Due 4/12: Short Reports: Informal, Unsolicited Proposal (20 points) Due 4/12: A proposal is a persuasive document written to convince a specific audience that what is proposed will benefit them by solving a problem or satisfying a need. A sales proposal offers to provide a specific product or service to a potential buyer. Therefore, your purpose for a sales proposal is to show your readers how you will help them and convince them that you are the right person or organization to provide the product or service. Your proposal will be most effective if you support your assertions about the product or service with logical information such as facts, statistics, and examples. An emotional argument may assist you in convincing your readers, but don’t rely on it entirely. For example, fear may help sell health insurance but the benefits of the policy will convince the customer to buy. Refer back to Chapters 9 & 11 on proposals and on writing persuasively for this assignment. Assignment: Develop an idea for a product (or service) and imagine that you are the business owner trying to convince a local retail outlet to carry (or use) it. Use the Internet and other resources if necessary to gather information about similar products or services. For example: If you’re interested in marketing a new energy drink, research existing companies for ideas to make your product realistic. Do NOT use an existing brand for your product/service; be creative and come up with your own idea. Your task is to write an unsolicited informal sales proposal in letter format to the owner (or manager) of the business proposing that the item be stocked or that your service be used. Use the information you gathered to describe some of the product’s (or service’s) features and benefits to the business. Then make up some reasonable figures, highlighting what the item costs, what it can be sold for, and what services your company provides (return of unsold items, free replacement of unsatisfactory items, necessary repairs, and related issues). If you’re proposing a specific service also provide figures and contract terms. Remember the specific purpose of your proposal is to convince a business to carry a particular product or use a particular service. To do this, you will want to consider the interests and concerns of your audience. Although your audience may not have an initial interest in your product, they are interested in marketing products that sell in sufficient volume and with sufficient markup to contribute to the store’s profit. If you’re proposing a service, then the audience will want to know how it will benefit their business in specific ways. Prepare your proposal carefully. If readers approve the proposal, it forms the basis of a contract, so be certain to spell out precisely what your company will provide under specific terms and conditions. Develop a product or service idea that you are truly interested in since your passion for what you have to offer will be apparent in your proposal. Proposing something that you really care about will make it both more enjoyable to write and more convincing to your audience. The completed proposal should range from 3-4 pages in length in letter format, using single-spaced block paragraphs with double-spacing between each paragraph; also use subheadings to guide your reader through the proposal. This assignment is considered an informal proposal and so should NOT include prefatory or supplementary materials (title page, executive summary, appendices, etc.). To: ASU Administration From: Jane Doe Date: October 24, 2018 Subject: Online Courses Purpose This email is written to inform you of the problems that Arizona State University students have with the current online classes. As a current sophomore of ASU and active enroller in the online course material made available, I found that there are multiple issues within the system of online classes which dramatically lowers the level of education that students pay tens of thousands of dollars for, considering the potential benefit these courses can offer to students who need an online option for their education. After first addressing the grievances and issues students endure with the current online class experience, I propose several solutions which will amend the current problems and provide a greater educational experience for future ASU students. Background After being required to take multiple ASU online courses in my meager two years at ASU, I, along with other students, found multiple problems with the configuration of classes and resources available. They are as follows: 1. Format: The manner in which online courses are arranged is fundamentally different from the way most students have been taught their entire lives. Along with this dramatic change from traditional learning, there are also multiple hidden costs and challenges that online classes incur. ASU places a fee upon every online class a student takes for the software and other online tools the instructor is required to use. Students are also expected to pay for a textbook with a personalized online interface that they assume is covered by the technology fee, seeing as it is the only software they implement in the course. For instance, in all the online accounting 241 classes, students only use the Pearson Lab online textbook program, which costs $120, and Canvas, a learning management system that in-class professors and students use without the technology and iCourse fee of $100. From the experience of myself and my peers, interacting and contacting the instructor for online courses can be more difficult, which is ironic considering the increased fees associated with technology that is supposed to be tailored to the student’s specific needs. Although students could potentially perform well in these kinds of classes, a vast majority of them have been taught in an in-person lecture style for the entirety of their previous education which can be a difficult transition to overcome for many. 2. Success: While in theory, online classes may be a better option for students who do not perform well in an in-class setting, or those who need to balance obligations which necessitates the need for a more flexible option for classes. However, in practice, low performing students perform worse in online classes, due to the design of mirroring lecture styles, which is ineffectual and a waste of the potential that online courses have. While the typical format for online classes emulates an in-class setting, online classes have a much wider set of possibilities for how they could be taught to best suit the needs of students who may not have the ability to be successful in a normal in-class environment. In fact, the article ‘Promises and Pitfalls of Online Education’ written by Eric Bettinger and Susanna Loeb, both Stanford professors of education, write that the opposite is true for low performing students, as can be seen in the following graph, as taken from the article found on Brookings. Students that have more difficulty in classes with learning material actually benefit the most from in-person classes. Ideally, online courses offer more access to students and optimal course pacing and technology is able to determine students’ specific areas that need improvement, today’s online classes are far from customized to their students’ needs. In fact, students perform worse in online classes while taking these kinds of courses increases their likelihood of dropping out. Students who are the least prepared tend to also do the worst in online classes, in relation to their previous academic experiences and economic resources. Students taking the same course with the same objectives do better in the in-person course. Significance Online college courses provide a great tool for both students and universities, as it is a flexible option for students, in terms of both scheduling and learning, and can be used to enhance the educational experience. As ASU offers a variety of degree programs that can be completed online, as well as multiple online classes for students across campuses, one would think that an online education program that is well-integrated within the university and serves the purpose of actually educating students would be a high priority with ASU administration. However, the current online courses available are just part of a hastily developed program desperately attempting to keep up with more innovative universities who implement a much better system which serves the purpose of education. Solution From a student perspective, two fairly basic and necessary solutions must be implemented as soon as possible to improve ASU’s approach to online education. They are: 1. Refocusing: Online courses must only be offered if they fit the online format. While ASU does attempt to offer as many online courses as possible for the students, there are simply classes that fail in every way to teach, despite attempts with new software, programs, and technology. For instance, public speaking is an online class offered, which merely in name completely defeats the purpose of the course. By refocusing on the classes that could actually improve within an online course format, the difficulties that instructors and students face would be smoothed out, such as communication issues with professors and the difficulty level of online classes when compared to the in-class version. 2. Adaptation: The teaching method for online classes must be changed. A majority, if not all online classes are the exact same as the in-class version, minus the crucial interaction between students and professors. However, classes such as computer systems, programming, and accounting could implement online programs that are not shadowing in-class lectures and methods. With classes like computer information systems, where the purpose is to educate students on how to use software programming, actually using and experimenting with the software described instead of shadowing what an instructor does on a video of an in-class demonstration would be much more effective. Students would actually develop the skills described in the course, and the iCourse fee would actually be utilized and contextualized in the class. Conclusion The current online courses available to ASU students are a laughable attempt at teaching and fail to fully commit to an adequate online education experience that students are already paying a greater fee for. The current issues must be solved in order to create a truly lucrative and mutually beneficial tool for the university and students. For further information on how students suggest revising the current ASU online course approach, please contact me at XXX-XXX-XXXX. 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.