Scholarship, Practice and Leadership in Higher Education

From a pragmatic point of view, what higher education demands in the current context of the Information Age and the globalized, digital economy is a vision of improvement and change; that is, a vision for moving forward, a vision which discerns mistakes and more importantly, addresses them. It is important to note that teaching and learning are processes; fundamental modes of human behavior and endeavor. With the increasing demand for higher education across countries, and as new technology applications emerge, most of administrators, faculty, and students embrace a new educational infrastructure; one which is built upon information technology. While this is true, it is also true that the digital divide is widening. This is to say that children from the lowest strata of society have less access to computers, the Worldwide Web, and new information resources in their schools than the wealthy. Such realities create future problems for these children because of the fact that most careers nowadays require information technology skills. Within this context, this paper seeks to explicate how information literacy influences, shapes and moulds scholarship, practice, and leadership in higher education. It is important to note that there are a number of definitions of information literacy but most of these definitions are derived from the definition provided by the American Library Association (ALA) Presidential Committee on Information Literacy (1989): To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information (p. ) As far as higher education is concerned, information literacy then should not be viewed as discipline specific, but the other way around; a position argued by Diane Zabel in her article entitled â€Å"A Reaction to Information Literacy and Higher Education. † â€Å"It is imperative that information literacy not stand in isolation but be integrated across the curriculum† (Zabel, 20 04). It can be observed that the demands of the current global and digital economy require more collaboration and concerted efforts. If we are to comply with such demands, the direction that our institutions of higher education should take, in terms of their instruction and research should be leaning towards multi-disciplinary, participatory and collaborative approaches. â€Å"For information literacy to succeed, it must be integrated, relevant, ongoing, collaborative, and applied† (Zabel, 2004). Such ideas resonate even in Sean Lauer and Carrie Yodanis’ article entitled, â€Å"The International Social Survey Programme: A Tool for Teaching with an International Perspective. † Lauer’s and Yodanis’ focus is, however, on the teaching of sociology in the undergraduate curriculum. Over the years that we have used ISSP in the classroom, we have found that it does contribute to a learning environment in which students’ sociological questions and answers are not limited to their own country but are cross-national† (Lauer et al, 2004). The current global and digital economy h as implications not only in terms of instruction and research, but also on the concept of leadership. In as far as the current market paradigm is concerned, corporate business activities also tend to put premium on teamwork, collaborations, and collective strength in terms of leadership. In the current global and digital economy, the idea is for an individual to be capable of multi-tasking and networking; faculty members who do not only teach but also do research, practicing nurses who do not only do clinical duty but also do research, sociologists working side by side with medical practitioners, etc. In the final analysis, information literacy is a very important life-skill that an individual should possess in order to cope up with the demands of the globalized and digital economy.

How will the College of Business fit into your future professional Essay

How will the College of Business fit into your future professional goals - Essay Example I have also studied at Cambridge for a short period of time. I have been an active member in the extra-curricular activities in my schools. My management and planning skills earned me the post of ‘Student’s Council’ in Shanghai Community International School. I have been a prominent player of basketball and volleyball teams in my schools. These participations and activities enhanced my team work spirit. My personal background has allowed me to be exposed to the world of business since childhood. Although there are many fascinating aspects of business that one can hope to pursue, I look forward to working on an international scale. The global economy is an ever-changing variable that seems random due to the many factors that are involved in it. Due to its variability, it seems very challenging and exciting. I want to get professional education in this field so I can pursue my aim in life which is to become an international businessman. My global exposure gives me the advantage of being equipped with the required knowledge about different cultures and regions. This knowledge will help me cater to the demands of customers all over the world. I want to be equipped with the knowledge that is needed to run a good business and hence provide customers with high quality products. Business studies not only gives one knowledge about the tactics of running businesses, it also gives exposure to the market trends and analysis that is vital for the progress of any business. I find business studies very exhilarating since one has to develop plans and launch products, campaigns. This requires great deal of creativity and management skills. I have always been interested in challenging things where the person with the most knowledge and tactics surpasses the rest. Business studies will give me the foundation which is needed to understand the development of a business and thus

Comparison of the german and british educational system from a system Essay

Comparison of the german and british educational system from a system perpective - Essay Example In addition a stakeholder analysis for both educational systems will be included as part of the comparison. For purposes of this particular comparison, stakeholders will encompass teachers and quality assurance units. Education in the United Kingdom (UK) is required for everyone between the ages of five to sixteen. This is the definite bare minimum length of time that students attend educational institutions. More and more, young students go to nursery schools. Generally, they attend nursery schools at the age of three or four, As well, more Britons continue in education after the age of sixteen each year. In order to meet these demands educational institutions are have found it was necessary to expand the institutions. International students are welcome in all four parts of the UK: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. "Each of the four countries has broadly the same structure of education, and broadly the same sort of educational institutions. In Scotland, however, the system differs from the rest of the UK in a few significant respects." (PISA) The German School system is similar to the system in Brian in many ways; the time for compulsory school attendance in Germany is 10 years. In respect to elementary school, 'Grundschule students attend at ages 6 through 10, academic high school 'Gymnasium' is comprised of students between the ages of ages 11-19. Vocationally orie... Vocationally oriented 'Realschule' is available for students of ages 11-16. The diploma from the Gymnasium is the basic requirement for admission to a university, the Realschule diploma to a commercial or technical college, or to the last three years of Gymnasium. A diploma from a Hauptschule, a vocationally oriented branch with five years of education, ages 11-15, is generally required to enter a formal three-year vocational training program for skilled technicians, craftsmen etc., combined with classroom instruction at a vocational school (dual system of vocational training). (PEES) About one in thirteen of British school-age children goes through the independent system. International students under age of sixteen normally go to one of the 2,500 independent schools, which include most Britain's famous and ancient schools. Britain has a National Curriculum - a statement of the minimum learning requirements of all children at each stage in their education. This curriculum is compulsory in the state system. Independent schools are not bound by it, but in practice most of them teach what the National Curriculum demands (PEES) In Germany the figures for students beginning school wereas follows: School beginners, 2001/2002**: 796,700 children (48.5% girls), 1.9% less or down by 15,100 from the previous year, East: -2%, west: -1.9%. (PEESE) Britan differs from the German School System in the way German institutes study differ from those in England. they have the Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE), rather than GCSEs and A-levels. students go to a university or university sector college a year earlier than in the UK, and stay a year longer. students are not committed to the subject they applied to study. Educational

Security Analysis and Portfolio Management Essay - 2

Security Analysis and Portfolio Management - Essay Example Based on the same concept, the following paper aims at establishing the value of stocks from capitalized companies, Exxon and Berkshire, in a given portfolio. The analysis of the two stocks in this paper is achieved through a methodology section, results, and a concluding remark. In order to accomplish the main objective of this paper, two firms with capitalized stocks were selected: Exxon and Berkshire. The stocks of Exxon and Berkshire were the main data to be used in analysis and discussions. 10-years (from 2003 to 2013) of monthly stock price history for both Exxon and Berkshire were obtained from Yahoo Finance. Time series of monthly returns were then obtained from the time series of the monthly stock prices. On the basis of the time series of monthly returns, annualized mean return, standard deviation and correlation of the stocks were calculated. In addition, the analysis also calculated the weights on the minimum variance portfolio that consisted of the stocks from Exxon and Berkshire. Data and results were presented using tables and graphs. The data and results were used in carrying out the analysis and drawing up the conclusion. The 10-years of monthly stock price history for both Exxon and Berkshire obtained from Yahoo Finance are included in Excel file attached. From the monthly stock prices, the monthly returns were established. The results of the monthly returns established from the monthly stock prices are illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 through the use of a time series graph. In addition to obtaining the returns and illustrating them in the above graphs, the calculated annualized mean return, standard deviation, and correlation of the stocks are illustrated in the following tables. From the above table, the E(R) monthly for Exxon Mobil Corporation is larger than the E(R) monthly for Berkshire Hathaway Incorporation, that is, 1.11% against 0.79%. However, on the

The Englishman's Boy by Guy Vanderhaeghe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Englishman's Boy by Guy Vanderhaeghe - Essay Example National Identity is a very important part of our personality. The formation of national identity is a process of comparing and contrasting the values of our own nation with the values, principles and beliefs of other nations. Certainly, not all the people have an opportunity to travel, thus we have got another reliable and valuable source of information that help us form our views and got different feelings. This is an art. We see films and beautiful pictures, read poems and novels created by our ancestors and also modern artists. Studying the masterpieces of art, we receive valuable information about our history and this helps us form our own identity. We can learn about what is good and what is bad from different examples provided by the pieces of art. Art also serves as a reflection of our own feelings and thoughts. However, not all the information we receive is true and it is important to understand what to absorb and what to ignore. When the Great War was over, a new important period started began in the life of America. Actually, this period predetermined the future of the United States and its reputation of the most developed country in the world. It was a period of thriving, the time of economic development. There were many new opportunities opened for Americans that time and it is natural that this made the United States attractive for immigrants. The myth of American Dream appeared and many people from different countries in the world left their motherland to come to the United States seeking for better life. The United States became multicultural that caused many problems for immigrants. Instead of American Dream they faced terrible racial intolerance. Guy Vanderhaeghe tells us the story of Harry Vincent, a young scenarist, and his boss, a rich man Damon Chance, who wanted to create a special movie. The main purpose of the Damon Chance is to create a real â€Å"American† movie, which would reflect n amely American spirit. Chance thinks that the main problem of Americans is the lack of national identity. Here we can trace the attitude of Chance towards immigrants. It seems that he accuses multiculturalism caused by mass immigration of the lack of national identity in The United States. He respects real American nation and is sorry that it does not have its own art. He wants to create a real American masterpiece: â€Å"The Germans gave the world their music. The Romans their architecture. The Greeks their tragedies. We recognize the soul of a people in their art" (Vanderhaeghe 108). Chance is irritated by European’s domination and wants to help form separate American national identity. He criticized Griffith: â€Å"It was pure genius on [Griffith’s] part to advertise [The Birth of a Nation] as fact. Americans are a practical people, they like facts.†¦ You mark my words, Harry, there’ll come a day when the public won’t swallow any of our stories unless they believe them to be real. Everybody wants the real thing, or thinks they do.†¦ Facts are the bread America wants to eat. The poetry of facts is the poetry of the American soul† (Vanderhaeghe 19). Damon paid Harry Vincent for creating a scenario about a history of a cowboy. The book is divided into two parts with parallel plots and this makes the novel unique. The second half tells us about a boy who is travelling to Cypress Hills. This was done by the author to demonstrate the different interpretation of the same story. We have a chance to trace the process of movie making and compare it with the story of a real boy. The reader can see how the both Harry and the Englishman boy try to resist the actions of their common opponent Damon Chance and how this forms the plot of the book. At first, Harry was impacted by Damon Chance’s aspiration to create a movie and was going to do his best to

References Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

References - Annotated Bibliography Example The site also delves into the importance and essence of an active sex life on one’s health while also offering plenty of advice healthy feeding habits (during an exercise regime and to check the risks of nutrition related ailments) for various age groups. The site gives a brief insight into what tuberculosis is, what causes tuberculosis and other risk factors, its symptoms and complications. Advice for patients on numerous topics concerning tuberculosis is offered here including preparation for medical appointments and tests and diagnostic procedures expected while in the hospital. Effective treatment regimes and drugs for tuberculosis are also discussed there-in alongside prevention of spread of the disease or contracting of the same through vaccinations (using BCG) and other measures. A coping and support section is also available with numerous recovery stories and other experiences. Other issues such as drug resistance from poor dosage, transmission, drug susceptibility testing, genotyping, identification, model performance evaluation program (MPEP), epidemiological studies and so on are additionally discussed. The site is also available in Spanish. HIV/ AIDS is discussed and its cause stated. Means of transmission of the virus and the symptoms associated with infection are equally discussed. Places where individuals can get tests and know their statuses are given. The site talks about treatment and management of HIV if one tests positive and what one ought to do if they test either positive or negative in order to continue living meaningful, enjoyable and productive lifestyles. Management of HIV cases during pregnancy and co-infection with tuberculosis are also looked into closely and such patients advised on how to seek help or go about the issue. Finally, prevention measures are discussed and in addition, ways and benefits of preventing spread of infection to others for the infected are laid out. Among other things, the site offers valuable

Quantitative Article Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Quantitative Review - Article Example One child from the household was randomly selected. Adolescents fulfilling the diagnostic criteria as well as having number of symptoms one or more standard deviation above mean were entitled to be having a psychiatric disorder. Proportional risks of unfavorable adolescent outcomes and confidence intervals at 95% were calculated for every depressive diagnosis, psychiatric diagnosis, anxiety diagnosis, substance abuse diagnosis and disruptive diagnosis. The outcomes revealed that the adolescents with anxiety, depressive, disruptive and substance abuse disorder were found to be 2.86-2.91 times more likely to experience failure in completing secondary school education as compared with young adults without psychiatric disorders. Young adults with disruptive disorders were found to be 4.04 (1.96–8.32) times more probably to get in difficulty with police during early adulthood as compared to those without disruptive disorders. The positive prognostic value of every psychiatric disorder measure for not completing school was greater in the lowest SES stratum and for adolescents criminal involvement was greater for boys. The combination of age, gender, symptom counts and social class within a logistical regression model conceded 87% specificity and 89% sensitivity at p≠¥0.13 cut off for forecasting succeeding school non-completion. Future criminal involvement on the other hand when tested at the optimum cutoff value yielded 76% specificity and 75% sensitivity (Vander et al., 2002). Going through the given study a novel technique of utilizing various symptoms of psychiatric disorders for predicting not completing school education and the involvement of adolescents in criminal behavior was analyzed. The overall model used was significant and required professional skills to handle as the sample was quite large. However since the study involved two areas of similar geography, it can be expanded to geographical units