Required Reading for Discussion 2, Forum 1 and 2 and Preparation (do not panic, they are pretty short in length!): Addiction is not a brain disease Brain disease or biopsychosocial model in addiction? Remembering the Vietnam Veteran Study Addiction as a Brain Disease Another resource you may wish to review for your discussion post: Is addiction a brain disease or a moral failing? Neither Brief Videos (5 minutes or less) exploration/explanation of the effects of opioids/addiction on the brain; there is also information on the history of their use and information on psychological vs. physiological addiction. Why the human brain loves opioids Opioid addiction inside the brain This is what happens to your brain on opioids How opioids and Heroin affect the brain Discussion 2 forum 1. Is Addiction a Brain Disease? As we all know, substance use and drug addiction are enormous issues in our communities that result in great loss of life, losses in productivity, costs associated criminal activity, hospitalizations/ER/healthcare, violence, premature death, and the list goes on. In this module, you have had the opportunity to become more familiar with how drugs ‘work’ — in particular, on the brain. No discussion of the effects of substance abuse and addiction related to their impact and/or interaction with the brain would be complete without considering the question of: Is addiction a disease of the brain? You may already have a strong belief of what the answer to question is in your own mind, but can you support it with evidence? Perhaps there are other views on this that make sense or could sway your response? For this Discussion, first review the readings/resources provided on the landing page area and then a post of a minimum of 175 words, respond to the question of, Is addiction a disease of the brain? Clearly state your position (no waffling back and forth!) and support your response with evidence. You may also want to include evidence to refute the opposing side to your argument as a way to support your own view on this topic. You may also consider doing a bit more research — there is a lot of research on this topic, and I want to hear in your post that you have a good understanding of the concepts. I do not want to see a series of copied and pasted sentences; I want to hear your words and your application of the evidence to support them (with appropriate citations and references)! This is the type of discussion situation that you might encounter in the professional workplace, so it will be good practice in articulating and supporting your views/professional stance. Discussion 2 Forum 2. Please watch this! View one of the videos linked below and in a post of no more than 50 words, write an ‘appeal’ to your peers to watch the piece that you viewed. Think through this — what is the most important message or piece of information that the video shows? Why should people take the time to watch it? What might it mean to viewers? How was it important to you? How can you get them to stop and take notice? The idea is for you to catch someone’s eye and motivate him or her to watch the piece. How can you get them to invest their time in the video? Of course, you have to tell them the name of the video or provide a link. For example, you might start with a statement like, If you have loved ones that struggle with addiction, I urge you to watch this brief video because………………………. Or, you might say something like, please watch this video to understand the threat that opiate addiction poses to our communities……………….. NOTE: It is always possible that a link is broken or a video is removed; I check the links/replace them right before opening the course, but that is no guarantee. You might need to try more than one link. I apologize in advance if you find this to be the case. All videos have been check for Closed Captioning as well. Choose one of the following (of course, you may watch more than one!): Addicted: The Opioid Epidemic Through a blue lens (Note: this is actually from Vancouver — a little different approach) American epidemic: The Nation’s struggle with opioid addiction The Life of a Drug Addict Heroin’s Children: Inside the U.S. Opioid Crisis Addicted:America’s Opioid Crisis Between Breaths: The Making of an Alcoholic — Elizabeth Vargas (ABC Newswoman) The fentanyl drug epidemic in North America American Epidemic The Nation’s Struggle with Opioid Addiction The Cost of Heroin. Module 3: Substance Dependence and Mental Health – What is the Connection? In the textbook this week you read about the use of a variety of drugs in response to mental illness/mental disorders. But, can those drugs actually ‘cure’ mental disorders? Some argue that pills have become the first line of treatment for a wide variety of symptoms, ailments and disorders, regardless of their treatment value. Do you think that the pill prescribers are simply making matters worse by facilitating substance addiction in people with mental health issues? Submit your first original post of at least 150 words. Module 3 Current literature review… The Effects of Cocaine on the Family Find a scholarly journal article (NOT just information posted on a website!) that relates to the effects of cocaine use on the family/family system. Your article should be no more than 5 years old. Glance at your peer’s posts so that you do not duplicate articles. There is a wealth of information to draw from, so you do not need to repeat. Remember the LibGuide in the Resources folder for assistance!SUGGESTION: post your article title and author in the Subject of a post early in the week as a placeholder so that you will not duplicate articles (duplicate articles/posts will not receive credit); edit the post when you have read the article. Note: your “placeholder” does not meet the Thursday deadline requirement. Post a 8-10 sentence summary of what you learn from the article (i.e., main points), include the citation and a link to the article so that we all may read it. Attach the article to your post so that others may review and discuss in their peer posts. Note: do not simply look at the abstract and post some words that you see included there. Read the entire article and provide a solid summary/synthesis of the information in your post. Do not quote material from the article. I expect a well-developed, scholarly post for both your initial posting and your responses to peers.

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.