Homework I: Begin Your Journey With Problem Statements
Have you ever tried to solve a problem but the solution did not work out? What went wrong? Oftentimes, we solve problems through trial and error. This type of approach may be appropriate for simple problems when a bad decision may not have great consequences. However, when problems are complex and you anticipate that the consequences of your decisions may have a significant impact, you must plan your decision carefully. This planning may include considering how you addressed a type of problem in the past or considering multiple approaches.
In the Learning Resources, you explored systematic approaches to problem solving. If you dissected a specific problem that resulted in a dysfunctional solution, could you identify the step or approach that did not work?
This Homework is all about you. So, just what is YOUR problem, and what is keeping you from a solution? The best solutions for problems most often begin with a solid problem statement.
Submit 1 to 2 pages in which you explain a problem that has been troubling you. It might be something in your discipline, neighborhood, or community. It might be a problem in a field that interests you, such as a problem that is keeping you from moving forward in your field. Consider your perspective of the problem and whether others would have the same or a different perspective.
Refer to steps in the Problem-Solving Guidance Handout (see the Learning Resources) as you address the following in your paper:
1) Formulate a problem statement.
2) Describe your own perspective of the problem. Then, describe the problem from at least one perspective other than your own.
3) Answer the following questions about the problem:
a. Who is affected by the problem?
b. When does the problem happen?
c. Where is the problem happening?
d. Why solve it? Why not?
Homework II: Summary Blog
With the use of technology, individuals can reach beyond the borders of the home, local community, and nation. The emergence of social media, in particular, has transformed the way people communicate.
Through the use of one of the most popular forms of social media-blogging-interactions among individuals can lead not only to an increased access to information (and, at times, misinformation), but also to an exciting exchange of ideas and opinions.
In this course you will create a blog. The goal of this blog is to support the development of an interactive atmosphere and help you get to know your colleagues as individuals and professionals. In addition, through the use of this blog, you may contribute to your understanding of the problem-solving process by disseminating noteworthy information and generating interest in tackling social change issues.
A Note About Blogging: The purpose of the Blog Homeworks is for you and your colleagues to get to know each other as professionals and to enrich each other's collection of ideas, resources, and personal experiences in relation to this course and the program at large. Your blog entries can be less formal than your writing for your coursework. Keep in mind, of course, that anything you publish on the Internet may become public, and be available to prospective employers and collaborators. Use your best judgment when deciding what to share and cite your sources when appropriate.
Summary Blog Post
Create a blog to which you will contribute throughout this course. Refer to the Blog Guidance and Suggestions document for instructions on how to create your blog.
After you have created your blog, create a document with this information:
Blog Links Board, your name, the link to your blog
Post this document in the Doc Sharing area of this course, located in the Course Navigation menu.
Be sure to open your blog for RSS feeds, so that your colleagues and others may subscribe. Sign up for the RSS feeds of your colleagues' blogs as well.
To prepare for your blog post:
In one paragraph, summarize how the Learning Resources in Week 1 extend your understanding of problem solving.
Post this paragraph in your blog. If you have not already done so, post a link to your blog in the Doc Sharing area with this information: Blog Links Board, your name, the link to your blog
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
i) The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
ii) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
iii) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.