Final

Sorry I went over the recommended time, I just had a lot to say.  Thanks for the semester!

Additional References for Final Project

AimSum 3D Freeway Simulation. Youtube. AimSum, 3 Mar. 2008. Web. 9 Dec. 2010.

"Computer simulation games in population and education." NCBI. N.p., n.d. Web. 1988. 10 Oct. 2010.

"Computer Simulation- Definition." WordIQ. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2010. .

"Effects of learning support in simulation-based physics learning." ACM Digital Library. N.p., n.d. Dec. 2008. Web. 10 Dec. 2010.

Five Dummies and One Car Crash FEM Analysis. Youtube. Cincinnati Engineering. 22 Jun. 2009. Web. 10 Dec. 2010. http://www.youtube.com/v/VJRc13-YlGI

"Mathematical Model." Reference Answers. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2010. .

"Meta-Analysis: Effects of Educational Technology on Student Outcomes." North Central Regional Educational Library. N.p., n.d. Dec. 2008. Web. 10 Dec. 2010.

"Multimedia Applications for the Classroom." CITEd. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2010. http://www.cited.org/index.aspx?page_id=106>

Seamless Housing- Parametric Bottom-Up Architecture Growth Simulation. Youtube. 30 Jul. 2009. Web. 10 Dec. 2010.

Final Research Project!

http://www.wix.com/magashe/engl278z_finalproject

Design- In Text

Immersion Project

Computer Simulations and their Effects on Education

For the Immersion Project, I plan on interviewing students, professors, and teachers across the university and high school level to determine what their attitudes are towards computer simulations.  By interviewing professors and teachers, I hope to gain feedback on the effectiveness of the simulations.  I hope that they have taught their subjects before simulations were introduced to the course so that they can judge how well students retain the knowledge.  When I interview students, I want to know if they feel comfortable with the subject matter.  While this process may not be the most scientific manner of approaching the issue, it will allow me to get first hand experience with the instructors and students at the same time.

Annotated Bibliography

Maitreyi Agashe

October 17, 2010

ENGL278Z

Annotated Bibliography

Ardac, Dilek, and Ali H. Sezen. "Effectiveness of Computer-Based Chemistry Instruction in Ehancing the Learning of Content and Variable Control under Guided versus Unguided Conditions." Journal of Science Education and Technology. Nov. 2002. Web. 20 Oct. 2010. <http://www.springerlink.com/content/p57225mq2l858ph6/>.

            This article targets the effects of computer simulations on Turkish students’ responses towards chemistry.  In the experiment, researchers conducted the study with two experimental groups and one control group.  The two experimental groups were taught for a nine-week period using computer simulations (one group used the computer simulations approach and the other used the problem-solving approach) and the control group was taught for the same time period using conventional methods.  After the nine week period, four tests were given to students; Chemistry Achievement Test, Science Process Skills Test, Chemistry Attribute Scale, and the Logical Thinking Ability Test.  At the end of the experiment, it was determined that computer simulations and the problem solving approach were most effective in chemistry achievement and science process skills.  Computer simulations also effectively resulted in more positive attitudes towards chemistry.  The conventional approach was the least effective approach out of the three.  This source can be used a demonstration of a scholarly source for the rhetorical analysis. 

Bayrak, Celal. "Effects of Computer Simulations Programs on University Students' Achievements in Physics." Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education 3rd ser. 9.5 (2008). Web. 17 Oct. 2010. <http://tojde.anadolu.edu.tr/tojde32/pdf/article_3.pdf>.

The use of computer- assisted instruction is more effective than lecture- based instruction when measuring students’ performance in physics.  Conducted at the Hacteppe University in Turkey, researchers did a before and after test of randomly selected students.  Students in the Biology department comprised of the experimental group and students in the Chemistry department comprised of the control group.  The experimental group covered the physics class through a simulation program, Pearls 2.0, while the control group received instruction in basic lecture format.  The test after the instruction showed that the experimental group of Biology students performed better than the control group of Chemistry students.  This source can be used a demonstration of a scholarly source for the rhetorical analysis. 

Business Education Simulations.  Youtube. Sports Business Simulation, 19 Aug. 2010. Web. 20 Oct. 2010. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjYw6INl4iQ.>

            The company, Reality Works, has three business education simulations.  One of them is The Business Game, which allows students to use sale strategies, competition, and reports to run their company.  The Finance Game forces students to focus on cash flow, performance, and profit & loss.        The Entrepreneurship Game emphasizes marketing research, marketing, and the users’ start up skills.  These games allow students to make executive decision on various aspects of business that are typical in the real-world.  All of the topics that are covered in the material are outlined in National Business Education Association standards.  The simulations revolve around performance, and that is how students’ success is measured.  Students learn how to use financial reports so that they can pinpoint potential areas of issues.  All simulations yield a business outcome, and can be accessed on any computer with internet capabilities.  The simulations can be obtained by reaching out to a product consultant. 

Seay, Jared. "Educational Games." Jared Seay. Robert Scott Small Library, 1997. Web. 01 Nov. 2010. <http://seayj.people.cofc.edu/cb/simgames.html?referrer=webcluster&>.

            Of the 68 studies conducted before 1984, 56% of the studies did not find any difference in the conventional teaching approach and the computer simulation approach.  However, of the ones did find a difference, majority of them favor the computer simulation approach rather than the conventional approach.  Majority of the studies were conducted for the social studies fields, and showed no difference in the effectiveness of the approach.  Social studies generally do not use computer simulations, but math, physics, and language arts use computer simulations more frequently but are more effective in teaching with computer simulations.  Computer simulations have shown to retain more students’ attention in the classroom and keep them interested.  This source can be used a demonstration of a scholarly source for the rhetorical analysis. 

"Simulation." Wikipedia. 18 Oct. 2010. Web. 18 Oct. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulation>.

Simulation is the imitation of something in reality.  It can be used for many reasons serving training, testing, and optimization purposes.  Te critical elements of simulations are the validity of the sample selection, set parameters in an assumption, and the reliability of the simulated outcomes.  Simulations can be grouped into two categories: physical (physical objects replace another object or system) or interactive.  An example of interactive simulations is computer simulations.  Computer Simulations model real-life situations and allow users to make predictions about a system by altering certain variables. 

Simulations are used in education when it is too costly or dangerous to use real equipment.  Training simulations are grouped into three categories: live (real people use simulated equipment in the real world), virtual (real people use simulated equipment in a virtual world), and constructive (simulated people use simulated equipment in a virtual world.)  The use of simulations in education can be targeted towards many areas of study.  This source could be an example of a non-scholarly source in the rhetorical analysis. 

Sports Business Simulations Introduction - Zennie Abraham. Perf. Zennie Abraham. Youtube. Sports Business Simulation, 22 Nov. 2006. Web. 17 Oct. 2010. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA_ehBZZzwo>.

Zennie Abraham, CEO of Sports Business Simulation, is the developer of XFL SimWorld and Oakland Baseball SimWorld.  XFL SimWorld is a simulation based on the football league introduced by World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and NBC Sports.  While in actuality, the league did not last more than one year, the challenge is to prolong XFL’s existence by making decisions.  Doing so will increase ratings and allow the users to gain a $600 million contract from NBC.

Oakland Baseball SimWorld is the flagship product developed through equations and models to project future numbers to get a more realistic view of the business situation.  Users are given a set number of decisions, with the goal of making a profit and making the playoffs/ winning the World Series as many times as possible over 15 years.  There are different strategies that can be pursued to achieve the same goal.    This source could be an example of a non-scholarly source in the rhetorical analysis. 

Rhetorical Analysis

Maitreyi Agashe

October 31, 2010

            ENGL278Z

Rhetorical Analysis

            Education is a constantly evolving field of science.  There is constant research to see how teaching can be approved.  Teaching and education are sensitive issues, since they affect a plethora of people; there are many opinions on teaching and educational approaches.  When it comes to new methods to teach, there is a lot of skepticism about the new approach.  Many people are skeptical and express their opinions, even if they cannot be considered an authority on the subject matter.  While it may seem trivial, an author’s creditability needs to be intact when he/she is writing about education because education is a scientific subject.  After researching and finding many sources about the effects of computer simulations on education, I came to the conclusion that the only authoritative sources are the scholarly sources. The two sources that are compared and contrasted, Sports Business Simulation and the article in Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, strengthen this argument. 

            When looking at the sources, it is important to analyze rhetorical appeals: ethos, logos, and pathos.  After examining my sources, I came to the conclusion that out of the three appeals, only ethos and logos are important.  Considering the scientific material of the subject, ethos and logos are very important to ensure that the argument has a logical process and that the information is coming from a credited and authoritative author.  However, the emotional appeal may be considered more trivial because it is much more of a subjective approach for scientific material.  However, it is important not to look at solely rhetorical appeals, but other measures to quantify scholarly sources.  Other attributes that need to be considered are visuals, methods of delivery, and peer reviewed.  The analysis of all of the elements leads to the determination if the source is scholarly. 

            The Sports Business Simulation video on Youtube demonstrates to be an unscholarly source.  The introduction of Zennie Abraham as the chairman and CEO of Sports Business Simulation lends the video clip intrinsic ethos.  Having these positions at the company and being one that had a hand in the development of the simulations, Abraham is very knowledge about the product.  However, just because the video has intrinsic ethos, that does not necessarily mean that the video is strong in ethos as a whole. It is questionable if he understands the potential implications of computer simulations on education.  Rather, it seems that he is apt at selling the product, instead of understanding the change in the big picture the product has to offer.  Other than the brief description of Zennie Abraham that the audience is given in the introduction of the video, there is no other description of Abraham given, that might indicate his qualifications.  The video does not have a strong logos appeal as well.  Considering the material is regarding rather scientific material, logos is important so that the argument can be properly developed.  The video gives the situational overview of the products and how it is used.  However, the argument in the video could be considerable stronger if it shows a causal effect as a result of the simulations.  From a scientific perspective, without sufficient evidence that a product accomplishes the goal, it is almost a worthless source.  One of the major problems of the video is that it is questionable as to which medium the video is being accessed.  It is assumed that the audience is teachers looking for computer simulations to use in their classrooms.  However, it cannot be determined which channel the teachers are accessing the video other than Youtube.  However, at the end of the video, Abraham gives his phone number so that potential customers can contact him.  When he gives the phone number, it is questionable in which avenue this video is being sent to the audiences.  While the comments section might serve as a mediocre peer review, it is questionable if the comments can be considered “peer”.  The comments are left by Youtube users, and there is no indication if the users can be considered creditable.  Overall, this source is not creditable and scholarly because the questionable CEO in the video. 

            In contrast with the Youtube video, the education article in the Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education is a very scholarly source.  The author of the article, Celal Bayrak is a professor at a Turkish University and has had his article published in a scholarly journal.  Bayrak is a professor in the research matter, which makes his argument even stronger.  His credentials lend the article a great deal of authority, playing into the ethos appeal.  The manner in which the article is written gives a detail description of how the conclusion was reached.  This plays well in the logos segment because there is a defined scientific procedure that is followed.  This makes it easy to outline the argument.  The defined scientific procedure displays a causal effect as a result of the computer simulation.  The manner in which the article is presented is very bare-boned.  The basic display lends to emphasize the scientific nature of the material.  The article is presented in an educational journal, which indicates that it is meant for people of that professional and educational background.  The audience will be receptive to the material that is presented in the article because they have the background that will help them grasp the material.  The audience also helps the article be peer reviewed.  While the peer reviews cannot be seen, it is assumed that the article will be peer reviewed because it was published in a scholarly journal.  Overall, these attributes suggest that the article is a scholarly source. 

            The comparison of the two types of sources demonstrates what is required in order to be a creditable source for the topic of computer simulations.  It is not simply enough to be knowledgeable in this field, but one needs to have an educational background in the subject as well.  Since the topic of effects of computer simulations in education is such a scientific subject, there needs to be a cause and effect experiment that truly shows the effect of the simulations.  In conclusion, it is important that information is obtained from a creditable source so that the information can be authentic. 

Video Blog Post

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FGZMgPex1w

Video Blog Post

Digital Remix Project

http://academic-simulations.weebly.com/

Peer Evaluation 1: John McDowell Inquiry Essay

Does the rhetorical situation address the key audience concerns (demographics, stance, publication)? Is this a realistic academic audience?

People that need rapid inter-organizational communication- second to second basis (more im-esque) high-ranking officers with different technical terminology & language differences.  Addressing a current problem

What about the introduction makes you want to keep reading? Does it introduce the topic/issue and establish exigence? Describe the exigence. Is the exigence personal (relating to the writer as an individual) or is it about wider public and social concerns that the audience might research?

Begin with a narration that demonstrates the problem and establishes the importance that lack of immediate communication poses. 

What inquiry question does the essay pose for the audience to consider? Does the draft pose no questions or too many directions for readers? Are the inquiries open-ended?

How communication between public serving organizations affected by today’s trends of more information, sent faster, and in brief segments?

How does this topic relate to Writing in a Wireless World? Does this essay relate to the course theme?

Modes of communication

Draft Workshop: Kayleigh

1. Overall Effect of the Visual Essay
1. Essay has moderate level of overall impact and presentation is moderately effective.  The header image gives an indication to the content of the website, Paperless Future.  The dark background may be perceived that the future is looking bleak.  Based on the content of the website, that may or may not be want to revised.
2. Composer Feelings/ Development
1. Essay provides modest information about the composer's  developments/ feelings.  It is difficult to determine what the conclusive feelings are towards the paperless future.  It might be helpful if there is an indication given if a paperless future is a positive or negative thing.  
3. Visual Coherence
1. Essay needs more visual coherence.  At the moment, the background colors are relatively dark, with the exception of the spectrum of colors at the beginning of the webpage.  The text is in different fonts and white color.  It is difficult to determine if there is significance to these factors.  
4. Visual Salience
1. Essay doesn't identify 2-4 major points.  It is a little difficult to determine the various points/ thoughts that were originally tackled in the inquiry essay and are now in website form.
5. Organization of the Essay
1. Essay's organization is helpful and clear.  There is a link to washingtonpost.com and an online survey to be filled out.  Below this is a Youtube link, followed by a picture of a stack of newspapers.  It may help the website if this was a little bit more elaborate. 
6. Documentation of the Images
1. Images not correctly documented.  Perhaps a Work Cited page?

Transduction Justification

For my inquiry essay, I inquired about what about websites makes its visitors keep coming back.  Given my focal point of my inquiries was regarding websites, I thought it would be a wise decision to create a website for the digital remix project.  I felt that a website would be the easiest form to convey my inquiries since I would be able to break up my different thoughts within my essay into different web pages on the website.  In order to make an effective website, and not appear that I simply rewrote my essay, I plan on adding graphics that are representative of my inquiry essay to make it appear like a cohesive website. 

            However, as I began the transduction of my essay, I realized that there was limited potential to expand my inquiries in my original essay.  Therefore, I switched my topic to the effectiveness of computer simulations in academics.  While the subject of this inquiry is not as directly related as the previous inquiry, using a website would emphasize the role that computers play in our lives.  Increasingly, our lives are becoming dependent on computers.  The prevalence of simulations as teaching tools is growing in academics.  We are using these simulations to understand the compounding effects that certain actions have in the real world, and not the theoretical world.  Since I will draw on examples from various classes and different areas of academics, it would be beneficial to make a website.  It is a methodological way to group and box information so that information and inquiries can be conveyed to the audience successfully.

Digital Remix Rubric

Design
Effectiveness
Use of Graphics
Incorporation of Pathos (color, typology)

Content
Relevancy to Inquiry Essay
Expands Inquiry Essay
Use of different Modes
Grammar

Overall
Flow
Presentation
Clear Organization
Completion

Rhetorical Situation

1.) Writer:
I am a senior at the University of Maryland.  I would be considered a digital native, and therefore have grown up with digital technology.  Growing up in this age, I have becoming reliant on the Internet, and have first hand experience with many websites.   

2.) Audience: 
My audience are working professionals in their 40s-50s.  Since they are working professionals, they will have an a proper educational background, and will be relatively familiar with digital technology.  This group of people will be diverse, and will have head different experiences, but are at the same point in their lives currently.  


3.) Subject:
I am writing about the format of websites and what makes a successful website.  

4.) Context:
This is a relevant topic because many peoples are slowly becoming reliant on the Internet.  But how do they people choose which website to go to?

5.) Genre: 
Inquiry Essay







6.) Purpose: 
I am writing this argument because I wanted to know what can a website do to make its visitors keep coming back.

Inquiry Essay

Maitreyi Agashe

September 20, 2010

ENGL278Z

Geary

Websites by Immigrants?

            Gmail, Facebook, Washington Post, and the Weather Channel.  Without fail, these are the websites that I visit every morning.  Gmail, Facebook, TV Guide, Youtube, ELMS.  These are the websites that I am regularly on every afternoon.  It is a reasonably safe assumption that I am dependent on these websites, whether it is to keep in touch with friends, watch music videos, or get assignments for class.  But why is it that we choose to visit certain websites over others?  There are many alternatives to my regular websites that offer the same service.  For example, there are other social networking sites and news sites that I could visit to stay in touch with friends (LinkedIn) or to get up to date news (CNN.)  But why is that that I have my chosen sites?  What are the appealing aesthetics of a website that keeps readers coming back?

            What are the elements of a good website? According to Vitaly Friedman of Smashing Magazine, the key to a good website is the usability and utility that it offers to its clients.  Friedman explains that since it is only users view and operate a website, their understanding and ability to operate functions are the only things that matter when designing a website.  Friedman goes on to outline 10 principles that are important to a good website.  Half of the principles are user-centric and emphasize the importance of catering to your audience.  The other half focuses on the simplicity website.  However after reading the article, I was not impressed.  Most of the principles seemed like common sense to me.  However is that because I am a digital native?  Are articles such as “10 Principles of Effective Web Design” the bridge between digital natives and digital immigrants?

            What is a digital native?  According to Marc Prensky, a digital native is someone that is “fluent in the digital language of computers, video games, and the Internet.”  He also refers to a digital immigrant “one that is not born in the digital age.”  Even though one can never truly shed an “accent”, one can become very fluent in the digital language.  The website, www.webpagesthatsuck.com, outlines some of the worst mistakes that a web designer can make.  The biggest problems that occur are that the designer designs an over the top website and does not understand the audience of the website.  Are these mistakes more inherent to digital immigrants rather than digital natives?  Websites and the Internet are second nature to digital natives.  Therefore, they don’t feel the need to over embellish a website.  For them, it is solely a tool to convey their thoughts and information, hence does not require fluff.  However, digital immigrants do not view websites with the same purpose because they have not grown up with the same digital technology.  By designing such designer-centric websites, are digital immigrants trying to prove that they have mastered the digital language? 

            Having a well designed website is not about just aesthetics, but rather promoting efficiency.  In today’s digital world, everything is about efficiency since there is limited time for everything.  Everyone is pressed for time and nobody wants to spend 30 minutes looking for something when it can be done in 5 minutes.  A website can be aesthetically unappealing but if it accomplishes its purpose of conveying its message efficiently, then it is satisfying its consumers’ needs.  When needs are satisfied, then the demand for the website will increase, thereby insinuating success of the website. 

            So what are the appealing aesthetics of a website that keeps readers coming back?  I have come to the conclusion that in addition to being simplistic and being user-friendly, it is important that they are designed by a digital native.  When a native designs a website, he or she is able to design with a purpose and do not have an accent when designing. 

Works Cited

"Biggest Mistakes in Web Design 1995-2015 - from Web Pages That Suck - Learn Good Web Design by Looking at Bad Web Design." Web Pages That Suck - Learn Good Web Design by Looking at Bad Web Design - Home Page. Web. 19 Sept. 2010.

<http://www.webpagesthatsuck.com/biggest-mistakes-in-web-design-1995-2015.html>.

Friedman, Vitaly. "10 Principles Of Effective Web Design." Smashing Magazine. 31 Jan. 2008. Web. 18 Sept. 2010. <http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/01/31/10-principles-of-effective-web-design/>.

Prensky, Marc. "Listen to the Natives." Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development: 9-13. Print.