Stefanie On The Coast

Why did you choose this online argument for your assignment? I chose this argument because I have a daughter who attends elementary school and I wanted to research how people may feel about the topic of gender identity being taught to children. I know a couple of parents who have discussed this topic among themselves and there are a variety of views. Though this topic may not be relevant now, since my daughter is only in second grade, it will likely come up.    Provide three negative examples and concerns you have with this online argument? Three negative examples and concerns I have with this online argument are how people are quick to call each other names, put each other down, and create assumptions about someone, merely because they do not agree with the other's viewpoint. As seen in the screenshot from the Reddit discussion,  Should elementary school children be taught about gender identity? Why or why not? , after a couple of back-and-forth replies between the ...

The Toulmin Method  was created by Stephen E. Toulmin as a way to construct persuasive communication and is composed of 6 key elements. These elements are... Claims - this helps to clearly state what issue is being addressed. Grounds - this information helps to support the claim. Warrant - this element works to connect the claim with the grounds. Backing - this helps to provide further support with facts. Qualifiers - this helps to acknowledge how there is a possibility the claim can be challenged. Rebuttals - this helps to acknowledge another perspective. Utilizing the Toulmin Method provides easy elements to search for when navigating through information online. Today, anyone has the ability to post information online, and many people are not aware of the importance of checking the legitimacy of this information. Providing in-depth information and reputable resources helps to create well-constructed persuasive communication. However, relying solely on the Toulmin Method can prese...

Matt Abrahams is a lecturer of Strategic Communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business, and host of the podcast,  Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques . In the podcast episode "A Few of Matt's Favorite Things: 10 Communication Takeaways from 2023's TFTS Episodes, he discusses communication tips that can be incorporated into anyone's professional and personal lives. These takeaways are: Verbs to nouns (be persuasive). Be interested, not interesting (reduce pressure by asking questions). Talk like a human (do not use abbreviations or convoluted speech, be clear). Empowered refusals set boundaries (invest in self-awareness). Be a translator (conduct online research to know your audience). Temptation bundling (pair an enjoyable activity with one that feels like a chore). When someone gets furious, get curious (ask questions to understand why someone is upset). Emotion really makes us absorptive (bring emotion into communication). "Fear of missing o...

Social media platforms have impacted public opinion significantly. According to an  article by Pew Research Center , 70% of the 19 countries assessed felt that the spread of misinformation on social media is a major threat to their countries. Additionally, many felt people are easier to manipulate through social media (Greenwood 2023).  One major issue that leads to the possibility of spreading misinformation and rumors is people's unwillingness to validate the information received. The  SIFT  method suggests four easy steps to help validate information: stop, investigate the source, find better coverage, and trace the claims. The following video gives additional suggestions on how to avoid misinformation... Some key factors contributing to the online battle for public opinion are environmental, mass media, and social media. The article  "Components of public opinion: attitudes and values" , notes how environmental factors, especially social environments (family...

Rana  is an ecological design company that specializes in creating landscapes and botanical features that support and restore the earth. Does the company do a good job communicating on its website and social media platforms? Provide examples. This company's website is beautifully designed to showcase their deep respect and outlook in the creation of ecologically sound landscape designs. The front page includes an attractive moving image of a redwood forest, a significant tree species on California's central coast. Regarding their social media platforms, I think they could be more active in displaying their outstanding designs. On the company website, what is featured at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom of the home page? Why do you think they have it organized this way? In your opinion, is it effective? The top of the company's site includes its logo, main goal/mission statements, a moving image of a redwood forest, and at the top right corner, tabs leading to their...

In Marc Prensky's article,  Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants , he declares there to be a divide between digital natives and digital immigrants. Digital natives are defined as the generation that was born into new technologies. In contrast, Digital Immigrants are defined as the generation not born into technologies but adapted to them as they emerged. The author expresses that Digital Immigrants have a "different" or "outdated digital language that may create difficulties when the Digital Immigrants are instructors to Digital Natives. In the article,  The myths of the digital native and the multitasker , Marc Prensky's findings are declared as a myth . In the article, they refute Prensky's claim that there is a divide between Digital Immigrants who are instructors for Digital Natives. They explain how these labels imply that instructors are less knowledgeable about digital aspects in an educational setting. They declare that the skills and competence requir...