Information Processing Theory Essay

Information processing is a theoretical approach used to analyze human behavior (psychology) and learning processes (education). Information processing, in the pedagogical perspective, may be defined as the process of acquiring knowledge based on memory structures and information in different stages of information or mental processing. (Think Quest Team, 2007) It deals with thinking, storing, remembering and forgetting information. (NSW HSC Online, 2007) Information processing and the cognitive learning theory are closely associated with each another. This is because their propositions are similar in content. Information processing theory emerged at the dawn of the computer age (Hall, 2007). This theory suggests that memory and computers have common features. Moreover, it proposes that perceived information goes through three stages within the memory structure: sensory registers (where information is perceived and processed through the senses), short-term memory (where information is shortly stored and encoded), and long-term memory (where information is stored for easy retrieval). (NSW HSC Online, 2007) There are several principles that support this theory. First, there is an assumption that the capacity of the memory is limited. This means that at times, there may be barriers that affect processing of information. It is advantageous to identify why there is difficulty in information processing. Through this, resolutions may be formulated to address this issue. Second, there is a need for control mechanism. Control mechanism directs the extent of use of memory capacity. For instance, new information may require more processing than the regular day-to-day tasks. Third, information flow is two-way. We acquire information through our senses, process it in our memory in the same way that we create responses in our memory, and carry them out through our senses. Fourth, the genetic make-up of humans is meant for information processing. For instance, infants do not learn to think from other people. Their curiosity allows them to think and develop their senses. (Huitt, 2003) Information processing applied as an approach in the classroom setting, gains broader meaning and undeniable importance. The theory recommends a variety of techniques and methods to make teaching more efficient. Information processing also provides several tools and procedures that teachers may use to enhance thinking skills and extend mental capacity among the students. The learning process through information processing starts with the activation of schema, defined as the state of existing knowledge structures prior to the introduction of new information. Schema is often altered to accommodate new information. Therefore, new information related to the learner’s schema is more meaningful to them. (NSW HSC Online, 2007) Activation of schema is followed by acquisition of new information by the learner. Information processing postulates that in processing and in the retrieval of information, it is necessary to ensure that information is significant to the learner for him to be able to relate previous knowledge or schema to new information. The information is processed to fit schema, or in some instances to complement schema. The information is then stored in the long-term memory for future retrieval. There are also various key concepts to remember in applying information processing theory in the classroom setting. First, it is easier to remember significant information. Learners remember information that is interesting and relevant to their personal lives. Second, words are easily remembered based on their position in the text. For instance, words written in the beginning and in the end are easier to remember than words written in the mid area of the text. Third, repetition is efficient for memory retention. Memory retention is best improved through repetition and practice. Fourth, learning should be systematic. When learners make lists to organize lessons learned, information is easier to remember. Fifth, much effort should be exerted in processing information. Information that is processed in depth is easily stored in the long-term memory. Sixth, information processing is affected by schema. If information does not relate to a person’s schema, then there would difficulty in information processing. Lastly, there is a necessity to provide advance organizers for students. Advance organizers aids and prepares the learner for the next lesson. (Huitt, 2003) In the classroom setting, the teacher must come up with a lesson plan that follows a thorough procedure. Systematic procedures must be followed in information processing because there are limitations to memory capacity and thinking processes. Teachers must make sure that purpose of the previous step is achieved before moving on the next step. For instance, activation of schema comes first before the processing of information. To follow this step, the teacher must first provide stimulus that catches the attention of the students. Consequently, the learner perceives and processes this information in his sensory registers and short-term memory, allowing him to respond to the stimulus. The next step is to ensure that the information you teach is retained in the learner’s long-term memory. This can be achieved by following key concepts previously enumerated. In applying information processing in the classroom setting, keep in mind that its primarily goal is for students to learn by enhancing memory retention and maximizing information processing and capacity. The teacher must be guided with the key concepts and principles governing information processing theory to achieve greater success in meeting educational goals and objectives. References Hall, R. (2007). Information Processing Theory. Retrieved November 22, 2007. http://medialab. umr. edu/rhall/educational_psychology/2001/vl2a/info_new. html Huitt, W. (2003). The Information Processing Approach to Cognition. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved November

Call of Duty Essay

Premise: A new action-thriller game with trained soldiers and an arsenal of advanced, powerful, modern day firepower whom try and take down enemy combatants. The brutal opposition are threatening the world in various settings and scenarios. A story with twists and turns about soldiers fighting; using both ground-war technology and aerial strikes on a battlefield where speed, accuracy, and communication are the major factors in victory. Genre: Call for Action is a first-person shooter (FPS) which the person’s cross hairs are placed in the center of the screen and everything happens around it. Platform: Call for action has four different platforms. It is compatible with Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii. The best platform for this game is PlayStation 3, because of its superior graphics software, easier controlling, and less hardware malfunctions. These reasons have been approved and guaranteed by users. The second best platform for this game is Xbox 360. It can handle the graphic and it’s easy to control, like PlayStation 3. Microsoft Windows and Wii are the other platforms which can be used in order to play Call for Action. Backstory: The story takes place in the year 2011, where several U.S. Sergeants and British SAS members find a nuclear weapon on a ship traveling to Africa. After the evacuations, they find evidence of ties between Germans and Russians. At the same time, the Russians want to distract people in order to achieve their goal. So they hire a local separatist leader, called Ivan, to execute the president of the United States to keep the military away. USMC 1st Force Recon team must find and rescue the president, but during the operation, United States Central Command is notified by Seal Team Six of a German nuclear weapon. Later on British SAS find and interrogate Ivan, he exposes that the German leader supplied the nuclear bomb in order to start World War III. Therefore, A combined operation, by U.S. Sergeants and British SAS members, is taken on to stop German leader. Target Rating Call for Action’s rating is M which stands for Mature. Content is generally suitable for ages seventeen and up because the content contains intense blood and gore, intense violence, and strong language. Target Market This game is originally for residents of the US, but later it can be available to other countries. The target audience is mostly teens generally above the age of 17. On the other hand, the game is only rated M because of parents not wanting their children playing a game with some blood in it. A game should only be rated M if it has sexual scenes not because of blood. Player Motivation This game has two versions, the fist version is, playing the normal mode which the player goes through the story and tries to finish the game, and the second version is the online version which players will compete with their friends in an online mode. Call for Action has a lot of motivations. First, the game finishing scene is the player needing to find the Germans leader in Africa and kill him. If the player kills him, he/she has the right to destroy the nuclear weapon. Second, in this game, not only you can kill people, but you can also drive a tank or a car. Third, when the player finishes the story, the game will give the player a set of special weapons for the online gaming. UPS There are some unique things in the game and about the game which makes it special. First, in this game players can shoot with their weapons, drive a car, or play as a pilot. (Drive an airplane) Second, it has a very high quality and graphic which gives the real feeling of the game. Third, it uses the PlayStation’s dual shocks, so every time players get hit, it will start shaking. The last reason that makes this game special is that players can check their friends’ progress and follow them. Therefore, this game helps the players to experience the war situations and teach the necessary information and acts that people need to do during the war. Competitive Analysis There are three other games which could be considered competitors of Call of Action. The first game called Battlefield 3. This game is a first person shooter by a Swedish developer. According to Wikipedia, â€Å"In-game, the European Union and the United States fight China and the Middle Eastern Coalition. It is known that in the game’s story, the EU and the US are allies and the EU has negotiated a peace deal with Russia.† The platforms for this game are same as Call for Action. (Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360) The second game is Call of Duty Black Ops II which was developed by Treyarch. According to Wikipedia, â€Å"Black Ops II is the first game in the Call of Duty franchise to feature future warfare technology and the first to present branching storylines driven by player choice. It also offers a 3D display option. In this game the player campaign features two connected storylines, with the first set from 1986 to 1989 during the final years of the first Cold War, and the other set in 2025 during a second Cold War.† The platforms for this game are PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, and Wii. The third game is Blacklight which was developed by Zombie Studios. According to Wikipedia, â€Å"Zombie is planning to make Blacklight a multimedia franchise that will include the video game, a feature film, and a trilogy of comic books. The idea was concepted by Zombie executives which later pitched the idea to several film and comic book production companies.† The platforms for this game are Games for Windows – Live, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live Arcade. Based on the other three descriptions and Call for Action description, Call for Action has more options and futures. It may not be better than Call of Duty Black Ops II, but has the same quality and features. In this game, you can fly a plan, drive a car, or a tank. It will use the dual shock in order to give the real feelng to the player. It will attract players to finish the story by giving them prizes at the end. Therefore, it can be one the top competitions in the market. Goals The goal of this game is to give a player the time to enjoy, learn, and challenge themselves. In this game people can spend time and put themselves in a war situation. What needs to be done? How to control a gun? How to communicate with people in an emergency situation? Players can learn the name of all guns and get to know their specifications, how they are working and what they are good for. Also in an online game, people can compete with each other. Players can see their friends’ progress and play with them, or players can invite their friends, gather a team, and fight with other people. In this case, people will communicate with each other and learn a lot about the game by asking or watching other people playing.

Industrial Revolution Essays (869 words) - Textile Machinery

Industrial Revolution Essays (869 words) - Textile Machinery Industrial Revolution The Industrial Revolution The Industrial Revolution was under way 1st in Britain and wasn't possible without coal. Agriculture Revolution Every 3rd year the farmers believed that they had to leave their field fallowed so the soil won't wear out. In 1730 Charles Townshend discovered that fields did not had to be left fallowed, if farmers would rotate the crops. Charles suggested to grow wheat or barely and then the next year grow clover or turnips. Clover and turnips provided excellent feed for cattle. New Farm Machines Jethro Thull developed a seed drill that planted seeds in straight rows. This was a big improvement over the old method of scattering seeds at random, which made fields a tangle of crop and weeds. In the 1700's farmers began to use iron plows instead of wood plows. In 1800's wealthy landowners used mechanical reapers and threshers which increased production. The Enclosure Movement Since the Middle Ages farmers worked small strips of land in scattered fields. The razed their animals and gathered timber on public lands. In the 1500's wealthy landowners began claiming the right to these public lands. This made agriculture more efficient because the wealthy had more land to experience with new crops. Smaller farmers were then driven right out of a job. With more food lead to better health and rapid growth. The demand for manufactured goods was now high. Changes In The Textile Industry Inventions went off right and left. In 1733, John Kay invented the Flying Shuttle. This replaced the handheld shuttle for weaving. It sped up the weaving process. Soon they were using thread faster than produced. In 1764, James Hargreaves developed the Spinning Jenny. It had several spindle on a single wheel. In 1769, Richard Arkright built the Water Frame it could hold up to 100 spindles. It was too heavy to be operated by hand so it was ran by water power. 10yrs later Samuel Crompton developed the Spinning Mule, which used features from the Spinning Jenny and the Water Frame. Cotton thread was now produced at high speeds. In 1785, Edward Cartwright built a Power Loom powered by water. They could produce 200 times more cloth in a day. In 1793, Eli Whitney invented the Cotton Gin that increased the supply of raw cotton and gave the British cotton industry a further boost. It tore the fibers from the seeds and made it possible for a single slave to turn out as much as 50 slaves. Cotto n production soared and the price fell. Development Of The Steam Engine Although many inventions in the Textile Industry were powered by running water, steam soon became the major source of energy. In 1698, Thomas Savery had built a steam-driven pump to remove water from flooded coal mines. Except his pump frequently exploded because of the intense pressure of the steam. In the early 1700's, Thomas Newcomen developed a safer steam pump. His engine broken down lots and required lots of coal to fuel it though. Finally James Watt came alone in the 1760's to revise the pumps of Newcomen and made it better. His got 4 times more power from the same amount of coal. Steam powered the Industrial Revolution. They were used in the growing of Textile Industry. They also brought great changes in the mining of iron and coal and they revolutionized transportation. Advances In Transportation & Communication In the 1700's the need for rapid, inexpensive transportation led to a boom in Canal building in Britain. In 1759 the Duke of Bridgewater built a Canal to connect his coal mines and factories. A Scottish engineer John McAdam invented a road surface made of crushed rock. In 1829 George Stephenson, a mining engineer, developed the Rocket, it was the 1st steam-powered locomotive. It could go 36mph. Steel rails replaced iron rails, speed were then increased. In 1807 Robert Fulton developed a paddle-wheel steam ship called the Clermont. This improved communication to other nations. Aboriginal Paradigm It was mainly an all for your self way. Workers tend to work only for the present need. The object of life was to maintain ones rank and the ideal of personal gain was the work of the devil. Capital as wealth existed, but there was no investing of it. Land

Free Essays on Abortion- Pro Choice, Only Choice

Abortion has always been a controversial subject among everybody whether they are involved directly or indirectly, whether they are for it or against it. It is nearly impossible to find someone who doesn’t have an opinion about abortion. Both those who favor or oppose abortion make superior arguments to defend their beliefs and views. Personally, I think every last person is entitled to his or her own opinions, beliefs, thoughts, and rights. And yes, women have rights too, and denying women the right to choose abortion in the early stages of fetal development is denying her rights as a US citizen and is also discriminating against her. I think that abortion should be restricted to the first 21 weeks, which is when most of the tests can be taken to determine the health of the fetus. Anything after that might be immoral, since the fetus can very well live outside the mother’s womb; although, it does depend on the situation. Abortion should unquestionably not be used as a primary birth control use. It should be determined based on the circumstances of the pregnancy. A woman should have the choice to have an abortion if she is raped, impregnated by a disturbed man or by incest. It would be unfair to force a rape victim to bear an unwanted baby and give up all the dreams she ever had and be reminded of that rape for the rest of her life. I also think a woman’s life should not be sacrificed or put at risk, a woman should be able to abort if there is any complications or a risk to her life and a threat to the baby’s life. It would be morally wrong to bring to this world a severely deformed, extremely handicapped, or an incompetent baby and watch him or her suffer for the rest of their lives. That would not only affect the mother’s life, but that would affect the baby’s life also. That child would never be average, never be happy and would feel dejected for not being like the other children. It takes so much energy, will power... Free Essays on Abortion- Pro Choice, Only Choice Free Essays on Abortion- Pro Choice, Only Choice Abortion has always been a controversial subject among everybody whether they are involved directly or indirectly, whether they are for it or against it. It is nearly impossible to find someone who doesn’t have an opinion about abortion. Both those who favor or oppose abortion make superior arguments to defend their beliefs and views. Personally, I think every last person is entitled to his or her own opinions, beliefs, thoughts, and rights. And yes, women have rights too, and denying women the right to choose abortion in the early stages of fetal development is denying her rights as a US citizen and is also discriminating against her. I think that abortion should be restricted to the first 21 weeks, which is when most of the tests can be taken to determine the health of the fetus. Anything after that might be immoral, since the fetus can very well live outside the mother’s womb; although, it does depend on the situation. Abortion should unquestionably not be used as a primary birth control use. It should be determined based on the circumstances of the pregnancy. A woman should have the choice to have an abortion if she is raped, impregnated by a disturbed man or by incest. It would be unfair to force a rape victim to bear an unwanted baby and give up all the dreams she ever had and be reminded of that rape for the rest of her life. I also think a woman’s life should not be sacrificed or put at risk, a woman should be able to abort if there is any complications or a risk to her life and a threat to the baby’s life. It would be morally wrong to bring to this world a severely deformed, extremely handicapped, or an incompetent baby and watch him or her suffer for the rest of their lives. That would not only affect the mother’s life, but that would affect the baby’s life also. That child would never be average, never be happy and would feel dejected for not being like the other children. It takes so much energy, will power...

Politics and government Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Politics and government - Article Example n’s representation in a third world country (Kenya); it will look at the pros and cons of quota system and then put it in the context of the selected country. The quota system is aimed at increasing the number of women who are involved in active politics to a significant minimum; say 30 or 40 per cent. This system does not apply to only elective positions but also appointive positions such as members of committees and boards. The use of this system in political representation therefore constitutes all fields in politics (Kiplagat, 2008, p.52-78). The quota system does not discriminate but help women overcome the barrier that prevent them from engaging in active politics. Women entry into politics is faced with several challenges such as the perception that the society has towards them, their lack of aggressiveness that is required in politics among other barriers. The introduction of quota system, which sets aside a certain percentage of political positions for women, eliminates all the barriers that women face in competing with men; therefore, providing women with an opportunity to compete among themselves equally. In Kenya, the positions of women representative from all the 47 counties derive their legitimacy from the constitution; these positions are only open to women candidates (AfriMAP, OSIEA & OSMP, nd, 3). In addition, the constitution also provides for nomination of women and other marginalised groups into the national and the county assemblies (Mutunga & Mazrui, 2004, p. 308-417). The right to equal representation of women in politics is no different from that of men and the quota system helps in achieving that equal representation. Most of the representatives in the political arena are usually men; therefore, most of the issues that they discuss are likely to favour men, which deny women the chance to air their opinions in legislation. The quota system has increased the number of women in political seats and consequently increased their bargaining

Iron Deficiency Anemia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Iron Deficiency Anemia - Essay Example I will address an important topic that still causes major morbidity and mortality around the world, especially in low income populations and children. 2. Iron-deficient erythropoiesis: after iron stores are exhausted, lack of iron limits the production of hemoglobin and other metabolically active compounds that require iron as a constituent or cofactor. Globally, the most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Other possible causes are acute or chronic infections, parasitic diseases, heavy menstruation, hemoglobinopathy, colon cancer, and vitamin A/B12 or folate deficiency, among others. Various epidemiological studies have shown that iron deficiency anemia is still one of the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies. Iron deficiency is present in up to 30% of women, and 70% of pregnant women. A recent cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and possible risk factors for iron deficiency anemia on aboriginal schoolchildren living in remote areas in Malaysia. Overall, 48.5% of children were anemic. Low levels of mothers' education and low household income were identified as risk factors; severe trichuriasis was also found to be associated (Al-Mekhlafi 1046). If this deficiency is present during the first two years of life, a functional disturbance is highly probable, given that the developing brain experiences structural and biochemical changes; a few weeks after birth, synapses formation takes place and the nervous system starts its shaping, being a critical time with high vulnerability. Moreover, anemia may affects cognitive function at all stages of life. The immune system depends of multiple oxidation processes; another possible outcome in people with anemia is a state of immunodeficiency. Pregnant women with anemia may experience complications and increased mortality rates. Finally, anemia in adults may have economic consequences because it provides low physical and work performances, increasing disability and work incapacities. It is important to define the severity and etiology of anemia, in order to start an adequate therapeutic approach. Clinical symptoms and physical examinations have low sensitivity and specificity. According to WHO, Hb concentration is the most reliable indicator of anemia at the population level, and measuring it is relatively easy and inexpensive. However, the etiology of anemia should be interpreted with caution if the only indicator used is Hb concentration. A complete blood count gives important information that can guide into the possible cause. Other important tests are serum ferritin, serum iron, transferrin, and transferrin saturation. Anemia is not a specialized disease.

U.S. Childhood Obesity and Climate Change Article

U.S. Childhood Obesity and Climate Change - Article Example It exemplifies with evidence specific environmental impacts on obesity. In responding to this environmental negativity, the article points out climate change preparedness and prevention efforts. These efforts are grouped into two broad categories, which include increased human-powered transportation and increasing physical activity. However, any climate change intervention adopted must be explored for its potential to decrease the probability of injury risk factors. However, as the article suggests, lack of climate change intervention in various locations leads to unintended effects that could otherwise have a positive health implication on childhood obesity (Sheffield & Galvez, 2009). The article uses the piecemeal approach in exemplifying the justification of certain climate change interventions. It bases its explanations from a theoretical literature. It is obvious that the reason of why most cities and state in the United States do not have climate change intervention is the fact that the cost of installation cannot be justified by its benefits (Boarnet & Takahashi, 2010). On the contrary, the article suggests that the decision of whether to justify the construction or installation of this intervention should depend on multidisciplinary assessment. According to this article, the uniqueness and disparities in health effect of each state or regions can be demonstrated by children’s development stage, size and/or long life expectancy. As a result, the appropriate application of climate change intervention leads to a healthier diet, increased physical activities and improved air quality. The article singles out climate change intervention as the major factors that address the rationale for the continued existence of childhood obesity in the United States. According to this article, lack of this facility put in place automatically result in paediatric morbidity. However, such arguments are somehow very vague and