1.The American/ Western culture that I live in, is individualistic and promotes selfgrowth, meaning that a person should develop into their own being and become more than just a human being. In my family and upbringing, we were have certainly been influenced by the Mormon ways of life as none of my family drinks alcohol or coffee for that manner but from time to time we do drink tea. The first visible component of our culture is where we live, for me I live in a house, my family has their own set of land. This shows that we enjoy the individualism that western culture promotes. Next is the entertainment that we enjoy, I like fantasy and science fiction forms of entertainment whether that be books, movies or TV shows. Every culture in the world has legends and myths and other forms of entertainment, however in Western Entertainment the main point of most of these productions is good vs evil or the will of the human spirit, this can be seen in movies such as Avengers Endgame as they find a way to go back in time to reset the universe. YouTube and the internet, on YouTube and the internet you can find almost anything that you seek, I have used this to my advantage to keep myself entertained and learn more about the world. The first less visible component of our culture is the power dynamic, in western culture, there is a smaller power dynamic between authority and the average citizen as the average citizen can still question authority without being horribly punished, this is a double-edged sword as it takes away anxiety from the average person but lets the Karens come out to play. Next is cultural norms, in western society, most people are expected to be clean-cut in public meaning that they must be appropriately dressed for the situation that they are in. Lastly, the American Flag is a less visible component of our culture as many people rally to the flag to unite, however in recent times it has been more of a divider than uniter as people have shown different feelings towards the flag that have made others mad, but it is still the symbol for our country and a uniting force in times of anguish. The first nonvisible component of our culture is religion, western culture is primarily dominated by Christianity and Christian values have been infused with our society, for example, Laws such as no stealing or killing people are a part of the ten commandments of Christianity. Second Holidays in The U.S. there are many holidays that the U.S. celebrates by themselves such as independence day, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, and Martin Luther King day. Although other countries have different forms of these holidays the U.S still holds these days true to their hearts and celebrates them annually. Lastly, freedom, in the U.S freedom is everything to its citizens, since the very beginning of The U.S. freedom has been the driving factor for life in this country and drives people to go further than where they were. 2. My culture growing up in Southern California with a predominantly white ethnicity is not very rich on its own, but I know a lot here is composed of traditions and norms from other cultures. As for me, I am a blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl from the city of Orange and that’s what I’ll be exploring. One visible component of my culture is the Orange Circle Street Fair. Every year on Labor day weekend, the roads are closed off and there are vendors and booths set up selling food from all different countries as clearly labelled by signs that are hung along the streets. Additionally, there are souvenirs and little knick-knacks for sale, life music, and school sponsored booths that act as a fundraiser for a particular sports team or club. I have gone every year that I can recall and it’s a huge event that goes all weekend and draws crazy crowds. Another example of visible culture would be the style here. Though Orange is more inland, when I take a 20 minute drive to beach town, it’s flip flop city! Personally, I don’t love wearing flip flops, so that’s something that’s even a little different for me having not grown up in a beach city. In Southern California many of us had the opportunity to have a senior night or grad night at Disneyland! Obviously, if you grew up in another state, you’d be much too far from Disney to do that, so that’s a tradition that would differ between cultures. One less visible component is that when I’m walking through my neighborhood, I always say hello to people I pass by or who are sitting on their front porches. I know that this friendliness doesn’t transfer everywhere and it might confuse some. Another component is that there are frequently shows at the ends of streets or at houses hosted by late-teens and young adults who just want to play their music. For these shows, you just have to know where to look and who to ask, so you wouldn’t really know on the surface. Another less visible component is the way relationships are defined. Such as dating and someone being your partner, as well as how long is socially acceptable before you kiss or declare you love someone. I think it is relatively short from most encounters I’ve seen and had. It holds less weight for me than others. The invisible components of my culture are harder to think of. One is that every firstborn daughter on my mom’s side has a J name. There’s me, my mom (Jackie), my grandma (Jennifer), her mom (Josephine), and so on. Another is that even though I was not raised religious and I honestly don’t know or believe in it, every time we eat dinner at my grandma’s house and she says grace, I fold my hands and lower my head and respectfully listen, because I know it makes her happy. One more is that I was raised to be accepting of everyone, no matter what, since you don’t know their background. I know this seems like a given, and I wish that it was, but some places are less accepting of certain behaviors and lifestyles, but I aim to be inclusive and positive towards everyone’s decisions.

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.