What to Expect in an Online Class

Evolving web technology has made it possible to take a class or even earn a degree from a major university without ever sitting in a classroom. Some students take online courses as part of traditional degree programs. For example, I teach several of my undergraduate courses as both traditional on-ground classes and online classes. Online classes hold some similarities with traditional on-ground courses, but there are also many differences. Depending upon the school, program, and instructor you choose, your online class may entail synchronous asynchronous elements. Synchronous elements require that all students log in at the same time. An instructor might provide a live lecture using a web cam or might hold a chat session for the entire class, for example. Asynchronous elements do not require that you log in at the same time as other students or your instructor. You might be asked to post to bulletin boards, submit essays and other assignments, or participate with other class members on a group assignment. Communication with the Instructor occurs through: E-mailBulletin boardsChat roomsInstant messageVideo conference (like Skype)Telephone (sometimes) Lectures are taught through: Web conferencesTyped lecturesTeleconferencesBulletin boardsText chatStreaming audioRecorded lectures Course participation and assignments include: Discussion board postsEssay assignmentsConstructing web pagesCreating blogsCollaborating on wiki pagesTests (conducted online) What you need: Computer capable of streaming video and multitaskingPrinterHigh speed internet (no dial up!)Basic computer skills: Internet surf, downloading media, search, emailSelf-discipline and motivationRegular blocks of time Most online universities offer demonstrations for online courses on their web sites, which allows you to preview the virtual learning experience beforehand. An orientation class may be required by some schools, in which you will meet the instructors, staff, and other students. You will also learn about the technology used, available tools that are needed to get started, and resources available to online students, such as library facilities. Many online degree programs have residencies that require that students come to campus for one or more days every year.

Prejudice, Racism and Anti-Semitism in William...

Prejudice, Racism and Anti-Semitism in William Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice Throughout William Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice, there is a strong theme of prejudice. Portia has to deal with prejudice against her sex, the Prince of Morocco has to deal with prejudice against his race but the character that is most discriminated against is Shylock. He is hated for being a Jew and a money-lender, but Shakespeare has not made Shylock a character easy to sympathise with. He appears to be mean and cruel and it seems as though he loves money above all things. However during the play there are moments when Shakespeare gives Shylock speeches which show his humanity. In these moments, the audience is made to feel sorry†¦show more content†¦This is the other characteristic that Shakespeare gives Shylock which makes him so unlikeable; his need for revenge. When his daughter runs away he is more interested in making her pay for her disobedience than getting her home safely, he says to Tubal; â€Å"I would my daughter were dead at my foot ... would she were hearsed at my foot, and the ducats in her coffin!† It is made clear early on why Jessica feels the need to run away. When she talks to Launcelot she says â€Å"Our house is hell† and then later; â€Å"To be asham’d to be my father’s child! But though I am daughter to his blood, I am not to his manners.† She is obviously ashamed to be associated with Shylock and tries to show Launcelot that she is not like him, and when she says â€Å"Farewell; and if my fortune be not cross’d I have a father, you a daughter, lost.† Her language shows how much she longs to leave the house and escape from her father. Although there are times in the play when it is obvious that Shylock loves her, it is easy for the audience to understand why living with him would be unbearable. His hatred for Antonio is also obvious and it is so strong that he refuses all offers of money so that he can cut off a pound of his flesh. In Act 3 Scene 1 Shylock makes his famous â€Å"Hath not a Jew eyes?† speech, and it is probably at this point that the audienceShow MoreRelatedAnti-Semitism and Racism in the Merchant of Venice1019 Words   |  5 PagesAnti-Semitism and racism in The Merchant Of Venice. Anti-Semitism and the desecration of the Jewish population have been in existence for nearly five thousand years. In William Shakespeares â€Å"The Merchant of Venice†, we find that one of the characters is the subject and expression of anti-Semitic attitude that is persistent in Elizabethan society. William Shakespeares â€Å"The Merchant of Venice† contains many examples that insult Jewish heritage because they were the minority in London in ShakespeareanRead MoreDifferent Forms of Prejudice Present in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare1159 Words   |  5 PagesDifferent Forms of Prejudice Present in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare Different types of people, affected by their own views can define prejudice in many different ways. The Collins Concise Dictionary definition of prejudice is an opinion formed beforehand, especially an unfavourable one based on inadequate facts. Another definition is intolerance of or dislike for people of a specific race, religion, etc. From this, it is obvious that prejudice, although oftenRead MoreRacism And Prejudice By William Shakespeare s The Merchant Of Venice Essay1699 Words   |  7 Pagesand left out because of their religion and what they believe in, however there is racism and prejudice present in the world. William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is one of his most controversial plays. Written in the 16th century England, the play poses many questions concerning racial, religious and human differences due to anti-semitism being very common at the time. The story is set in Venice where a merchant named Antonio lived. His poor friend Bassanio wants to charm and marry a lovelyRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie The Merchant Of Venice 1918 Words   |  8 PagesPerformance Analysis of T he Merchant of Venice Jordan Thomas Mullineaux-Davis William Shakespeare has regularly throughout time been referred to and could be viewed as anti-Semitic because of the cultural implications within many of his plays. A particularly strong example of this could be The Merchant of Venice. This essay will explore arguments of post-colonialism within The Merchant of Venice, discussing the pertinent issues of anti-semitism, racial isolation and prejudice. It will also comment onRead MoreThe Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare Essay1501 Words   |  7 PagesThe Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare Shakespeare’s portrayal of Shylock as rapacious and cruel is in the traditional style of an Elizabethan villain. A modern audience could argue that he has also humanised Shylock, and therefore gained some sympathy for his actions. From your reading of the â€Å"Merchant of Venice† examine these diverse reactions to the complex characterisation of Shylock. Shakespeare’s portrayal of Shylock is unconditionally evil, and a

How Their Life Influenced Their Poetry Free Essays

Maya Angelou’s poetry was influenced by the many things that Maya did and had gone through in her life. Mayas depressing and sad childhood also influenced her by creating inspiring poems. Maya had gone through a lot in her in her life when she was young. We will write a custom essay sample on How Their Life Influenced Their Poetry or any similar topic only for you Order Now This helped her write her thoughtful and interesting poems. A poem that was influenced by Mayas life is â€Å"Still I Rise†. Slavery, racism, and discrimination in the poet’s life influenced this poem. â€Å"Leaving behind nights of terrors and fears I rise. Bringing the gift that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and hope of the slaves. † This quote shows you that Maya had a tough time in her life. Maya when she was younger was sent back to live with her mother after her parents divorce and was rapped by her mother’s boyfriend. Several of Mayas uncles murdered her mother’s boyfriend and after this catastrophe Maya didn’t talk much. What helped her escape that loneliness and depressing life was writing poetry. Maya would express her feelings all into a piece of paper and make it into poetry. That’s what helped Maya rise. â€Å"Still I Rise† is a great poem. It shows how strong and brave she was. Angelou wrote this poem expressing that people can say or do what ever they want but you are still going to rise. In other words people can try to hurt you but if you’re proud of your self and proud of whom you are then that will help people back off because they know and can sense that nothing can bring you down. A poem called â€Å"Our Grandmothers† is also a poem that was really influenced by discrimination and racism in Mayas life. Angelou used to be discriminated because of her color and race. Being separated from her mother at such a young age and with a lot of racism going around at that time influenced Maya to write â€Å"Our Grandmothers†. In the poem a woman named Momma is going to be sold by the master away from her children. But Momma tells her children to be strong and say â€Å"I shall not be moved†. My opinion is that the theme of the poem is that no matter who you are, where you come from, or what color or religious you are you are all the same. Everyone is unique and special in their own way. Just because you’re a different color then someone else it doesn’t mean that you have to mistreat or be mean to them. Last but not least is â€Å"Phenomenal†. This poem was influenced by her confidence in life. â€Å"Now you understand just why my head’s not bowed, I don’t shout or jump about or have to talk real loud, when you see me passing it ought to make you proud†. This means that you don’t have to act all crazy, dress up, act up or anything just for people to notice. You should be confident and just be yourself. Being confident will help you get far in life. For example Maya is very confident and she has done a lot of great things in her life. Being confident and being who she is not acting like someone else helped her achieve it. When Maya Angelou was younger, she loved to work in her grandmother’s store. She loved everything about it and working in the store is what practically made her such a hard worker. Since she was used to working so hard in the store when she grew up most of the things were mostly a piece of cake for her because she was used to it. Also because of Mayas hard work, Maya has achieved a lot of great things in her life. Especially maintaining a baby at a young age by her self before she even graduated from high school. Maya has reached a lot of goals and has accomplished a lot of her dreams because of all the hard work she has done. Maya Angelou is a very lucky woman. She has had an opportunity to become famous and publish her poems into a book. Maya even had the opportunity to write a poem for Clinton who asked her to write one just for the occasion. Maya is an African- American woman that people can learn a lot from. Maya Angelou is a very phenomenal and intelligent woman. All of these poems were influenced by Mayas life. Maya has been through out a lot in her life. She is such an incredible poet and woman. She’s so elegant and intelligent. Her intelligence is also what helped her be everything she was and is today. Maya is the poet I chose because of the way she expresses herself in her poems also because of the way Maya makes her poetry sound so interesting and understandable. Throughout her life, she influenced her poems. How to cite How Their Life Influenced Their Poetry, Essays