The Impact Of Technology On The Music Industry - 1845 Words

Countless people are always saying that today’s music is trash. It’s repetitive and oversimplified, and all because of this new music technology constantly being developed. A listener rarely hears a piece of music that has not been touched by technology, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. These people fail to realize that the theory of music technology has been around since the 1700’s when Mozart invented a game using a die to compose music by chance (Baggi). It is also important to realize the true of meaning of technology to society, and while there may be drawbacks, there are benefits that far outweigh them. The role of technology in music is largely beneficial to society due to the fact that it increases accessibility to both artists and listeners and allows for musical innovation. With constantly developing music technology, the music industry is more accessible to artists and listeners than ever before. Before recording and production technology was easily accessible to the average person, making a record was a major process. It could cost upwards of $15,000 to get into a studio and record music, and even more to produce and sell it (Broussard). Today, with GarageBand, Audacity, and Studio One amongst a lot of other software, anyone can be a composer. It doesn’t cost thousands of dollars; in fact, it doesn’t have to cost anything to produce music. This benefits the artist in terms of both cost and experience. Artists who know what they’re doing with technology andShow MoreRelatedTechnology And Its Impact On The Music Industry Essay2573 Words   |  11 Pages Technology and Its Impact on the Music Industry Name College Technology and its Impact on the Music Industry Introduction The creation of musical works has always been culminated by several different processes and usually involves many people. The process takes a lot of time delaying the release of music. Advancement in technology has played a significant role in the music production by lowering the length of time it takes to produce recorded material. Artists usually sign a contractRead MoreImpact Of Technology On The Music Industry1933 Words   |  8 PagesOver the years, music has become portable, starting with the transistor to a set of headphones. Technology has allowed us to create a diverse musical culture. Music will always have an effect on one’s culture, and it has definitely mad a huge impact on the use of technology. Cultural diversity is about bringing people closer together though the World Wide Web. Many music publishers are the key to cultural diversity when it comes to publishing all genres. They will increasingly continue to play aRead MoreThe Impact Of Technology On The Musi c Industry Essay2587 Words   |  11 PagesTechnology: The Significant Impacts on the Music Industry It’s intriguing how the music industry has significantly changed throughout the years due to the constant increase of technology. There are many different reasons to show how technology has made a huge impact whether positive or negative on this phenomenal industry. Music cultivates so much meaning to the world, and speaks volumes on the behalf of individuals when they don’t know what to physically say. That being said, whether it’s listeningRead MoreThe Impact Of Technology On The Music Industry Essay1310 Words   |  6 PagesTechnology has brought many advantageous opportunities to the music industry in the area of production and distribution. Besides popular and valuable instruments such as the electric guitar and the synthesizer, technology has brought us new production equipment such as high-fidelity microphones, re-mastering equipment and CD-ROMs that provide us with a crystal-clear sound of the recording. The development of these equipment has allowed the audience to experience a higher quality of sound coming fromRead MoreImpact Of Technology On The Music Industry1414 Words   |  6 PagesDevelopments within the music industry are seemingly frequent and numerous due to diversity and the various issues faced. For a sector that consistently adapts to demand, it was logical to decipher a development which not only alters significant factors within the industry, but also a development which endures (and even encourages) smaller advancements. The increase in readily available technology has had a significant effect on the music industry. Unlike other developments, advancing technology is constantRead MoreImpact Of Technology On The Music Industry Essay1139 Words   |  5 PagesCreating music has likewise turned out to be more open and more moderate with a few specialists recording work in their home, or enlisting out a recording studio for a day. Luke Henderson of Fluke Productions, a recording studio in London perceives that contrast ed and a quarter century, it is much simpler for craftsmen to kick begin their profession. When a track is transferred to the web it can be gotten to by individuals over the world on the off chance that they know where to look. The music businessRead MoreThe Impacts of Technology on Music Recording Industry and Society1751 Words   |  8 PagesThe Impacts of Technology on Music Recording Industry and Society TV has restored the daily life of family, Photography has altered the way we look at the world, the computer has changed everything.† (Mark Katz, 2010) It is true the computer has converted everything into digital. Digital technology has also changed the ways of sound and voice recording. It has gradually led to the changes not only in the production of sound but also in the views of societyRead MoreThe Impact of Technology on the Music Industry: a Study Into How Organisations Adapt in a Rapidly Evolving Business Environment7559 Words   |  31 PagesThe impact of technology on the music industry: A study into how organisations adapt in a rapidly evolving business environment Profile - Sam Ford from UK Indie band One Night Only. The Group have recorded a top 10 hit on the Top 40 UK Singles Chart in 2008 from their debut album â€Å"Started a Fire†. From your debut album Started a Fire, you had a top 10 hit with â€Å"Just For Tonight†. What did it take you to get to the point? How did you market and promote your band to get to this point, did itRead MoreThe Effect Of Digital Technology On The Music Industry1442 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿ The effect of digital technology on the music industry Nowadays, teenagers are living constantly surrounded by technology. Even if the younger generation may not see it, technology has had an impact on different factors. The widespread use of digital technology in the music industry has allowed consumers to reproduce digital versions of copyrighted songs inexpensively, with the help of many software and websites. There has been an increase in digital copying activities and those are most ofRead MoreBenefits And Benefits Of The Performance1749 Words   |  7 PagesMichael Jackson could rake in half a billion dollars† (Sherwell, 2014). With such profit potential, it is likely that the popularity of holograms will increase among event organisers. Arguably, technology does increase the ease of making a profit in some aspects. A current issue within the industry stems from ticket resale websites. In the circumstances of popular artists, tickets can sell out in minutes only to be resold for dramatically increased prices. â€Å"Tickets for Brand New’s June tour sold

Common Mistakes in English A Little vs. a Few

The quantifiers a little, little, a few, and few are often used interchangeably in English. However, there is a difference based on whether the object specified is countable or uncountable. The use of the indefinite article a  also changes the meaning of these important words. A Little - A Few / Little - Few A little and little refer to non-count nouns, and are  used with the singular form: Examples: Theres little wine left in the bottle.Ive put a little sugar into your coffee. A few and few refer to count nouns, and are used with the plural form: Examples: There are a few students in that classroom.He says few applicants have presented themselves. A little and a few convey a positive meaning. Examples: Ive got a little wine left, would you like some?Theyve got a few positions open. Little and few convey a negative meaning. Examples: Hes got little money left.I have few friends in Chicago.

The Big, Bad, Socialism Bug - 1280 Words

Sarah Bresnahan Dr. Hibbett English 200 September 23, 2015 The Big, Bad, Socialism Bug A known socialist, Franz Kafka was especially taken with Karl Marx’s theory of alienation. The theory states that people lose their humanity as a consequence of living in divided social classes. The worker needs the labor to live, and misses out on intrinsic human needs; the worker is a worker first, a human being second (Fay). This concept is what frames The Metamorphosis: A man loses his humanity through unfulfilling work, and while losing his ability to perform the unfulfilling work, he withers away into nothingness. After Gregor awakes to find himself transformed into a giant insect, he assumes himself just tired from working as a travelling salesman. In his inner monologue, he describes being always on the go, and specifically comments on his inability to maintain relationships. â€Å"†¦and the casual acquaintances you meet only in passing, never to see again, never to become intimate friends. To hell with it all!† (Kennedy 319) His monologue continues as he discusses how he is working for the company to pay off a family debt. When the office manager comes to check on him, Gregor scrambles to try to get the door open, and the manager comments that businessmen â€Å"†¦very often have to ignore any minor indisposition, since the demands of the business come first.† (Kennedy 323) He goes on to threaten Gregor, stating that his position at the company is not secure and his employment is inShow MoreRelatedSocialist Realism in Ngugi Wa Thiongos I Will Marry When I Want2437 Words   |  10 PagesINTRODUCTION Socialist realism, a slogan adopted by the Soviet cultural authorities in 1934 to summarize the requirements of Stalinist dogma in literature: the established techniques of 19th†century realism were to be used to represent the struggle for socialism in a positive, optimistic light. Socialist realism had its roots in neoclassicism and the traditions of realism in Russian literature of the 19th century that described the life of simple people. Socialist realism held that successful art depictsRead MoreSocialist Realism in Ngugi Wa Thiongos I Will Marry When I Want2437 Words   |  10 PagesINTRODUCTION Socialist realism, a slogan adopted by the Soviet cultural authorities in 1934 to summarize the requirements of Stalinist dogma in literature: the established techniques of 19th†century realism were to be used to represent the struggle for socialism in a positive, optimistic light. Socialist realism had its roots in neoclassicism and the traditions of realism in Russian literature of the 19th century that described the life of simple people. Socialist realism held that successful art depictsRead MoreAmerican Holidays11778 Words   |  48 Pageso Do you know anyone with a pierced nose? o Would you ever pierce your tongue? †¢ What do you think of people who dye their hair green? †¢ What do you of women who wear high heel shoes? o Do you think high heel shoes are bad for a person’s health? †¢ What fashions that you see today do you think will be out of fashion with in two years? †¢ What is your shoe size? †¢ What kind of clothes are in fashion now? †¢ What kind of clothes do you usually wear? Read MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 Pages Besides, he says, our stream might not have Giardia. Ill take the first drink. Juanita winces. No, don’t do that, she says. Lets just pack up and go home. When you ask her why, she explains that a friend of hers got Giardia and had a bad experience with it. She doesnt want to risk having the same experience. When you hear the details, you understand why. The symptoms are chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, and fatigue. Also, she says, the park signs about Giardia are

Sustainability Reporting Framework Click Now To Get Solution

Question: The Global Reporting Initiative is an international not-for-profit organisation that has pioneered and developed the worlds most widely used voluntary Sustainability Reporting Framework. Answer: 1. Introduction The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is a nonprofit organization that introduces the accounting guidelines for the economic sustainability reporting of the companies. The organization produces the widely used standards for sustainability reporting which is also known as ecological footprint reporting, environmental social governance reporting, triple bottom line reporting and CSR reporting. Ward (2010) opined that GRI Focal Point Australia works effectively to bring about rules of sustainability reporting within the Australian organizations and also introduce rules to upgrade the sustainability disclosure of the Australian organizations. The report here focuses on the analysis of application of voluntary guidelines in alteration of the information of Flight centre 2014. Further the report evaluates the benefits of the investors in complying with sustainability reporting. The report also focuses on the negative aspects of the global reporting initiatives in the concluding part. 2. Concept of sustainability reporting With the increasing demand for the large requirement for environmental and global initiatives, sustainability reporting has become an important part of the global accounting system. The companies abiding by the rules of sustainability reporting should include Global reporting imitative (GRI), Carbon Disclosure project (CDP), UNCTAD or environmental accounting, the sustainability consortium and International integrated reporting (Adams, 2013). Sustainability reporting is considered to be the practice of measuring disclosing and being accountable to internal and external stakeholders for organizational performance towards the goal of sustainable development (Cohen, 2013). Figure 1: GRI reporting framework (Source: Horngren , 2013, pp-36) According to Horngren (2013), the GRI reporting framework was intended to serve as a widely accepted process of accounting that will help the investors and stakeholders to judge the companies from different industries under a standard parameter. The GRI reporting initiatives allowed the companies to make sector specific report. The mandatory disclosure norms made the companies suffer economically as well as socially. Alstine (2009) opined that it was seen that the investors reacted strongly to poor environmental performers denying those companies any kind of monetary help. The negative incidents and disclosures were more effective than the negative financial disclosures. As per the signaling theory the negative aspects of the present can be mitigated in the future however the mandatory disclosure was making it difficult for the companies to attract potential investors and shareholders. Amran Haniffa (2011) opined that in some cases the reporting of the negative aspects may be recorded as a positive signal for the future and it may suggest that the companies will be able to manage risks effectively an avoid any kind of future issues. 3. G4 guidelines established by GRI As per Bloomberg Press release GRI updated the existing sustainability reporting guidelines in May 2013 to establish a new set of guidelines namely the G4 guidelines which provides organizations to voluntarily report on their environmental, social and governance performance (Hopwood, 2009). The amendment of the guidelines have made the GRI reporting more practical for the organizations thereby encouraging the organizations to report only the information that are material to the business. The G4 guidelines also include new or updated disclosures on governance, greenhouse gas emissions and supply chain issues. As per the guidelines of G4 the companies are presently required to include the following disclosures in the sustainability report. The energy consumption unit of an organization or the energy used per unit of a product of service within the organization (Bamford Szilagyi, 2010). The intensity of greenhouse gas emissions and the extent of gas emissions of the organization Percentage of new suppliers screened using environmental criteria Important environmental impacts on the supply chain process of the organization Other sustainability related issues According to Duran-Encalada Paucar-Caceres (2011) The G4 guidelines contains the following subparts namely Focus on material aspects This section states that an organization will indentify relevant topics for financial reporting based on their impact on the internal as well as external aspect of the organization. According to Ward (2010) the organizations face dilemmas regarding the availability of the large number of topics which it can report within the sustainability report. However Alstine (2009) opined that relevant topic s and indicators are those that may reflect the economic, environmental and social impacts and may influence the decision of the stakeholders and hence should be included in the report. In accordance scheme Cho et al. (2010) opined that the current (A, B, C) application levels rules initiated by the G3 rules will be replaced by the in accordance scheme which will involve two tiers namely core which is the easier level and the comprehensive which is a high level. The G4-34 to G4-55 provides the guidelines for the same. Consideration of indirect activities Previously the G3 guidelines provided the companys to make sustainability disclosures for only the direct activities however the G4 guidelines G4 12 and G4-EC 9 provides rules for the indirect activities like the reporting for entire value chain system. The sustainability reporting for the value chain system will help the investors to understand the environmental sustainability f the production and the delivery process (Duran-Encalada Paucar-Caceres, 2011). The end product is expected to be sustainable if the value chain system is sustainable in nature. New and revised Standard disclosures Previously the G 3 initiatives required the companies to make disclosures in three segments namely Strategy and profile of the company, Management approach and performance indicators of the company (Globalreporting.org.2015). The guideline under G4- 56 required the companies to compulsorily make disclosures related to ethics and integrity and G4-S03to G4-S06 requires the companies to make disclosures relating to the anti corruption practices and public policy (Lund Nadvi, 2010). Moreover the G4-EN3 to G4- EN 21 requires the companies to report for any kind of Green house gas emissions and also the extent to which the companies are responsible for the emissions. Disclosures on management Approach (DMA) The new guidelines focus on three major reporting frameworks namely Describing why an aspect is material How the aspect is being managed How the management reviews and improves the management approach (Dingwerth Eichinger, 2010). 4. Effect of G4 guidelines on Flight Centre annual report 2014 Flight centre Limited is an Australian travel agency group with around 2000 business in around 11 countries. The company provides a pleasurable travel service to the business travelers in Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, UK, South Africa, China, India and Dubai. On reviewing the annual report 2014 of Flight centre it was found that the company has followed the standard guidelines relating to the G3 guidelines of GRI. However with the advent of the new guidelines under G4 the company will have to make the following changes in the annual report (www.flightcentrelimited.com, 2015). The following initiatives taken by Flight Centre to make its business sustainable affect both internal as well as external stakeholders of the company. Hence these initiatives should be reported under the G4 guidelines in the annual report of the company. 1. Standard disclosures Carbon emissions: G 4-EN3 requires Flight centre to disclose information relating to carbon emissions. The company is working to reduce the office related carbon emissions by teaming up with the Cleaner climate Ltd to provide the company with a carbon emission calculator. Moreover the company has taken the initiate to install solar energy bulbs and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and engaged into energy renewable projects in order to make the business sustainable. Bamford Szilagyi (2010) opined that under the new guidelines the company needs to mention these activities in the annual report under the standard disclosure norms. Office environmental policy: The Company has established certain recycling and waste management policies for the internal staffs of the office namely Ensuring the availability of recycling bins in all accessible office areas Usage of email for external and internal communication has reduced the wastage of paper Practicing double sided printing to save paper consumption Using recycled, unbleached paper for printing purposes Donations of old computers and cell phones to charities for re use Usage of large recyclable milk carton instead of creamers in office kitchens (Burritt, 2010). Energy consumption unit: The standard disclosures also requires Flight centre to report about the units of energy consumed. To make sustainability energy consumption the company has focused on minimizing the usage of ACs, Installation of multipurpose devices to reduce the number of appliances, using sensor lighting and installation of blinds to reduce cooling and heating costs (Adams, 2013). 2. Environmentally sustainable shop design Flight centre has initiated an environmentally sustainable design program for its retail shops at different locations (Ward, 2010). The system provides guidelines relating to usage of Fit out materials including timber usage, waste management, lighting and signage and usage of sustainable water supply equipments. 3. Sustainable supply chain system Flight centre has introduced the environmental Supplier Award for the potential suppliers who engage in environment friendly activities. The award recognizes the supplier that has made the greatest effort to minimize their environmental impact. The company has a corporate travel management network that spans in more than 75 countries. The value chin system of the company works proactively on mutually beneficial business partnerships with suppliers having the same kind of financial and sustainability goals and values (Globalreporting.org. 2015). 4. Disclosures on management approach The company also needs to report on the disclosure for management approach. This section will require the company to make full disclosure of the facts like the importance of the facts that are disclosed and the ways the company is managing the disclosed facts (Burritt, 2010). In relation to this norms Flight centre should make the facts important because they will affect the environment and the internal management of the company as well as the stakeholders decision. The company will also show the initiatives taken by the management to control the negative impact of business process on the supply chain and sustainability of the company. 5. Evaluation of benefits of sustainability reporting to investors Adams (2013) opined that sustainability reporting is an important step towards achieving of the sustainable global economy. The major stakeholders of the companies that is the government, investors and suppliers are highly benefited from the sustainability reporting system. The following are the benefits for the sustainability reporting to the stakeholders Generation of trust Ward (2010) suggested that the full disclosure of all the direct as well as indirect activities of the companies makes the financial report transparent and can generate a sense of trust among the users of the information. The transparency of the report also helps to reduce reputational risks and demonstrate openness and accountability. Competitive advantage The companies gets an added competitive advantage over the other companies of attracting investment, initiating new activities, entering new markets and negotiating contracts with the help of GRI reporting (Lawrence Beamish, 2013). The investors and the stakeholders are ready to supply capital and make long term investments in these companies because they have a clear view of the financial as well as the non financial aspects of the company. Fulfilling the needs of the stakeholders Sustainability reporting helps the companies to fulfill the basic demands of the stakeholders thereby creating a positive image in the mind of the stakeholders. According to Burritt (2010) the stakeholders demand more transparency from profit and not for profit entities. They further demand for the economic sustainability and social sustainability compliance from the business. Improvement strategies The use of the GRI guidelines helps the organizations to highlight the weaknesses within the b business and also calls for improvement that can enhance the future performance of the company. The analysis of the level of energy consumption, wastage and environmental pollution will help the company to introduce new sustainable methods for controlling of the wastage and increase the goodwill of the company (Globalreporting.org. 2015). Enhance reputation A survey conducted in 2011 on corporate reputation showed that expansion of business activity transparency and recording of good deeds were the two most effective ways to create a positive image in the mind of the investors and concerned stakeholders particularly the customers of the business (Hopwood, 2009). In the year 2013 the survey by Earnest and Young showed that around 50% of the respondents issuing sustainability reports suggested that the adoption of the sustainability reporting has helped them to improve their reputation among the stakeholders. Employees expectations fulfillment As per the survey reports of EY and GreenBiz in 2011 the sustainability reporting is also beneficial for the internal employees of the organization. They are regarded as one of the major stakeholders as well as the backbone of the company (Lawrence Beamish, 2013). The report helps the employees with information like environmental activities of the company and also makes them aware of the goodwill and future expansion plans of the company. This helps the employees to feel connected with the company and work with loyalty (Hopwood, 2009). Improved access to capital The companies high on sustainability have higher probability of securing capital form both local as well as foreign institutional investors since the investors are certain about their returns from the company. The potential investors will also find it helpful to make decisions as to long and short term investments (Hopwood, 2009). The GRI guidelines helps the investors to assess the risks related with the investments in a particular company and also the risk of loss of reputation can be assessed by the investors before they take a long term investment decision. Creating and maintaining shareholder value Adams (2013) suggested that the investor presentations, quarterly earnings, quarterly spending on sustainable activities, carbon emission rates, electricity usage rates, employee engagement techniques, announcements and press releases, socially responsible investment surveys, social projects and periodic reports on stock exchange and security analysis helps to increase the shareholders value and make them well informed about the current status of the company. It also provides an insight into the future status of the company. 6. Conclusion The report shows the benefits of the sustainability reporting system and also focuses on the revised guidelines that are implemented by the new G4 guidelines. However the there are also certain negative factors associated with the process of sustainability reporting. Since sustainability reporting integrates the reporting and transparency of all business activities so at times it may be found that some kind of negative activity of the business has been reported in the process. The publication of negative reports not only effects the reputation of the company abut also affects the related stakeholders specially the investors and the customers of the business. Before the introduction of the G4 initiatives the companies were required to make mandatory disclosures of the sustainable reports. This gave rise to reporting of many negative incidents like use of a deplorable resource or mistreatment of the employees within the organization. However the introduction of the voluntary reporting system has integrated the whole policy and has also made it possible for the companies to include only the aspects which are economically, environmentally or socially beneficial or influence the decision of the investors or the stakeholders. Reference list Books Burritt, R. (2010). Sustainability accounting auditing and accountability. Bradford: Emerald Group Pub. Cohen, E. (2013). Understanding G4. Oxford: Do Sustainability. Horngren, C. (2013). Accounting. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.: Pearson Australia. Lawrence, J., Beamish, P. (2013). Globally responsible leadership. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: SAGE Publications. Ward, S. (2010). Global journalism ethics. Montreal Kingston: McGill-Queen's University Press. Journals Adams, A. (2013). Sustainability reporting and performance management in universities. Sustainability, 4(3), pp-384-392. Alstine J. V. (2009) Governance from below: contesting corporate environmentalism in Durban, South Africa, Business Strategy and the Environment, 18(2), pp- 108121. Amran A. Haniffa R. (2011) Evidence in development of sustainability reporting: a case of a developing country, Business Strategy and the Environment, 20(3), pp-141156. Bamford, S., Szilagyi, B. (2010). Global analysis and reporting standards: common data structures need common interpretation. Pharmaceutical Programming, 3(1), 37-38. Cho, C. H, Roberts, R. W Patten, D. M. (2010) The language of US corporate environmental disclosure, Accounting, Organizations and Society, 35(4), pp- 431443. Dingwerth, K., Eichinger, M. (2010). Tamed Transparency: How Information Disclosure under the Global Reporting Initiative Fails to Empower. Global Environmental Politics, 10(3), 74-96. Duran-Encalada, J., Paucar-Caceres, A. (2011). A system dynamics sustainable business model for Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex): case based on the Global Reporting Initiative. Journal Of The Operational Research Society, 63(8), pp-1065-1078 Hopwood, A. G. (2009) Accounting and the environment, Accounting, Organizations and Society, 34(3-4), pp- 433439. Lund, T. P. Nadvi, K. (2010) Global value chains, local collective action and corporate social responsibility: a review of empirical evidence, Business Strategy and the Environment, 19(1), pp- 113.

Understand the different types of assessment methods free essay sample

Theory: works on the principle of teaching and students make notes with a view to consult their notes at a later point in the day. Verbal Q/A session with debates between teacher and students to establish that they understand what’s being taught, why regulations are in place and best practices are always followed where possible, some students are very verbal and communication through verbalising comes easier than actually trying to put it into words. White board/ Flipchart used to explain and draw up list or diagrams to show the students what is expected or how things can look in a simple format. Theory Test Paper then to determine how the students have done with pass mark firstly being explained to the group with a pass/fail criteria to go on to the next level of the course, assistance is offered to the extent that individuals may not have the capability of understanding the question but would fully know the answer if it was put another way to them by the teacher. We will write a custom essay sample on Understand the different types of assessment methods or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page A few students are not great at getting their answers across when verbalising and can then take full advantage of the written answers where they get a chance to show they can answer but on paper and may feel uncomfortable airing their views in front of a class. Practical: works with hands on with the student reading how the manufacturers would recommend that the hydraulic platform is used correctly and the student then goes on to show the teacher how they approach each part of the practical session, driving hydraulic platforms around a given course mapped out on the floor with directions on what to do at each location will then determine if the student is capable of handling with a confidence what he’s been requested to do. Again this would have a pass/fail situation that would put the student under considerable pressure in front of other students; it is then the teacher’s decision to either have any student he feels would be worse off being in a group doing this practical element or to have them as individuals to take pressure off any one student.

Augmentative or Alternative Communication for Disabled Students

Augmentative or Alternative Communication for Disabled Students Augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) refers to all forms of communication outside of oral speech. It may range from facial expressions and gestures to forms of assistive technology. In the field of special education, AAC comprises all communication methods for teaching students with severe language or speech disabilities. Who Uses AAC? Broadly, AAC is used by people from all walks of life at different times. A baby uses non-spoken communication to express herself, as might parents coming home to sleeping children after a night out. In particular, AAC is the method of communication used by individuals with severe speech and language disabilities, who may suffer from cerebral palsy,  autism, ALS, or who may be recovering from a stroke. These individuals are unable to use verbal speech or whose speech is extremely difficult to understand (a famous example: theoretical physicist and ALS sufferer Stephen Hawking). AAC Tools Gestures, communications boards, pictures, symbols, and drawings are common AAC tools. They may be low-tech (a simple laminated page of pictures) or sophisticated (a digitized speech output device). They are divided into two groups: aided communication systems and unaided systems. Unaided communications are delivered by the individuals body, without speech. This is akin to the baby above or the gesturing parents. Individuals who are compromised in their ability to gesture, and those for whom communication needs are richer and more subtle, will rely on aided communication systems. Communications boards and pictures use symbols to help relay the individuals needs. For example, a picture of a person eating would be used to convey hunger. Depending on the mental acuity of the individual, communications boards and picture books may range from very simple communications- yes, no, more- to very sophisticated compendia of very particular desires. Individuals with physical impairments in addition to communications challenges may be unable to point with their hands to a board or book. For them, a head pointer may be worn to facilitate the use of a communication board. All in all, the tools for AAC are many and varied and are personalized to meet the needs of the individual. Components of AAC When devising an AAC system for a student, there are three aspects to consider. The individual will need a method for representing the communications. This is the book or board of drawings, symbols, or written words. There must then be a way for the individual to select the desired symbol: either through a pointer, a scanner, or a computer cursor. Finally, the message has to be transmitted to caregivers and others around the individual. If the student is unable to share her communications board or book directly with the teacher, then there must be an auditory output- for example, a digitized or synthesized speech system. Considerations for Developing an AAC System for a Student A students doctors, therapists, and caregivers may work with a speech-language pathologist or computer expert to devise a suitable AAC for students. Systems that work in the home may need to be augmented for use in an inclusive classroom. Some considerations in devising a system are: 1. What are the individuals cognitive abilities?2. What are the individuals physical abilities?3. What is the most important vocabulary relevant to the individual?4. Consider the individuals motivation to use AAC and select the AAC system that will match. AAC organizations such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the AAC Institute may offer further resources for selecting and implementing AAC systems.

Philosophical foundations of education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Philosophical foundations of education - Essay Example However, there are some general strategies that work effectively. The essential thing to keep in mind about managing the learning environment is that it needs an on-going process in which the teacher must be a keen observer, facilitator, conversationalist, and manager. Different strategies are being used by teachers, and key school personnel to promote learning and to create a positive learning environment. Manning observations stated that "there is a growing consensus that a positive and safe learning environment is one that emphasizes cooperation, collaboration, and peaceful existence, and is one that is free from threats of psychological or physical harm-- that is, an environment that reflects caring and concern for all students" (2000). Establish the type of environment and the desired behaviour for the students - It requires set of goals, general and specific objectives, and the necessary skills needed to be developed, in order to decide what behavioural goals the facilitator is trying to attempt to achieve with the students. Behaviour development is necessary for students' growth and learning. This strategy can promote a positive learning environment when initially done within the learning process. ... uld be geared so students can achieve the essential skills to carry on the desired behaviours, once students understand the set behavioural goals and objectives. "The surroundings in which children learn can greatly influence their academic performance and well-being in school. The architecture, layout, decor and facilities of the [their] school all play a vital role in shaping the learning environment" as cited in World Wide Web (Teachernet.gov.uk). Generally, student behaviour is dependent on teachers' behaviours. If a teacher is attentive on the effect of his or her behaviour towards the students, he/she can change it to direct them toward the desired behavioural goals. According to McFarland, a teacher influences his or her students by both content and contact and can leave a long-lasting impression (2005). As a role-model of the students, the behaviour of the teacher could help create positive impact to students in achieving the projected behavioural goals and objectives, leading to a positive learning environment. Promote respect when dealing with students - Ralph Emerson said, "The "secret of Education lies in respecting the pupil." It is not for the teacher to choose what the pupil will know and do, but for the pupil to discover "his own secret." The teacher therefore must "wait and see the new product of Nature" (1888, pp.125-59). The teacher must have confidence that his/her students also desire to do the right thing. Students' positive expectations will become self-gratifying and transmission of these expectations to students happens in a number of ways. One of the most understandable and prevailing way is through personal relationships in which teachers and other school personnel converse to students, 'This work is important; I know you can do it; I