Hi, please, read and contribute to peer discussions in 100 words minimum with at least 2 to 3 credible sources. Peer 1: The United States expects people to obtain and pay for their own medical insurance plans, either as an individual or through a group plan with an employer. The main exemption is on the off chance that they meet all requirements for qualification in one of the governmental health plans proposed to specific people who meet certain pay, age, or handicap criteria. (Pulse 2019) This includes programs like Medicare, Medicaid, or the Veterans Health Administration. In comparison the Canadian national government gives subsidizing backing to medical services protection to common state run administrations as long as the region follows guidelines illustrated in the Canada Health Act (CHA) of 1984.(Ridic et al 2012) This is then used to furnish all Canadian residents with health care coverage through the public medical services framework. These two countries, because of proximity and opposing systems have been compared for years. The pros and cons for the United States system include: PROS A conventional health insurance plan, which allows unrestricted choice of health care provider and reimburses on a fee for service basis, presently covers less than 30% of all employees. Private and public health insurance Patients have free choice of doctor, but often choose based on whether that doctor falls ‘in-network’ with their health insurance provider. US does have the most advanced health care technology and care in the world, which means a patientlooking for care will find it within the US without a long wait list. Due to the advanced state oftechnology, patients have higher life expectancy and low infant mortality rate. CONS Approximately, 16 % of the population is estimated to lack health insurance coverage at any point in time. Significant expenses of Care. The pros and cons for the Canadian system include: PROS Patients do not participate in the reimbursement process, and reimbursement exclusively takes place between the public insurer (the government) and the health care provider. Canadian health care system offers national health insurance financed by taxes, private production of health care services, and regulated budgets and fees for health care providers. CONS Recent studies found Canadian deficits in several areas including angioplasty, cardiac catheterization and intensive care. Waiting lists for certain surgical and diagnostic procedures are common in Canada. Nationwide, the average wait for treatment is 13.3 weeks. The average waiting time in more than 80% of the procedures is one third longer than Canadian physicians consider clinically reasonable. When government provides a product ‘free’ to consumers, inevitably demand escalates and spending increases. The universal health care system that provides coverage for all Canadian citizens limits that coverage to services provided by hospitals, medical practitioners, or surgical dental services provided in a hospital Ridic, G., Gleason, S., & Ridic, O. (2012). Comparisons of health care systems in the United States, Germany and Canada. Materia socio-medica, 24(2), 112–120. https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2012.24.112-120 The SGU Pulse. (2019, April 09). Comparing the US and Canadian health care system: 4 differences you need to know. https://www.sgu.edu/blog/medical/comparing-us-and-canadian- health-care-systems/ Peer 2: The U.S healthcare system is a direct-fee system that relies heavily on private insurance plans rather than national health insurance, which has been adopted by many other western nations. U.S insurance is largely granted through an employer, or purchased out of pocket, with any additional medical costs not covered by insurance requiring additional out of pocket costs. The Clinton Courier lists several pros to the U.S system such as quality healthcare services, due to the rigorous requirements the healthcare system has for healthcare providers, modern equipment, shorter waiting-lists, and adequate medical resources and supplies (The Clinton Courier, 2020). However, they also list cons, some of these being the extremely expensive costs of medical care in the U.S, lack of pricing transparency, and often limited insurance coverage. Papanicolas et al. (2018) explain that one of the reasons why healthcare costs are so high in the U.S is because of both high pharmaceutical and high administrative costs. These drive U.S healthcare costs to nearly double that of other high-income countries even when utilization rates are similar. One of the high income countries mentioned above that we can compare the U.S to is Germany. I may have chosen Germany for this comparison simply because I studied abroad there for a short while after high school, but nevertheless the differences in the healthcare systems of Germany and the U.S are stark. Germany, unlike the U.S, has a socialized healthcare system. Ridic et al. (2012) write that the German system is based upon a principle of social solidarity that obliges the government to provide a range of social benefits to citizens, such as healthcare. Although healthcare is only free to low income, elderly, or those unable to work, the amount paid by average German citizens is still dramatically less than the U.S. Additionally, they add that patient cost sharing is minimal. Insurance premiums are collected through payroll tax deductions, coverage for certain conditions are mandated by law, and physicians in private practice do not have any admitting privileges. Fund for Education Abroad (n.d.) notes that major pros of this system are no questions asked coverage for any covered health issues, no calculations about affording co-pays, no stress about taking emergency rides in an ambulance, and all around decreased stress related to medical care. They do note some downfalls are medication policy that limits the prescription of non-over the counter pain killers, as well as dramatically lower paychecks for healthcare workers. In my honest opinion, and I think we all know this, the U.S healthcare system is extremely flawed. Solutions like increasing taxes to pay for socialized medicine are not exactly easy pills to swallow but, I think the resulting decreased stress about coverage and costs of care are well worthwhile. No one should have to fear getting much needed healthcare treatment because they cannot afford it. Germany doesn’t have a perfect system, but their citizens have a much greater comfort level with healthcare costs than Americans, and that is something to work towards. References: Fund for Education Abroad. (n.d.). The Pros and Cons of German Healthcare. Fund for Education Abroad. https://fundforeducationabroad.org/journals/pros-cons-german-healthcare/ Papanicolas, I., Woskie, L. R., & Jha, A. K. (2018). Health care spending in the United States and other high-income countries. JAMA, 319(10), 1024. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.1150 Ridic, G., Gleason, S., & Ridic, O. (2012). Comparisons of health care systems in the United States, Germany and Canada. Materia Socio Medica, 24(2), 112. https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2012.24.112-120

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.