Sunday, March 22, 2020

Apples iBook Using in Schools

Introduction iBooks have become very common in the teaching and learning environment (Levy, 1999). Their application has made the process of teaching and learning particularly enjoyable as they provide interesting sessions where the students can get illustrations for better understanding of the content of the book or other materials (Blane, 2003).Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on Apple’s iBook Using in Schools specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Teachers find this software advantageous as well since it has immensely reduced their workload meaning that they are no longer need to prepare their lesson plans on a daily basis because all the required information can be saved in the iBook. These plans can be used for years unlike the printed ones that usually get worn out, and as such, there appears a need to prepare others with similar content, which might be tiring and taking a lot of time. iBooks have moderniz ed and changed the education system whereby before the technological progress, teachers used boards and chalk to explain the materials of the lesson. It was tiresome for some and even harmful to the others (Levy, 1999) For example, it is unsuitable to those teachers who are allergic to chalk dust. In the modern learning systems, the teachers very often use iPods in order to engage the students in discussions. Moreover, assignments can also be given to the students in soft copy (Minkel, 2003). A variety of books can be allocated by the teacher with the help of iBooks because they can be accessed easily by everyone, and they are inexpensive. The fact that higher costs are associated with print text means that teachers can either purchase fewer print-based textbooks or opt for more iBook supporting electronic texts. Having access to a greater variety of texts encourages the students to read and develop a researching culture (Minkel, 2003). Thus, it can be stated that the iBook helps bo th the teachers and the students create a library of their choiceAdvertising Looking for proposal on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This application has improved the education sector and learning process as through the embracement of this technology, students are able to access the teacher’s notes even when they are away from school (Blane, 2003). It has helped to curb the communication obstacles of effective learning. The teaching environment has also become conducive for those instructors who have a lot of sessions to teach. They can now comfortably manage all of them since they do not have to carry books and other materials with them (Minkel, 2003). All their teaching materials can be stored in the iBook which has made the teaching enjoyable and comfortable. Due to this innovation, the teaching profession has moved to another level. Variables Independent variable. Using of iBooks at school. Dependent var iables.  The impact on learning as measured by the performance of the students General review The iBook has been given much credit when it comes to the improvement of academic status (Minkel, 2003). Students were the major target when the introduction of this application was taking place. It is important to note that Apple Company has contributed greatly to the embracement of technology at schools as it has modified the electronics to suite the learning process. Results of the research conducted point out that this software is widely used by both the teaching staff and students in a number of schools around the world (Minkel, 2003). According to Minkel’s study, students confessed that learning became much easier for them and more enjoyable as the idea of using iBooks while studying was adopted and accepted (Blane, 2003). What is an iBook? An iBook is from the family of Apple Computers. IBooks have been put up after the invention of laptops that have been in the market sinc e the year 1999. Upon invention, the iBook has been targeting the education and consumer markets. It has been made in such a manner to incorporate several applications. The iBook replaced the iMac in 2006. The iBook has become very popular among the citizens of the United States of America. The iBook has transformed and changed the methods of teaching. It is no longer compulsory for a teacher to visit the classroom in order to conduct a lesson. Books can be distributed through iPods to students for them to master the material on their own. In such away, each student gets an opportunity to more thoroughly understand the material since everyone reads it at his/her own pace any time he/she finds it comfortable. The interactive sessions between the readings also make the whole learning process enjoyable (Blane, 2003).Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on Apple’s iBook Using in Schools specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More IBooks provide teachers and students with information that is up-to-date because they provide an easy access to the new and relevant information (Blane, 2003). It is also very comfortable because an iBook allows fast opening of books and various folders. It saves time and encourages the reader to read more and enjoy this process. It also saves the students’ work meaning that when the battery goes off, nothing important is never lost; the system saves all the information automatically. In general, the use of iBooks is very convenient and easy enabling people of different ages to use the gadget. Dependent variables The impact on learning is considered to be the dependable variable since it is used to measure if the use of iBooks has any positive or negative effects on learning. It is important to consider this variable since it is the determinant of the effects on learning after using iBooks at schools. It has impacted on the learning process in the sense that it has mad e the students change their attitudes towards education. They have developed a positive attitude towards the learning process. As a result, their grades have improved. Independent variable IBooks are used by students at school since each student who used the iBook will be tested to see if it has caused some effects on learning. Purpose of the study The purpose of the study is to find out if the use of iBook at schools has any effect on the teaching and learning process.Advertising Looking for proposal on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Benefits of iBook The iBook has been found to have a lot of benefits. The most obvious advantage is that it saves space since it has a comparatively small size as only light materials are utilized in its manufacture. Because of such characteristics, the iBook is easy to carry around. When having different sessions of classes, it is really convenient (Minkel, 2003). The iBook is also preferred by a lot of people since it has the ability to store a lot of class materials. It is manufactured in such a manner that several textbooks can be saved in it. It, therefore, reduces the need to carry various books. Reading an iBook is also very interesting because the user does not have to thoroughly peruse the entire book in order to get a concept, the students can easily search there for the results to be displayed immediately. Such technology encourages the reader to read more. In some cases, the iBook is cheaper since there are no additional costs associated with it, for example, the printin g costs, editor’s fee, among others. This device is also preferred in learning institutions since it enhances understanding because the concept can be explained in various methods. A good example is the use of videos, 3Ddiagrams, interactive gallery and charts (Blane, 2003). The iBook can also be used for many other purposes. Although it is used specifically for learning, it can also be utilized for entertainment purposes. This type of reading allows highlighting and taking notes. It also gives the students the option of sharing notes with the others. This encourages the culture of exchanging notes, as such increasing the probability of researching more (Berger, 2005). How does iBook help the students? A n iBook helps students in various ways. It helps them compile their notes in an organized and easy way. This application organizes books and notes according to their content and subjects. This makes their reviewing quite easy. When reading a book, it is also possible to take short notes and highlight the important points, if necessary. By doing this, it helps students understand more and focus on the parts that need a thorough consideration. Noting down the important points enables the students to better remember the information. Referring to these notes is not hectic, as when using textbooks because they are stored as books (Berger, 2005). Passing examinations for these students is much easier since they have all they need at hand. The iBooks also lessen the students’ burden as they do not need to carry several books to and from school because the iBook has a huge storage space where each and every book they need can be stored (Levy, 1999). How an iBook is effective in learning? Technology has come up with several ways due to which the learning process has been improved nowadays. The iBook is the latest of all. Apple Company invented this type of technology since most students have already embraced the technology. This type of learning has helpe d students understand their material of the lessons and pass the examinations well. Statistics have shown that almost every student is aware of the iBook and willing to know how it is used. This device helps the students have an interactive session allowing the students to create and manage their virtual library in their own way. It allows the students to keep the books they desire and delete those that are of no use for them anymore. It also enables one to exchange books online. This is cost effective since there are no costs of reproducing the book or lending costs like those at the libraries (Minkel, 2003). This application helps to sort different books according to the subjects and content. It makes it easier for the students to understand. Since this tool ensures enjoyable learning, most students have adapted to it. It is boring at times to hold a book in one’s hands and read it (Berger, 2005). This software is a savior for many students because it is designed in such a way that it shows a book with its full preview which helps the students get the full information on the matter they have been searching for. As a result, they are able to easily pass an exam. The software is organized in such a way that any document downloaded or written in Microsoft word is saved in the format of a book. This helps organize the work of a student; any time, the students are in need of the book they can easily access it. iBook versus hard copy books The research has proved that iBooks are much better than hardcopy books are because the iBook can save a large number of books whereas the hardcopies do not allow that. They cannot be carried around since they are heavy (Gore, Michaels, 2001). Moreover, when reading an iBook, it is also much easier to understand the information because its illustrations are much better than those in a text book. It displays them in 3D diagrams with a number of more interesting things. However, one cannot deny the fact that it is also tire some for some people to spend the whole day at a screen, which worsens eyesight. In general, it must be emphasized that it is cheaper to have a virtual library stored at iBook rather than the print-based text books. For schools, it is also easier to introduce iBooks since the hardcopy books wear out after some time, which is very expensive in terms of replacing them. At some institutions, the textbooks also get outdated. This means that they should be disposed and replaced with the others (Minkel, 2003). If the books become outdated, it is only a matter of downloading a new edition which is much cheaper than buying a new copy. Performance of students using iBooks as compared to those who are not using it Students who use iBooks enjoy the process of learning because learning may involve something, for example, videos, in order to make it interesting. When learning is interesting, it goes without saying that the understanding is faster. The time taken by the two different students usi ng different books is different. The students using iBooks also find it easy to manage their libraries. They are the ones to choose what to store in their libraries and what to delete from them. When a student decides to organize his or her libraries in his/her own way, it means that one is enjoying (Gore, Michaels, 2001). Students using these applications have a possibility of exchanging notes with each other; they are able to read various materials unlike those students who are using textbooks. Those students who carry textbooks to and from school are likely to get tired as compared to those who carry the iPods. It is logical for such a student to perform better than the students who use regular books do. Moreover, those using iBooks are likely to keep abreast with the times meaning that they better understand technological devices as compared to those who are using printed sources (Albanesius, 2012). Significance of the study This study is designed to establish the impact of usin g iBooks on the teaching environment and its influence on the teaching and learning processes. Methodology Target population The target population will be approximately 60 9 grade students from two schools located in urban and rural areas divided in two groups. The first one is using iBooks and the other one is using textbooks Sampling technique and sample size Sampling technique The researcher will be working with the school management. 9 grade students from the two schools will be sampled using random sampling technique where students, from randomly picked urban and rural schools, were selected. Sample size determination There are 300 students of grade 9 at each of the schools. From the 600 9 grade students, 300 using iBooks and 300 using print textbooks, a random sample of 30 students from each will be selected. Research instruments Researcher has developed questionnaire to be used for collecting data on the importance of iBooks in the learning process, the changes they b rought, disadvantages of iBooks, and performance of the student using them as compared to that of the students in the past. As well, two-focus group discussions (FGD) will be used to collect information. The FGD’s will also solicit information on the impact of iBooks on the teaching environment. Pre-testing questionnaires The questionnaires will be pre-tested accurately prior to the main study on a selected sample of 10% of the sample size which includes 30 respondents who will be selected from each of the two schools. The procedures used in pre-testing the questionnaire will be identical to those used during the actual study. Validity The pretest questionnaire will be validated with the help of the focus group to ensure that the respondents interpret the questions as the researchers intend. Reliability Test-retest method will be used to test consistency of the questionnaire. The same questionnaire administered during the pre-test will be administered to the same sample of 30 respondents randomly selected for the pre-test after a week. Data analysis and presentation Data will be analyzed using the SPSS software and EXCEL. Descriptive statistics (mean, mode, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages) will be used to illustrate the effects of using iBooks on the learning and teaching process. Coding analysis tool kit will be used in the analysis of the recorded information. Ethical considerations Permission to conduct the study will be obtained from the relevant education authorities, and a research permit will be get from the department of education. The respondents will be recruited into the study upon their informed consent. The ethics form will be attached to guide the conduct of the interview. Research design This study will adapt an experimental design which will show relationships between students using iBooks at schools and those who use manual books for their studies Potential Limitations of the Study The study might face prob lems when it comes to understanding the questions provided in the questionnaire. Hostility from the respondents might also take place as the respondents may cast suspicion on the intentions of the interviewers. It might also be possible that the respondents will not tell the truth. If such things happen, they are likely to affect the results of the study. References Albanesius, C. (2012, January 23). Analyst: Apple E-Textbook Sales Top 350,000, After Three Days. PCMag. Web. Albanesius, C. (2012, January 19). Apple Targets Educators Via iBooks 2, iBooks Author, iTunes U App. PCMag. Web. Berger, J. (2005). IBook G4s and Mac Minis. Macworld, 22(11), 26. Blane, D. (2003, October 24). Class in a box. Times Educational Supplement. Web. Gore, A Michaels, P. (2001). The New iBook: BIG THING Small Package. Macworld. 18(7), 16. Levy, S. N. (1999, August 2). Apple’s iBook: A Mac to Go. Newsweek. 13(5), 54. Minkel, W. (2003, March 1). Laptop. Lessons School Library Journal. Web. This proposal on Apple’s iBook Using in Schools was written and submitted by user Silas Richards to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

The use of sexuality and gender in advertisements a close up of US advertisements and their effects on adolescents

The use of sexuality and gender in advertisements a close up of US advertisements and their effects on adolescents Introduction The media fraternity has perfected the art of promoting products. Through this, some advertisements are premeditated to associate the goods and services with feelings of desire emanating from imaginations based on sexuality or gender.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The use of sexuality and gender in advertisements: a close up of US advertisements and their effects on adolescents specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is noteworthy that advertisers take advantage of the consumers’ gender distinctiveness to escalate the sale of certain products. It is notable that companies, which seek to acquire market leadership and competitiveness, conduct promotional activities. Therefore, the use of gender and sexuality is one of the strategies of creating adverts aimed at gaining market leadership. Gender is a socio – cultural construction in every society and advertisers have applied it in the p ortrayal of differences between males and females. These portrayals include among others identity, disposition, social ideals, typecasts of masculinity and womanliness, and the sexuality related roles (Spade and Catherine 281). Furthermore, advertisers apply sexuality differences between males and females to promote products. The advertisers normally attempt to show the sexuality of men or women in such products. They have also achieved greater results by showing the sexuality of celebrities in the promotional activities. In the United States, the application of sexuality and gender variances in product promotion is a multibillion-dollar industry. However, advertisers seem to have turned a deaf ear on the effects of gendered and sexualised adverts among adolescents. This paper discusses the use of sexuality and genders in commercials to show the effects of such adverts on adolescents in the US. Sexuality and Gender in Advertisements Advertisers have developed massive experience in c ommercials. Depending on whether their target clients’ in the marketplace are males or females, advertisers normally develop their adverts to suit them. It is notable that men and women have different preferences for colour (MacKinnon 215). Therefore, advertisers can package their commercials in such a way to target their potential clients with gendered and sexuality appropriate messages using colours. Labelling people as being either male or female present strong cultural and ideological connotations, which advertisers exploit in making appropriate adverts (MacKinnon 215). Marketers apply information-generated form these labels to influence the behaviour of men or women towards others. Furthermore, such information may be used to develop commercials that influence self-behaviour or needs. Therefore, the use of gender and sexuality in promotional activities influences men and women to buy advertised products. They buy such products to enhance their masculinity and femininity respectively (William, Stephen and Sut 138).Advertising Looking for research paper on advertising? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Advertising agencies continuously communicate gendered messages to escalate sales of products. The advertisers portray men as more independent than women. They also portray men as providers in households by depicting the as they engage in different occupations. On the other hand, some advertisers portray women as homemakers and home carers (Davis 187). Therefore, the men would more likely feature in alcohol commercials, sports utility cars, and corporate management among others. The women normally feature in commercials depicting the use of domestic items. The advertisers also depict the sexuality of men and women perversely. They have shown their nudity and naked bodies differently. The products such as women bras and underwear depict their sexuality (Greenberg, Clint, and Sarah 323). On the other hand, men’s underwear worn on athletic bodies and bare chest also shows their strength and brevity. The increasing self-consciousness among men presently makes them less concerned about appearing attractive to others but to enhance their fitness and health. Marketers use such aspirations to create necessities and wants while also developing products to satisfy the needs (Greenberg, Clint, and Sarah 323). In the case of women, advertisers have negatively taken advantage of their weaknesses including lack of autonomy to sway their decisions. Effects of Sexuality and Gender in Advertisements on Adolescents There is rising apprehension about adolescents’ exposure to sexuality and gender commercials in televisions, print media, and other electronic sources. The concerns entail the potential impacts such adverts can have on their personality, sexuality, beliefs, and manners (Gruber and Grube 214). Indeed, research indicates that the adverts generate sexuality and gender stereotypes, which affects adolescents (Napoli and Murgolo-Poore 61). The researchers agree that youngsters are exposed to diverse sensual images and messages advertisements intended for adults but which eventually affect adolescents. Advertisements showing men enjoying alcoholic drinks and the presence of women affect the way adolescents utilize such images. Youths use media to get information regarding sex, sexuality, drugs use, and relationships among others (Gruber and Grube 215).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The use of sexuality and gender in advertisements: a close up of US advertisements and their effects on adolescents specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The adolescents’ exposure to advertisements with sexual content potentially influences their sexuality development. This has escalated the rate of pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Diseases among adolescent America girls. It is nota ble that many advertisements in the US both in print and electronic media contain sexual imagery watched by young people. The advertisements have increased the way they show sexual category appeals and sensual objectification (Pardun and Roberts 134). Presently, many of such adverts contain implied sexual interactions, fervent caressing and depicting provision of gifts in relationships as a norm. Young Americans who watch such adverts may develop interests of achieving similar outcomes (Bradshaw 129). Sexuality and gender-based commercials have influenced crucial issues about the lives of adolescents. The commercials may sway career planning, cherished relationships, romance choice making, and attitudes essential to child bearing and parenthood (Jamieson and Daniel 153). Furthermore, some adolescents making greater efforts to adhere to gender roles labels may develop mental health predicaments. The problems may arise from pressure among adolescents to fit within the societal norms a nd expectations. This may lead to substance intake, risky sexual encounters, and neglect of self-care responsibilities (Jamieson and Daniel 154). The advertisements have also affected the ideologies associated with teenage gender roles. Watching television commercials also influence sexism ideologies among teenagers. Sexuality and gender commercials have also influenced the actual behaviour of adolescents positively. It is notable that most adverts that portray males and females as liberated and confident have enhanced personality development among teenagers (Jamieson and Daniel 154). Indeed, some youngsters have developed into more confident, forward-looking, and morally upright because of watching individuals associated with certain products in the commercials (Jamieson and Daniel 154). Conclusion In summary, the use of sexuality and gender in promotional activities has made the advertising mass communication appear pervasive. The advertisements are intended to educate consumers a bout certain products in the marketplace in order to escalate sales. However, some commercials that contain explicit content have surpassed the intention escalating sales to influence cultural views and individuals’ personality development. The stereotypes associated with some advertisements have depicted men and women differently. Particularly, bigot and stereotypical commercials present undesirable outcomes among adolescents. The advertisements have encouraged sexuality and substance abuse indulgence in adolescents.Advertising Looking for research paper on advertising? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the positive side, the application of sexuality and gender to portray men and men as professionals in diverse sectors has affected adolescents objectively. Adolescents have been able to plan their career and develop their personality positively out of media influence. Bradshaw, Joe. African American Young Adults Perceptions of the Ideal Mate for Long-term Romantic Relationships and Short-term Sexual Relationships. New York, NY: ProQuest, 2008. Print. Davis, Simone. Living Up to the Ads: Gender Fictions of the 1920s. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2000. Print. Greenberg, Jerrold, Clint, Bruess, and Sarah, Conklin. Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett, 2011. Print. Gruber, Enid, and Grube, Joel. â€Å"Adolescent sexuality and the media a review of current knowledge and implications.† Western Journal of Medicine. 172(3) (2000): 210–214. Web. Jamieson, Patrick, and Daniel Romer. The Changing Portrayal of Adolescents in the Media since 1950. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008. Print. MacKinnon, Kenneth. Representing Men: Maleness and Masculinity in the Media. London: Arnold, 2003. Print. Napoli, Julie, and Murgolo-Poore, Marie. â€Å"Female Gender Images in Adolescent Magazine Advertising.† Australasian Marketing Journal. 1(1) (2003): 60 – 69. Web. Pardun, Carol, and Roberts, Kathy. Sexual Content of Television Commercials Watched by Early Adolescents. 2005. Web. Spade, Joan, and Catherine, Valentine. The Kaleidoscope of Gender: Prisms, Patterns, and Possibilities. California, CA: Sage Publications, 2008. Print. William, Leiss, Stephen, Kline, and Sut, Jhally. Social Communication in Advertising: Persons, Products, and Images of Well-being. New York, NY: Routledge, 2003. Print.