Chinese History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Chinese History - Essay Example Moreover, there was a system of training administration officials which was an innovative approach towards ensuring that the affairs of the state could be managed in an efficient and effective manner. The establishment of a bureaucracy helped to ensure the administration process in an effectual manner (Ebrey, 67). Confucianism was adopted as the major system for running the affairs of the state. Confucian system advocated the belief that each individual must obey the family and have devotion towards the rulers. This helped to instill a sense of discipline among the officials. The top officials of the dynasty were living in the capital where they provided valuable counsel to the emperor. The lower officials would be responsible for maintaining roads and canals. They were also entrusted with the duty of maintaining the process of storing grain. The emperors introduced a system of meritocracy where officials were chosen by their competency and ability. A rigorous test was needed so that they could become officials of the state (Ebrey, 67). Civil servants were evaluated after three years for their performance. Therefore punishment and reward were used in combination with other measures to ensure that officials could perform their duties. The Han dynasty was created when Liu Bang won a civil conflict against Xiang Yu. His model of governance was based upon reducing taxes and creating a centralized state. The harsh punishments were reduced in order win the loyalty of the people. The centralized state was a unique innovation as compared with the nomadic lifestyle of Chinese in previous years. This is because of the fact that the provincial officials had to report to the central government. This made them accountable and transparent which led to sound outcomes (Ebrey, 67). A basic local government was formed in different counties which led to efficiency. Han Wu Ti was the greatest ruler of the Han dynasty. He presided over military expansion while enhancing Chinese col onies as well as increasing influence over Central Asia. The creation of the Silk Road helped to increase the trade and prosperity of the empire. The system of governance that was in place helped the empire to provide more freedom to the people. Social mobility and freedom helped prevent rebellions and insurrections against the government (Ebrey, 67). The Han dynasty led China into an unprecedented era of economic expansion, military achievements, scientific discoveries, and powerful stability. The dynasty was able to achieve this through the development of a powerful centralized state. It was able to focus on ruling the empire in a centralized manner so that it could prevent disorder and anarchy within the empire. This was a significant achievement for the empire. B1 A Confucian system focused on the notion of community rights where each individual would be able to contribute towards its progress. A number of advantages existed for this system such as the fact that an individual wo uld contribute towards the development of society with an emphasis on duty and responsibility. Knowledge and spiritual growth would flourish in such a system while the emphasis would be on meritocracy so that an individual would gain social standing and status based upon their personal actions. Moreover, it encourages respect and kindness as a virtue that can create a humane society. The disadvantages of such a system are that it encouraged the development of a hierarchy which would lead to unfairness (Sinaiko, 91). Confucian system focused on family which had a negative aspect also such as the fact that it led to fights and conflicts in which the entire family was involved if a single member had been hurt or wronged. The system also encourages the subordination of females who must remain obedient to

Advice on Advancing Funds against Military Retirees Pensions Case Study

Advice on Advancing Funds against Military Retirees Pensions - Case Study Example Unconscionability is a legal principle in contract law relating to conditions which are so much unfair or substantially skewed to benefit the party with greater bargaining power. As such, the contracts made therefrom negate the values of good conscience in the contract. Generally, an unconscionable agreement is considered to be invalid because the disadvantaged party would not have agreed to it under reasonable circumstances. As such, the party with greater bargaining power is not usually permitted by courts to enjoy the benefit(s) because the contract lacks sufficient consideration by the other party for a fair share of the risks and benefits. Unconscionable contracts are determined by assessing the conditions of the contractors when the agreement was made, such as each party’s knowledge or mental competence, age, and bargaining power. Other equally vital factors are; lack of options and acts of inducement. Wasik noted that unconscionable behavior is also occasioned by misrepresentation of fact and fraud, especially where intentional distortion of fact results in the loss of a valuable asset. When an individual or party benefits from a contract to the detriment of another, the perpetrator may be liable for criminal fraud or deceit in a civil action. In Universal Grading Service v. eBay, Inc., 2009 U.S., eBay’s actions of influencing the value of the coin in its online auction processes were found to be conscionable because it was not fraudulent. In this case, the test for unconscionability will depend on whether the military retirees had the ability to match the Client’s when they were forming the contract.  

Uses of Augmented and Virtual Reality in the Classroom

Uses of Augmented and Virtual Reality in the Classroom Introduction (What is AR and VR?) Technology plays a major impact on education. The history of technology in education goes back to 1950 where the first computers were used for instruction. In 1969, the first computer was used with school children. The IBM 650 taught binary arithmetic in New York City (Roblyer, 2016). As of the early 2000s, smartphones and tablets have become prevalent in our society. More schools are allowing students to bring their own devices to school for learning. As of late, augmented and virtual reality has been popularized with innovations from different technology companies. The history of augmented reality goes back to the 1960s and the first system was used for both augmented and virtual reality. The system used an optical see-through head-mounted display that was tracked by one of two methods. The methods were mechanical and ultrasonic trackers. The system only displayed very simple wireframe drawings in real time (Lee, 2012). In the beginning phases of virtual reality in education, it was used for training, especially to pilots with the use of flight simulators. In 2016, an Ericsson Consumer Insight Summary Report named virtual reality as it applies to the visual presentation of information as one of the â€Å"10 Hot Consumer Trends† (Brown, 2016). There is a difference between augmented reality and virtual reality. Augmented reality is a technology that allows computer-generated virtual imagery information to be overlaid onto a live direct or indirect real-world environment in real time. Virtual reality is different from having a computer-generated virtual environment (Lee, 2012). With virtual reality, people must use a headset-like object or glasses to be immersed into the environment. Some popular virtual reality objects include Google Glass, Oculus, and Samsung VR. A popular augmented reality app is Pokà ©mon Go where people can turn on augmented reality to look for â€Å"Pokà ©mon† creatures in the â€Å"real-world†. Wireless mobile devices are increasingly ushering augmented reality into mobile space where application offers a great deal of promise in education and apps that allow for students to be submerged in virtual reality with the use of inexpensive plastic lenses. Augmented Reality in Language Arts In language arts, augmented reality has updated books. People can read books in more interactive and realistic ways by overlaying 3D rendered models onto books with augmented reality. Instead of the traditional style of reading a book by looking at pictures on the pages, people can look at the pages through a handheld augmented reality display and see three-dimensional models appearing out of the pages. A popular avenue of augmented reality in books is the Magic Book where the technology is seen as an enhanced version of a traditional three-dimensional â€Å"pop-up† book (Lee, 2012). Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Science In science, virtual reality and augmented reality can be used in a range of topics in science. Virtual reality allows students to go on guided tours to places like outer space and in the ocean. Teachers can guide the tour to point out specific areas and significant information about a location with the use of platforms like Google Expeditions and zSpace. For example, a teacher can point on the layers of the atmosphere as the students take a tour through the atmosphere. Teachers can take their students on a virtual tour of museums and the solar system and galaxies. Students can also take part in virtual labs. Virtual Radioactivity Laboratory provides students with virtual labs to probe radioactivity without the risk of being exposed to radioactive material. Virtual Reality Physics Simulation (VRPS) provides virtual reality labs to probe things like wave propagation, ray optics, relative velocity, electric machines and other phenomena in physics. Physics Education Research (PER) provid es virtual labs to probe physical laws such as linear motion, circular motion, and collisions (Chih, 2007). In terms of augmented reality, teachers can use augmented reality technology with three-dimensional rendered earth and sun shapes to teach about the relationship between the earth and the sun. In chemistry, augmented reality allows students to see what an atom or a molecule consists of. In biology, augmented reality technology can show what organs of human beings consist of and how they look by watching three-dimensional computer-generated models in the real classroom. In physics, augmented reality allows observing velocity and acceleration of objects that vary in time. Augmented Reality in Math In the field of mathematics, augmented reality can play a major role in subjects like geometry and calculus. One major example of an augmented reality application is Construct3D. Construct3D is designed with three-dimensional geometric construction models. The application allows students and teachers to share a virtual space to construct geometric shapes by wearing head-mounted displays that enable users to overlay computer-generated images onto the real world. Students and teachers can explore properties of curves, surfaces, and other geometric shapes. In the field of calculus, augmented reality plays a major role in visualizing things like graphs of functions of one or two variables and solids of revolution. In Monterrey, Mexico in May 2003, there was a pilot study conducted with engineering students from a Calculus I course in order to describe the actions of a prototype. From the pilot, students were able to cut a solid and observe different curves in space that in turn would give information about the function itself. (Quintero, 2015) Disadvantages of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality While there are many benefits to virtual reality and augmented reality, there are many barriers to successfully apply this technology to classrooms. Two of the major barriers are time and technical expertise of the technology. Many teachers are not well equipped or trained to deal with the technical issues and problems that may come up when using this new technology. This would lead to teachers needing a high level of support to ensure positive outcomes when using augmented and virtual realities. As of right now, there is a lack of conceptual framework regarding the implementation of these technologies. Without these frameworks, the application of technology in the classroom can be superficial and can be unproductive. Another barrier is cost. The cost of the materials to utilize this technology can be pricey. In order to combat these barriers, it is important to equip educators with skills to integrate this technology. As more technology is being released, educators should be aware of what is out there. Training is needed for both educators and students to understand how to utilize each augmented and virtual reality program to its fullest potential. Materials are becoming more user-friendly and require less programming skills. To deal with cost, there are some cheap and widely available options for virtual reality. One example of cheap virtual reality options includes cardboard with inexpensive plastic lenses for $10 or less that can be used as virtual reality viewers. One example is Google Cardboard, where a smartphone or small tablet device can be used as a stable viewer to apply immersive virtual technology. This is the most basic of virtual reality, but can still be an effective way to have virtual reality in the classroom. Benefits of VR and AR There are many benefits to using virtual reality and augmented reality. According to the cone of experience theory, learners only remember 10% of what they read, but remember 90% of what they say as they perform an action by seeing and doing a simulation experience (Chih, 2007). Virtual reality can be treated as an application of experience learning where learners can experience conditions virtually. Virtual reality also allows for more of a hands-on experience which will help those that are kinesthetic learners. Virtual reality can also be a cost-effective option to use instead of taking groups of students to things like an art gallery, museum, or place that may not be around the school. When it comes to augmented reality, students have reacted well using the technology both in and outside the classroom (Misty, 2014). Students can use augmented reality both independently or dependently. Augmented reality technology allows for more collaboration between students and teachers. Students have a sense of exploration and can become interested in learning more about a topic. Augmented reality can encourage students to a deeper level with the tasks, concepts, and resources being studied through the use of information overlays. This encouragement can cause deeper and lasting connections between the student and information. Conclusion In conclusion, augmented and virtual realities have many benefits in the classroom. The technology can be a cheap and widely available way to engage students to learn. Although there are many apps out there, there are still many in the works in this growing area of education. Augmented and virtual realities are on the way to becoming an important part of education and its use will continue to grow as time goes on and our technology grows. References Bower, M., Howe, C., McCredie, N., Robinson, A., & Grover, D. (2014). Augmented Reality in education – cases, places and potentials. Educational Media International, 51(1), 1. Brown, A. b., & Green, T. t. (2016). Virtual Reality: Low-Cost Tools and Resources for the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Classroom. Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning, 60(5), 517-519. Chih Hung, C., Jie Chi, Y., Shen, S., & Ming Chang, J. (2007). A Desktop Virtual Reality Earth Motion System in Astronomy Education. Journal Of Educational Technology & Society, 10(3), 289-304. Lee, K. (2012). Augmented Reality in Education and Training. Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning, 56(2), 13-21. Misty, A., Corinne, B., & Kelly, S. (2014). Augmented Reality Applications in Education. The Journal Of Technology Studies, (1/2), 96. Quintero, E., Salinas, P., Gonzà ¡lez-Mendà ­vil, E., & Ramà ­rez, H. (2015). Augmented Reality app for Calculus: A Proposal for the Development of Spatial Visualization. Procedia Computer Science, 75(2015 International Conference Virtual and Augmented Reality in Education), 301-305 Roblyer, M. (2016). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson.

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Revised Bernice Bobs Her Hair F Scott Fitzgerald 3 February, 2014 Kaley Witwer A) As the title already tell the reader, Bernice is the protagonist. She can be very unappealing at times, most because she’s a really boring and predictable character especially when most of her conversations with others lead to talking about the weather, she is also very naive because she doesn’t understand why she is unpopular with people or why boys don’t like her. At the end other the story though we like her because she seeks revenge on her cousin and sticks to her word even though it turns into a disaster. Marjorie, the cousin, at first is looked at as an antagonist because she talks bad about Bernice behind her back (which Bernice overhears), but then she is seen as a foil because she helps Bernice learn the ways to become popular, only to then regret this decision and takes it upon herself to tell everyone that Bernice didn’t actually bob her hair like she said. She then becomes the antagonist again. This shows that Majorie is self-centered becaus e she doesn’t want Bernice to take the ‘limelight’...

Hard Times Essay

Firstly, Dickens’ crude choice of names for the characters reveals much about their individual personalities. ‘Gradgrind’, the schoolteacher, epitomises Dickens’ disapproval of his contemporary educational system, which was based on the principle that ‘facts are knowledge’. The name metaphorically suggests that he is grinding down his pupils’ imagination and replacing it with facts in their memory. The name also holds connotations of the gradual, repetitive motion of grinding which mirrors the dull, repetitive manner in which he teaches his pupils. Also, the name ‘Gradgrind’ is composed of hard sounding syllables, giving the impression he has an unfriendly nature and is unapproachable. Gradgrind’s bland name suggests that he himself has been ground down by the nature of the society he now promotes. ‘The M’Choakumchild school’ emphasises the hated impression of school in the nineteenth century. Corporal punishment is frequently seen in Dickens’ contemporary schools and here, the name holds exaggerated implications, to the extent of death. He refers to the school as ‘all fact’, showing that the next generation were brought up to be identical to the last. The children are being made into a product of fact, strongly linking with the theme of industrialisation. The school headmaster’s name, ‘M’Choakumchild’, suggests a lot about his character, especially given his position at the school. The name links with the theme of fact and fancy strongly by implying that the children’s imagination was choked. Although the name ‘Mr M’Choakumchild’ suggests that children were forbidden to use their imagination, at the same time it sounds as if children made it up. Mr Bounderby believes himself to be morally superior to the inhabitants of Coketown who stand below his social status. However, Dickens portrays him as a hypocrite and although he is of a high social status, he is morally corrupt. Bounderby is representative of all men of his social status at that time, and through him Dickens’ reveals an obvious opposition to such people. Coketown is portrayed as an unwelcoming, unfriendly place. Dickens uses numerous vivid images to create this impression: ‘it was a town of unnatural red and black like the painted face of a savage. ‘ This image holds implications of hostility and unwelcoming territory. It suggests a vicious nature to the town, suggesting that those who live there are primitive and old fashioned. The use of personification brings the town to life, giving it the intimidating characteristics of a ‘savage’.

Comparing Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau Essay

In many works of literature, authors express their viewpoints on society and times in which they live. In the essay â€Å"Self Reliance† by Ralph Waldo Emerson, and the book Walden by Henry David Thoreau, the authors speak out against conformity and materialism in society. Both were romanticism authors during the 1800s. They focused on simplicity and individuality. Both writings can advise teenagers today on the importance of non-conformity and the value of rejecting materialism. In â€Å"Self Reliance†, Emerson discusses being one’s own person and not allowing society to mold someone like a piece of clay; â€Å"Trust thyself† are the exact words he used. Trusting oneself means it is okay to be different if one wants or chooses to be different. It means that one does not have to follow the â€Å"bad† crowd just because everyone else may be choosing to do so. One must know that if they have a good idea and if they believe in that idea–even if it is different from the norm of society–some people will follow. Emerson also says, â€Å"Whoso would be a man, must be a non-conformist. † This means that to be a true and real person, one must stand up for what they believe in and not allow themselves to be completely changed by society. One must not conform to ways that will cause them to be someone or something outside of their own desires. In the beginning of his writing, Emerson gives us a definition of what he believes defines genius: â€Å"To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men—that is genius. ’ This is his way of saying that every person should know that doing what one thinks is right is the best decision—for him/herself. Every educated person does not conform to society if they do not think that society is going in the right path. Emerson also says that people who have good ideas are misunderstood. In his statement, â€Å"To be great is to be misunderstood†, Emerson is saying that most people who had great ideas in history were misjudged because their ideas were not along with the norms of society’s ideas. Therefore, the societal conformists thought that their ideas were wrong. Emerson gives reasons as to why most people conform to society and try to be the same. He says, â€Å"The other terror that scares us from self-trust is our consistency†Ã¢â‚¬â€œmeaning that people might follow society because that is what they are used to doing. They are only doing what they saw happening when they were younger. Their parents and other adults probably did the same thing that most people do today—conform. Emerson disputes this reason in his statement by saying, â€Å"But why should you keep your head over your shoulder? Suppose you should contradict yourself; what then? It seems to be a rule of wisdom never to rely on your memory alone†. Relying on the past could be problematic when someone questions things since most were probably brought up a certain way and are used to doing things the same way, but never really knew a good reason why to conform. In â€Å"Walden†, Thoreau explains how having less material things can simply your life. He says, â€Å"Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things† In saying this, he means to own your items and do not let them own you. Thoreau thinks that people have the desire to own things, thus, causing them to have to use all of their time working to own said things. Working all the time means that one can not do the things that one wants to, and that the items that one desires ends up owning them. Through this statement, Thoreau is basically saying that having all these things such as cell phones, iPods, laptops, and televisions are distracting people from the more important things in life such as family, health, and well-being. One of Thoreau’s famous quotes is, â€Å"Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! † This means to make ones’ life as simple as possible. He thinks that the poor are the fortunate ones since they have the least to look after and worry about while the rich have so much to look after that they do not have time for themselves. Living a simple life enables one to be free of commitment and obligations. One only has to worry about one’s self. Both Emerson and Thoreau believe that following one’s own path in life is the best way to go. They believe that being oneself and having a simple life is the best life. Both lessons can be relevant in today’s society by looking at the rural areas that still exist in the United States. Some of these areas still follow the principle of a simple and non-materialistic life. Their lives are not filled with technology and other things that distract most people from life. Young people (myself included), can take away much from Emerson’s and Thoreau’s writings. I could focus on more important things in life rather than wasting lots of time on unnecessary technology such as Facebook and Twitter. We could use technology under moderation and make sure that those things do not take up more time than necessary in our lives.