I've been fascinated with science fiction stories for as long as I
can remember, although, I must confess, I never thought of science
fiction as being mainstream literature. I, like many readers, pursued
science fiction as a form of escapism, a way to keep up with speculation
on recent scientific discoveries, or just a way to pass the time.
It
wasn't until I met with my thesis adviser to celebrate the approval of
my paper that I had to think about science fiction in a new light. My
adviser works for a large, well-known literary foundation that is
considered to be very "canonical" in its tastes. When he asked me if I
liked science fiction, and if I would be willing to select about one
hundred stories for possible inclusion in an anthology that they were
thinking about producing, I was somewhat surprised. When he told me it
might lead to a paying gig, I became even more astounded. I went home
that afternoon feeling very content: my paper had been approved, and I
might get a paying job to select science fiction, of all things.
Then
it hit me: I'd actually have to seriously think about some sort of a
method to select from the thousands of science fiction short stories
that had been written in the past century. When I considered that the
ideals of the foundation would have to be reflected in the stories which
I selected, something near panic set in: science fiction was not part
of the "cannon."
"While I pondered weak and weary, over many a
quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore," I reached a decision: I'd
first try to figure out what science fiction "was," and then I'd develop
a set of themes that related to the essence of science fiction. So,
armed with this battle plan, I proceeded to read what several famous
authors had to say about science fiction. This seemed simple enough,
until I discovered that no two authors thought science fiction meant
quite the same thing. Oh, great, thought I: "nevermore." (Sorry, Edgar, I
couldn't resist).
Having failed to discover the essence of
science fiction, I selected four authors whose work I liked to try to
determine what they contributed to the art of science fiction. The
authors were: Isaac Asimov, Robert Silverberg, Orson Scott Card, and
Arthur C Clarke. At the time, I didn't realize that two of the authors,
Asimov and Clarke were considered "hard" science fiction writers, and
the other two, Silverberg and Card, were considered "soft" science
fiction writers.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Science As a Media Event
One need not make any extensive surveys of different media to provide
evidence for this failure. It is enough to see how sports has managed
to gain more coverage in various media over the last few decades
vis-a-vis science. One may argue that this is so because there are
always some sports events occurring all over the world which naturally
draw the attention of media. But contention here is that scientific
activity, scientific community and laboratories all over the world can
also be turned into what are called 'media events' if enough pains are
taken by science communicators to achieve this status for science. First
and foremost it will require the maximum cooperation of scientists.
For instance, anniversaries of scientists, institutes, organisations and societies, including the World Health Day, etc., can be celebrated; discussions and debates with the concerned scientists organised; and doors of concerned laboratories and organisations thrown open to masses and media.
Be that as it may, intention through this paper is to highlight the essentials and limitations of science popularisation so that there appears a fundamental change in the way of looking at this subject. Hopefully, it will lead to more effective strategies to popularise science among the masses.
Science writing is an art
Science popularisation is mostly done by science- trained persons and professional scientists. It is therefore looked upon more as a scientific activity rather than anything else. But science writing is more of an art rather than a science. It is scientific only in the sense one should have scientific knowledge but all the writing abilities are required to make a good presentation of science. It is due to the present lack of emphasis on the art aspect of science popularisation that this field of activity has suffered to date. Those few scientists or science-trained persons who have consciously or unconsciously known the art of science writing and have practised it, have only been successful in popularising science.
For instance, anniversaries of scientists, institutes, organisations and societies, including the World Health Day, etc., can be celebrated; discussions and debates with the concerned scientists organised; and doors of concerned laboratories and organisations thrown open to masses and media.
Be that as it may, intention through this paper is to highlight the essentials and limitations of science popularisation so that there appears a fundamental change in the way of looking at this subject. Hopefully, it will lead to more effective strategies to popularise science among the masses.
Science writing is an art
Science popularisation is mostly done by science- trained persons and professional scientists. It is therefore looked upon more as a scientific activity rather than anything else. But science writing is more of an art rather than a science. It is scientific only in the sense one should have scientific knowledge but all the writing abilities are required to make a good presentation of science. It is due to the present lack of emphasis on the art aspect of science popularisation that this field of activity has suffered to date. Those few scientists or science-trained persons who have consciously or unconsciously known the art of science writing and have practised it, have only been successful in popularising science.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Is Studying Online Right For You?
1. Are You Returning to a Higher Education Course?
Entering the world of training and assessment can be difficult, particularly if you are new or returning to study. However, the technology available today means that large numbers of students are choosing to complete vocational education and training through online or distance study.
2. Questions You Need To Ask...
Before chosing to undertake an online course, there are some things you need to ask yourself first.
There are numerous reasons supporting online study and many that support traditional face-to-face study. Some people choose to study online as they have a full-time job meaning they do not have the time to attend the Monday to Friday classes. They may also prefer to study on the weekends meaning evening classes are unsuitable as well.
Many students may also have families meaning they do not have the time during the day to attend classes. Studying the Certificate III, IV or Diploma level qualification via distance or online learning means that they can make use of small amounts of time and schedule study around family life.
Students who live in regional or rural areas do not have the same access to education as those in the city or large suburban areas. Online education caters to this niche group of people. Additionally, some students generally fear classroom activity and prefer the technological element of interaction with teachers and peers.
4. Online Education
Online education is one of the fastest and most preferred methods of completing a vocational education and training qualification. Courses like the Cert IV in Training and Assessment can be studied in distance, online, blended or face-to-face modes. Contact your local training provider to find out more!
Entering the world of training and assessment can be difficult, particularly if you are new or returning to study. However, the technology available today means that large numbers of students are choosing to complete vocational education and training through online or distance study.
2. Questions You Need To Ask...
Before chosing to undertake an online course, there are some things you need to ask yourself first.
- Are you organised? You need to be able to set both weekly, monthly and occasionally yearly goals to ensure completion of your course. If you are not organised, perhaps the blended mode would suit you better. Another option is to tell your trainer this and have them contact you weekly to review your learning plan.
- Do you make and stick to goals? The goals you set will mean nothing unless you actively strive to achieve them. It is also important to realise that professional and personal distractions may affect your studies. You need to ensure you are in a position to deal with these and that they won't affect you in the long run. You should ask whether you have a support network within your family and friends.
- Are you self-sufficient? Beginning an online course means that the responsibility is yours. Obtaining the Certificate III, IV or Diploma level qualification rests solely on the efforts you put in.
There are numerous reasons supporting online study and many that support traditional face-to-face study. Some people choose to study online as they have a full-time job meaning they do not have the time to attend the Monday to Friday classes. They may also prefer to study on the weekends meaning evening classes are unsuitable as well.
Many students may also have families meaning they do not have the time during the day to attend classes. Studying the Certificate III, IV or Diploma level qualification via distance or online learning means that they can make use of small amounts of time and schedule study around family life.
Students who live in regional or rural areas do not have the same access to education as those in the city or large suburban areas. Online education caters to this niche group of people. Additionally, some students generally fear classroom activity and prefer the technological element of interaction with teachers and peers.
4. Online Education
Online education is one of the fastest and most preferred methods of completing a vocational education and training qualification. Courses like the Cert IV in Training and Assessment can be studied in distance, online, blended or face-to-face modes. Contact your local training provider to find out more!
Inspire Education is a leading provider of nationally recognised
and nationally accredited courses. For more information on obtaining
your Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or other vocational
education and training course, see Cert IV TAE
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
GATE Exam - A Timed Process
Engineering students have the opportunity to pursue an
examination called GATE which encourages them to build a career in the
same. In this regard, these exams are held stream-wise once a year in
January or February using a specified mode. GATE exam pattern can be
identified by a thorough study of the solved question papers from
previous years. Preparation for GATE starts as early as in the pre-final
year when a student is yet to decide on a path for career.
Nevertheless, like any examination hard-work and dedication with a
positive approach is the key to crack GATE.
To aim for acquiring the correct answer amongst the set of multiple choice questions, one must work towards brushing up the fundamentals which formed the basis of engineering. Practicing the learnt concepts by trying out the different application questions could in turn aid in score appraisal. One must also remember that it is an examination conducted with the sole intention of concentrating students based on their intellectuality.
GATE exam results are calculated on a comparative basis. Here, the marks sheet includes an All India ranking, GATE score, percentage and percentile. They clearly depict a relative mark. The marks obtained out of hundred for each student is converted out of thousand forming the GATE score. The percentage is a figure secured by the candidate with regard to a total of hundred and rates the performance of the candidate and the position he/she stands. GATE, held across the country is formulated to filter the intellectual pool and encourage them for a higher job or study position. The graduates are provided with a relative score in the form of a percentile. This feature takes into account the actual number of students taking part in the examination. The percentile denotes a number implying the number of students' performance above which one's performance can be rated; as in, it's a relative result. Irrespective of the GATE score, a student can obtain a high percentile. The rank secured by a student is also a comparative value as it is with regard to the number of exam takers.
The figures on the mark sheet can be in variation. For instance, a student can get a low GATE score indicating poor individual performance but can aim to get a high percentile. The latter could be of a greater importance and probably aid in making the career of the student. It is strongly believed that the most intelligent of engineers posses the same degree of aptitude capacity. Hence, a high percentile could come handy in such a situation where a poor performance on the actual day of GATE examination will be ignored. Such a discrepancy could prove advantageous to students and one should be aware of this fact.
GATE analysis featuring a relative characteristic could be highly beneficial to students helping them secure their study position of interest in one of the reputed institutes of technical intelligence. A complete knowledge of the known examination pattern and marking criteria is a necessity for all pupils who wish to crack the exam whilst obtaining a high qualifying GATE score.
To aim for acquiring the correct answer amongst the set of multiple choice questions, one must work towards brushing up the fundamentals which formed the basis of engineering. Practicing the learnt concepts by trying out the different application questions could in turn aid in score appraisal. One must also remember that it is an examination conducted with the sole intention of concentrating students based on their intellectuality.
GATE exam results are calculated on a comparative basis. Here, the marks sheet includes an All India ranking, GATE score, percentage and percentile. They clearly depict a relative mark. The marks obtained out of hundred for each student is converted out of thousand forming the GATE score. The percentage is a figure secured by the candidate with regard to a total of hundred and rates the performance of the candidate and the position he/she stands. GATE, held across the country is formulated to filter the intellectual pool and encourage them for a higher job or study position. The graduates are provided with a relative score in the form of a percentile. This feature takes into account the actual number of students taking part in the examination. The percentile denotes a number implying the number of students' performance above which one's performance can be rated; as in, it's a relative result. Irrespective of the GATE score, a student can obtain a high percentile. The rank secured by a student is also a comparative value as it is with regard to the number of exam takers.
The figures on the mark sheet can be in variation. For instance, a student can get a low GATE score indicating poor individual performance but can aim to get a high percentile. The latter could be of a greater importance and probably aid in making the career of the student. It is strongly believed that the most intelligent of engineers posses the same degree of aptitude capacity. Hence, a high percentile could come handy in such a situation where a poor performance on the actual day of GATE examination will be ignored. Such a discrepancy could prove advantageous to students and one should be aware of this fact.
GATE analysis featuring a relative characteristic could be highly beneficial to students helping them secure their study position of interest in one of the reputed institutes of technical intelligence. A complete knowledge of the known examination pattern and marking criteria is a necessity for all pupils who wish to crack the exam whilst obtaining a high qualifying GATE score.
Kamalika writes for The GATE ACADEMY. The GATE Academy caters to students who aspire to crack GATE Exam, one of the toughest engineering entrance test conducted by IIT's/IISc.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Home Schooling Education
A home schooling education is a prized asset to anyone's
background. It demonstrates independent work completed in a timely
manner, often reflecting an education well above the average education
level of that from a public or private school.
A home schooling education most often involves well thought out planning and instruction from a loving parent or guardian who's gently guided the child through many series of targeted lessons. The lessons have covered in-depth information on not only main topics of focus as required by the local laws by often much more advanced training with onsite visits at local industry establishments and interviews with their company workers as part of the lessons.
The more customized and in-depth lessons learned by those with home schooling education provide a much more well-rounded real-life education for after high school years. While their peers from public and private schools battle learning good independent life skills, work and study habits, their home schooling peers already excel in those areas, for example.
The child's home schooling education has included plenty of socialization within peers groups of other home schooled children and children who attend their local churches, on average. Plus home schooling education means an average of 3 children or more per household, so others to play with, plus neighborhood children, library groups, etc.
Grades, maturity levels and college work / study habits of those who have had a home schooling education are on the whole at more advanced levels than those of their peers in public and private schools. Those educated at home with a more Christian approach, especially, tend to not have dealt with the negative issues like early sexual activity and pregnancy, substance abuse, neglect, abuse, etc. as witnessed in their public and private school peers. And those with a home schooling education are accepted more often in universities and colleges, often having had scholarships offered, too.
While public and private schools have time-tables for sessions, breaks, months to complete lessons, etc., home schooling education offers a much more flexible training program. It can go with families when they travel, take breaks, are transferred for work / military or other reasons. And home schooling education offers much more flexibility with materials; books, online learning, non-violent materials, Christian materials with incorporated religious training and daily activities, etc.
In summary, a home schooling education can offer a very valuable asset. Anyone interested in giving their child or children a head start in life, a solid foundation for learning and growing should delve further into the subject.
A home schooling education most often involves well thought out planning and instruction from a loving parent or guardian who's gently guided the child through many series of targeted lessons. The lessons have covered in-depth information on not only main topics of focus as required by the local laws by often much more advanced training with onsite visits at local industry establishments and interviews with their company workers as part of the lessons.
The more customized and in-depth lessons learned by those with home schooling education provide a much more well-rounded real-life education for after high school years. While their peers from public and private schools battle learning good independent life skills, work and study habits, their home schooling peers already excel in those areas, for example.
The child's home schooling education has included plenty of socialization within peers groups of other home schooled children and children who attend their local churches, on average. Plus home schooling education means an average of 3 children or more per household, so others to play with, plus neighborhood children, library groups, etc.
Grades, maturity levels and college work / study habits of those who have had a home schooling education are on the whole at more advanced levels than those of their peers in public and private schools. Those educated at home with a more Christian approach, especially, tend to not have dealt with the negative issues like early sexual activity and pregnancy, substance abuse, neglect, abuse, etc. as witnessed in their public and private school peers. And those with a home schooling education are accepted more often in universities and colleges, often having had scholarships offered, too.
While public and private schools have time-tables for sessions, breaks, months to complete lessons, etc., home schooling education offers a much more flexible training program. It can go with families when they travel, take breaks, are transferred for work / military or other reasons. And home schooling education offers much more flexibility with materials; books, online learning, non-violent materials, Christian materials with incorporated religious training and daily activities, etc.
In summary, a home schooling education can offer a very valuable asset. Anyone interested in giving their child or children a head start in life, a solid foundation for learning and growing should delve further into the subject.
Looking for more information on Home Schooling Education? Diane recommends learning all you can for free at: http://www.homeschooling4you.com
Monday, August 13, 2012
3 Steps To Getting An Online High School Education
Online high school education might make it possible for you to get
your diploma. After you have left school, finishing your education is
hard. There are a lot of barriers you have to overcome. High school
doesn't fit well into the adult world you live in now, but you need that
diploma in order to do what you want to with your life. Here are some
ideas for getting your diploma using online high school education.
Step 1: Assess
Start by looking at where you are and where you want to be. If you are only a couple of classes short of the requirements for high school graduation in your school district, maybe they offer the classes over the internet, and you could finish up and graduate from your home high school.
If you need more than a couple of classes to graduate, you could earn your diploma and graduate from an online high school, taking classes to meet their graduation requirements.
Look at where you want to be, too. If you are finishing high school for your own self development, or so that you can advance in your present job, online high school education classes might be what you need. If, however, you want to go to college after you get your diploma, you might be able to find "double duty" classes that will give you both high school and college credit, so that you can enter college ahead of the game.
Step 2: Gather Information
There are four places you should look for online high school education classes: your local school district, community education in your area, local colleges and online high school education providers. Compare the requirements each program has for high school graduation, and what you would have to do to complete those requirements.
Look into ways to pay for your online high school education. If you are under 21, your local school district may be a good place to look for funding. Whether you get help from a local school district or not, you should be able to find a way to complete your high school education for free or at a low cost.
Step 1: Assess
Start by looking at where you are and where you want to be. If you are only a couple of classes short of the requirements for high school graduation in your school district, maybe they offer the classes over the internet, and you could finish up and graduate from your home high school.
If you need more than a couple of classes to graduate, you could earn your diploma and graduate from an online high school, taking classes to meet their graduation requirements.
Look at where you want to be, too. If you are finishing high school for your own self development, or so that you can advance in your present job, online high school education classes might be what you need. If, however, you want to go to college after you get your diploma, you might be able to find "double duty" classes that will give you both high school and college credit, so that you can enter college ahead of the game.
Step 2: Gather Information
There are four places you should look for online high school education classes: your local school district, community education in your area, local colleges and online high school education providers. Compare the requirements each program has for high school graduation, and what you would have to do to complete those requirements.
Look into ways to pay for your online high school education. If you are under 21, your local school district may be a good place to look for funding. Whether you get help from a local school district or not, you should be able to find a way to complete your high school education for free or at a low cost.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
What Do You Get From Reading Fiction?
Too many people say they don't have time to read, or they don't enjoy reading or they don't get anything out of reading fiction.
Well, with that, I disagree. It is the ultimate form of escapism. You should make time to read. And fiction can offer you a lot.
Fiction can influence you so deeply that it affects your day to day behaviour. A study was done by Dartmouth and Ohio State researchers who looked at how strongly identifying with a fiction character can influence your real-life behaviours. They came to the conclusion that there is a correlation between these two.
Researchers Geoff Kaufman and Lisa Libby coined the term "experience taking," to describe: "spontaneously assuming the identity of a character in a narrative and simulating that character's thoughts, emotions, behaviors, goals, and traits as if they were one's own."
Think about your favorite book of all time, and the protagonist in that book. Are there similarities between the ways that character overcomes hurdles, have you acted similarly in your own life? One of my favorite books (as I cannot choose just ONE) is Catch 22. If you have not read it, I highly recommend that you do. The protagonist is Captain John Yossarian who is usually described as an antihero. In my opinion, like all good protagonists! He is a bombardier in the 256th Squadron during World War Two, and his main focus is survival. He would most like a way out, safe passage home. That's not to say he is not cunning and clever. He worries a lot and freely admits to being a coward. Yossarian prefers life over any attempt at glory. I don't think anyone can say, that at some stage they haven't just wanted to stay alive!
The results of this particular study tell us a lot about how people read, and how people are enjoying fiction.
When reading fiction we learn about life, morals, how to act in certain situations. And by taking snippets from a variety of different books we can become well-rounded people. A book can teach you so much.
This study shows just how much power an author has over their readers. How reading can improve your mental ability such as rational thinking and abstract thought by testing the readers with themes, ideas, different worlds morals and laws. The freedom that comes with fiction is one of the greatest learning tools.
On the other hand, there was a different study by Stanford's Joshua Landy (Associate Professor of French and Italian) who got completely different results. Landy came to the conclusion that reading fiction "does not make us better people in the moral sense, whether by teaching us lessons, making us more empathetic or training us to handle morally complex situations."
Obviously Landy is a well-educated professor and has research to back up this conclusion, but I would tend to disagree. The results of the first study by Kauffman and Libby ring more true, and are certainly representative of the relationship I have with books. Every book I read, I take something from and I think all passionate readers feel this way. In my humble opinion, if you are not learning, gaining morals or growing as an individual you are not truly enjoying the words on the page.
And it is all very well my trying to convince you of the pleasures you get from reading. But 14 per cent of American's can not read. On top of that people are faced with other emotional and mental challenges like ADD and Asperger's Syndrome. So while I can sit here and preach reading, does not come easily to everyone but it is a vital life skill. I would love for everyone to enjoying reading as much as I do, but even if you don't it is important to be able to read. And while the enjoyment you get from reading can't be taught, try as we may, companies such as Stepping Stone Tutors offer in-home and online tutoring to all ages.
Reading gives you so much, personal growth, morals, characters to look up to. That is why literacy is so important. But not only that, fiction is important and reading for pleasure. You should try it!
Well, with that, I disagree. It is the ultimate form of escapism. You should make time to read. And fiction can offer you a lot.
Fiction can influence you so deeply that it affects your day to day behaviour. A study was done by Dartmouth and Ohio State researchers who looked at how strongly identifying with a fiction character can influence your real-life behaviours. They came to the conclusion that there is a correlation between these two.
Researchers Geoff Kaufman and Lisa Libby coined the term "experience taking," to describe: "spontaneously assuming the identity of a character in a narrative and simulating that character's thoughts, emotions, behaviors, goals, and traits as if they were one's own."
Think about your favorite book of all time, and the protagonist in that book. Are there similarities between the ways that character overcomes hurdles, have you acted similarly in your own life? One of my favorite books (as I cannot choose just ONE) is Catch 22. If you have not read it, I highly recommend that you do. The protagonist is Captain John Yossarian who is usually described as an antihero. In my opinion, like all good protagonists! He is a bombardier in the 256th Squadron during World War Two, and his main focus is survival. He would most like a way out, safe passage home. That's not to say he is not cunning and clever. He worries a lot and freely admits to being a coward. Yossarian prefers life over any attempt at glory. I don't think anyone can say, that at some stage they haven't just wanted to stay alive!
The results of this particular study tell us a lot about how people read, and how people are enjoying fiction.
When reading fiction we learn about life, morals, how to act in certain situations. And by taking snippets from a variety of different books we can become well-rounded people. A book can teach you so much.
This study shows just how much power an author has over their readers. How reading can improve your mental ability such as rational thinking and abstract thought by testing the readers with themes, ideas, different worlds morals and laws. The freedom that comes with fiction is one of the greatest learning tools.
On the other hand, there was a different study by Stanford's Joshua Landy (Associate Professor of French and Italian) who got completely different results. Landy came to the conclusion that reading fiction "does not make us better people in the moral sense, whether by teaching us lessons, making us more empathetic or training us to handle morally complex situations."
Obviously Landy is a well-educated professor and has research to back up this conclusion, but I would tend to disagree. The results of the first study by Kauffman and Libby ring more true, and are certainly representative of the relationship I have with books. Every book I read, I take something from and I think all passionate readers feel this way. In my humble opinion, if you are not learning, gaining morals or growing as an individual you are not truly enjoying the words on the page.
And it is all very well my trying to convince you of the pleasures you get from reading. But 14 per cent of American's can not read. On top of that people are faced with other emotional and mental challenges like ADD and Asperger's Syndrome. So while I can sit here and preach reading, does not come easily to everyone but it is a vital life skill. I would love for everyone to enjoying reading as much as I do, but even if you don't it is important to be able to read. And while the enjoyment you get from reading can't be taught, try as we may, companies such as Stepping Stone Tutors offer in-home and online tutoring to all ages.
Reading gives you so much, personal growth, morals, characters to look up to. That is why literacy is so important. But not only that, fiction is important and reading for pleasure. You should try it!
Learning to read can be a frustrating and difficult process without the right kind of reading help.
That is why our expert and experienced reading tutors understand the importance of encouragement, patience and theory that help to improve reading skills in an effective way.
http://www.steppingstonetutors.com/reading.php
That is why our expert and experienced reading tutors understand the importance of encouragement, patience and theory that help to improve reading skills in an effective way.
http://www.steppingstonetutors.com/reading.php
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