, electronic mails, fax and social networks such as Face book. The mode of communication has completely changed due to technological advancements. Transportation technology is another key development that has made movement of goods and people to be more easy and cheap. Developments in air space and road transport systems as a result of technology have made transportation more cheap and easy. Bioinformatics includes the aspects of genetic engineering and photosynthesis which has led to increased level of production. The entertainment sector has changed since the develo pment of information systems.The use of televisions, radio, computers and other electronic gadgets have led to a change in entertainment field. The changes resulting from technological advancement calls for proper arrangement by individuals within the key sectors affected. It is important to be prepared about the changes so as to avoid making losses and face the challenges associated with new inventions.   Businesses have to take appropriate measures on time such as communicating to customers about the changes to avoid embarrassment (Andrea, Andrew, Michael, 2003). Embracing new technologies by businesses results to creation of more expenses such as training, purchase, maintenance, installation and inconvenience costs. Business owners have to be prepared to deal with such costs for better performance of organizations.ReferenceAndrea, P., Andrew, D. & Michael, H. (2003). The Business of Systems Integration. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Bilingualism and Biculturalism

Bilingualism and biculturalism are intertwined terms that have influenced the social model of modern society. As everyday passes by, the world keeps getting smaller and we continue conforming to the cultural norms of the global society. While bilingualism helps us to keep our native language intact, biculturalism reminds of our true roots. In a world with diminishing cultural boundary lines, bilingualism and biculturalism are critical factors that help preserve one’s cultural identity. Bilingualism Bilingualism is basically the ability to comprehend and effectively communicate in two languages.However, various experts have their own definition of bilingualism with certain nuances. For instance, a bilingual is one who is recognized as a native speaker by natives of both languages, according to a French linguist named Thiery (Chan 2). In recent times, the ability to construct and express complete, meaningful sentences is considered adequate for one to achieve bilingualism. B. Wa ys to measure bilingualism Bilingualism can be measured by evaluating the level of mastery of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in both languages.Most bilinguals have superior command over one language compared to the other, as it is not very common for an individual to have equal mastery of both languages. Likewise, some bilinguals can understand a language better than they speak it; they are commonly referred to as receiving bilinguals. It is generally accepted among the linguist community that knowing a minimum of five thousand words in a language is necessary to carry out effective communication. C. Types of bilingualismVarious types of bilingualism have been found to exist as linguists continue to study the reasons and methods governing the existence of bilingualism. Sometimes, learning a second language might lead to the deterioration of ones native language. This negative impact over a person’s native language is called as subtractive bilingualism. Howeve r, if second language proficiency is achieved without causing any negative impact one’s mother tongue, then it is known as additive bilingualism. When an individual’s communication skills improve in general from the mastery of a second language, it is known as ascendant bilingualism.In countries where people speaking a certain language are frowned upon, there is a tendency to conceal one’s native language owing to the fear of being stigmatized. This phenomenon is known as covert bilingualism. On the other hand, some nations in the world have two official languages, as a result of having people from different cultural backgrounds speaking two different languages. Although not all people in the country speak or understand both the languages, such a country is known to exhibit societal bilingualism.Bilingualism can be classified into infant bilingualism and artificial bilingualism, based on the nature of acquiring bilingualism. Infant bilingualism is a native way o f acquiring both languages simultaneously, right from a very early age when a child begins to talk. This way of acquiring bilingualism would most probably result in one attaining almost equal proficiency in both languages. This is possible when both languages are natural part of the child’s environment. This usually happens when each parent is a native speaker of one language or if the parents are proficient in both languages.This way, the child finds both languages natural since he/she is exposed to it since birth. Artificial bilingualism is a phenomenon according to which parents consciously try to pass on a language that is not either of their mother tongues, to the children. This could be a result of societal or cultural pressure to speak the language like a native speaker. Artificial bilingualism can have a negative impact if the parents try to force a language that they are not proficient at it, since this could lead the children to form an improper language model.D. Bi culturalism Biculturalism enables an individual to possess native-like knowledge of two cultures present in his/her country. Hence, a bicultural person would have the ability to relate to members of both cultures as well as act according to the demands of both cultures. True biculturalism is said to have been achieved if a person inherently feels like a part of both cultures. E. Biculturalism in society Biculturalism usually exists in a country where two different cultures or cultural identities are allowed to freely flourish within the society.It is characterized by widespread occupation of people belonging to two diverse cultures. However, true biculturalism cannot exist in a country where one culture is suppressed or discriminated. Bicultural countries have official policies to protect the interest of both cultures. It also facilitates equitable status and rights to people belonging to both cultures without any prejudice. These countries also celebrate festivals pertaining to bot h cultures to preserve integrity of both cultures and foster the spirit of togetherness. E. 1 Biculturalism in CanadaCanada follows a policy of official bilingualism as its gives equal status to both English and French in its parliament and courts. This was done to preserve the cultural identity of French communities in Canada, as support for the French language in Canada had weakened and English had become the preferred language in business and politics, by the end of the nineteenth century. As the years passed by, Francophone communities outside of Quebec begun to realize the extinction of their culture was inevitable, unless French-based education was made a top priority.Certain political forces in Quebec had also wanted a separate state during the 1960s. Franco-Albertans living in Quebec called for bilingualism and biculturalism to ensure that Canada stayed united. This led to the proclamation of the Official Languages Act of 1969 announcing Canada as a bilingual nation (Alberta ’s Francophone Heritage 3). Today, Franco-Albertans are entitled to exclusive French-only education according to rights guaranteed by Bilingualism and Biculturalism Commission, while French is also now used in government offices and hospitals in Alberta.All these developments with respect to biculturalism have kept Canada together as one nation and led to the revival of the French culture. E. 2 Biculturalism in Australia Australia was originally inhabited only by several indigenous tribes, until the Europeans settlers started to immigrate there. These relatively new settlers started to control the ethnicity of the immigrants settling down to ensure that Australia had a cultural identity of a British Colony. Until 1973, the governments empowered by the Immigration Restriction Act followed the White Australia policy to keep a check on non-European immigration.The racial injustice perpetrated by the White Australia policy official came to end by passing of the Racial Discriminat ion Act in 1975. Australia started to rigorously follow a bicultural policy similar to Canada, opening its doors to several thousands of immigrants from all over the world. The extent of Australia’s multicultural policy can be better understood from a 2005 Department of Immigration statistic which reports that forty percent of the contributing workforce in Australia had at least one parent born outside of Australia, while twenty-five percent of them were not originally born in Australia (Wikiepedia 9).Australian values of ‘mateship’ centered on equality, loyalty and friendship, have enshrined in its biculturalism policy and given equal rights to all Australian citizens irrespective of their ethnicity. Multiculturalism was initially perceived as the acceptance of people coming from different cultural backgrounds as members of Australian society. However, the significance of biculturalism has now deepened and empowered immigrants in Australia to express their cultu ral identity, thereby enabling them to experience both Australian culture as well as their native culture. E.3 Biculturalism in the United States America, in spite of being one of most culturally diverse nations in the world and built on values of equality, does not officially have a federal multiculturalism policy. That being said, America does practices biculturalism on a social level as immigrants from various countries are freely allowed to practice their religion and exhibit their cultural identity. The Hart-Cellar Act of 1965 nullified quotas based on one’s national origin. Since then, more twenty twenty-eight million people immigrants have legally been accepted by the United States of America.Bilingualism is also prevalent is certain Southern states that are heavily populated with Spanish-speaking immigrants. F. The relationship of bilingualism to biculturalism Bilingualism and biculturalism are concepts that are very closely tied together. Bilingualism not only helps one to connect and effectively communicate with the society around him/her, but also enables a person to maintain command over his/her native language. Since language is the key to stay in touch with one’s ethic or national culture, bilingualism helps foster biculturalism as well.F. 1. Origin of bilingualism in bicultural societies Canada was one of the pioneers of the New World to officially adopt the policy of bilingualism. In 1867, British North America Act was passed to legalize to conversing in English as well as French in Canadian Parliament as well as Courts of Law, thereby paving the way for a bicultural state. As the world’s political climate began to change during the beginning of the twentieth century, the idea of cultural pluralism started to gain momentum.Biculturalism began in western world and paved the way for biculturalism to be adopted as a political policy in many other parts of the world. F. 2. Bilingual education Bilingual education is a method of teaching all subjects to students through a country’s primary language as well as the student’s native language. There are several types of approaches and programs available to carry out bilingual education. Transitional programs teach all subjects in the students’ native language and English is taught as a separate subject until bilingual students can study along with other native students in normal classrooms.Dual Language programs consist of an equal combination of students who are native English speakers as well students who have another common native language. These methods enable all students in the class to be bilingual and understand subject matter in both languages. Late-exit program is yet another method that is quite similar to transitional programs, but it also teaches all the subjects in English again to reinforce the subject content and achieve effective bilingualism. It is hard to generalize and develop a common plan to educate bilingual students. For instance, in the US, young immigrants are either more educated or less educated native-born American students since immigrants from Asian countries are relatively well-educated compared to their South American counterparts, as a result of to social and economic differences. Language maintenance and Language shift Language maintenance is an effort to preserve the linguistic ability of child in his/her native language, while not compromising on learning the popular secondary language at school. It is can result from a passion for one’s culture or a necessity to communicate with elder members in the family.Career prospects due to international acclaim or the availability of media services such as television programs or books in one’s native could also cause language maintenance. The avoidance of one’s native language is known as language shift. For instance, bilingual children may stop using their mother tongue owing to a higher degree of English exposure in sc hool. Other factors that influence language shift are fear of one’s native language negatively influencing their English language skills or learning abilities.Lack of parental encouragement to maintain one’s native language can also lead to language shift. G. Transference Transference occurs when a person’s native language negatively influences the way he/she uses another language or vice-versa. This influence can occur in the form of distinctive oral expressions i. e. accent or odd sentence compositions. It is classified into lexical, phonological, semantic, prosodic, tonemic, syntactic and pragmatic transferences.CONCLUSIONThe concepts of bilingualism and biculturalism are two critical aspects that have held together societies comprising of several cultures, languages, races and ethnic backgrounds. Since transference or the deviation from the norms of a language could lead to language shift, proper bilingual education has to be provided to ensure that one is c omfortable using both languages. Bilingualism, the preservation of one’s native language accompanied by command over a country’s primary language, is necessary to achieve biculturalism in a society as well retaining one’s true cultural identity.References A Research Guide for Students. (1998-2006). Retrieved March 20, 2008. http://www. aresearchguide. com/1steps. html Bilingualism and Biculturalism. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from Alberta’s Francophone Heritage. http://www. edukits. ca/francophone/en/secondary/infomatics_text_bilingualism. html Chan, K. (1998). Bilingualism and Biculturalism. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from Academia. http://www. geocities. com/goktimus/bilingualism. html Multiculturalism. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from Wikipedia, a free encyclopedia. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Multiculturalism