Grand Canyon – UNV 104 All Week Assignments

UNV 104 Grand Canyon All Week Assignments UNV104  

UNV 104 Grand Canyon Week 1 Assignment 1

Class Wall Biography

Details:

Getting to know other students in your class is important in creating the online community at GCU. The Class Wall is a place for students to network and get to know one another. Your first post to the Class Wall will be a short biography to introduce yourself to your fellow students.

Access the “Sample Bio” and “Biography Outline” documents and use them as resources to help you organize some facts about yourself. Use your completed outline to write a biography formatted in a similar fashion as the sample biography.

Once other students have posted their bios, go back to the Class Wall and read them, and also your instructor’s bio.

UNV 104 Grand Canyon Week 1 Assignment 2

Expository Essay: Pre-Writing Worksheet

Details:

Before you begin any writing assignment, it is often necessary to complete several “pre-writing” activities. This worksheet will assist you with several of the pre-writing activities necessary for completing your expository essay including selecting a topic, developing a thesis statement, and identifying the audience for you essay. Follow the instructions to complete these pre-writing activities.

1. Choose a Topic

Here is a list of possible essay topics to use for your expository essay.

Please choose only one topic. You will indicate the topic you have chosen within the table below.

· Video games AND violence

· Internet AND workplace

· Exercise AND obesity

· Academic achievement AND library

2. Read the Module 1 lecture and review “The Writing Process” media piece.

Be sure to read your Module 1 lecture and review the “The Writing Process” media piece for instructions on how to develop a thesis statement and how to identify your audience. You will need to know how to do this in order to complete the table below and successfully begin your writing process.

“The Writing Process”

Ø “Menu”

ü “Who is the audience?”

ü “How should I brainstorm?” (Because you are required to choose your topic from the list above, not all brainstorming examples will be pertinent to this assignment. When reviewing the “Brainstorming Examples”, “Break down Topic” may be a good one to start with. However, be sure to review them all to determine which works best for you.)

ü “How do I develop a thesis?”

ü “How do I organize my brainstorm into an online?” (You will complete this in Module 4)

3. Complete the following table as demonstrated in the “Example Student Response” below. Submit this completed worksheet to the Expository Essay: Pre-Writing Worksheet drop box by the end of Day 7 of Module 1.

UNV 104 Grand Canyon Week 2 Assignment

Expository Essay: Pre-Writing Worksheet

Details:

GCU Fleming Library Scavenger Hunt and Gathering Resources Worksheet

Overview: The GCU Fleming Library will be a vital resource for you during your academic career. The Library contains a wealth of resources that will help you find, research, and broaden your understanding on any given topic. Learning to correctly use resources to support your writing is an essential component of your academic success.

Directions: Each step of this assignment will ask you to navigate and explore different components of the GCU Fleming Library. There are seven steps, each containing a question. Record your answers to the questions in the appropriate sections.

Before starting this Scavenger Hunt, review the short walk-through tutorial on the GCU Fleming Library. This tutorial consists of five short segments:

http://tutorials.gcumedia.com/libraryWalkThrough/vp02.swf

If you have time, you can also attend the GCU Library Introduction Webinar. Sign up on this page: http://www.gcu.edu/Student-Life/Library/Webinar-Sign-Up.php

Step 1: How to Access the Library

There are a number of ways to access the library’s website. Use one of these to reach the Library Research & Resources page:

1. Go directly to the GCU Library Research & Resources page by typing http://www.gcu.edu/Student-Life/Library.php into your Internet browser and clicking “Enter”.

2. Under the “Access Library Resources” section on the right, select the “Library Research and Resources Page”.

Question 1: List three ways you can contact the library for assistance, as listed on the Library Research &Resources page.

Step 2: How to Find Books

Books have increasingly become available electronically. Unfortunately, these are rarely free, unless they are in the public domain. Most public domain books are quite old, so if you wish to find more current books, the best place to go is the library website. Because you have access to the GCU Fleming Library, you have access to over 100,000 books—free.

Note: The library also lists the physical books available on the Phoenix campus. You can remove those from your search for your convenience. See below for instructions.

1. On the Library Research & Resources page, click the link that says: “Find Books and More”.

2. In the search box type: “study skills” and click the Search button.

3. Under “Form of Item” in the column on the left, click “Electronic”.

4. To access an electronic book of your choice, under the listing of the book, click the link below the word “Online,” or if that is not available, click the title of the book, and click the link that says “View E-resource” in the box below the title information.

Question 2: Write the Title, Author, and Publisher of the 3rd book in the list of results you retrieved.

Step 3: Library Databases

The vast majority of resources available are in the library’s databases. These are collections of articles that you can access using various search platforms. Resources available include magazines, newspapers, reports, journal articles, encyclopedias, and streaming videos. The easiest way to find articles on your topic is to search in a database that specializes in your subject area. This allows you to search for more relevant information without having to sort through masses of sources not related to your topic.

1. On the Library Research & Resources page, click the link that says: “Find Journal Articles.”

2. Choose a Subject in the list located under “Find Databases by Subject.” (Hint: Choose one related to your degree program.)

3. Scroll down to see all of the databases relevant to this subject. Those in the first section under “Recommended” are the top databases in that area.

Question 3: State what subject you chose and list the first three databases in this subject area:

Step 4: Narrowing Your Search for Articles

For this section, you will be working in a database called “Academic Search Complete.” ASCis a multidisciplinary database containing a variety of topics and types of resources including magazines, newspapers, and scholarly journals and publications. There will be times when it may seem easier to use magazines and newspapers, but in general, focusing on scholarly sources (mostly located in peer-reviewed journal articles) will bring a stronger academic quality to your research. Follow the instructions below to access and begin searching in Academic Search Complete.

1. On the Library Research & Resources page, click the link “Find Journal Articles.”

2. In the box to the right titled “Don’t Know Where to Start.” click on “Academic Search Complete.”

3. Sign in if prompted, using your GCU login and password.

4. On the Search page, scroll down to the “Limit Your Results “section.

5. Check the box beside “Scholarly” (Peer Reviewed) journals and make sure “Full Text” is checked as well.

Question 4: Explain why checking the boxes beside “Full Text” and “Scholarly” (Peer Reviewed) journals are important. When might you not check the box beside “Scholarly “journals?

Step 5: Finding Journal Articles

The key to successful searching is using keywords appropriately. Combining terms and thinking of alternative words (such as synonyms) will help you find better and more relevant articles.

A quick note about databases: EBSCO is the name of the company that provides this database, the actual name of the database is “Academic Search Complete.” You may see other databases similar to this one provided by EBSCO as well, but the most important factor is what collection you are in, as each collection contains different kinds of articles and resources.

1. On the page you ended at in Step 4, scroll to the top. (Make sure the Peer Reviewed and Full Text boxes are still checked.) In the first search box to the right of the EBSCO Host circle, type the words “classroom management.”

2. In the second box down, to the right of the word “and”, type the words “learning disabilities.”

3. Click the Search button located to the right of the search boxes.

4. Scroll down to see the articles retrieved by the database.

Question 5: Provide the title of the third journal article that is listed in the results.

Step 6: Article Details

In addition to the actual full text of the article, the databases will provide valuable information about an article. You will see things such as authors, source, subject terms, and abstract. The abstract is a brief summary of the article you found.

1. Click on the title of the third article you found in Step 5.

2. Scroll down this page and find the Article Abstract.

Question 6: Copy and paste the abstract below. Explain how an abstract is valuable to your research process and how it will save you time.

Step 7: Permanent and Persistent Links

Databases are designed as powerful searching tools; unfortunately, this means the website link located at the top of any page in a database is temporary and is based on your search at the time. Should you try to save that link as a bookmark or copy and paste it to use at a later time, it will not work. However, the databases have links that are tied directly to the articles you find. Follow the steps below to find the permalink (persistent, durable link, or document URL)to the article you accessed in Step 5.

1. On the same page where you found the abstract, look to the right for the “Tools” column.

2. Click on the link that says “Permalink.”

3. A box will pop up above the article title with a permanent link.

Question 7: Copy and paste the permalink to the article here:

Step 8: Using Library Databases to Cite Articles

Another important option under the tool bar is the “Cite” button. In academic writing, citing your sources is very important. It will tell your reader that the information that you are using is the property of someone else. It will also show your reader exactly where you found this information and how to access this information again. This is a necessary step in avoiding academic dishonesty issues like plagiarism.

Note: Remember, GCU Style required for your undergraduate coursework is a simplified version of APA.

1. On the same page where you found the abstract look to the right for the “Tools” column.

2. Click on the link that says “Cite”.

3. A box will pop up above the article title with different citation styles.

Question 8: Copy and paste the APA citation below. According to the GCU Style Guide, where should you include this information in your essay?

Gather Resources Worksheet

Complete the Resource Worksheet: Use the skills you learned above to locate a resource to support your essay. The resource or article you find should be about the topic you chose when completing the Module 1 Pre-Writing Worksheet. Then complete the table below (to assist you, an example table has also been provided):

Your Topic Resource Name Resource Type Explain how you accessed your resource Explain how the resource is relevant to your essay topic?

Permalink

Abstract

GCU Style Citation (APA Style)

Example Table

Topic Resource Name Resource Type Explain how you accessed your resource How is the resource relevant to your essay topic?

Adults and Online Learning Journal of Educational Technology & Society Academic Journal Clicked on the link above to the library home page. Selected “Find Journal Articles”. Clicked on “Education” under “Find Databases by Subject”. Selected “Academic Search Complete”. Used keywords “Adults and Online Learning” Describes a study done to determine whether characteristics are different for successful adult online learners and those that dropout.

Permalink http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=44785109&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Abstract The number of adult learners who participate in online learning has rapidly grown in the last two decades due to online learning’s many advantages. In spite of the growth, the high dropout rate in online learning has been of concern to many higher education institutions and organizations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether persistent learners and dropouts are different in individual characteristics (i.e., age, gender, and educational level), external factors (i.e., family and organizational supports), and internal factors (i.e., satisfaction and relevance as sub-dimensions of motivation). Quantitative data were collected from 147 learners who had dropped out of or finished one of the online courses offered from a large Midwestern university. Dropouts and persistent learners showed statistical differences in perceptions of family and organizational support, and satisfaction and relevance. It was also shown that the theoretical framework, which includes family support, organizational support, satisfaction, and relevance in addition to individual characteristics, is able to predict learners’ decision to drop out or persist. Organizational support and relevance were shown to be particularly predictive. The results imply that lower dropout rates can be achieved if online program developers or instructors find ways to enhance the relevance of the course. It also implies that adult learners need to be supported by their organizations in order for them to finish online courses that they register for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GCU Style Citation (APA Style) Park, J., & Hee Jun, C. (2009). Factors Influencing Adult Learners’ Decision to Drop Out or Persist in Online Learning. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 12(4), 207-217.

UNV 104 Grand Canyon Week 3 Assignment

Expository Essay: Outline

Details:

Example Outline

· Topic: Online Learning

· Thesis Statement: Earning a degree online is great for working adults because it is convenient, economical, and allows them to learn with other working adults around the world.

Introduction

Making the decision to learn online can be life changing. There are so many online degree programs available that will help any adult fast-track their career. Earning a degree online is great for working adults because it is convenient, economical, and allows them to learn with other working adults around the world.

1. Supporting Paragraphs

2. Online learning is convenient.

I. Study and learn from home.

Easier to balance work-life obligations.

Online learning is economical.

i.Cost of attending school online is comparable to attending school on campus.

ii.Save gas from traveling to and from campus.

eBooks offered are cheaper than hard-copy textbooks.

Online learning allows you to meet and learn with people from around the world.

i.Increase in learners attending school online internationally.

ii.Increased opportunities for networking across communities, cities, and states. Conclusion

Conclusion

Choosing to earn a degree online can change your life by helping you to advance your career, lessening the stress of work-life balance, saving you money, and allowing you to meet people you otherwise would never meet.

UNV 104 Grand Canyon Week 4 Assignment

Expository Essay: First Draft

Details:

Access and review the “Five-Paragraph Essay” resource. Review the Module 5 readings.

Create the first draft of your five-paragraph expository essay, which should be 500-750 words.

Your essay should include:

1. An introductory paragraph with a thesis statement.

2. Three body or supporting paragraphs.

3. A concluding paragraph.

4. In-text citations and a reference page. (Remember to reference and cite your GCU Library article found in Module 2.)

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

You will receive feedback from your instructor. Use the feedback to revise and improve your essay.

UNV 104 Grand Canyon Week 6 Assignment

Expository Essay: Final Draft

Details:

Revise your expository essay using the feedback received from your instructor on your outline and first draft.

This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

UNV 104 Grand Canyon Week 7 Assignment

Reflection Journal

Details:

Write a 250-300-word journal reflection on what you have learned in this class. Include information about the most essential lessons you have learned and the parts of the course you found most challenging.