Transformational Learning Essay - 1027 Words

Transformational Learning Transformational learning is a philosophy of change. It identifies people why change is necessary, what benefits will be accrued by changing, how to change, and most importantly, how to incorporate and embrace change in education. The study of transformational learning emerged with the work of Jack Mezirow (1981, 1994, 1997). Transformational learning is defined as learning that induces more far-reaching change in the learner than other kinds of learning, especially learning experiences which shape the learner and produce a significant impact, or paradigm shift, which affects the learners subsequent experiences (Clark, 1993). Numerous authors have published papers on various aspects of†¦show more content†¦Meaning perspectives naturally change and evolve in response to life experiences, especially those which induce powerful emotional responses in the individual. Often these life-changing events are personal crises such as divorce, death of a loved one, natural or man-made disasters and accidents, health crisis, financial upheaval, or unexpected job changes. It is these meaning perspectives which Mezirow saw as the raw material of the changes that occur in transformational learning. Mezirow (1997) further states that we do not make transformative changes in the way we learn as long as the new material fits comfortably in our existing frames of reference. Three common themes characterized Mezirows theory of the mechanism of transformational learning in the classroom. These were experience, critical reflection, and rational discourse. The students life experiences provided a starting point for transformational learning (Mezirow, 1991). Mezirow considered critical reflection to be the distinguishing characteristic of adult learning, and saw it as the vehicle by which one questions the validity of his world-view. He identified rational discourse as a catalyst for transformation, as it induced the various participants to explore the depth and meaning of th eir various world-views, and articulate those ideas to their instructor and class mates. Mezirow (1997) emphasizes that transformative learning is rooted in the way human beings communicate, and does not link itShow MoreRelatedTransformative Learning : Transformational Learning1585 Words   |  7 PagesJoseph Cardello May 13, 2015 Learning paper Draft Dr. Franklin Tuner Kean University Transformative learning overview Thinking is something we all do on a regular basis. The process of using our minds to create ideas make all of our decisions or to remember our earlier experiences. Our minds are complicated structures that we have yet to understand. One man has a theory of learning as an adult and his name is Jack Mezirow. Mezirow was concerned in adulthood learning and began to interpret hisRead MoreLearning Theory : Transformational Learning916 Words   |  4 Pages(1991) describes Transformational Learning as â€Å"an attempt to redress an apparent oversight in adult learning theory that has resulted from a failure to recognize the central roles played by an individual’s acquired frame of reference, through which meaning is construed and all learning takes place, and by the transformations of these habits of during the learning process† (p. 4). In correlation to leadership, based upon experience and acquired knowledge, transformative learning is part a systemRead MoreTransformat ional Learning Within The Student Athlete2596 Words   |  11 PagesRecent studies have demonstrated the powerful impact of transformational learning on feelings of cynicism among college students (Duarte, 2010). Transformational learning within the student-athlete population has not been empirically studied, although the potential benefits are enormous as student-athletes have been found to experience feelings of cynicism throughout their collegiate careers, despite initial feelings of optimism (Adler Adler, 1985). The commercialized nature of intercollegiateRead MoreTransformational Learning Theory of Adult Education Essay1837 Words   |  8 PagesTransformational Learning Theory of Adult Education Introduction Transformational learning is a relatively new and thoroughly modern yet evolving learning theory, with timeless implications for the educator. Developed initially by Jack Mezirow, it is a theory that involves, at its core, a shift in beliefs, deep self reflection and a discourse of that reflection. This constructivist-based process of making sense of the world is in stark contrast to simply acquiring knowledge. Most assume that TransformationalRead MoreTransformational Learning : Transformative Learning1835 Words   |  8 PagesTransformative Learning Following the ONE Decision seminar, a transformative learning shift resonated with me. Jack Mezirow, professor and leading Transformative Learning thinker describes, â€Å"Transformative learning refers to the process by which we transform our taken-for-granted frames of reference (meaning perspectives, habits of mind, mind-sets) to make them more inclusive, discriminating, open, emotionally capable of change, and reflective so that they may generate beliefs and opinions thatRead MoreFour Stages of the Transformational Learning Process959 Words   |  4 PagesTransformational Change Describe the four stages of the transformational learning process, using the textbook as a source. The text provides a pragmatic, practical definition of the four stages of the transformational learning process, including how this process can be iteratively used to create long-term change both in a persons life and in organizations. Each of the four stages when linked together form an ecosystem that continually delivers insights into how an individual and organizationRead MoreEssay about Transformational Leadership in School Learning Environments1660 Words   |  7 Pagescollective participants are encouraged to learn regardless of mistakes and measurement is achieved across both financial and non-financial measures (Hitt 1995, p.18). This is what Hitt (1995) refers to as a learning organisation; one that embraces changes and creates achievement from their planned learning and cooperative approach (du Plessis, du Plessis Millett 1999). Schools had previously looked at change as individual at the classroom level, but now the changes are at the school or organisationalRead MoreMy Use of Transformational Learning: Going Back to School Essays473 Words   |  2 PagesTransformational Learning consist of four stages which are, â€Å"recognizing a significant problem; confronting it intensely; finding a solution; and integrating a new prospective† (R-Model, 2010, p.115). When making any major life transition you will probably use transformational learning. You will first recognize that there is a problem or that there is something in your life that you would like to change. Second, you will need to confront the problem. You will need to do so with great intensityRead MoreLeadership Theories: Learning About Transformational Leadership and Authentic Leadership1470 Words   |  6 Pages However, using the Leadership Trait Questionnaire (LTQ) during the hiring/promotion process could help identify personnel who c urrently have those traits. I fully believe that leadership traits can be developed over time through experience and learning. With the complexities and advance nature of the human brain, it is how people are developed through life that makes them into effective leaders; it is nurture, not nature. However, most organizations are looking to hire leaders who have alreadyRead MoreThe Transformative Learning Project At A New York City Community College1084 Words   |  5 PagesIn Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, college students participate in a service learning project to earn college credits at a New York City community college. During this international service learning opportunity, students perform service work and conduct research to examine and address health and social problems in resource-poor communities. Students design and implement health education skits and workshops, conduct health assessments in local neighborhoods, and work at the local hospital. Program requirements

An Analysis of Harriet Byrd From The Natural Essay example

In movies there is always a villain or bad guy to ruin someone’s life or career. The only reason why they go after that person is because of jealously, money, or hatred. It is not always easy for villains or temptresses to get their targets, so they have to come up with clever ideas to lure their victims in. In the movie The Natural Harriet Byrd’s killing spree started off as jealously towards people who are very experienced in what they do and only want fame and fortune from it. When Harriet sees how much potential Roy Hobbs has in playing baseball, she then tries figures out what he wants from his extraordinary talent making him her next victim due to his answer. Evidence that exemplifies Harriet as the seducer is when she first†¦show more content†¦Some characteristics that prove Harriet as a dark person is when she is always in dimmed to dark lighting, and never showing all of her face. Harriet’s whole persona is edgy and unusual, so for a first impression she should make you quite aware what kind of person she is and leave you with your guard up. Another scene that shows Harriet’s seductive ways is when she and Roy are talking in the dining car on the train. Harriet first approaches him late one night when she sees Roy sitting alone, and the train is going through a dark tunnel which causes the car to become dark with dim flickering lights. She then invites herself to joining him at his table, and starts asking questions focused on him. One question that Harriet asked was â€Å"what do you want from being a baseball player† and when Roy replied â€Å"to be the best there ever was and will be† she was not satisfied with his answer and asked confused â€Å"is that it?† finally trying to settle with his answer. From that point on we start to realize how Harriet is having mixed feelings with Roy when they are about to kiss, but a second later when there lips are about to touch she disappears into the dark. An example that gives an even deeper look into Harriet’s archetypal character is when Roy is finally at his hotel. A mysterious thing Harriet did was when she called Roy’s room and then told him to come up to her room. But since Roy didn’t see anything wrong with that at the time he went on up to her room without a second

Legal Process for Prohibited Groups Act-myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about theLegal Process for Prohibited Groups Act. Answer: Issue According to the case study the issue has been arises whether Wendy, Travis and Linda has committed any offence under the Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act 2017 or not? Rules As per the case study Linda, Travis and Wendy want to take initial steps against meat industry and cruelty towards the animals. The Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Bill has been passed recently in 2017 which has been formed by the Commonwealth government for dealing with threat of terrorism under some specific legislation[1]. Therefore the government has added that Australian society has been threatened and under the fear of terrorism. Therefore this bill helps to apply the strong legal sanctions against any kind of violence or Anti Social activities or the groups who try to pursue their goals through the violent activities towards the citizenship of Australia. The legislation has been formed with serious penalties where it affect the Australian citizen for attacking on create any violence towards them. The application of this Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Bill 2017 will help to prevent such attacks on the Australian people and the government also[2]. It also helps to keep th e Australian people safe and stop extremist violence towards the citizens by the terrorist. The act has been also mention to help the Australian people from every injury, death or harm by the prohibited groups who are involved in the threatening or any violence towards them[3]. The section 3 of the Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act 2017 has been stated the commission of a terrorist act where it has legislated that any person who is a member of a prohibited group or whilst to be a member of under the prohibited group and if he has involves with any terrorist act and found guilty of any such violence offences then he will be charged of guilty under the section. The Australian government has set up to 10 years of imprisonment for the guilty of the offence of any violence activities towards the Australian citizens. The Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act 2017 has stated the supply of terrorist group in the Section 4 in this act. This section has described that any person who will be found to supply any weapons or dangerous goods to any member of a terrorist group will found guilty of an offence under this section. It will also define the threats towards the Australian people for committing and terrorist act. If any person found guilty of any offences under Section 4 then the court may provide penalty of $10,000 or up to 1 year of imprisonment[4]. The Section 5 of Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act Bill has legislates the act of promoting terrorist activities. It defines that if any person found to form, join and distribute any information on behalf of or promotes the activities of a group of terrorist then he will found guilty of an offence under the Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act 2017[5]. Therefore there is no right of any terrorist activated group not to involve any person or provoked to enter in such terrorist activities and must not distribute any information which explain any violence activities towards the Australian citizens. Then it will be treated as an offence under section 5 of Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act 2017. If any person has found guilty of the offence of promoting terrorist activities under Section 5 of Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act 2017 then the court may order for penalties of up to 18 months of imprisonment of that offender who has committed that effects of promoting terroris t activities[6]. Application The fact of the case study is Wendy and Travis has decided to be a vegan after watching a gruesome documentary about the meat industry and became emotional for the cruelty on the animals in the meat industry[7]. They decided to protest and take actions against such cruelty on the animals and tried to record the sound of animals in a local abattoir. Every day they watched the arrival of the trucks which carries animals for the meat and animal products. After some days they again decided to take some initiative steps towards the protest against the cruelty to the animals[8]. Therefore they send messages to their friends from social media but only one person Linda has make the responses to them in their plan. After that they made a plan where they used some bolt cutters for cutting a hole into the wire fence and used an oxyacetylene welder to burn the lock off the front door and then set up a camera inside it for watching what happens with the animals of the meat industry inside the loc al abattoir[9]. The details they have found which has been also live streamed through a channel which showed an extreme instances of cruelty towards the animals which are using for the meat and anima products make the media outrage and criminal charges against the owner. However, the Federal police has go through the case and decided to charge Wendy under section 3 and 5, Travis has been charged under section of 5 and Linda has been charged under section of 4 and 5 according to the Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act 2017[10]. Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act or Bill has been introduced under the Commonwealth Government for providing the safety from any terrorism activities or any harm or any injuries to the Australian Citizen[11]. Here according to the case facts Wendy has been charged under the Section 3 and 5 under the Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act where section 3 defines the commission of a terrorist act where it has legislated that any person who is a member of a prohibited group or whilst to be a member of under the prohibited group and if he has found the involvements with any terrorist act and found guilty of any such violence offences then he will be charged of guilty under the section[12]. The Australian government has set up to 10 years of imprisonment for the guilty of the offence of any violence activities towards the Australian citizens. The section 5 defines if any person has found guilty of the offence of promoting terrorist activities under Section 5 of prohibited groups and terrorism act 2017 then the court may order for penalties of up to 18 months of imprisonment of that offender who has committed that effects of promoting terrorist activities. It also defines that if any person fou nd to form join and distribute any information on behalf of or promos the activities of a group of terrorist then he will found guilty of an offence under the prohibited groups anti-terrorism act 2017[13]. Wendy has been charged with section 3 of Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act because she has carried the whole plan of the live streaming of video in the local abattoir where it has involved with the cruelty with the animals. She has made an offence. The section 5 has been charged due to the promoting of such activities in the social media where it promotes the violence activities and distribution of the information[14]. Travis has been charged with the offences under the section 5 of Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act which has defined the act of promoting terrorist activities. It defines that if any person found to form join and distribute any information on behalf of or promotes the activities of a group of terrorist then he will found guilty of an offence under the prohibited groups anti-terrorism act 2017. [15]Therefore there is no right of any terrorist activated group not to involve any person or provoked to enter in such terrorist activities and must not distribute any information which explain any violence activities towards the Australian citizens then it will be treated as an offence under section 5 of prohibited groups anti-terrorism act 2017. If any person has found guilty of the offence of promoting terrorist activities under Section 5 of prohibited groups and terrorism act 2017 when the court can give order for penalties of up to 18 months of imprisonment of that offender who has c ommitted that effects of promoting terrorist activities. Travis has been charged with the section 5 of the Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act because he has found to inform his social Medias friends their protest against the cruelty towards the animals which are uses in the meat and animal products. He also found to involvements in the live streaming videos about the cruelty of animals[16]. Linda has been charged under the Section 4 and 5 under the Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act where section 4 has legislates the supply of terrorist group in this act. This section has described that any person who will be found to supply any weapons or dangerous goods to any member of a terrorist go will found guilty of an offence under this section. It will also define the threats towards the Australian people for committing and terrorist act. If any person found guilty of any offences under Section 4 then the court may provide penalty of $10,000 or up to 1 year of imprisonment[17]. Linda has been charged with the section 4 Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act as she worked at a hardware store and so she bought the bolt cutters and the welder and gave them to Wendy on the night. Therefore according to the legislation she has found to supply weapons or dangerous goods to Wendy for application their protest plans against the cruelty towards the animals[18]. She has been also charged with the section 5 of the Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act because she also found to involvements in the live streaming videos about the cruelty of animals which has been occur in a local abattoir where animals are suffering from extreme cruelty as because they are using in the meat and animal products[19]. The section 5 of Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act has describe the the act of promoting terrorist activities. It defines that if any person found to form join and distribute any information on behalf of or promos the activities of a group of terrorist then he will found guilty of an offence under the prohibited groups anti-terrorism act 2017. Therefore there is no right of any terrorist activated group not to involve any person or provoked to enter in such terrorist activities and must not distribute any information which explain any violence activities towards the Australian citizens then it will be treated as an offence under section 5 of prohibited groups anti-terrorism act 2017. If any person has found guilty of the offence of promoting terrorist activities under Section 5 of prohibited groups and terrorism act 2017 then the court may order for penalties of up to 18 months of imprisonment of that offender who has committed that effects of promoting terrorist activities[20]. Therefore according to the facts of the case all of them Wendy, Travis and Linda have felt very strongly that it is morally wrong for people to eat meat and animal products but as per the Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act they did all the activities illegally which brought them legal notices for the offences. They could use the facts and reasons for their activities as a defense where they can state that they did the acts for the morality and they do not have any intention to create any harm or injury to any person. The act of good faith may reduce their penalties for those offences which has been they did under the Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act[21]. Conclusion As per the case facts for the involvement with several illegal activities under the Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act the section 3 has provided the penalties up to 10 years of imprisonment, section 4 legislates the $10000 fine or up to 1 year imprisonment and section 5 legislates the imprisonment up to 18 months for the offenders. If Wendy, Travis and Linda has found guilty with the offences under the section 3,4 and 5 of the Prohibited Groups (Anti-Terrorism) Act they could be fined with penalties or have imprisonments for their offences of terrorism activities to the local abattoir where it runs a business of meat and animal products[22]. Reference Ananian-Welsh, Rebecca, and George Williams. "The new terrorists: The normalisation and spread of anti-terror laws in Australia." Melb. UL Rev. 38 (2014): 362. Awan, Imran, and Brian Blakemore, eds. Extremism, Counter-terrorism and Policing. Routledge, 2016. Beckman, James. Comparative legal approaches to homeland security and anti-terrorism. Routledge, 2016. Hosen, Nadirsyah. "Law, religion and security." Routledge Handbook of Law and Religion (2015): 337. Lynch, Andrew, Nicola McGarrity, and George Williams. Inside Australia's anti-terrorism laws and trials. NewSouth, 2015. Sarre, Rick. "Metadata Retention as a Means of Combatting Terrorism and Organised Crime: A Perspective from Australia." Asian Journal of Criminology 12.3 (2017): 167-179. Saul, Ben. "Minorities and Counter-Terrorism Law." (2017). Williams, George. "Anti-terrorism laws and human rights." Rev. Const. Stud. 19 (2014): 127.

Leadership Bob Shallenberger and John Cavanagh

Bob and John are exercising leadership in various ways. First of all, they have a vision for their organisation and they have exchanged this purpose with their people. Employees are aware that the company wants to be recognised as the top green builder in the country so they will contribute towards this shared vision.Advertising We will write a custom coursework sample on Leadership: Bob Shallenberger and John Cavanagh specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Also, leadership can be seen through the fact that Shallenberger and Cavanagh have energized their people. They are passionate about their business and have passed on this energy to others in the organisation. This is an action that all leaders have to engage in. Furthermore, leadership has been exercised through the act of working with people well to produce remarkable results at the end. It appears as though they are actually partnering with their employees rather than merely givin g them orders on what to do or how to go about it (Dubrin, 2010). As they attract cool people to work with them, these two entrepreneurs are exercising the role of persuasion. In other words, they have managed to illustrate to the applicants that the company has the potential to provide them with the most conducive workplace environment. It seems as though the would-be employees have seen the supportive environment that they are likely to find here than elsewhere. Also, the leadership role of guiding could be another important factor. If already existing employees are treated with mutual respect rather than being ordered around then they are likely to stick to the company and maybe even spread the word that the firm is a great place to work. This would cause even more cool people to be attracted to it because they would be rest assured that there are going to find what they are really looking for (Dubrin, 2010). Cool people are likely to be keep working for Highland Homes because th e owners are passionate about what they do. Instead of merely taking a businesslike and boring approach to everything, Shallenberger and Cavanagh believe in doing everything passionately. This inclination is going to rub off on everyone else as the latter will not just be thinking of their workplaces as just any other job.Advertising Looking for coursework on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Additionally, these two business owners have used very creative ways of handling business. For instance, they have the stereo, CD player etc that are typical in all their homes. Cool people are likely to want to work for people who continuously look for creative ways of doing business. Also, as opposed to being highly bossy, the employees of Highland Homes are going to stay on because they will find that their employers are very inspiring. They will be motivated to keep reaching their potential and this will definitely keep them there (Dubrin, 2010). In order to be the top green residential builder in the US, Shallenberger and Cavanagh may need to cultivate great interpersonal skills within themselves so as to maintain a close association with the team working for them. This will cause them to possess joint accountability and decision making ability. A case in point was Roadway management which spread leadership to lower levels. This ensured that everyone played a part in the success of the firm and eventually contributed towards the realisation of huge profits. Essentially, what this implies is that once responsibilities are shared then the likelihood of attaining common goals is going to increase. They must motivate their people to want to work harder so that Highland Homes can outsmart or outdo their competitors. People who are driven by passion rather than rules are likely to put in more and their results would speak for themselves (Dubrin, 2010). Reference Dubrin, A. J. (2010). Leadership: Re search Findings, Practice, Skills (6th ed.). Rochester Institute of Technology This coursework on Leadership: Bob Shallenberger and John Cavanagh was written and submitted by user Ahmad Mann to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Peace And Love

Some people believe Humanity can have Utopia now. They believe Humanity has everything necessary for a Utopia, and that humans just have to better utilize what they have now and enjoy the same. The World Game Institute has prepared the most comprehensive statement of this position and posted the same at worldgame.org/wwwproject/index.shtml. The Institute has identified various programs and policies that could provide for food, water, shelter, health care, energy and education for every person in the world, while eliminating all major environmental problems. Without a solution, more than 800 million people will remain malnourished, large segments of the population will continue to suffer from preventable diseases, and over 40 million people will die each year from starvation or preventable diseases. Additionally, plant and animal extinction, deforestation, soil erosion, ozone depletion, and other major environmental problems will continue. The combined total cost of implementing corre ctive programs is 30% of the world's total annual military expenditures, or 234 billion dollars. Society's bystanding at this mass human slaughter because of improper use of available resources constitutes complicity in murder. If one is not convinced of the imperative need to solve such problems for humanitarian reasons, then it should be noted that the resulting benefits of an overall enhanced quality of life, increased global productivity, and environmental preservation, clearly exceed the costs of these programs. Being in tune with ourselves and nature, and wisely using our current resources is an excellent start for having a better world. Life is full of wonder and beauty and should be cherished and enjoyed by everyone. However, Humanity can, and should, do better, such as finding cures for all disease.... Free Essays on Peace And Love Free Essays on Peace And Love Some people believe Humanity can have Utopia now. They believe Humanity has everything necessary for a Utopia, and that humans just have to better utilize what they have now and enjoy the same. The World Game Institute has prepared the most comprehensive statement of this position and posted the same at worldgame.org/wwwproject/index.shtml. The Institute has identified various programs and policies that could provide for food, water, shelter, health care, energy and education for every person in the world, while eliminating all major environmental problems. Without a solution, more than 800 million people will remain malnourished, large segments of the population will continue to suffer from preventable diseases, and over 40 million people will die each year from starvation or preventable diseases. Additionally, plant and animal extinction, deforestation, soil erosion, ozone depletion, and other major environmental problems will continue. The combined total cost of implementing corre ctive programs is 30% of the world's total annual military expenditures, or 234 billion dollars. Society's bystanding at this mass human slaughter because of improper use of available resources constitutes complicity in murder. If one is not convinced of the imperative need to solve such problems for humanitarian reasons, then it should be noted that the resulting benefits of an overall enhanced quality of life, increased global productivity, and environmental preservation, clearly exceed the costs of these programs. Being in tune with ourselves and nature, and wisely using our current resources is an excellent start for having a better world. Life is full of wonder and beauty and should be cherished and enjoyed by everyone. However, Humanity can, and should, do better, such as finding cures for all disease....

The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster

The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster At 11:38 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger launched from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida. As the world watched on TV, the Challenger soared into the sky and then, shockingly, exploded just 73 seconds after take-off. All seven members of the crew, including social studies teacher Sharon Christa McAuliffe, died in the disaster. An investigation of the accident discovered that the O-rings of the right solid rocket booster had malfunctioned. Crew of the Challenger Christa McAuliffe (Teacher in Space)Dick Scobee (Commander)Mike Smith (Pilot)Ron McNair (Mission Specialist)Judy Resnik (Mission Specialist)Ellison Onizuka (Mission Specialist)Gregory Jarvis (Payload Specialist) Should the Challenger Have Launched? Around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 1986, in Florida, the seven crew members of the Space Shuttle Challenger were already strapped into their seats. Though they were ready to go, NASA officials were busy deciding whether it was safe enough to launch that day. It had been extremely cold the night before, causing icicles to form under the launch pad. By morning, temperatures were still only 32 ° F. If the shuttle launched that day, it would the coldest day of any shuttle launch. Safety was a huge concern, but NASA officials were also under pressure to get the shuttle into orbit quickly. Weather and malfunctions had already caused many postponements from the original launch date, January 22. If the shuttle didnt launch by February 1, some of the science experiments and business arrangements regarding the satellite would be jeopardized. Plus, millions of people, especially students across the U.S., were waiting and watching for this particular mission to launch. A Teacher on Board Among the crew on board the Challenger that morning was Sharon Christa McAuliffe. McAuliffe, a social studies teacher at Concord High School in New Hampshire, had been chosen from 11,000 applicants to participate in the Teacher in Space Project. President Ronald Reagan created this project in August 1984 in an effort to increase public interest in the U.S. space program. The teacher chosen would become the first private citizen in space. A teacher, a wife, and a mother of two, McAuliffe represented the average, good-natured citizen. She became the face of NASA for nearly a year before the launch, and the public adored her. The Launch A little after 11:00 a.m. on that cold morning, NASA told the crew that launch was a go. At 11:38 a.m., the Space Shuttle Challenger launched from Pad 39-B at the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida. At first, everything seemed to go well. However, 73 seconds after lift-off, Mission Control heard Pilot Mike Smith say, Uh oh! Then people at Mission Control, observers on the ground, and millions of children and adults across the nation watched as the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded. The nation was shocked. To this day, many remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard that the Challenger had exploded. It remains a defining moment in the 20th century. Search and Recovery An hour after the explosion, search and recovery planes and ships searched for survivors and wreckage. Though some pieces of the shuttle floated on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, much of it had sunken to the bottom. No survivors were found.  On January 31, 1986, three days after the disaster, a memorial service was held for the fallen heroes. What Went Wrong? Everyone wanted to know what had gone wrong. On February 3, 1986, President Reagan established the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident. Former Secretary of State William Rogers chaired the commission, whose members included Sally Ride, Neil Armstrong, and Chuck Yeager. The Rogers Commission carefully studied pictures, video, and debris from the accident. The Commission determined that the accident was caused by a failure in the O-rings of the right solid rocket booster. O-rings sealed the pieces of the rocket booster together. From multiple uses and especially because of the extreme cold on that day, an O-ring on the right rocket booster had become brittle. Once launched, the weak O-ring allowed fire to escape from the rocket booster. The fire melted a support beam that held the booster in place. The booster, then mobile, hit the fuel tank, causing the explosion. Upon further research, it was determined that there had been multiple, unheeded warnings about the potential problems with the O-rings. The Crew Cabin On March 8, 1986, just over five weeks after the explosion, a search team found the crew cabin; it had not been destroyed in the explosion. The bodies of all seven crew members were found, still strapped into their seats. Autopsies were done but exact cause of death was inconclusive. It is believed that at least some of the crew survived the explosion, since three of four emergency air packs found had been deployed. After the explosion, the crew cabin fell over 50,000 feet and hit the water at approximately 200 miles per hour. No one could have survived the impact.

Usability Tests and Heuristic Evaluations in Assessing Prototypes of Essay

Usability Tests and Heuristic Evaluations in Assessing Prototypes of Interface Designs - Essay Example Effectiveness is described as the degree of consistency that a product will behave as expected. It is also the measure the degree of ease users experience in using the product. Learnability refers to the ability of the user to operate the system with a definite degree of competence after a certain amount of training. It also refers to likelihood that users who have not used the system for a period of time will be able to relearn how to operate it. Satisfaction includes a user’s feelings, perceptions, and opinion about the system. Information is usually collected through written and oral means (Rubin & Chisnell 2008). Finally, accessibility involves the capability of the system to allow persons with disabilities to perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with it. In performing usability tests, two basic principles should always be remembered: (1) a designer’s perception on the system design is different from the target audience; and (2) it is better to conduct multi ple tests with a few users rather than running a single test with a large number of users. Usability tests usually involve either getting an audience evaluation of the system or having a usability design expert perform a heuristic evaluation of the program. One drawback of heuristic evaluation is that the expert reviewer may not share the same perception as the target users or may identify errors that target users do not consider as problems. In contrast, an audience evaluation of the system is a credible representation of a real-world user’s needs and perceptions of the system... of determining the ideal number of users to comprise a usability test group, the following guidelines are recommended: (1) too few users yield inferior results since the users may not be able to identify most of the problems; and (2) too many users would increase the chance that most users would identify the same problem and reduces the chances that the users will be able to identify less obvious errors (Silver 2005). There are four types of usability tests which a developer may choose from depending on the situation: (1) exploratory; (2) assessment; (3) evaluation; and (4) comparison. Exploratory testing is usually performed in the early part of the design stage. It has to primary objectives. First, to verify of the functions selected to be used in the system are useful and appropriate for the user. Second, to determine the degree as to which the system design matches the user’s mental model of the system. A mental model is described as a user’s assumptions and expecta tions regarding how certain tasks are accomplished (Silver, 2005). One important feature of an exploratory test is the high degree of freedom a developer can attain in developing early designs of the system. By using tools such as paper screens and system prototypes with limited functionalities, the developer can collect important information and feedback from the users. This allows the developer to determine if the initial design matches user perception of the system. In addition, exploratory tests enable developers to detect serious flaws in the design before a mode concrete plan of the system is created (Rubin & Chisnell, 2008). In an exploratory test, a moderator may provide the user with screenshots of the system and ask if all the types of information or functions that the user expected to be