STC 431: Persuasion Annotated Bibliography Assignment: Description & Rubric 2-3 pages, 20 points Overview This 2-3 page assignment requires you to begin researching your topic. You will develop your ability to access, evaluate, and use credible information by identifying and summarizing at least five highly credible sources you intend to use in your papers this semester. Guidelines In 2-3 typed pages (not including the title page) using APA format, you should list and summarize at least 5 credible sources. After conducting thorough research on your topic, you are to read and summarize at least five highly credible sources you intend to use in your papers and presentation this semester. The sources included should reflect considerable research effort on your part; however, this should not be the end of your research effort. You are expected to continue to research your topic for several more weeks as you develop and refine your message strategy. See the ‘Source Requirements’ document for information about the types of sources that are acceptable for this assignment. 1. List at least five sources in correct APA format. (APA formatting guidelines are posted on Canvas.) Label each source type. 2. Under each source, write a one paragraph summary in which you answer the following questions: a. What are the main points of the source? What is its purpose? (Summarize the information.) b. How is the source relevant to your topic? How will the source be useful to you in developing a persuasive argument? (Be specific about the type of information provided by the source.) c. Why is the source highly credible? What are the author’s/organization’s qualifications? (Provide personal and/or professional information.) 3. Include a title page with your name and the topic that you are researching. 4. Submit your finished assignment on Canvas. Continued on next page… Annotated Bibliography Grading Rubric Demonstrates strong summary skills by effectively and concisely identifying main points and purpose of source* 5 points Clearly explains source’s relevance to topic and thoughtfully considers usefulness of source for persuasive argument* 5 points Effectively establishes credibility of source; provides specific personal or professional information* 5 points Correctly uses APA format for reference citations 2 points Grammar, writing quality, and formatting 3 points TOTAL: 20 points * Sources that do not conform to the criteria in the ‘Source Requirements’ document will receive a zero (0) for these items. STC 431 Source Requirements You have three assignments (Annotated Bibliography, Problem, Solution, and Barriers Paper, and the Final Speech) that require the use of at least 5 acceptable sources. Source Requirements: You are required to use the following types of sources in the assignments listed above: 1. At least 2 peer-reviewed academic journal articles (this includes peer-reviewed journal articles downloaded from the research databases) 2. At least 1 credible/reputable newspaper or periodical (New York Times, Washington Post, Cincinnati Enquirer, etc.) 3. At least 1 website or print document published by your nonprofit organization. 4. At least 1 government, university, or research institution website (e.g., Bureau of Justice Statistics, Kaiser Family Foundation, GALLUP, American Diabetes Association, etc.). You may NOT use Wikipedia, personal web pages, blogs, etc. If you are ever uncertain about whether a source is acceptable, please check with me. Locating Sources: To search for information using the Miami library website: 1. Go to http://lib.miamioh.edu 2. Click on ‘Subject and Course Guides’ 2. Scroll down and click on ‘Media Journalism Film’, and then click on ‘Strategic Communication’. 3. On the left side of the page, click ‘Find Articles’. You will see a list of databases. 4. Some databases that are best bets for peer-reviewed academic articles are: a. Academic Search Complete b. Communication and Mass Media Complete c. Web of Science d. LexisNexis Academic 5. For newspaper/periodical articles, the following databases may be helpful: a. Nexis Uni b. New York Times Historical Some excellent tips for database searches can also be found at the MIT library website: http://libguides.mit.edu/content.php?pid=36863&sid=271370 STC 431 Problem and Nonprofit Organization Research Guide Choosing a Problem Addiction: Alcohol, drugs, gambling among teens, college students, parents, women, men, elderly, etc., impact on families and work o Organizations providing counseling, substance abuse prevention, intervention, treatment, crisis hotline Animal Welfare: Animal cruelty, homeless animals, puppy mills, factory farming, hoarding o Organizations helping homeless and abused animals, education about cruelty in factory farms and fur industry, spay/neuter services Arts, Culture, and Community: Decreasing emphasis on the arts and culture; need for economic development, historic preservation and promotion, neighborhood cleanups and beautification; arts education; community involvement o Organizations providing cultural events and programs, education in the arts o Organizations offering mediation services, refugee and immigration services, lectures and education, gallery space, educational materials, events, family learning opportunities, exhibits Children and Youth: Illness (chronic, life-threatening, diagnosis, impact on families), Health and Wellness (obesity, exercise, nutrition, substance abuse, extracurricular activities, mental health), Success (mentoring/positive role models, bullying, graduation rates, illiteracy, hunger, divorce, extracurricular activities, substance abuse, college access), Care and social support (adoptive and/or foster care families, childcare costs and working parents, parents/family members in prison, child abuse and neglect, community involvement, religion) o Organizations offering services like education, prenatal care, parenting skills classes, adequate child care, school shoes and supplies, social development, camp, toys, mediation, divorce support, early childhood education, drug and alcohol prevention, nutrition, bully prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, responsible citizenship Citizenship: Need to increase voting, volunteerism/community service o Organizations that encourage voter awareness/registration, promote volunteerism, provide connections for volunteerism and service Crisis Support: Unplanned pregnancy, domestic abuse, suicide, sexual assault, human trafficking o Organizations providing hotlines, emergency shelter, advocacy, peer support, education Disabled: o Organizations offering education and outreach, early childhood education, adult day services, resources, training, physical/occupational/speech therapies, physical activities (horseback riding, golf, etc.), home modification, transportation Discrimination: LGBT, racial, ethnic, gender, religious discrimination o Organizations providing advocacy, violence prevention and advocacy services, education and support Disaster Relief: Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, oil spill, floods, droughts, terrorism o Organizations offering blood donation, food, utilities, housing, medical care, school supplies, clean up assistance, etc. Economy: Decrease in small businesses, unemployment, increased debt (consumer, national, student, etc.), financial mismanagement o For small businesses: Organizations offering small business development and counseling, business classes o For unemployment: Organizations offering job training and resources, placement, retention services, career counseling o For debt: Organizations offering debt management programs, financial management, credit counseling Environment: Neighborhood cleanups and beautification, conservation, forest preservation, agricultural/farm development, renewable energy resources, wildlife preservation and rehabilitation, recycling, pollution, global warming, water quality o Organizations offering education/training/events, advocacy, promoting local and organic food Health and Wellness: Suggested Group Topics: Overall wellness (physical, mental, spiritual), Health concerns (illness, disease, obesity/nutrition, exercise, eating disorders), Stress (impact on overall wellness), Cancer or other illness (care, diagnosis, advocacy, awareness, etc. across the life span) o Organizations offering support for terminally ill, sick patients and their families; physical care, grief support, medical/social/emotional/spiritual support, education and early detection, testing and screening, support groups, fun activities o For aging population: Organizations providing transportation, personal care assistance, outreach, deliver meals, social activities, insurance assistance, educational opportunities, home maintenance/repair, grocery trips, hospice, medical care o For wellness: Organizations offering wellness/fitness education and opportunities (mental, social, emotional, spiritual), nutrition education Justice and Legal: Crime, recidivism, legal support. prison reform o Organizations providing legal aid to limited resource and senior populations, information, referrals, reentry, and advocacy services to incarcerated individuals and their families Poverty: Need for food, shelter, lack of affordable housing, unemployment, lack of affordable healthcare/prescriptions o For hunger: Organizations serving meals, providing food pantries o For homeless and housing: Organizations offering shelter, job training, assistance in securing, building, and/or maintaining permanent housing, affordable housing, furniture, housing/foreclosure counseling o For unemployment: Organizations offering access to computers and internet, educational opportunities, job training, job searching, professional clothing/interview attire o For healthcare: Organizations offering prescription assistance, free/reduced medical care, free screenings Veterans and Military Families: Increasing suicide rates, mental illness, difficulty retaining jobs, strained family relationships, impact of deployment o Organizations offering support to veterans, servicemen, servicewomen, and their families Finding a Nonprofit Ohio Action Without Borders: http://idealist.org/if/as/Org/npo Bucks for Charity: http://hr.osu.edu/special/09resourceguide.pdf Community Health Charities of Ohio: http://ohio.healthcharities.org/chc.asp?sid=16 Volunteer Match: http://www.volunteermatch.org/ United States Action Without Borders: http://idealist.org/if/as/Org/npo Better Business Bureau: http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/public/participants.asp Charity Navigator: http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.advanced Just Give: https://www.justgive.org/give-now/index.jsp Volunteer Match: http://www.volunteermatch.org/ Action Without Borders: http://idealist.org/if/as/Org/npo ‘Idealist is a project of Action Without Borders, a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 with offices in the United States and Argentina. Idealist is an interactive site you can find people, organizations, groups, jobs, volunteer opportunities, events, and more.’ Better Business Bureau: http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/public/participants.asp ‘National charities that are currently participating in the BBB Wise Giving Alliance’s National Charity Seal Program are listed below. Inclusion in this list means that: 1. The Alliance evaluated materials provided by these organizations and concluded that these charities met the Standards for Charity Accountability in effect at the time of the review, and 2. Following the evaluation, the charities listed below chose to apply for the BBB Wise Giving Alliance National Charity Seal. To use the seal logo on its website and in printed materials, a charity pays a fee and signs a license agreement.’ Bucks for Charity: http://hr.osu.edu/special/09resourceguide.pdf ‘The Bucks for Charity Drive provides the entire university community with an opportunity to support more than 300 not-for-profit organizations. All of the organizations work to provide vital programs and services within their local communities to those who need them most. This Resource Guide will provide you with information about each of the listed organizations.’ Charity Navigator: http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.advanced ‘Founded in 2001, Charity Navigator has become the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities. In our quest to help donors, our team of professional analysts has examined tens of thousands of non-profit financial documents. As a result, we know as much about the true fiscal operations of charities as anyone. We’ve used this knowledge to develop an unbiased, objective, numbers-based rating system to assess the financial health of over 5,000 of America’s best-known charities.’ Community Health Charities of Ohio: http://ohio.healthcharities.org/chc.asp?sid=16 ‘Community Health Charities of Ohio currently supports 71 local health charities, all of which are doing important work to improve the health and quality of life of those living in Ohio . It is likely that every employee – or someone they know or love – has been affected by at least one of these worthy causes.’ Just Give: https://www.justgive.org/give-now/index.jsp ‘At JustGive, you can find the charities you want to support. JustGive’s database contains nearly 1.5 million charities. How can you choose where to make your donation? The JustGive Guide includes 1,000 charities that have met stringent public requirements. The charities are grouped into19 categories to make your search easier and faster.’ Volunteer Match: http://www.volunteermatch.org/ ‘VolunteerMatch strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. The organization offers a variety of online services to support a community of nonprofit, volunteer and business leaders committed to civic engagement. Our popular service welcomes millions of visitors a year and has become the preferred internet recruiting tool for more than 74,000 nonprofit organizations.’ 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.