Alphonso Anderson Professor Dong Lit Review (Rough Draft) September 13, 2021 Introduction Sports are physical exercises that include effort and ability during which an individual or group contends with another or others. There are hundreds of sports that are played all over the world, the levels vary but the root of all sports is having fun. Sports can be many things to people, it can be a fun hobby, it can’t be an outlet for stress and can even be a job. It can also be all of these things at the same time. Sports help people stay healthy and teach very important life lessons. Being active at a young age is great for young kids, and can lead to multiple health and social benefits, just by being involved in sports programs (Master of Athletic Administration, OU, 2020). Being around kids who have to face obstacles and overcome them together, to reach a common a goal, is a life skill that will apply for the duration of one’s life. It builds creativity, bonds with individuals, improves problem solving skills, etc. All of these skills can be used in ‘the real world’. Sports impact many individuals in tons of different ways and can be a tool that can be used to better one’s life. This study will test the hypothesis of if one participates in sports, they will live a healthier life. The study proposes one research question: ‘How does participating in sports impact people’s lives?’ Healthy Life Engaging in sports at a young age promotes a healthy active lifestyle. As a young kid you go to school and get about 20 minutes of recess where you can choose what you want to do, and physical education class 2-3 a week. If sports are not a part of a child’s life, these small portions of time are the only promoted time for physical activity. Childhood obesity is a good predicator to adult obesity, which lead to many negative health issues (Markle, 2013). There is almost like a stigma that comes with sports that promotes healthier eating and strengthening the body. Playing sports can be a daunting task that can put a lot of stress on your body, which influences athletes to take closer care of their bodies so they can perform. This means eating the right things to stay fueled and also investing in staying mobile so they can continue to play sports. Keeping the body healthy is important, something that comes right along with that is keeping your mind healthy. Sports can help relieve stress, when competing in sports your mind stimulates something called endorphins, which is a hormone released by the nervous system. When the bodies endorphins level raises it gives a feeling called, ‘runner’s high’. High levels of endorphins have been proven that it can influence someone’s mood to have a positive change. The science behind this is that it decreases the feeling of pain, similar to an opioid. This effect relieves symptoms of stress and tension (Ogi, 2017). Stress impacts every living person at some point in time of their life. Dealing with stress is a problem in the world that people actually lose their life to. It goes unnoticed until it’s too late often times, so it is important to get ahead of the curve and take preventative measure of becoming stressed. People get overwhelmed with stress and don’t really know to deal with it, because there is no real correct way. Reducing stress as much as possible can lead to a satisfied, happy life. In a prior study there was data that stated that participation increased both emotional and behavioral well-being in children. If someone is happy with themselves this can lead to a self-esteem boost and growth in confidence. If one is experiencing these things, that means stress is reduced and overall health and happiness in increased. Kids with high confidence do better socially and academically and are less likely to get into trouble (Boyer, 2011). Summary This paper talked about what sports are as a broad definition, and along the way we touched on different health benefactors’ sports has. Sports started out as just a game, but that game can help many people live healthier and happier lives. Society has many different factors that make humans unhealthy in a variety of ways, whether that’s physical or mental, but one thing that helps with both of these things are sports. Sports provide a medium to have fun with people around you, while staying healthy and fit. It also has the benefits of relieving stress by taking your mind off of these naturally. Sports have similar effects that actual medicine do on some individuals. The main point is that sports positively benefit individuals in many ways, and playing sports will generally lead to a healthier, happier, and more successful lifestyle. From these previous research and observations, I pose the following: RQ1: How do sports impact an individuals’ ability to learn life skills? H1: Sports have a high positive impact on the ability to learn life skills. The independent variable is sports, and the dependent variable is life skills. References Shvili, J. (2020, September 16). The Most Popular Sports in the World. WorldAtlas. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-are-the-most-popular-sports-in-the-world.html Benefits and Impact of Youth & Interscholastic Sports | Ohio University. (2018, October 19). Ohio University. https://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/blog/benefits-and-impact-of-youthinterscholastic-sports/ Merkel, D. (2013). Youth sport: positive and negative impact on young athletes. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 4(4), 151. https://doi.org/10.2147/oajsm.s33556 Davidson, J. (2017, June 13 Healthfully. (n.d.). Healthfully. https://healthfully.com/211079psychological-effects-of-sports-on-children-youth.html How Sports Impact People’s Lives. (2014). Adobe Slate. https://spark.adobe.com/page/173lC/ Amir Ianis Khelil. (2015). Benefits of Sports to Students. Master of Science in Technical Entrepreneurship and Management at the University of Rochester. https://www.rochester.edu/team/benefits-of-sports-to-students/

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.