Final Blog Post: The Art of Presentations

Write a final post that explains your response to the research presentation by your classmates by incorporating some of the points you wrote down above. include a screenshot of the title slide to your presentation.

This course was centered about how to make an effective argument. However, no matter how well developed the argument is, we must ask ourselves, what is the correct way to present the argument? Not only is it an art to argue, but there is an art to present. For some, it may even be harder to present, as you are required to not only provide evidence, but to also be convincing with your body language and words.



During the last two days of class, I had the opportunity to listen to my classmates' presentations and appreciate the work they had done to answer their research question. It was interesting to see the diversity of topics and different ways of presenting. Undoubtedly, it is very crucial to study your topic properly and present it in the correct manner. To begin with, there were different types of powerpoint presentations. The most appealing ones I found, were those that had a variety of contrasting colors and images. Furthermore, the font was easy to read, and spacing between lines was consistent. Other presentations however, had images stacked on top of each other and grammatical errors in the content. I realized that light colored backgrounds greatly supplement dark test, and descriptions under images are helpful for the audience. The font was also too small, making it difficult for the audience to stay engaged. While some students had an in-depth understanding about their research topic, others were stumbling due to not being completely informed. In terms of speaking, it is very important to project your voice and speak clearly. If not, you will not sound authoritative about your point. Furthermore, do not bore the audience by reiterating exactly what is on the slide. Instead, to keep the audience hooked, talk about personal anecdotes and opinions. 

Toulmin Model: Online Education

Many colleges and universities have instituted online educated programs. These programs are the best way for students to learn in a flexible environment at their own pace. If colleges are going to meet the rising demand for education, it is imperative for them to provide online classes to fit the needs of busy students. The online course I took was an Information Technology course, and I greatly enjoyed it as it allowed me to work according to my own style and preferences. Furthermore, I could work according to my own pace as I was not obliged to turn in work in person. Recent studies show that students who take online courses are more successful as they can use their time more effectively. With computers, students can work wherever they are. Also, with the flexible schedule, they are able to take more courses. However, some people argue that with online courses, students miss the face to face interactions with the instructor and other peers. They also say that students are more likely to fall into the trap of procrastination due to lack of self discipline. For these reasons, colleges such as Georgia Gwinnett College offer hybrid courses which entail have the course being online and half face to face. This allows students to learn from the teacher and also engage in beneficial discussions with other peers. The instructor also has the ability to keep students on track and help them from procrastinating. For these reasons, online education is undoubtedly a great way for students to learn. 

The Rogerian Argument of Online Education

With more and more students taking online courses, both the students and the colleges benefit. For example, students colleges save money by not having to hire instructors and pay them. Students enjoy  the convenience of not having to travel to and from campus, thus saving them a lot of money. Furthermore, students can work according to their own pace, and have increased flexibility with their schedule. If one has a laptop, it is easy to study on the go and use time effectively.
However, online education does have some drawbacks. For instance, a lack of interaction between students and teachers can hinder learning. Not only do students only lose the opportunity to ask face to face questions to the instructor, they miss out on valuable discussion with their peers that could further their learning. Also, without discipline, some students may procrastinate and not get their work done on time. These problems can be easily solved. Colleges can offer hybrid classes, where half of the class is online and half in person. This way, students can also get face to face time with the instructor and peers while also having a flexible schedule. The instructor can furthermore keep the students on track to keep them from falling behind. When considering online classes, students should recognize that discipline is undoubtedly required and keeping up with the work is an expectation. If these problems are addressed, both students and colleges would benefit because colleges would not only save money, they would also save space on campus as rooms would not be occupied. Students would benefit in that they would save money, time, as well as have a more flexible schedule.

Technology and Children: A Harm or a Benefit?

The amount of children using technology is increasing dramatically, and it is often common to see a child with a phone in his or her hand while the parent is chatting away. Although technology has become a source of quick information and convenience, it is imperative that we question both the benefits and harms of technology on children. 

The first article, titled The Constant Lure For Smartphones is Bad for Children's Health aims to explain the harmful effects of a child's mental health when he or she uses technology excessively. The author uses the observations of Julie Lynn Evans, a child physiotherapist to prove his point that intense use of the internet can harm children. With technology becoming more easy to carry around, children can often access the internet without parental supervision.   Essentially, one can access any content on the internet, and children may therefore run into mature content that might disturb them. "Something is clearly happening," she (Julie) says, "because I am seeing the evidence in the numbers of depressive, anorexic, cutting children who come to see me. And it always has something to do with the computer, the Internet, and the smartphone" (Standford). 

Stanford claims the main crucial step needed is for parents to not only increase their control over what children have access to, but to stop the issue from starting in the first place. The main reason a small child would start to use a smartphone is if his or her parent is too busy to spend time with them. Therefore, the smartphone becomes the main source of the child's learning and entertainment. Although electronic use in moderation is good, it can soon become addictive and harm the child. 

The second article, titled Social Media Helps Students Write Better, makes the argument that although social media can potentially harm kids, it can also serve as a way for them to channel their emotions  in a healthier manner. The author used his Facebook account to make observations about the posts of his students. He realized that Facebook for many, is a way for them to share their insecurities and worries. People are able to discuss more sensitive topics openly, for example regarding sex, drug abuse, and poverty.  The article states, "Just as social networking frees users from public decorum and encourages the birthing of troll alter egos, it allows my students to safely, if temporarily, construct kinder, gentler versions of themselves as well"(Simmons).  Simmons, the author, realized that students who are able to talk about these topics more comfortably on Facebook and other social media networking sites tend to use more personal topics in their formal writings for school. Such writing helps students channel their emotions and build self confidence. Viewing more varied ideas through social media may also increase a child's creativity and knowledge about the world. 

It is very important to realize however, that the observations the author made encompass only a small fraction of the possible consequences of social media. The claims Simmons made are based off his limited observations that may not be what other people always experience. When using this source, it is crucial to remain aware of this, and that social media is often a site for hurt and harmful behavior.

Although I agree with both sides, I have come to the conclusion that everything is beneficial in moderation.  In the advancing world, depriving a child of education will only hinder their development. With increasing globalization, technology may help children gain a greater sense of the world. However, it is important to also encourage kids to use their own mind and creativity. At the end of the day, technology should be used as an aid, not a convenience.

Stanford, Peter. "The Constant Lure of Smartphones Is Bad for Children's Mental Health." (indent)  Does the Internet Increase Anxiety? Ed. Tamara Thompson. Farmington Hills, MI: (indent)Greenhaven Press, 2016. At      Issue. Rpt. from "Are Smartphones Making Our (indent)Children Mentally Ill?" Telegraph 21 Mar. 2015. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. (indent)Web. 12 Oct. 2016.

Simmons, Andrew. "Social Media Helps Students Write Better." Are Social Networking Sites                        (indent)Harmful? Ed. Noah Berlatsky. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press, 2015. At (Indent)Issue.Rpt. from "Facebook Has Transformed My Students' Writing—For the Better."  (Indent)Atlantic (18 Nov 2013). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 16 Oct. 2016.

*Note: the website is not working that well and It will not let me indent the citation, therefore I have signaled my intention of indenting by writing Indent, even though the format is off. Thanks!

Who Will Win Over the People?

Presidential debates however are unique in that they allow viewers to explicitly view each candidate side by side and hear not only their opinions, but also their disposition as a person.

The winner of a debate is not always someone who has the most reasonable ideas. In terms of an average American, the President does not necessarily play such a big part in his or her life. Instead, the main attracting factor is how well they spoke, and their demeanor. When analyzing this debate, I made sure to look at both aspects of each candidate.

I feel that Hillary Clinton connected with the audience more successfully and her plans appealed more to the people. Hillary and Trump have different backgrounds, Hillary was born to a middle class family, while Trump was born to a businessman and continues to carry the business tradition. Therefore, through Pathos Hillary spoke more about helping the American people, and kept saying how her decisions will help families, and working class people. For example, she campaigned for paid family leave and increasing taxes on the wealthy. Trump, with a more business mind however, appealed more to the educated people, and often used a lot of business statements and logic. He focused on how the future will be better for businesses and therefore the formal economy, instead of directly stating how household life will be improved. He claims to be more focused on keeping jobs from being stolen to international countries, and has an innate bias towards the wealthy considering his background.

Clearly, Clinton showed more credibility and ethics during the debate compared to Trump. Initially, she stated to the audience, “I hope I can earn your vote”, and talked about investing in the American people, instantly creating a personal connection with them. When Trump brought up her email scandal, she responded professionally and admitted her mistake and apologized. Furthermore, as the wife of Bill Clinton and Secretary of Obama, she already has experience in the federal government. She used simpler language, which was appreciated by the uneducated population, and kept emphasizing her goal of “strong, fair, and sustained growth” of the country. She made a point of reaching out to the African Americans and gave them exactly what they wanted to hear: that they are more likely to be arrested for a crime than whites.

Trump on the other hand, did not show as much credibility. When asked why he will not release his tax returns, he did not give a definitive answer but instead turned to the conversation to blame Clinton about the email scandal. He made erratic statements, such as when asked why he refuses to pay workers at times, and that sometimes they “do not do a satisfactory job”, which put off a lot of people. He kept on accusing Clinton for poor decisions made over the past eight years. He talked about the need for “law and order” in this country, and proposed plans that might have intimidated people.

Clinton was dressed in a bright red color, and smiled often, laughing things off if she did not agree with her opponent. Instead, she rebutted by attempting to convince her audience, especially the lower class, that Trump is not fit to be president due to his wealth.  Trump had a habit of interrupting Trump and was more aggressive towards her. He wore a more business like attire, and often made abnormal faces. Generally, Clinton succeeded more in winning over people with not only her reasonable ideas, but also her disposition and attitude.