Note-Taking Template for Journal Articles Title of Article: Michelle Obama: Exploring the Narrative Publication: HOWARD JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATIONS Author(s): Marian Meyers and Carmen Goman Background (Literature Review) What was the context for this research? What has been studied or determined already? Methods & Nature of this Study What was the objective? How did the author(s) collect data? When and where did the research take place? Results What highlights emerged? Were there any surprises? Date: 2017 – This context of this research was the narrative of the United States first African American first lady Michelle Obama in an effort by the White House and Office of the first lady in an effort to improve her image in the public though videos of her story or rather narrative uploaded by the White House on YouTube. – What were studied were the two Michelle Obama’s signature initiatives: Let’s Move Campaign which was meant to address issues of child obesity in America and Joining Forces which was a program to military families and veterans. These two initiatives were designed to be concrete and achievable in an effort to present to the public the best image of the President’s wife. The other concept that was studied was the idea of intersectionality which was resulting from the essential race and black feminists theory – The objective of this study was to examine how the White House and Obama presented Michelle to the public eye through video clips uploaded by the White House on YouTube in effort to improve her public image. – The authors collected data by downloading the first 100 YouTube video clips retrieved on September 1, 2015 by using Michelle Obama as the search term. – The research took place in 2020 because the authors have quoted Michelle Obama’s Class of 2020 speech at the Columbia Height Educational Campus in Washington DC. The research was done in the United States – From the analysis of the study the Obama’s story reveled two main themes: The American Dream is achievable though hard working, education and determination and motherhood and family are very The template was altered slightly by Dr. Hinton to more directly serve the purposes of her exercises Data What is most striking about the tables, graphs, illustrations? Why did the author(s) include them? Conclusions What did the author(s) learn overall? Next Steps What is implied or proposed for future study? essential – The surprise was how Michelle Obama’s image and ratings changed from what she was depicted to the public during the 2008 campaigns as unpatriotic, stereotypical and angry Black woman with low ratings to being a source of inspiration to many and being more popular even than the President in 2014. Her approval rating were high at 66% while those of the President were at 48% – The most striking of the illustration was how Michelle Obama used her own story of education, hard work, perseverance, and family and motherhood to tell the American Dream. She tells of the challenges she overcame while she grew up in a family in the South Side, to her education at Princeton and Harvard University, Her narrative works marvelous in improving her image in the public because Americans can relate to it. – The authors used the two themes of Michelle Obama’s story because it depicts the normal life of Americans that they can relate to – The authors concluded that success is a matter of choice and if people make the right choices, free from burdening oversight and control of government, then they will be rewarded. – The Role the media plays in spreading fears and stereotypes and black women and their effects in America Significance – This research is very essential especially in telling of the Why does this research matter? American dream through the first African American first lady. It depicts the challenges that African Americans and people of color face in American and the determination it takes to shine despite the challenges. It also shows the importance of a strong family in shaping the society – This Michelle Obama story is an inspiring story which touches on very fundamental virtues of life like hard working, determination perseverance and a strong family which are very basic for success – My question is what policies are in place to reduce or My Thoughts & Questions Why this article in this module? The template was altered slightly by Dr. Hinton to more directly serve the purposes of her exercises rather eliminate the rising racism in American given that is an obstacle to the African Americans? The template was altered slightly by Dr. Hinton to more directly serve the purposes of her exercises Note-Taking Template for Journal Articles Title of Article: ________________________________________ Publication: _________________________ Author(s): ___________________________________________ Date: ______________________________ Background (Literature Review) What was the context for this research? What has been studied or determined already? Methods & Nature of this Study What was the objective? How did the author(s) collect data? When and where did the research take place? Results What highlights emerged? Were there any surprises? Data What is most striking about the tables, graphs, illustrations? Why did the author(s) include them? Conclusions What did the author(s) learn overall? Next Steps What is implied or proposed for future study? Significance Why does this research matter? My Thoughts & Questions Why this article in this module? The template was altered slightly by Dr. Hinton to more directly serve the purposes of her exercises The template was altered slightly by Dr. Hinton to more directly serve the purposes of her exercises

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.