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he final project for COM 220 is a 2,000- to 2,500-word research paper on a topic of your choice, approved by your instructor. The subject of your paper should provide you with ample opportunities for research because you are required to use five to seven references to support your thesis. In addition, you must select a dynamic topic that allows you to conduct research on multiple sides of the issue. The final paper must be formatted according to APA guidelines and contain the following elements:
•A title page
•An introduction and a thesis statement
•A body with supporting evidence and in-text citations
•Effective visuals, appropriately introduced
•A conclusion
•A reference list with at least five to seven sources, three of which must come from the University Library
I need help with a research paper! I already have a thesis statement and a outline done! Can someone help me?
Location is Everything: Distance Learning and the Transformation of Education
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Imagine an elderly man, struggling with a cane through a crowded campus, determined to arrive at his first-ever college class on time day after day. Or think about a single mom, longing to spend time with her children, but between work and going to school full-time, she can only arrive home late to stare longingly at their peaceful faces. Envision a young girl struggling with social anxiety disorder who has withdrawn from several campus-based classes because she cannot always face the large numbers of people she must encounter. Distance learning and the accompanying educational technology has transformed education in America as well as the lives of its citizens. Online learning is not simply a contemporary trend that will fade. Instead, distance learning is becoming the most popular way to get an education. Although retention rates and class funding are a concern, many students, especially non-traditional enrollees, benefit from the flexibility of distance learning courses.
The enrollment in distance learning courses is rising rapidly, but funding is still dependent on classroom attendance. Typically distance learning course are based around classes scheduled on a university campus. Funding for a course is based on its campus enrollment and then distance learning options can be introduced based on the popularity and necessity of certain classes. The emphasis remains on in-class participation rather than online studies. In 2003 St. Clair County Community College enrolled 15 percent of its students in online courses in the fall and in the winter it rose to 17 percent (Source). Online students, however, can participate fully in the class through video conferencing or other means. Recent studies have shown the dramatic rise in distance learning attractiveness. Over 1.9 million students were enrolled in the fall of 2003. Online student’s enrollment is expected to increase over 24.8 percent in 2004 (Source). Still, while online classes gain in popularity, the system still stresses attendance in person in order to secure financial support for the course. Arguably, shifting the system’s priorities to weigh the needs of distance learners equally with those of in-person students could help expand the growing system and allow even more students to pursue their educational dreams.
Retention of online students presents the most significant challenge that online communities face, a problem that on-campus classes also confront. Students who drop an online course usually make that decision for the same reasons that they chose unconventional learning in the first place. Pressures and demands of family, work, and busy lifestyles are just among a few reasons that students need to withdraw from a distance learning course. Yet university administrators face the same problem with students on campus. Today more than ever, many university and college studencts are no longer what was once classified as “traditional.” Instead, a great many work full-time, are older students with families, or have other modern responsibilities that they must balance with their studies. Doubtless enrollment issues will persist even as the flexibility of online courses allows for many more students to pursue their degrees.
Generally, the people who benefit most from the distance learning option are non-traditional students, but nearly anyone can find online courses an attractive alternative. The typical online student is generally 25 years or older, employed or a caregiver, and has attained some higher education (Gilbert, 2007). However, recent studies indicate that people of all backgrounds enjoy access to online course. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics revealed in 1999 that the interest and enrollment in online courses spans all ages (Source). In recent years more people have found that the online option is an effective way to pursue their degree. They can realistically make progress in their classes and still fulfill thecir responsibilities at home and work. Distance learning also provides an option for older students who are intimidated by the thought of a classroom or even those who are disabled or otherwise unable physically to be present in an on-campus classroom. The benefits of online learning are wide-ranging and appeal to an enormous cross-section of people in the US.
References
Chambers, From Recruitment to Graduation: A Whole-of-Institution Approach to Supporting Online Students
Palloff, R., & Pratt, K. (2003), The virtual student: A profile and guide to working with online learners. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Shendell, Derek G., Associations between classroom co2 concentrations and student attendance Washington and Idaho January 30, 2004.
Smith, Theodore C, Fifty-One Competencies for Online Instruction, Axia College, Western International University. The Journal of Educators Online, Volume 2, Number 2, July 2005
Conclusion Notes from mecca:
Restate the thesis: Secondhand smoke is dangerous to the human body and should be banned in public places.c
Summarize the main points of the essay: Banning secondhand smoke in restaurants and public places would not only save lives but also decrease air pollution.
Ask a question: Do you want to contract lung cancer only because you inhaled smoke from someone else’s cigarette?
Offer a quotation: “. . . research indicates that private research conducted by cigarette company Philip Morris in the 1980s showed that secondhand smoke was highly toxic, yet the company suppressed the finding during the next two decades” (American Lung Association, par. 13).
Provide an ironic twist, a surprising observation, or a clever ending: This writer is a former smoker who now actively works to pass laws banning secondhand smoke in public places.
Throw out a personal challenge: If you smoke, consider quitting and becoming part of the movement to stop secondhand smoke in public places.
Make a prediction or recommend actions for the readers to take: Next time your state’s ballot contains legislation banning secondhand smoke in public places, please vote yes.