In today’s world, the Internet technology has become an integral part in our daily lives. Youngsters today particularly, use Internet almost every day to manage their tasks. These tasks include communicating with friends, searching for information, watching videos, reading and etc. Because of this, the concept of e-Learning has become a popular idea towards the students.
Exactly what is e-Learning? E-Learning can be defined in several ways. E-Learning is the use of technology in delivering the learning process anywhere and anytime. In clear introduction, e-Learning is typically in electronic forms stored in portable medias such as CDs, DVDs, or servers that can be accessed by students without any fuss. The contents of the materials are developed to be interactively interesting for the students to boost their interests and effortless learning. Along the way, the students would be “virtually” supported by the instructors of the particular content.
To develop a good and engaging e-Learning system, the concept of human-computer interaction (HCI) should be taken consideration. HCI is the study of interaction between people (users) and computers. Interaction between users and computers occurs at the user interface (or simply interface), which includes both software and hardware; for example, characters or objects displayed by software on a personal computer's monitor, input received from users via hardware peripherals such as keyboards and mice [1].
Currently in Malaysia, the concept of e-Learning has been vastly adopted by universities, colleges and big business companies to compliment a better and convenient learning environment for the students and employees.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Benefits of E-Learning
Flexibility, Accessibility, Convenience
Learners can access the materials in their own time and study at their own pace and place [2]. With the Internet technology being widely used in homes and outdoors today, learners can easily access the learning materials even in the comfort of their own house or during outdoor activities. Since they can acquire the materials anytime and anywhere, they can easily plan to study whenever they feel comfortable without having to worry about the limited time they usually have in the school.
Cross Platform
Learners can access the content through window-based, Mac-based or UNIX-based computers [2]. As each individual has different preference towards their computer’s operating system, it is fairly helpful that the e-Learning is able to support all of them. With the e-Learning being supported in multiple platforms, learners can enjoy the contents without any interference or errors being shown when trying to access using different platforms.
Low Delivery Costs
Once e-content has been developed and uploaded on the server, it is relatively inexpensive to distribute domestically and worldwide [2]. As the contents are developed in electronic form and being stored in the server, any user can access the server and download the content. Since the Internet is available worldwide, users can get to download them anywhere and anytime. This can cut down the cost of delivering the contents by replacing the papers with electronic documents.
Ease of Update
It enables the content to be easily and regularly updated and instantly available to all learners [2]. Since the contents are in electronic form, it is very easy and simple to update and modify the contents without having to recreate the whole content like papers do. After saving the modified contents, it can then be uploaded to the server again for the learners to acquire.
Collaborative Learning
E-learning promotes collaborative learning thus resulting in more engaging and richer learning experiences [2]. E-learning combines different type of learning process that learners usually do not receive in the traditional method of learning. This could lead the learners to learn something in a new way which is engaging and at the same time enhance their learning experiences.
Scalability
Content can be delivered to a small or large number of learners with little effort [2]. Internet enables the content to reach or target the learners in a big or small group.
2.2 Human Computer Interaction and E-Learning
To create a successful E-Learning system, the human computer interaction (HCI) factor must be put into consideration. As mentioned earlier, HCI is the study of interaction between people (users) and computers. Human’s interaction with the computer should be highly interactive and easy to manipulate in order for the e-learning to be a fun and interesting tool to learn.
When examining the possible non-success of e-learning, one important factor worth exploring is the design of systems (or the adaptation) to support learning [3]. The interface design of the particular e-learning system is crucial in order to provide good and engaging learning processes for the learners.
HCI includes direct work on user interfaces that support learning. In addition, most user interfaces will be used in work settings where informal learning of work practices and work tasks are crucial. Thus, support for learning seems to be essential in much HCI work [3]. A good e-learning system would provide users with the functions they require to complete their tasks. It should be made to cater all the needs of the learners which the traditional mode of teaching could not provide.
Flexibility, Accessibility, Convenience
Learners can access the materials in their own time and study at their own pace and place [2]. With the Internet technology being widely used in homes and outdoors today, learners can easily access the learning materials even in the comfort of their own house or during outdoor activities. Since they can acquire the materials anytime and anywhere, they can easily plan to study whenever they feel comfortable without having to worry about the limited time they usually have in the school.
Cross Platform
Learners can access the content through window-based, Mac-based or UNIX-based computers [2]. As each individual has different preference towards their computer’s operating system, it is fairly helpful that the e-Learning is able to support all of them. With the e-Learning being supported in multiple platforms, learners can enjoy the contents without any interference or errors being shown when trying to access using different platforms.
Low Delivery Costs
Once e-content has been developed and uploaded on the server, it is relatively inexpensive to distribute domestically and worldwide [2]. As the contents are developed in electronic form and being stored in the server, any user can access the server and download the content. Since the Internet is available worldwide, users can get to download them anywhere and anytime. This can cut down the cost of delivering the contents by replacing the papers with electronic documents.
Ease of Update
It enables the content to be easily and regularly updated and instantly available to all learners [2]. Since the contents are in electronic form, it is very easy and simple to update and modify the contents without having to recreate the whole content like papers do. After saving the modified contents, it can then be uploaded to the server again for the learners to acquire.
Collaborative Learning
E-learning promotes collaborative learning thus resulting in more engaging and richer learning experiences [2]. E-learning combines different type of learning process that learners usually do not receive in the traditional method of learning. This could lead the learners to learn something in a new way which is engaging and at the same time enhance their learning experiences.
Scalability
Content can be delivered to a small or large number of learners with little effort [2]. Internet enables the content to reach or target the learners in a big or small group.
2.2 Human Computer Interaction and E-Learning
To create a successful E-Learning system, the human computer interaction (HCI) factor must be put into consideration. As mentioned earlier, HCI is the study of interaction between people (users) and computers. Human’s interaction with the computer should be highly interactive and easy to manipulate in order for the e-learning to be a fun and interesting tool to learn.
When examining the possible non-success of e-learning, one important factor worth exploring is the design of systems (or the adaptation) to support learning [3]. The interface design of the particular e-learning system is crucial in order to provide good and engaging learning processes for the learners.
HCI includes direct work on user interfaces that support learning. In addition, most user interfaces will be used in work settings where informal learning of work practices and work tasks are crucial. Thus, support for learning seems to be essential in much HCI work [3]. A good e-learning system would provide users with the functions they require to complete their tasks. It should be made to cater all the needs of the learners which the traditional mode of teaching could not provide.
3.0 Issues in E-Learning
Awareness
Generally there is still a lack of awareness amongst the population, especially parents, of the effectiveness of e-learning. Many parents feel the traditional learning mode is better [2]. The parents in Malaysia still believe that traditional method of going to class all the time could be much better in enhancing their children’s knowledge. However, they do not realize that some people could learn much better when given a great freedom for them in pursuing their method of study. For example, some students would prefer e-learning compared to traditional mode of learning as e-learning provides them the space and time to study for themselves.
Low Adoption Rate
Most institutions are keen to embrace e-learning. Nevertheless, issues like lack of e-content, inadequate infrastructure coupled with the problem of digital divide, has resulted in relatively low adoption rate [2]. Many students these days know and would love to embrace e-learning in their studies. However, the lack of knowledge coupled with the inadequate infrastructure within the schools and institutions have made it difficult for them to set up e-learning system for their students. Therefore, the adoption rate of this e-learning concept has been little in this country.
Bandwidth Issue and Connectivity
Engaging content requires a rich combination of multimedia components. However, due to bandwidth and connectivity limitations, downloading of engaging content to the learners will be slow. This creates frustration and boredom among learners and affects the ease of learning [2]. As we all know, the broadband connectivity speed in Malaysia still lags behind those developed countries such as Singapore, England, United States, and etc. This is one of the reasons why e-learning system still can’t be fully accomplished in the region of Malaysia as the speed of surfing and downloading from the Internet is still considered slow.
Computer Literacy and Digital Divide
In Malaysia, there is a large segment of the population that is computer illiterate. This is especially true in the rural areas. This hinders the introduction and implementation of e-learning [2]. Many schools and institutions in the rural areas around Malaysia are not equipped with Internet technology and good infrastructure for their students. This of course causes the implementation of e-learning program not to be accomplished as they do not have the sources and knowledge in running the program.
Lack of Quality E-Content
Currently, there is a dearth of high quality e-learning content in Malaysia. This is due to the lack of expertise as well as huge financial resources required to develop the content. As a result, most of the e-learning content has low interactivity and moderate impact on learners [2]. The e-learning contents in Malaysia are still under-developed due to the fact that this program is still not as advanced as compared to other countries. The people responsible to handle the e-learning program in their respective institutions are not well trained to manage the e-learning program. Besides than that, most institutions could not afford to develop a great e-content as it requires lots of financial resources as well as manpower who are experts in this field.
Language Barrier
The extensive use of English in e-learning contents is also one of the factors that have hindered the success of e-learning, especially in non-English speaking countries like Malaysia. Many, who like to enroll in e-learning programs, are deterred from doing so as they are not confident with the contents in English [2]. In Malaysia, there are lacks of schools who teach the students using English as the main language. Since young, most students are accustomed to the language being used in their own respective schools such as Malay and Chinese language. To make a transition to the English language, it would be difficult for these students to adapt as they are not well trained in English. This could cause a major hindrance towards the implementation of e-learning program in schools.
Generally there is still a lack of awareness amongst the population, especially parents, of the effectiveness of e-learning. Many parents feel the traditional learning mode is better [2]. The parents in Malaysia still believe that traditional method of going to class all the time could be much better in enhancing their children’s knowledge. However, they do not realize that some people could learn much better when given a great freedom for them in pursuing their method of study. For example, some students would prefer e-learning compared to traditional mode of learning as e-learning provides them the space and time to study for themselves.
Low Adoption Rate
Most institutions are keen to embrace e-learning. Nevertheless, issues like lack of e-content, inadequate infrastructure coupled with the problem of digital divide, has resulted in relatively low adoption rate [2]. Many students these days know and would love to embrace e-learning in their studies. However, the lack of knowledge coupled with the inadequate infrastructure within the schools and institutions have made it difficult for them to set up e-learning system for their students. Therefore, the adoption rate of this e-learning concept has been little in this country.
Bandwidth Issue and Connectivity
Engaging content requires a rich combination of multimedia components. However, due to bandwidth and connectivity limitations, downloading of engaging content to the learners will be slow. This creates frustration and boredom among learners and affects the ease of learning [2]. As we all know, the broadband connectivity speed in Malaysia still lags behind those developed countries such as Singapore, England, United States, and etc. This is one of the reasons why e-learning system still can’t be fully accomplished in the region of Malaysia as the speed of surfing and downloading from the Internet is still considered slow.
Computer Literacy and Digital Divide
In Malaysia, there is a large segment of the population that is computer illiterate. This is especially true in the rural areas. This hinders the introduction and implementation of e-learning [2]. Many schools and institutions in the rural areas around Malaysia are not equipped with Internet technology and good infrastructure for their students. This of course causes the implementation of e-learning program not to be accomplished as they do not have the sources and knowledge in running the program.
Lack of Quality E-Content
Currently, there is a dearth of high quality e-learning content in Malaysia. This is due to the lack of expertise as well as huge financial resources required to develop the content. As a result, most of the e-learning content has low interactivity and moderate impact on learners [2]. The e-learning contents in Malaysia are still under-developed due to the fact that this program is still not as advanced as compared to other countries. The people responsible to handle the e-learning program in their respective institutions are not well trained to manage the e-learning program. Besides than that, most institutions could not afford to develop a great e-content as it requires lots of financial resources as well as manpower who are experts in this field.
Language Barrier
The extensive use of English in e-learning contents is also one of the factors that have hindered the success of e-learning, especially in non-English speaking countries like Malaysia. Many, who like to enroll in e-learning programs, are deterred from doing so as they are not confident with the contents in English [2]. In Malaysia, there are lacks of schools who teach the students using English as the main language. Since young, most students are accustomed to the language being used in their own respective schools such as Malay and Chinese language. To make a transition to the English language, it would be difficult for these students to adapt as they are not well trained in English. This could cause a major hindrance towards the implementation of e-learning program in schools.
4.0 Website Analysis
4.1 University College Sedaya Internation (UCSI) website
Currently in UCSI, there is an e-learning system called as e-Advantage. This is where the students in UCSI get to access their reading materials such as notes, assignment questions, announcements, and etc. This website also provides students with forum, timetable for their subjects, e-library, e-counselor, and etc.
To start off, the e-Advantage of UCSI indeed provides students with the flexibility, accessibility and convenience for downloading the contents. However, the contents are usually not being updated often and the speed of uploading can be concluded as disappointing. This has often been the cause of frustration among the students in UCSI as they require the notes posted in the e-Advantage for their reference in class.
Other than that, the contents posted are usually plain and simple. It is not developed to be engaging for the students partly due to the fact that the lecturers are simply being overworked in their daily tasks. This could discourage the students in learning as all they are seeing and reading are just words.
Furthermore, the website sometimes is not operational without any notice. The students may find it frustrating whenever they want to carry out their course selection via the e-Advantage. In addition, the website is not supportable for every web browser. For example, students who prefer to use Mozilla Firefox would find it not compatible when browsing through the website.
For students who are using a slow Internet connection, downloading the contents can be an irritation. As the speed of Internet in Malaysia is slow, it is hard to finish the download of the contents as the connection usually disconnects itself due to the problem of the internet service provider.
Currently in UCSI, there is an e-learning system called as e-Advantage. This is where the students in UCSI get to access their reading materials such as notes, assignment questions, announcements, and etc. This website also provides students with forum, timetable for their subjects, e-library, e-counselor, and etc.
To start off, the e-Advantage of UCSI indeed provides students with the flexibility, accessibility and convenience for downloading the contents. However, the contents are usually not being updated often and the speed of uploading can be concluded as disappointing. This has often been the cause of frustration among the students in UCSI as they require the notes posted in the e-Advantage for their reference in class.
Other than that, the contents posted are usually plain and simple. It is not developed to be engaging for the students partly due to the fact that the lecturers are simply being overworked in their daily tasks. This could discourage the students in learning as all they are seeing and reading are just words.
Furthermore, the website sometimes is not operational without any notice. The students may find it frustrating whenever they want to carry out their course selection via the e-Advantage. In addition, the website is not supportable for every web browser. For example, students who prefer to use Mozilla Firefox would find it not compatible when browsing through the website.
For students who are using a slow Internet connection, downloading the contents can be an irritation. As the speed of Internet in Malaysia is slow, it is hard to finish the download of the contents as the connection usually disconnects itself due to the problem of the internet service provider.
5.0 Conclusion
As a conclusion, I would like to recommend e-learning program as the mode of learning in Malaysia. This is because of the better comparative reasons between e-learning and the traditional mode of learning. In e-learning, students get to have the freedom of study they crave for. This can help to improve the students’ creativity as they are required to think from what they read instead of being taught on how to think from the traditional mode of teaching. Although the e-learning system in Malaysia currently has flaws and unpopular, I believe that with time and commitment from both the government and institutions, it can be a huge success in raising the standard of the education in Malaysia.
Reference
Reference
[1] Wikipedia, “Human-Computer Interaction”, 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human%E2%80%93computer_interaction.
[2] Professor Tan Sri Datuk Anuwar Ali, “Issues and Challenges in Implementing E-Learning in Malaysia”, UNITEM.
[3] Kasper Hornbaek, Simon Heilesen, Lisa Gjedde, Bo Fibiger and Lone Malmborg, “Human Computer Interaction and E-Learning,” September 2002.
[1] Wikipedia, “Human-Computer Interaction”, 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human%E2%80%93computer_interaction.
[2] Professor Tan Sri Datuk Anuwar Ali, “Issues and Challenges in Implementing E-Learning in Malaysia”, UNITEM.
[3] Kasper Hornbaek, Simon Heilesen, Lisa Gjedde, Bo Fibiger and Lone Malmborg, “Human Computer Interaction and E-Learning,” September 2002.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Reference
[1] Wikipedia, “Astrology”, July 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology.
[2] Wikipedia, “Horoscope”, July 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horoscope.
[3] Wikipedia, “Zodiac”, July 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiac.
[4] Multiple author, “How to Argue That Astrology is Fake”, May 2010, http://www.wikihow.com/Argue-That-Astrology-is-Fake.
[2] Wikipedia, “Horoscope”, July 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horoscope.
[3] Wikipedia, “Zodiac”, July 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiac.
[4] Multiple author, “How to Argue That Astrology is Fake”, May 2010, http://www.wikihow.com/Argue-That-Astrology-is-Fake.
Part C
i. Was the writer clear about the reasons given for the conclusion?
Yes, we agree that the writer was clear about the reasons given for the conclusion. What the writer meant was that in this world of globalization, we as humans should stop racism and discrimination among each other. Though they may be foreigners and poor in the locals’ eyes, still they are the same like any of us. The writer also condemned the illegal agencies and bureaucratic that created this issue as he believes that they never respected these migrant workers as human beings. The writer also includes that researches done in the past found that some of these migrant workers possess high level of work skills and intelligence. Therefore, it is clear on why he felt that these migrant workers could contribute to the local countries one way or another provided they were given the chance to do so.
ii. Were there other reasons that could have been included in the argument?
Yes, there could be other reasons included in the argument. First, not all of these migrant workers were being brought in by the illegal agencies. Some of these migrant workers were too desperate to find a better living that they decided to enter the country illegally on their own. And because these migrant workers do not possess valid identification, they could be easily being manipulated by the employers who hired them illegally. Secondly, some migrant workers still decided to take the offers from the illegal agencies even though they knew it would turn out bad as they knew it is the only way to get out of their poverty back in their own land. Because of this, even though they were being discriminated, they still prefer working in a foreign land as their lives back home were even worst.
iii. Did the writer express any understanding for an opposing viewpoint? If so, how? If not, you articulate an opposing viewpoint for the editorial?
No, the writer was clearly in supportive of his stance. He did not give any opposing viewpoint in his article. The writer was compassionate about the migrant workers’ welfare as he felt they were being treated cruelly by the illegal agencies and bureaucratic that exported and exploited them.
From my personal viewpoints, we cannot fairly blame all the misconducts towards the agencies. The migrant workers who were the victims could also be partly blamed upon their adversities. This is because with the news of the migrant workers getting abused and discriminated is being spread hugely across the world; the migrant workers who wanted to find a better living should be well aware of the risks they would encounter by applying their names to the illegal agencies.
Although it is good that there are some advocacy groups campaigning for the workers’ rights, however there are also some migrant workers who were not victimized often cause wreaks among the locals. High cases of robbery, rape cases and etc are often reportedly rooted by their doings. It is understandable if the groups that campaign for these workers who were being held in law for believing that they were being mistreated, but however, these workers who really cause havocs in the local countries should really be faced with appropriate laws by the authorities. Therefore, I want to stress that all workers who migrated here were not being only victimized, but some also cause mayhem towards the local community.
iv. Were you convinced by the editorial? Why or Why not?
Even though I gave my own personal opposing viewpoints, I still fairly convinced by the editorial. This is because the news of the migrant workers being fairly mistreated is spreading like wild fire among the whole Asia. Indonesian maids who came to work in Malaysia are most often being a victim of their employers. They were usually being abused by their mean employers such as being beaten, slapped, or even being burnt. We also often hear about women migrant workers being brought in with the promise of a steady job but instead being sold to prostitution. These women were often powerless to reach out for help and being continued to be abused. Finally, I would like to commend on the writer’s article in helping the people to raise their awareness about the misfortunes of the migrant workers.
Yes, we agree that the writer was clear about the reasons given for the conclusion. What the writer meant was that in this world of globalization, we as humans should stop racism and discrimination among each other. Though they may be foreigners and poor in the locals’ eyes, still they are the same like any of us. The writer also condemned the illegal agencies and bureaucratic that created this issue as he believes that they never respected these migrant workers as human beings. The writer also includes that researches done in the past found that some of these migrant workers possess high level of work skills and intelligence. Therefore, it is clear on why he felt that these migrant workers could contribute to the local countries one way or another provided they were given the chance to do so.
ii. Were there other reasons that could have been included in the argument?
Yes, there could be other reasons included in the argument. First, not all of these migrant workers were being brought in by the illegal agencies. Some of these migrant workers were too desperate to find a better living that they decided to enter the country illegally on their own. And because these migrant workers do not possess valid identification, they could be easily being manipulated by the employers who hired them illegally. Secondly, some migrant workers still decided to take the offers from the illegal agencies even though they knew it would turn out bad as they knew it is the only way to get out of their poverty back in their own land. Because of this, even though they were being discriminated, they still prefer working in a foreign land as their lives back home were even worst.
iii. Did the writer express any understanding for an opposing viewpoint? If so, how? If not, you articulate an opposing viewpoint for the editorial?
No, the writer was clearly in supportive of his stance. He did not give any opposing viewpoint in his article. The writer was compassionate about the migrant workers’ welfare as he felt they were being treated cruelly by the illegal agencies and bureaucratic that exported and exploited them.
From my personal viewpoints, we cannot fairly blame all the misconducts towards the agencies. The migrant workers who were the victims could also be partly blamed upon their adversities. This is because with the news of the migrant workers getting abused and discriminated is being spread hugely across the world; the migrant workers who wanted to find a better living should be well aware of the risks they would encounter by applying their names to the illegal agencies.
Although it is good that there are some advocacy groups campaigning for the workers’ rights, however there are also some migrant workers who were not victimized often cause wreaks among the locals. High cases of robbery, rape cases and etc are often reportedly rooted by their doings. It is understandable if the groups that campaign for these workers who were being held in law for believing that they were being mistreated, but however, these workers who really cause havocs in the local countries should really be faced with appropriate laws by the authorities. Therefore, I want to stress that all workers who migrated here were not being only victimized, but some also cause mayhem towards the local community.
iv. Were you convinced by the editorial? Why or Why not?
Even though I gave my own personal opposing viewpoints, I still fairly convinced by the editorial. This is because the news of the migrant workers being fairly mistreated is spreading like wild fire among the whole Asia. Indonesian maids who came to work in Malaysia are most often being a victim of their employers. They were usually being abused by their mean employers such as being beaten, slapped, or even being burnt. We also often hear about women migrant workers being brought in with the promise of a steady job but instead being sold to prostitution. These women were often powerless to reach out for help and being continued to be abused. Finally, I would like to commend on the writer’s article in helping the people to raise their awareness about the misfortunes of the migrant workers.
Part B
Article: “The Journey of Hope” from Reader’s Digest.
i. Issue
The main issue discussed in this article is about how a lot of migrant workers, especially from Philippines and Indonesia are being victims of atrocities and discrimination due to illegal recruitments agencies and bureaucratic loopholes. Usually, these migrant workers have decided to leave their homes in hopes of finding a better life for their families. However, the illegal recruitment agencies often manipulate their desperation to obtain a better life by giving them false promises. Often, these agencies would promise to provide them good jobs when they crossed over other countries but instead the workers would usually being sent to work as labor workers or tough jobs that they never knew about. And because of this, they are usually being paid with low salaries, overwork with heavy tasks and being abused or discriminated by their employers. In some worst cases, women are being sold as prostitutes and being treated fairly bad. As there aren’t many bodies of government that control this issue, these workers usually kept quiet about their problems as they have no one to turn to.
ii. Conclusion
The writer of this article concludes that these migrant workers deserved to be protected just like any local workers do. Some of them may have entered the country with illegal ways, but however they were being tricked or forced to do so. Therefore, they deserved to have the same rights as any other workers do. In addition, the writer was full of praised towards some advocacy groups that campaigns for these workers’ rights. The writer also hopes that this issue of migrant workers abuse would be stopped.
iii. Reasons
One of the reasons that the writer wanted the abuse and discrimination of migrant workers to be stopped is because he felt that these workers are the same like any worker in the respective local countries. He felt that just because these migrant workers are poor, it doesn’t mean that they should be treated unfairly by the agencies or employers who hired them, legally or illegally. They are still humans who have feelings and should be protected by the human and worker’s rights. Besides than that, the writer feels that some of the migrant workers were not being given chance on what they were capable of. He felt that some of them were good enough to get a better job as they do possess some intelligence in them. Therefore, it is a waste for the local employers not to hire them and treat them as the local workers were.
i. Issue
The main issue discussed in this article is about how a lot of migrant workers, especially from Philippines and Indonesia are being victims of atrocities and discrimination due to illegal recruitments agencies and bureaucratic loopholes. Usually, these migrant workers have decided to leave their homes in hopes of finding a better life for their families. However, the illegal recruitment agencies often manipulate their desperation to obtain a better life by giving them false promises. Often, these agencies would promise to provide them good jobs when they crossed over other countries but instead the workers would usually being sent to work as labor workers or tough jobs that they never knew about. And because of this, they are usually being paid with low salaries, overwork with heavy tasks and being abused or discriminated by their employers. In some worst cases, women are being sold as prostitutes and being treated fairly bad. As there aren’t many bodies of government that control this issue, these workers usually kept quiet about their problems as they have no one to turn to.
ii. Conclusion
The writer of this article concludes that these migrant workers deserved to be protected just like any local workers do. Some of them may have entered the country with illegal ways, but however they were being tricked or forced to do so. Therefore, they deserved to have the same rights as any other workers do. In addition, the writer was full of praised towards some advocacy groups that campaigns for these workers’ rights. The writer also hopes that this issue of migrant workers abuse would be stopped.
iii. Reasons
One of the reasons that the writer wanted the abuse and discrimination of migrant workers to be stopped is because he felt that these workers are the same like any worker in the respective local countries. He felt that just because these migrant workers are poor, it doesn’t mean that they should be treated unfairly by the agencies or employers who hired them, legally or illegally. They are still humans who have feelings and should be protected by the human and worker’s rights. Besides than that, the writer feels that some of the migrant workers were not being given chance on what they were capable of. He felt that some of them were good enough to get a better job as they do possess some intelligence in them. Therefore, it is a waste for the local employers not to hire them and treat them as the local workers were.
Part A - Astrology
What is Astrology?
Astrology is a group of systems, traditions, and beliefs which hold that the relative positions of celestial bodies and related details can provide information about personality, human affairs and other "earthly" matters. A practitioner of astrology is called an astrologer [1].
Horoscope
In astrology, a horoscope is a chart or diagram representing the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, the astrological aspects, and sensitive angles at the time of an event, such as the moment of a person's birth. The word horoscope is derived from Greek words meaning "a look at the hours" (horoskopos, pl. horoskopoi, or "marker(s) of the hour") [2].
Zodiac
In astrology, the zodiac denotes those signs that divide the ecliptic into twelve equal zones of celestial longitude. As such, the zodiac is a celestial coordinate system, to be more precise, an ecliptic coordinate system, taking the ecliptic as the origin of latitude, and the position of the sun at vernal equinox as the origin of longitude [3].
Reasons for not Supportng Jennifer
Astrology was basically created by humans itself. Until now, there are no solid scientific proofs that supports astrology is real. Most people who usually reads their horoscope daily often say that they only read them for fun. This has proven that most people do not believe what is written on their horoscopes about what could happen to them in a particular day. Below are the general views of not supporting astrology:
Mechanism for Astrology
Astrologers can’t explain the mechanism by which objects in space influence our lives. The reason could be because there is no influence at all, hence, there will never be a solid proof to prove that astrology is real.
New planets
Astrology has been operating for thousand of years. However, astrologers still did manage to miss on noticing three of our solar system’s nine planets. On the other hand, astronomers, using math and science, discover them first. This has proven that astrology is not scientific.
Mass Tragedies
Astrology often stressed that it can proves a person’s fate. If it is so capable, why can’t it be used to predict disasters? This has raised even further doubts about astrology.
Daily or weekly horoscope
Compare other star signs to yours. Notice how many of them will have a general statement that will most likely; apply to your individual situation. Nearly all daily newspaper horoscopes are not carefully constructed, or are in fact generated randomly.
Similarities between astrology and racism
They both operate on the principle that a person's behavior is based on how they were born instead of who they are. Though most astrology readings are parlor tricks pointing out the most general positive qualities in a person, it does follow that if you believe that a person is introspective because they were born in December, then you can also buy into the foolish idea that a person is lazy because of the color of their skin [4].
Astrology is a group of systems, traditions, and beliefs which hold that the relative positions of celestial bodies and related details can provide information about personality, human affairs and other "earthly" matters. A practitioner of astrology is called an astrologer [1].
Horoscope
In astrology, a horoscope is a chart or diagram representing the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, the astrological aspects, and sensitive angles at the time of an event, such as the moment of a person's birth. The word horoscope is derived from Greek words meaning "a look at the hours" (horoskopos, pl. horoskopoi, or "marker(s) of the hour") [2].
Zodiac
In astrology, the zodiac denotes those signs that divide the ecliptic into twelve equal zones of celestial longitude. As such, the zodiac is a celestial coordinate system, to be more precise, an ecliptic coordinate system, taking the ecliptic as the origin of latitude, and the position of the sun at vernal equinox as the origin of longitude [3].
Reasons for not Supportng Jennifer
Astrology was basically created by humans itself. Until now, there are no solid scientific proofs that supports astrology is real. Most people who usually reads their horoscope daily often say that they only read them for fun. This has proven that most people do not believe what is written on their horoscopes about what could happen to them in a particular day. Below are the general views of not supporting astrology:
Mechanism for Astrology
Astrologers can’t explain the mechanism by which objects in space influence our lives. The reason could be because there is no influence at all, hence, there will never be a solid proof to prove that astrology is real.
New planets
Astrology has been operating for thousand of years. However, astrologers still did manage to miss on noticing three of our solar system’s nine planets. On the other hand, astronomers, using math and science, discover them first. This has proven that astrology is not scientific.
Mass Tragedies
Astrology often stressed that it can proves a person’s fate. If it is so capable, why can’t it be used to predict disasters? This has raised even further doubts about astrology.
Daily or weekly horoscope
Compare other star signs to yours. Notice how many of them will have a general statement that will most likely; apply to your individual situation. Nearly all daily newspaper horoscopes are not carefully constructed, or are in fact generated randomly.
Similarities between astrology and racism
They both operate on the principle that a person's behavior is based on how they were born instead of who they are. Though most astrology readings are parlor tricks pointing out the most general positive qualities in a person, it does follow that if you believe that a person is introspective because they were born in December, then you can also buy into the foolish idea that a person is lazy because of the color of their skin [4].
Friday, July 2, 2010
Diploma in IT subjects :
computer ethics
business programming
accounting practice
discrete maths
object-oriented modeling
quantitative methods
fundamental of database system
system analysis & design
java programming 1
java programming 2
user interface design
business communication
fundamental of marketing
introduction to information technology
multimedia programming
introduction to probability & statistics
introduction to business
introduction to internet technologies
creative problem solving
wireless and mobile technologies
managing & implemeting business project
operation system & network
computer ethics
business programming
accounting practice
discrete maths
object-oriented modeling
quantitative methods
fundamental of database system
system analysis & design
java programming 1
java programming 2
user interface design
business communication
fundamental of marketing
introduction to information technology
multimedia programming
introduction to probability & statistics
introduction to business
introduction to internet technologies
creative problem solving
wireless and mobile technologies
managing & implemeting business project
operation system & network
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Story Link 2
Joe works in the Henry’s Assembly Line, he loves to watch movies especially on the television and he undergo a heart surgery and implanted a pacemaker not long ago. Today he goes for shopping in the IT stores and sees a row of brand new computers display at one of the store, he buys some new nylon clothes and some household appliances at a electrical shop on the lower level with two different credit cards. After several hours of shopping he decides to get his car at the carpark and drives off to a restauraunt famous for using freeze-drying techniques to prepare foods, he enjoys the food and sits there for one hour and ten minutes before leaving.
Finally Joe reaches home and lay down all the stuff that he bought, he goes for a shower and then goes to sleep he gets a dream about being an astronaut and takes a walk on the moon. He wakes up at night fall and listen to the transistor radio it is broadcasting the news regarding about the government plan wether to use nuclear energy or solar cells as an alternative source of power in the future , debating the issues of direct current and alternative current that these two energies generates. He looks a the clock and is time for him to take antibiotics given by his heart surgeon and then bring some bottles out and throw them to the recycle bin that is intended for plastics.
He goes back to his house and continue to listen to the radio, this time the news mention about the introduction of lasers equipment to law enforcers can help to reduce the use of lethal weapons to subdue criminals by distracting their visions. When the broadcast is over Joe turns off the radio and prepare to go out, his telephone rings and he answers it. It is his friend asking him to go out for a drink tomorrow as he will be taking an airplane to England. He agrees, after the conversation he takes his car key and goes off he pass through a space shuttle launch zone that will sents two communcations satellites into space next month as he drives towards the dark horizon.
Story Link
CD 210 – Creative Problem Solving (Group Activity #1)
One day, a man name Johnny was invited to visit the Henry Ford’s Assembly Line to learn more about modern car assembly process. Along the journey, he saw high voltage transmission lines which deliver power from electric generation plants over long distances using alternating current. During that time, Johnny’s view was distracted by a low flying airplane which flew over the car he is riding. The sound from the airplane was enough to shake his seat but luckily nothing happened. Upon reaching the manufacturing plant, he saw a huge communication satellite sitting on top of the roof. They are used to transmit information with other countries via the satellite.
Inside the Ford’s manufacturing plant, he noticed that nylon and plastics were also used in the production of the tires. Johnny was told that the assembly plant was powered by nuclear energy to support the high demand of power required in running all the machines. Every employee in the plant is also given antibiotics to boost their health as the tasks in assembling a car require high level of concentration. Lasers were used to cut the metals that form the exterior part of the car.
Moving on, Johnny went to visit the employees’ hostel which was located not far from the plant. The reason for providing the hostel is because that some employees would prefer to stay close to the plant as the plant is located from the nearby town. Inside the hostel, Johnny was impressed as the hostel is furnished just like a home would be. There were household appliances such as oven, refrigerator and etc as well as computers and telephone for them to make calls. Upon entering the living room, he saw the manager of the plant sitting on the couch watching movies from the big screen television. Amazingly, Johnny was told by the manager that this house is powered by solar using a device called solar cells which stored the sunlight to be used as power. The manager was friendly enough to show Johnny his collection of antiques such as a transistor radio. As the manager switched on the radio, Johnny immediately recognized the song titled ‘Walk on the Moon’ which was also his favorite. Lastly, Johnny was brought to the dining room where he was explained that foods in here were stockpiled in bulk. The foods in here used a technique called as freeze-drying to keep them fresh and last longer.
Upon saying goodbye, the manager suddenly complained of heart ache. Johnny, who is a doctor, immediately rushed to the rescue. He learnt that the manager has a history of weak heart and was currently using a pacemaker to keep his heart beating normally. Johnny relieved his pressure and immediately sent him to the hospital. After the manager has been admitted to the hospital, Johnny paid his bill using his credit cards as he forgotten to bring cash with him during the visit. And this is the end of the story of Johnny.
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