Goal: The goal of this assignment is to choose a topic and create a research plan that will contribute to the Week 7 Final Project. Description: In the Week 1 and Week 2 Lessons, we have read about two steps of the BIG6 model: task definition and information seeking strategies (CO1 & 2). As you consider the Week 7 Final Project, you will complete a project plan to help you focus your energies and generate ideas to help you be successful academically. To complete the Week 2 Assignment: Project Plan, you have to complete Parts I and II. Part I: Click on the Assignment tab to review the instructions for the Week 7 Final Project. After you understand what is required in Week 7, write one or two sentences per bullet point (there are additional questions and points to help you flesh our your ideas): Topic: Choose a topic that is realistic and one that you want to learn more about. The topic might be a career field you want to go into or something else that deeply interests you. Scope and value: What is the scope of the topic and your research? What value does it bring to your life? To your professional life? Communication medium: How are you going to communicate your project? How will you make your presentation different and unique? Critical thinking questions: Pose different questions that will help you with your research and investigate your topic in more depth. Post critical questions that will push you to improve. Subtopics (optional). Brainstorming (optional). Part II: Part II is a reflective paragraph that represents your critical thinking process when thinking about possible sources and your research. You are NOT looking for specific sources now. Consider the best possible sources as presented in the week 2 Lesson. What type of sources will work best for your research? How can you support your project plan with credible, current, reliable, accurate, and relevant information? Once you complete Parts I and II, please submit as a WORD document. Consider the following: – Keep in mind that a robust project plan will help you with the Week 4 and Week 7 assignments. – Please see the attached rubric to review grading expectations. Goal: The goal of this assignment is to research your topic, evaluate selected sources, and organize your sources. Description: During the Week 2 Assignment, Project Plan, you chose a topic and created your project plan. In the Week 3 Lesson, you read about location and access and in Week 4, you learned about organizing your digital information and storing that information responsibly. Now it is time to take the work you did in the Week 2 Assignment, Project Plan, and locate and evaluate sources (CO2 & 5) that that will lead to your Week Week 7 Assignment, Final Project. Please follow these instructions: – Download the Source Organization Worksheet Template (in Word). – Complete Parts I and II in the Template. – Find a minimum of three (3) sources. One (1) source must be an academic source and from the APUS Trefrey Library and the other sources must be credible and appropriate for college research. – Please include robust source summaries that explain the contents of the source and the relevance of the source to your topic. Consider the following: – Once you complete the Source Organization Worksheet Template, please submit the completed Worksheet. – See the attached rubric for grading guidelines. Goal: Demonstrate the ability to create a final project that uses both research-based and personal content while using presentation software to communicate with an intended audience. Description: During the first six-weeks you formulated a project plan, researched the content of the plan, and collected quality academic and non-academic sources. For the week 7 Final Project you will create a presentation (CO8) that builds upon the week 2 Project Plan and the week 4 Location and Access (Source Organization worksheet) that effectively communicates the knowledge you have gained during COMM120. Please consider the following: Presentation will include an introduction, body, conclusion, and properly formatted reference/work cited slide in the citation style of your degree program (APA, MLA, or Chicago). Clear evidence that the topic was researched and expanded upon the week 2 Project Plan (CO2 & 5). Presentation provides audience with information to increase their knowledge of the topic presented (CO1). Presentation engages the audience by using elements such as images, graphs, and charts. Appropriate citations must be included. Three (3) vetted credible sources. One (1) of the sources must be scholarly and from the library. Appropriate length 7-9 slides. If you have multimedia skills and want to add creative content to your presentation, please do! Try to add any of the following enhancements and as you do, think about how it will impact your presentation and improve communication with the intended audience. Voice narration, closed captioning, script. Appropriate background music (must be cited on reference page). Creative use of slide animations and transitions. After submitting your presentation, review your TurnItIn Originality Report. (Note: Review the individual flags, decide why that text is flagged, and make corrections as appropriate.). Please see the attached rubric for grading guidelines. Note: The Week 7 Final Project is a presentation and be turned in as a PowerPoint, a Prezi, or a different type of presentation software. If you chose something other than PowerPoint, you have to do the following: Submit a link to the presentation such as for Prezi. Ensure that the faculty can open the presentation. turn in a document with the presentation material so it can go through Turnitin. Source Evaluation Worksheet Part I: Topic Describe the topic, concept, idea, or approach that is going to be the central idea of the Week 7 Field of Study Project. There is no minimum word count but please use several fully thought-out sentences to make your point. Part II: Source Evaluation Article Title: Article Author: Retrieval Information (example website link): Source’s Publication Date: Publishing Information: Source Summary: Article Title: Article Author: Retrieval Information: Source’s Publication Date: Publishing Information: Source Summary: Source Evaluation | 1 Article Title: Article Author: Retrieval Information: Source’s Publication Date: Publishing Information: Source Summary: Article Title: Article Author: Retrieval Information: Source’s Publication Date: Publishing Information: Source Summary: Source Evaluation | 2 Use Information Effectively* (40%) (ILO-AL.A.2) Presentation Organization (20%) Graphics and Appearance (20%) Sources and Evidence* (10%) Writing Quality* (10%) EXEMPLARY (4 pts) ACCOMPLISHED (3.4 pts) DEVELOPING (3 pts) BEGINNING (2.6 pts) Communicates, organizes and synthesizes information from sources to fully achieve a specific purpose, with clarity and depth. Provides the audience with substantive information that increases their knowledge of the topic. Communicates, organizes and synthesizes information from sources. Intended purpose is achieved. Provides the audience with information that increases their knowledge of the topic. Communicates and organizes Communicates information from Student did not information from sources. The sources. The information is attempt. information is not yet fragmented and/or used synthesized, so the intended inappropriately (misquoted, taken purpose is not fully achieved. out of context, or incorrectly Did not provide the audience paraphrased, etc.), so the intended with information that increases purpose is not achieved. Did not their knowledge of the topic. provide the audience with information that increases their knowledge of the topic. The organization of the presentation includes an introduction, body, conclusion, and properly formatted reference/works cited page. The organization of the presentation includes an introduction, body, conclusion, and reference/works cited page. The organization of the presentation includes an introduction, body, and conclusion, but no reference/works cited page The presentation lacks a cohesive organization or a reference/works cited page. DID NOT ATTEMPT (0 pts) Student did not attempt. Effective use of bullets and Effective use of bullets and Effective use of bullets and spacing on all slides. Pictures, in spacing on most slides. Pictures spacing on is inconsistent on addition to the slide background used on some slides. A the slides or pictures are not are used strategically on slides. A professional-looking slide used appropriately or a professional-looking slide background is used. professional-looking slide background is used. background Effective use of bullets and spacing Student did not on is inconsistent on the slides and attempt. pictures are not used appropriately and a professional-looking slide background is not used. Demonstrates skillful use of Demonstrates consistent use of Demonstrates an attempt to high- quality, credible, relevant credible, relevant sources to use credible and/or relevant sources to develop ideas that support ideas that are situated sources to support ideas that are appropriate for the discipline within the discipline and genre are appropriate for the and genre of the writing of the writing. discipline and genre of the writing. Demonstrates an attempt to use sources to support ideas in the writing. Uses graceful language that skillfully communicates meaning to readers with clarity and fluency, and is virtually error- free. Uses straightforward language that generally conveys meaning to readers. The language in the portfolio has few errors. Uses language that generally conveys meaning to readers with clarity, although writing may include some errors. Uses language that sometimes impedes meaning because of errors in usage. *Portions of this rubric come from the AAC&U Value Rubrics. Retrieved from https://www.aacu.org/value-rubrics ? The Sources and Evidence and Writing Quality criteria come from the AAC&U Written Communication Value Rubric ? The Use Information Effectively criteria comes from the Information Literacy Value Rubric. Student did not attempt. Student did not attempt. Purchase answer to see full attachment

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.