Does age effect performance in Distance Learning Classes Research Paper

Does age effect performance in Distance Learning Classes - Research Paper Example However, certain students’ characteristics presently have led to the emergence of numerous heated debates based on academic performances that entail intensive research. These embrace age, gender, ethnic background and student’s background. The aspects according to numerous personalities’ arguments raised, thus far, cite to have contributed to either failing or excelling of students among those undertaking distance learning especially age (Urtel, 2008). Opposing Perspectives (Pros and Cons) Arguments raised by some people and scholars like Urtel (2008), cite older students tend to perform better than younger people do academically when undertaking distance learning. This is because of their effective study skills that they have attained over the years, which is contrary to the young people (Urtel, 2008). Therefore, according to him age does not have any effect on performance when undertaking distance learning. Conversely, opposing arguments claim the young people because of growing up in a technological knowhow that is advancing by the day; they are proficient in using it almost in all aspects of their lives including learning (Bender, Smith & Project Muse, 2008). Hence, making them excel academically compared to the older students due to their heightened expertise in searching using internet while doing their respective researches. My stand My position is that age affects performance in these classes based on the aspect of technological knowhow. The younger students are more familiar with the technology and with online interactions than those who have advanced (30-40) in years. Therefore, they have heighted advantage in accessing unlimited and most recent pool of resourceful materials online when undertaking their researches. Hence, they spent less time when searching for certain information meant to complete their tasks throughout their respective courses compared to those who have older students. Since, the latter due to unfamiliarity wit h diverse resourceful forums online, majority of them become stuck almost in every attempt before becoming conversant with the system they are using. This is evident when using online libraries whereby the latter are usually conversant with physical libraries, which to date majority use to supplement their researches whereas the younger prefer fast internet libraries (Liu, 2008). This prompts younger people to excel because they solely rely on online information (mostly scholarly), which is current compared to what older students may get from their physical libraries. Since, the latter intensively use what they are proficient in to attain the required information, which is their physical library. Presently, online forums have increased young people’s interactions whereby they can share varied and essential information irrespective of their regions with the intention of aiding them excel in academics (Liu, 2008). This is evident with online libraries like Phoenix besides other social sites where they share tips on how to undertake varied studies or researches. This is hard to old students because they end up disregarding some forums citing they are busy or see the talk (between the young people while chatting) as insignificant. Through these forums and social sites, young people end up increasing their internet savvy expertise, which is essential in aiding them while undertaking distance courses. Since, they will not only be internet savvy but also attain useful information concerning their respective fields,

My Ethical System and Its Justification Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

My Ethical System and Its Justification - Essay Example Divine command is a system where actions are made in accordance with those of a higher being, God, who is all-knowing. In this paper, I describe the ethical system which I ascribe to. Personal Ethical System My ethical system is one by which I live and use to decide which actions are moral or ‘good’. In my opinion, what is good is what allows my conscience to be clear and also what results in the greater overall good. My ethical system can be said to be an adaptation of the utilitarian and virtue ethics. The utilitarian ethical system attempts to maintain a balance between pleasure and pain, and in fact, rules that all actions should result in overall good (Rainbow, 2011). According to Rainbow, (2011), in case the moral consequences of alternative actions are not great, the utilitarian theory does not consider the choice a moral issue. While I ascribe to generally acting for good, the utilitarian theory sometimes does not help in distinguishing certain situations which i n themselves are wrong, but do result in good. An example is ‘robbing the rich, to help the poor’; an act which is morally wrong, because while the rich man may not be significantly affected by the crime, it offers enormous relief to the poor. My theory therefore differs from the utilitarian theory, in that, virtue ethics does cater for such occasions where the ‘right thing’ to do is a matter of great debate. Virtue ethics emphasize the building of personal character, without focus on external opinions (IEP, 2011). I therefore employ virtue ethics where my actions are based on what I feel is most in line with my disposition of what is right according to my assessment of the situation. In applying virtue ethics, one is encouraged to cultivate virtues resulting in the greater good of one’s soul and results in happiness. In this way, I view the combination of virtue ethics and utilitarianism as a comprehensive effort towards the happiness of humanity. J ustification of my ethical system My adaptation of utilitarianism and virtue ethics works very well and has assisted me in making many critical decisions. Utilitarianism considers what results in the greater good and then acts accordingly to promote this. Utilitarianism is most applicable in circumstances where the consequences of an action result in starkly different outcomes, where a decision has a significant impact on the individual and the society. However, it may be difficult to apply in circumstances where there is a thin line between right and wrong, and either action does not make a significant impact on the individual or the society. In such cases, utilitarianism may not regard such a decision as an ethical dilemma, which may be argued to propagate immorality as one may justify even a wrong action. These cases in daily living are very numerous, and use of utilitarianism alone may be insufficient. I therefore apply virtue ethics to be able to cover the loopholes which may b e present the utilitarian theory. Virtue ethics involves making decisions based on what brings about the greater development of the person (Annas, 2011). This means that any decisions made must also reinforce my personal disposition of what is right. My decisions should result in greater achievement of virtue and progression towards achieving individual thriving,