Part I: Revisiting your Ethical Dilemma In your opinion. Let’s revisit the example you shared in our first discussion about an ethical dilemma or situation that you’ve faced. Describe this example and present your reasoning for your response using the ethical principles and theories that we’ve learned in the course. How did you respond differently? How did you respond similarly? My ethical dilemma I shared: I had once experienced an ethical dilemma when I was watching a given movie. In the film, a patient went testing for HIV in Saint George hospital. The doctor who performed the test on the patient realized that the patient had been exposed to HIV. Instead of telling the patient the truth, the doctor gave negative results to the patient to protect him from the truth about his condition. The doctor did not adhere to the ethical principle of truthfulness. Even if the patient’s results were painful, it was his right to receive correct results. The doctor, from his perspective, was that the patient would be traumatized and commit suicide. This was an ethical dilemma for the doctor since he was trying to protect his patient, but in doing that he was violating the principle of truthfulness. Another ethical dilemma that I saw in the movie was concerning a teenager who visited the hospital because of a certain problem she experienced in her genitals. The doctor found out that the girl had been infected with a sexually transmitted disease, which required immediate attention. Since the child was a minor, living under the roof of her parents, her mother wanted to know what was wrong. The doctor was faced with an ethical dilemma of whether to disclose the information to her mother or not. The ethical principle of confidentiality was supposed to be considered by the doctor. Doctors are not supposed to disclose information concerning the patients without their consent as stated by Kälvemark et al. (2004). The doctor had no option but to violate the principle since his best option was to reveal the information to her parents, which he thought was the right decision. In the same movie, another patient had experienced a road accident, and his leg was severely injured by sharp metal. To reduce the spread of infection, the doctors decided that they should amputate the leg. The doctors talked to the patient about the process of amputation, but the patient declined. The doctors were faced with an ethical dilemma of whether to accept the patient’s decision or to amputate the leg since the infection was going to spread on the whole body and kill the patient. The ethical principle of Autonomy had to be adhered to by the doctors. The doctors had to respect the patient’s decision even though it was a wrong decision, which could lead to his death. The ethical dilemma faced in Terry Schiavo’s case was whether to let her die or live by removing the feeding tube. Terry Schiavo will be to remove the feeding tube, but this was faced with different obstructions. It was difficult for her family to accept the decisions since, in doing so, she was going to pass on. It was also not fair not to respect the choice of Terry Schiavo hence an ethical dilemma in the situation. The stakeholders in this topic were one her family who wanted Terry Schiavo to live. Her husband was also another stakeholder. He wanted the best for his wife, and he followed her will by removing the feeding tube. The community at large also wanted Terry Schiavo to live. They did not accept the decision to remove the feeding tube. Courts were also major stakeholders who carried proceedings on the case. Terry Schiavo’s case was had 20 times in courts, which makes the courts a significant participant. The national government was also involved in the matter. Congress even had a voting session to decide the fate of Terry’s case. The media was also involved in the case. The media ensured that all people across the country were aware of the event that was affecting Terry. The media led people to rally to protect Terry so that she might live. The ethical principle of Justice applies in Terry’s case. This principle entails fairness and equality to all as stated by Gelling (1999). Terry was equal to any other human being, and it was her right to live like any other person. Hence the feeding tube was not removed because she also had a right to live despite her condition. Another ethical principle is the principle of Autonomy. Autonomy is whereby an individual is allowed to make his or her own decisions as stated by Scott (2017). From the case, Terry’s decision to remove the feeding tube was adhered to. Even though it was returned back, we see that at long last, it was removed according to her wishes. My recommendation towards the case would be to allow the will of Terry to pass. All those cases were irrelevant since Terry had made up her decision. Yes, my response differs from the outcomes in the case since the parents were in denial, but I believe Terry had suffered a lot and wanted to be at peace. So the best option was to allow the principle of Autonomy to take place so that she might rest in peace.) PART II: ANALYSIS OF AN ETHICAL ISSUE Apply what you know. Our topics in this week’s readings are often viewed as controversial, emotionally rooted, and rife with ethical issues. Choose one of the following topics, one which you have strong feelings about: Euthanasia Assisted reproduction Stem cell research Next, respond to the following questions: What is the ethical dilemma(s) inherent in the topic chosen? Which ethical principles and theories might apply? Be sure to identify and define each principle or theory. Using the ethical principles and theories you’ve identified, apply these to support an ethical decision in two ways. First, select a decision which you would not personally agree with. Next, select a decision which is consistent with your personal beliefs. How would you assist the patient with decision-making on your chosen topic? Be sure to describe the ethical decision-making process. How might personal values influence the behavior of the healthcare professional? How would you guard against having your personal values influence your behavior?

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.