A500.9.4.RB_LouBeldotti_CourseReflection

COURSE REFLECTION

Honestly, I did not know what to expect when I started the course this past November.  I was familiar with the on-line model from attending Trident University International (TUI) but that had been over six years ago when I received my MBA.  TUI's model was different due to the fact that all literature was included in the tuition cost and was provided on a CD or an embedded URL.  

The fact that this course was a prerequisite for all of my subsequent courses actually motivated me to jump in feet first.  However, being unfamiliar with Embry-Riddle's model, caused me a a bit of a learning curve that I had to quickly overcome.

The positive aspects of my course experience have been the shared discussions and fellow student engagement, the professor's input and the overall learning experience. 

The negative aspects of my course experience was mostly my unfamiliarity of the format and the many places that have to be navigated to on Canvas.

I probably would have been better served if I had done research before undertaking the course.  As an adult learner, I do not find it necessary for the school or instructor to hold my hand.  However, I do ask for assistance when needed.

What I enjoyed most and what I believe will help me moving forward was the lessons on research.  I do have skills at data mining but was unfamiliar with a format for research.

Thank you for an enjoyable course!

Lou Beldotti

A500.8.3.RB - Good Presentation - LouBeldotti

What makes a good presentation?

Who hasn't fallen asleep during a long winded and boring presentation?  I have logged  many Zzzzzzz's in dark rooms many times.  There was actually times when I looked forward to the dimming of the lights so that I could get a power nap.  Did I take anything away?  Nope.

Seldom did a 47 slide presentation capture my attention.  Most times, I tried to count how many times the presenter said, "um" or "ah" to stay awake.  It became a game.  I would make tick marks on the hotel provided memo pad every time one of these filler "words" were said.  

So, what makes a good or great presentation?  It's simple.  It's one that gets and keeps my attention. It is to the point and does not bore me with a lot of talk, effects and animation.  Give me the bottom line up front (BLUF).

A good presentation should have:

• Simplicity

• Personal stories

• Reduced text

• High quality graphics

• Use of video and audio only when appropriate

• Only use one idea per slide

Probably the most boring presentations is when the presenter reads the slides word for word and does not engage the audience.

Bad presentations have way too much clip art, animation and poor quality graphics and cartoons.  This usually occurs when the presenter uses templates.

Here is an example of a widely used graphic:

Ok...just kidding.

This is really the one that really gets me:


This is probably the one that gets my goat!

Presenters, just keep it simple.  Present the bottom line up front and know your audience.

A500.7.3.RB_LouBeldotti_QuantitativeResearchReflection

Quantitative Research Reflection

Louis Beldotti

Embry-Riddle

MSLD 500 Leadership Found's in Research

A500.7.3.RB

Dr. William A. Reed, Ph.D.

Quantitative Research Reflection

            Quantitative research is contrasted with Quantitative research and is often contrasted with qualitative research, which is the examination, analysis and interpretation of observations for the purpose of discovering underlying meanings and patterns of relationships, including classifications of types of phenomena and entities, in a manner that does not involve mathematical models.  I have used it in marketing when “selling” education to Soldiers, Sailors, airmen and Marines when I worked for Trident University International in 2010 after I retired from the Army.

            Quantitative investigation and research has existed since humans first began to record events or objects that had been counted. 

            Quantitative research using statistical methods start with the collection of data, based on the hypothesis or theory is the best place to start.  I have always been good with the lucky “guess” but it can prove to be unreliable.  Proper data collection based on fact or proving the hypothesis is best.  As I have stated in previous papers and posts, vetting is always the way to go.

A500.6.3.RB_LouBeldotti_QualitativeResearch

Qualitative Research

Louis Beldotti

Embry-Riddle

MSLD 500 Leadership Found's in Research

A500.6.3.RB

Dr. William A. Read, Ph.D.

January 03, 2016

Qualitative Research

According to Wikipedia, qualitative research is a method of inquiry employed in many different academic disciplines, traditionally in the social sciences, but also market research, in business and other contexts including service demonstrations by non-profits. ("Qualitative Research," 2014)

According to the Qualitative Research Consultants Association, qualitative research is designed to reveal a target audience’s range of behavior and the perceptions that drive it with reference to specific topics or issues. ("What Is Qualitative Research?," n.d.)

I use qualitative research when developing lesson plans for my class.  In my current occupation as an Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Instructor, I have to tailor each block of instruction to the level of the individual Cadet’s Leadership Education Training (LET) level.  First year Cadets are LET I, second year Cadets are LET II, third year Cadets are LET III and forth year Cadets are LET IV.  Each LET level requires targeted training based on the individual Cadet’s previous JROTC experiences.

When I retired from the US Army in 2010, I immediately went to work for my Alma Mater, Trident University International (TUI) as a Military Outreach Liaison.  In this occupation, I also used qualitative research in the market research aspect.  My job was to “sell” attendance to TUI to military members in a four state area.  I discovered in my research, that I could reach my target audience through emails and Social Media more effectively than “snail mail” and telephone calls.

References

Qualitative research. (2014). In Wikipedia. Retrieved January 3, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qualitative_research

What is Qualitative Research? (n.d.). Retrieved January 3, 2016, from http://www.qrca.org/?page=whatisqualresearch