Hypertension

Week 7 Discussion

Hypertension and Its Effects and How to Prevent It

Over 50 million American adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension. High blood pressure can cause a host of medical problems including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and stroke which can strike suddenly. Unfortunately many people do not know the risk factors, warning signs and treatment can lead to a life free of hypertension for people that are proactive.

Begin by reviewing the resources and video listed below. Reflect on the following questions.

Learning Resources:
Media

•Video: Effects of High Blood Pressure on your Body – KreativeVistas


Website

•http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/default.htm
Multimedia Quiz

•http://www.myoptumhealth.com/portal/ManageMyHealth/Hypertension

Journal Article
Assessment of Blood Pressure Knowledge Among Workers in a Midwestern Manufacturing Plant; A Pilot Study
Cindy L. Fearn, Gail Y. Brick, Shannon Lizer, Andrea Doughty, Martin MacDowell. AAOHN Journal. Thorofare: Jun 2011. Vol. 59, Iss. 6; pg. 253, 11 pgs

•http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/pqdweb?did=2364041511&sid=2&Fmt=3&clientId=70192&RQT=309&VName=PQD




Reflect on the Following Questions:
Based on the information from the Learning Resources consider how hypertension might affect an individual when not treated.
After taking the quiz under the learning resources think about the score you received. Are you knowledgable about hypertension? How will this information aid you in staying a healthy person?

By Friday:
Post your response to the following:
How might knowing about the risk of hypertension affect the quality of life for an individual? Share any additional insight on hypertension. Explain and cite from this week’s resources and feel free to use outside resources as well.

By Sunday:
Respond to your classmates with a :
Response to a comment
Response to a question
Additional information

'Rubric Linkhttp:
http://https//docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1RQss6lgE4ErgIK7fP7K1X_nWfM4Qr-eZ7S8AGKJDKbc

Plagiarism Detection and Prevention

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Plagiarism Detection and Prevention

Webster online dictionary defines “plagiarize” as the use of words or ideas of another person as if they were your own words. Plagiarism is not new to the world of education. It can take place in a traditional setting as well as an online setting. Combating plagiarism in the online community has lead to many plagiarism detection softwares appearing in the software market. Educators have always been concerned with upholding standards of academic integrity among individuals engaged in scholarly pursuit ( DiBiase & Jocoy p. 1).

What tools are currently available for online instructors to detect plagiarism? There are several tools on the market including Turnitin, biometrics, video cameras, retina scans, thumbprints and remote proctoring with cameras. For this blog, I will focus in on three types of tools.

Turnitin scans and indexes content from the from the web into the Turnitin database. When students upload their papers, it is compared to millions of book/publications. Results show how much of the student’s paper matches the Turnitin database.

Biometrics is automated methods of recognizing a person based on a physiological or behavioral characteristic. This is considered high security identification and is being used to ensure that the assigned person is actually completing the assessment.

Remote proctoring with cameras allows for a 360-degree webcam and a microphone setup that ensures students are not receiving help from others during the exam. It also locks the computer down, restricting internet and file access for the length of the exam so that students cannot get information from the web or his hard drive.

One way to discourage dishonesty in assessments is to design assessments that mirror real like expectations. When assessments are authentic, students will not feel the need to cheat. Projects can be designed so that the student will have to do research and collaboration should always be encouraged.

As a future online instructor it will be important for me to use facilitation strategies that I know will not promote plagiarism. Designing activities that promote creativity is a strategy that can be used in a k-12 environment. After reading a story students could rewrite the story changing various elements of the story. After studying a certain time period in history, students could construct questions for an interview with a person from the 19th century.

Additional considerations that could be put in place to prevent cheating and plagiarism include assisting both students and parents by giving them a clearer understanding of what plagiarism means and how it affects the students work and grades. Also, I can equip students with the resources such as NoodleTools that can assist them with citations.



References:

Dillow, C. ( 2010, June 8) . New Remote Proctoring System Lets Students Take Exams at Home ( without cheating). Retrieved from : http://www.popsci.com/gadgets/article/2010-06/anti-cheating-system-lets-students-take-exams-home

Jocoy, C., & DiBiase, D. (2006). Plagiarism by adult learners online: A case study in detection and remediation. International Review of Research in Open & Distance Learning, 7(1), 1–15.

Laureate Education, Inc. ( 2011) “Plagiarism and Cheating”

Moulton, J. (2007, August 21). Cite It Right: Online Citation Tools and Formal Citations. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/cite-it-right-online-citation-tools-and-formal-citations

Retrieved (April 6, 2011) fromhttp://www.biometrics.gov/

Retrieved (April 6, 2011) fromhttp://www.Turnitin.com/

Impact of Technology and Multimedia

Impact of Technology and Multimedia
The impact of technology in the field of education has forever changed how as people we receive our education. Whether it occurs through face-to-face interaction or online technology, the impact of technology and multimedia has been felt throughout the field of learning. Technology and multimedia provide a wonderful opportunity for collaboration to take place between learners across the country and the world. Multimedia brings to the table opportunities that some would never experience if it were not for the technology we have today.
Before an online instructor implements technology, an online instructor needs to know what tools the learners are familiar with as well as what tools he feels comfortable using. There is no need to rush using tools that may not be comfortable with; however, it is important to encourage students to use graphics and audio and video media in their work as they are so inclined and as it fits the content and their own comfort and skill level. In fact, it is a good way for the instructor to learn the tools as well ( Boettcher & Conrad p. 106)
Accessibility of technology tools allows for collaboration, communication, synchronous learning, asynchronous learning, social networking, scoring tools, and assistive technology for assisting those with special needs.
As I work towards my degree in instructional design, I have discovered many tools that will assist me in my journey to becoming an online instructor. The following table contains a few which will ensure that my instruction will reach all types of learners.









TECHNOLOGY TOOL
USE

Skype
Will give me the ability to hold meetings with students and parents face to face

Wikis
Allow for collaborative projects between peers

Blogs
Allow learners to leave comments about given topics

Video streaming
Supplement lectures and reading resources

Podcasting
Supplement instruction for my auditory learners


References:
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.


Portland Community College. Tools/Theory/Pedagogy Matrix. Retrived April 3, 2011 from http://www.distance.pcc.edu/distancehq/infopages/index.cfm?kbid=4635&return=lrc&MENU=Audio_Conference

SETTING UP AN ONLINE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

As educators, we prepare ourselves with the essential tools for learning when teaching in a face-to-face environment. The online learning environment is no different. We as educators have to come prepared with the ability to understand and use the essential tools within the virtual learning environment. Several key factors in setting up an online experience include knowing the technology available to you, understanding how to communicate clear expectations to learners and considering any additional factors that would make setting up an online experience successful.



What is the significance of knowing the technology available to you?

Knowing the technology that is available to you allows the instructor to establish and create learning experiences that engages and challenges the students.

Basic Tools include: course template, discussion forums, grade book, blogs, audio software, Wikis, Course Management System, plagiarism software, social networking sites, and synchronous tools.

It is vital that you add tools only as you are ready. If a tip suggest a tool that is not available to you or you are not quite ready for, simply adapt the tip as makes sense to you and come back to it for further consideration the next time you are teaching the course (Boettcher, J & Conrad, R p. 58).



Why is it essential to communicate clear expectations to learners?

Communicating clear expectations is essential because it ensures that the learners understand what to expect from the instructor and what the instructor is to expect from the learners. Sometimes using a set of tools may not work well which a sometimes set up an area for possible misunderstandings. Clarifying how all this will work and sometimes might not work can help create a smooth and trusting learning environment (Boettcher, J & Conrad, R p. 55).



What additional considerations should the instructor take into account when setting up an online learning experience?

When an instructor is setting up an online course learning experience, additional considerations

or elements should be:

•Finding out who is responsible for setting up the course site
•Review text
•Prepare an online syllabus
•Weekly teaching guide
•Set up a discussion boards & rubrics
•Become familiar with library access
•Technical support
•Plan a course schedule
•Assessment plan
•Review action plan
•Ask for feedback from another instructor ((Boettcher, J & Conrad, R p.66).


A successfully launched online experience should have the look of a virtual community where learners are communicating and interacting with each other, the instructor and the resources. Many factors contribute to this success. The components that would assist me in setting up this online instruction include finding out who is responsible for the course set-up, weekly teaching guide, and tech support. As the roots of a tree help to support a growing tree, these components serve to support online instruction.



References:

Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R. (2010). The online teaching survival guide: Simple and practical pedagogical tips. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Online Learning Communities

Online learning communities are great places where facilitators and learners are equal participants. As the educational environment has moved for some from the traditional education environment to an online environment, it is important to have an effective environment to meet the needs of the participants. There are several key questions to ask when looking at online learning communities.

How do online learning communities significantly affect both student learning and satisfaction within online courses?
Online learning communities significantly impact both student and student learning and satisfaction within an online course by bringing students together. The students along with faculty within this environment can explore content together to construct meaning and knowledge about the content.
What are the essentials elements of online community building?
The essential elements of online community building include the people, purpose, and process. The people are brought together and supported by the facilitator. The purpose is established and the process deals with the way the course is delivered. Included in this, is the ability for participants to draw information out of one another. Through this, participants can receive professional feedback from their peers. The role that the facilitator plays is important because it is essential for the learner to know how they will be supported in the learning community. Lastly knowing the rules of engagement is essential. How will learners engage? How often will learners be expected to participate? How often does the institution expect learners to participate for official purposes? Knowing the roles that each of these plays is essential to online community building

How can online learning communities be sustained?
Learning communities can be sustained by:
1) Collaborative activities between the learners
2) Continuing reflecting
3) Transformed as learners
4) Increased self-direction
5) Reinforce their sense of presence
It is the responsibility of everyone learner and facilitator to create a successful learning community.

What is the relationship between community building and effective online instruction?

The relationship between community building and online instruction is very close. The facilitator is to be involved in the process of building the community. The facilitator set the tone. It is his job to
1. Make the course easy to navigate
2. Make the classroom feel warm and inviting rather than cold and formal
3. Visit the classroom multiple times per day during the 1st 2 weeks
4. Welcome students to post a bio
5. Relate to students personally
6. Develop an ice breaker


My role as a facilitator will be very important in designing an online course. With a plan and an understanding of student learning and the essential components, I feel that I now see the larger picture in planning an online course. Futhermore, I recognize the importance of not just transferring information from a course in a traditional setting, but designing a course to have the impact that is necessary for learning.

Week One: Online Instructional Strategies

Hello Everyone,

Glad to take this journey together as we embark on this online learning ride. Looking forward to learning and sharing with you.

Karen

Analyzing Scope Creep

I had the privilege of serving as a volunteer on a committee that provided food baskets to families who were in need. The committee started with over 15 volunteers ranging in age from 14 – 85. Twelve women and three men volunteered. Everyone was excited because this new initiative would serve local community families. Before the program actually began, several meetings were held and plans were eagerly made. Dates for distribution and the annual budget were set. Fundraiser ideas were discussed, officers were elected and the date was set for the pantry’s grand opening. After a few distribution of food baskets , we realized that we had several problems or should I say scope creep challenges.
1. The budget was not large enough.
2. We needed more men to help when food had to be picked up, delivered and stored. (Most members were female senior citizens over the age of 70).
3. There were scheduling conflicts with members who worked and were not able to participate in all events.
4. We had trouble keeping the food pantry stocked.
5. The food pantry was broken into and food was taken.
At the time, some of the issues above were addressed in numerous ways.
1. To address the budget, we had several fundraisers.
2. To help with stocking foods at the food pantry, local boy scouts were recruited to help with the unpacking.
3. Schedules were made out 6 months in advance and sometimes incomplete or inaccurate.
4. Created an inventory chart for inventory.
5. Door lock changed.
How could this project have been better managed to control the scope of the project?
1. Budgets could have been managed better by taking into account a change in prices of resources; allowing for unexpected circumstances and changes that require purchasing items for restocking.
2. Involving all project stakeholders including volunteer groups such as the boy scouts or another organization would be instrumental when extra hands are needed for physical activities. (Involving the right people)
3. Schedules should have been made out for the year and stakeholders who were assigned should have received some type of communication prior to the date for which they are signed up to assist. (Key word: Communication)
4. Create forms for inventory and train each member on its use.
5. Make room in the budget for unexpected circumstances.

Scope creep can determine the success of a project. With the right tools and planning, a project can escape the clutches of scope creep and achieve the goal.

Reference:
Portny, S. E., Mantel, S. J., Meredith, J. R., Shafer, S. M., Sutton, M. M., & Kramer, B. E. (2008). Project management: Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling Projects. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.