Technoscience Essays (1052 words) - Science And Technology Studies

Technoscience The world is changing rapidly. A single technological development can lead to an infinite number of consequential developments, each of which having varying impacts on humanity. These impacts, or indicators, display the results of technological development. Climactic, economic, social, and energy related indicators are important in showing humanity's use of technoscience, and demonstrate that certain political and economic changes are needed so that technoscientists can use their knowledge to benefit the great majority of humanity. Climactic indicators are excellent examples of humanity's misuse of technoscience. One such indicator is global temperature. It displays the results of the burning of fossil fuels and the release of nitrous oxides into the atmosphere. Production of coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power each expanded by 1 percent in 1995 (Brown, 16). Globally, the ten warmest years out of the last 130 have all occurred in the eighties and nineties (Brown, 15). These figures demonstrate that humanity is not effectively controlling and limiting its use of fossil fuels. As a result, acid rain falls upon the earth destroying what is left of the planet's forests and, an estimated 37 percent of the fish species that inhabit thelakes and streams of North America are either in jeopardy or extinct. A second indicator that displays humanity's misuse of technoscience is the global economy. Global economic statistics show the results of the applications of technoscience. In 1995, the global economy grew by an estimated 3.7 percent the largest gain since the 4.6 percent growth in 1980 (Brown, 74). The use of technoscientific developments in various fields raised the global output of goods and services. Although this was an impressive expansion promoting employment and development, it also increased the unsustainable demands on the earth's natural systems and resources, such as the planet's forests. Applications of technoscience have established the need for wood. The forests that once blanketed more than 40 percent of the earth's land surface now cover only 27 percent of it (Brown, 19). As a result, soil erodes, and the capacity of soils and vegetation to absorb and store water is reduced. Humanity's misuse of technoscience can also be displayed with social indicators. Eighty-seven million people were added to the population in 1995 (Sachs, 88). The overwhelming majority were added to countries that were already struggling with the results of technoscience: depletion of forestry, erosion of soil, and reduction of aquifers. This added population only increased these countries' problems. Population growth is slowing in some country's, but for the wrong reasons. In Russia, the combination of economic deterioration and environmental pollution has raised death rates, while a loss of hope in the future has lowered birth rates (Brown, 19). In Zimbabwe, births still exceed deaths, but by much less than a few years ago because AIDS related deaths are increasing. Beneficial applications of technoscience could be used in the above cases to improve social situation by introducing greater population control methods and by helping to control the AIDS epidemic. Energy related indicators shoe the positive effects of technoscientific application. While the production of coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power each expanded by 1 percent in 1995, wind electric generation expanded by 33 percent and sales of solar cells climbed 17 percent (Brown, 5658). The harnessing of wind and solar energy does not create the environmentally harmful byproducts associated with their fossil fuel and nuclear counterparts. Humanity's use of renewable energy sources can only decrease environmental problems. Charles E. Lindblom's procedure of public policy integration is an effective method by which technoscientists can be assured that their developments will be thoroughly explored so that humanity will not be hurt by their work. However, most corporations give strong incentives (bonuses, stock options) to encourage executives to diligently pursue corporate profitability (Woodhouse, 173). This results in a rapid, untested decision-making process that yields swift innovation of products and production techniques that offer short term buyer effectiveness, profits for the seller and potentially long term negative consequences to a portion of humanity, the environment or the world. Political procedures concerning technological developments must be gradual and deliberate so that the development's benefits can greatly outweigh the disadvantages. Conflicting leaders should explore developments so that each can consider the other's views. The initial

Free Essays on Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is the most common disease of the central nervous system. In the United States alone, there are at least 250,000 cases. For reasons that remain unclear, it is more prevalent in northern temperate zones and affects noticeably more women than men. The average age of onset is thirty years. These areas of sclerosis also referred to as lesions or plaques, occur in the white matter of the central nervous system. Gray matter consists primarily of nerve cells. Axons (nerve fibers) are the connections between the cell body and the muscles, sensory organs, and primary organs such as the heart. These nerve cells are the communication system both within the central nervous system and between it and the rest of the body. Axons are sheathed in myelin, a white substance that insulates them and speeds transmission of impulses along the cell fibers. Electrical impulses move along the nerve fiber to the synapse to the next nerve cell. Symptoms of MS vary enormously, both from patient to patient and, over time, in one patient. Symptoms may include tingling, pins and needles, numbness, double or blurred vision, clumsiness of fine movements or of walking, frequency and urgency of urination, muscle weakness and spasms, pain or paralysis, in coordination, and mood or thought disturbances. Patients sometimes do not have the ability do to carry on normal daily activities. Motor symptoms include weakness, spasticity, loss of balance or in coordination, and speech disorders. Sensory symptoms include pins and needles, tingling, feelings of tightness or solidity and, sometimes, sharp pains. Visual symptoms include blurred or double vision, involuntary eye movements, and, on occasion, blindness, which is almost always temporary. Urinary symptoms are common, as are frequent urinary tract infections. Energy problems include a lack of energy, easy fatigability, and lack of endurance, particularly in the presence of heat and humidity. Heat and hu... Free Essays on Multiple Sclerosis Free Essays on Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis is the most common disease of the central nervous system. In the United States alone, there are at least 250,000 cases. For reasons that remain unclear, it is more prevalent in northern temperate zones and affects noticeably more women than men. The average age of onset is thirty years. These areas of sclerosis also referred to as lesions or plaques, occur in the white matter of the central nervous system. Gray matter consists primarily of nerve cells. Axons (nerve fibers) are the connections between the cell body and the muscles, sensory organs, and primary organs such as the heart. These nerve cells are the communication system both within the central nervous system and between it and the rest of the body. Axons are sheathed in myelin, a white substance that insulates them and speeds transmission of impulses along the cell fibers. Electrical impulses move along the nerve fiber to the synapse to the next nerve cell. Symptoms of MS vary enormously, both from patient to patient and, over time, in one patient. Symptoms may include tingling, pins and needles, numbness, double or blurred vision, clumsiness of fine movements or of walking, frequency and urgency of urination, muscle weakness and spasms, pain or paralysis, in coordination, and mood or thought disturbances. Patients sometimes do not have the ability do to carry on normal daily activities. Motor symptoms include weakness, spasticity, loss of balance or in coordination, and speech disorders. Sensory symptoms include pins and needles, tingling, feelings of tightness or solidity and, sometimes, sharp pains. Visual symptoms include blurred or double vision, involuntary eye movements, and, on occasion, blindness, which is almost always temporary. Urinary symptoms are common, as are frequent urinary tract infections. Energy problems include a lack of energy, easy fatigability, and lack of endurance, particularly in the presence of heat and humidity. Heat and hu...

Transnational Corporations and the International Human Rights Regime Essay

Transnational Corporations and the International Human Rights Regime - Essay Example Thus, a gap in governance exists, between the scope and influence of economic actors and the market forces on the one hand, and the capability of societies to address and manage the harmful effects created by globalization, on the other hand. The UN’s Human Rights Council takes the position that ‘governance gaps’ created by the speed of globalization and the failure of states to keep pace in their capacities to provide the necessary regulatory frameworks enable the ‘permissive environment’ that allows for the ‘wrongful acts by companies of all kinds without adequate sanctioning or reparation.’ There is also a need to clearly define the standards against which the actions of transnational corporations are to be assessed, and the process in addressing perceived violations. It is necessary, prior to enforcement of sanctions, to identify the elements which determine the culpability of the accused corporation. In many cases, there is a lack of precedent according to which the new cases are to be judged. There is likewise uncertainty about the legal procedure to be followed, the vesting of jurisdiction in the proper authority, even the identification of the tribunal to hear the case. Light also needs to be shed on the protocol as to how claim may be made and the party with the personality to make it, and the protections which the accused corporation may avail itself of in warding off false claims and accusations. Human rights upon which business has an impact: standards of compliance Much will be said in the course of this discussion about those human rights upon which business has significant impact. An enumeration of these rights is shown in the appendix, and the rights are classified into two – the labour rights, and the non-labour rights.2 The list was compiled

Corporate Social Responsibility and Disclosure Essay

Corporate Social Responsibility and Disclosure - Essay Example The abstract summarises in a very few words the contents of the paper. It is well written and divulges important and necessary information that is important from a reader’s perspective to decide whether the paper is of his/her interest or not. In the introduction, the author does a good job introducing the research topic and the reason behind choosing this topic. The introduction clearly states the purpose of the research. The research topic chosen by the author is important, mainly because of the target country/sample – Companies in Saudi Arabia. Going forward Saudi Arabia will not only play an important role in Middle East economy but also in world economy. It is one of the most important emerging markets globally and hence, the author’s topic is justified and relevant. The literature review lacks depth as it only lists the studies/research conducted on the topic and its results but fails to discuss in depth the importance of the findings of those researches. T he author has just touched upon each variable wherein in-depth discussion could have been very effective. The sample chosen and the methodology have been designed carefully by the researcher taking into consideration various factors and the population of the research. The author has explained the reasons behind the chosen research strategy. The researcher finds through this research that firm size significantly positively affects the level of disclosure while the other variables are insignificant. The researcher could have again in detail discussed the reason behind the role of different variables but instead only briefly discusses them. This leaves an opportunity for further research, to understand how and why the variables affect disclosure in companies. Article 2 - Contexts and corporate social responsibility: The case of Saudi Arabia The article looks at the different kinds of the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) related activities in Saudi Arabia. The content of the topic has been well chosen, as this area of the research has not been explored well in the near past. There are a number of the social determinants that need to be taken into the consideration in critiquing the various facets of the paper. As mentioned previously, this area of the research is very significant due to the implications of the research in this area. The definitive principle of this paper deals with the different kinds of the activities being carried out in the state. The title contents have been well chosen. The key words have been provided for the paper, which makes it easier in terms of referring to the relevant contents in terms of the key words. The credentials of the author have been given, but the previous experience in writing the papers is missing. It deals with the present area of the research. The contextual realities of the ground have been detailed. This paper has been written well in a number of the areas. But, on closer introspection; there are a number of areas that seem half-baked. The key drivers of the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) have been mentioned, but the exhaustive definition of each of the levels has not been provided. The weak points of the stakeholder have been mentioned. The characterization of these points is missing. The explanation also seems very theoretical, failing to explain the mechanisms behind it. Overall, the paper has been very well written; but

Decision Making Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Decision Making - Essay Example It discusses the key decisions and information needs. Next, it highlights the importance of the marketing department and other employees of the organization. As the report continues, it provides a market research plan for Grand Days Out plc which can be used to attract older population. At the end, it discusses the importance of understanding consumer buying behaviour and the consumer decision-making process. There are many matters that a business needs to concentrate on. However, some of the matters need more attention than others. Critical Success Factors are those important areas of activity that need to be performed well with full attention in order for a business to achieve its goals. (MindTools) The goal of our company, as you all know, is to increase our market share and compete with the strong competition out there. However, we are not at a stage where we can put a lot at risk. There are many Critical Success Factors that you all might think are critical for the company, however, according to me, the three critical success factors are firstly, attracting the grey euro, increasing company morale and retaining current customer. The following diagrams summarize the three Critical Success Factors, the key decisions and their information needs briefly. The first Critical Success Factor is attracting the futur... customers have always been the younger market, in order to attract the older population, our marketing department will have to change the way our potential customers see our services. Therefore, our key decision is to change our marketing mix so that newer markets (grey euro) can be attracted. In order to change our marketing mix, we will have to carry out a market research and study our target market thoroughly so that we can design our advertisement campaign and our services accordingly. Our information requirements are therefore sources of information on these people, their requirements and how we fulfill them. We can use primary and secondary research to collect this data. Secondary research can be used to find out older population's statistic. Primary research can be used to find out their requirement. This could include carrying out focus groups, one-to-one interviews and surveys with randomly selected respondents between the ages of 50-60. This research will help us figure out the niche in the market and what our target customers want from our services. Our second Critical Success Factor is increasing the morale of the company employees. This is absolutely necessary in order to increase productivity and hence, efficiency. For this, our key decisions will be to invest in training and development of skills of our present employees and also provide the staff with benefits. However, it is not as simple as this. We need to carry out research to find out what areas our staff needs training programs for and what motivates them. Some employees can be motivated by monetary while the others can be motivated by non monetary benefits. By carrying out this research, we can find out exactly what will increase our staff's morale. Interviews, observation and surveys can be

Policies for Child Protection

Policies for Child Protection Introduction and Overview The concept of children having specific rights is of comparatively recent origin. Traditional perceptions of society towards children have for centuries held them to be emotionally, physically and intellectually immature, incapable of looking after their own selves and inadequately equipped to make their own decisions (Bronfrenbrenner, 1979). With children furthermore being regarded as little more than possessions of parents, (with no personal rights of their own), the law has historically also granted unquestionable rights for chastisement and corporal punishment to parents (Bronfrenbrenner, 1979). The subservient status of children in British society even a hundred years ago can be gauged from the fact that whilst the prevalence of child cruelty was common knowledge in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals came into being, in 1840, practically half a century earlier than the creation of the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children (Bronfrenbrenner, 1979). Such was the widespread social and political agreement on the rights of parents to do as they willed with their children. Even in the days of the industrial revolution the penalty for seriously harming an animal was far more severe than for causing grievous injury to a defenceless child (Bronfrenbrenner, 1979). Although preliminary work on enhancement of children’s rights started haltingly in 19th century Victorian England, the perceived need to take better care of children grew and received concrete legislative backing only in the first half of the 20th century (Maier, 1979). Initial work in the area however focussed primarily on health, safety and education of children, and stopped well short of intruding upon the foundational rights of parents, or the patriarchal rights of fathers with regard to ownership and control (Maier, 1979). Legislative inroads into the all encompassing rights of parents, vis-à  -vis their children, grew rapidly only after the Second World War, and resulted in (a) the rising legal authority of social workers to protect children, and (b) the establishment of rights of children for primary and secondary education, as well as for comprehensive health facilities (Prout, 2000). Whilst the interventionist policy of the British welfare state reached its apex during the late 1970s, (and was based upon the idea that the state had every right to step in for the protection of children, if those caring for them failed to do so), this approach was toned down significantly in the wake of the dismantling of the welfare infrastructure in the mid 1980s (Prout, 2000). The enactment of the Children’s Act 1989, in the wake of the 1987 Cleveland Report, (Therapy with Children) brought about a sea change in the practice of service delivery, and the state and agency relationship for social work practice was subsequently recast by New Labour into today’s working partnership approach (Prout, 2000). Partnership working, a process that is at the heart of current initiatives of service delivery in community and social work, involves, as per the Audit Commission of 1998, a â€Å"joint working arrangements where parties, (which) are otherwise independent bodies, †¦ agree to co-operate to achieve common goals, create a new organisational structure on process to achieve these goals, plan and implement a joint programme and share relevant information, tasks and rewards† (Aldgate Statham, 2001, p 36). Whilst partnership working in social work is not a brand new concept and was in fact taken up during the years of the welfare state, (in various urban and community development partnerships in the 1970s, as also in the regeneration partnerships in the 1980s), its use in service delivery became widespread only after New Labour, which had previously announced its intention of shifting from a culture of contracting to one of partnership, came to power in 1997 (Aldgate Statham, 2 001). The working partnership model for service delivery can be considered to be significantly different, both from the bureaucratic functioning of Old Labour and the market orientation of conservatives; it is based on trust and communication, rather than on command or on price mechanisms (Aldgate Statham, 2001). Debate over the growing authority of social workers with regard to the protection of children, especially in the context of their staying with their parents or being entrusted to care, reached significant proportions for the first time in 1975, in the case of seven year old Maria Caldwell, where the social worker misrepresented the actual position of the case to the court and forced the child to return to her natural parents, despite the child having formed close bonds with her foster parents (Bullock Others, 1993). With little heed having been paid to the wishes of the child, (who used to repeatedly run back to her foster home), the decision of the court, on the recommendation of the social worker, led to the tragic death of Maria. The conviction of her father for manslaughter was followed by public outrage and debate that resulted in the enactment of the Children Act 1975, which in turn called (a) for taking the feelings of children into account in care decisions and (b) for their right for representation by a court appointed social worker, rather than by the social services department of the local authority (Bullock Others, 1993). Whilst media and public debate continued to focus on the need for interdisciplinary working between health, education, social services, and the police, in issues relating to child protection, the next watershed occurred only in 1987 when 121 children in Cleveland were taken into care by social service authorities on concerns of physical and sexual abuse at their natural homes. With opinion on the issue being sharply divided with the social workers and the medical fraternity on one side and the media and the police on the other, the Cleveland Report, (prepared by a committee set up to specifically investigate the matter), commented adversely on the breakdown of communication between agencies and the dominant tendencies of agencies to act without considering the feelings of children; it also discussed the possibility that parents might well act against the interests of their children and recommended the need to involve children in the decision making process (Prout, 2003). The Children Act 1989, which was influenced by the findings of the Cleveland Report, caused a major shift in child care policy; away from state intervention in family life; towards partnership with families and caregivers; and with an emphasis on child intervention in decision making (Prout, 2003). Despite the introduction of such legal and policy safeguards, the tragic affair of young Victoria Climbie, who was abused, tortured, and ultimately killed, in April 2000, by her aunt and the man with whom she lived, under the eye of social service agencies, revealed that true partnership in working, and consideration of the wishes of the child, was yet to take place (Prout, 2003). Commentary The report that followed the death of Victoria Climbie was accompanied with the publication of a green paper called Every Child Matters, which focussed on four key themes, (a) increasing the focus on supporting families and carers, the most critical influence on children’s lives (b) ensuring necessary intervention takes place before children reach crisis point and protecting children from falling through the net, (c) addressing the underlying problems identified in the report into the death of Victoria Climbie, namely weak accountability and poor integration, and (d) ensuring that the people working with children are valued, rewarded and trained (Background to †¦, 2008). The green paper was followed by intense debate and consultation with people working in children’s services, parents, children, young people and other members of society, and led to the publication of Every Child Matters: the Next Steps, and the enactment of the Children Act 2004 (Background to †¦, 2008), steps that provided legislative support for developing more effective and accessible services directed around the needs of children, young people and families, and the use of partnership working in child protection, the focus of this essay. The rights of children in present day Britain are legally protected by laws that deal especially with the protection and well being of children, as well as by laws on health care, education, and social security (Prout, 2003). Children’s rights are protected by family law, education law and employment law. The United Nations Convention on Human Rights, ratified by the UK in 1991, not only gives children over 40 specific social, economic, cultural/civil and political rights, but also provides guidance on how governments should enumerate and protect these rights (Prout, 2003). Whilst the British legal framework provides a robust support system for safeguarding children’s rights, New Labour has, over the last decade also worked at establishing the concept of working in partnership by all bodies, schools, local authorities, medical relief agencies, carers, and parents, for protecting children; it is a concept that calls for active involvement of parents and consultation with children as well as for their participation in the decision making process (Milligan Stevens, 2006). With participation with children also being a key tenet of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the practice of service delivery is shifting to include the views, opinions and experiences of children and young people in care, as well as in their natural homes (Milligan Stevens, 2006). This principle, that of enabling children to participate in the decision making process, however continues to be a topic of intense debate, with many individuals still remaining unconvinced of the ability of children to rise above their emotional predilections and take logical decisions. As the recent case of Baby P, the 17 year old infant who was tortured and murdered by her mother and her boyfriend in Haringey Council of North London shows, it clearly does not apply to children who are too young to express their feelings or to develop opinions. Whilst the benefits of allowing children to participate actively in decisions that concern their emotional and physical well being have been underlined time and again and indeed are integral to the modern partnership working model, it is difficult to apply the same yardstick, as is normal with adults, to all children (Milligan Stevens, 2006). The maturity and learning of children, child psychiatrists confirm, are strongly influenced by their life experiences, which include their natural home or care environments and their access to health services, as well as by care and learning programmes (Emond, 2003). A number of research studies reveal that the quality of early childhood life and programmes can significantly improve the ability of children to do well in education, work and in life; this being especially true of children who are experiencing disadvantage (Emond, 2003). Whilst such studies do point towards the existence of sharp differences in the abilities of children from diffe rent backgrounds to participate in decision making, such issues are accentuated for children in care or in disturbed domestic situations, because of the absence of the democratic process in their everyday lives (Emond, 2003). Extant research also points to the fact that notwithstanding governmental initiatives and instructions to social workers to involve children in decision making, the views of children or youth are seldom considered, not just by administrators but also by researchers. Two recent research exercises one by Berridge and Brodie, in 1998, and Thomas, in 2005, on children’s homes, whilst delving in depth on views of managers and social workers, give scant attention to the views of children (Stevens, 2006). Such attitudes, which are too ingrained to be removed by recent legislation, dampen cognitive evolution and the ability and confidence of children to participate in decision making. â€Å"Residential child care units may be seen as sites where these micro-political processes can be seen at work. Children in residential child care tend to be among the most powerless in social terms and reports of their opinions rarely contain their actual views† (Stevens, 2006). The extent to which children can participate, experts argue, can also be linked to the way they are perceived in society. Children in care are by and large perceived with ambivalence, either as possible victims who require to be taken care of, or as potential threats who need controlling; â€Å"one of the consequences of this ambivalence is that they are seen as passive recipients of services, and not as â€Å"active and creative actors, as a subject and citizen with potentials† (Stevens, 2006). Osborne and Bromfield (2007) concluded on the basis of an extensive study on children in care that the decision making facilities of such children can be affected in small and large ways by a multitude of developments. â€Å"Even small oversights can have a lasting and negative impact on the child or young person; for example, not being told why workers had moved on, or not being able to bring a pet to a new placement. Such occurrences can compound feelings of loss, grief, sadness and the feeling of being ‘different’ from other children and young people† (Osborne and Bromfield, 2007) A â€Å"CREATE† Foundation report (2004) found that children were also affected by negative care experiences that arose from systemic defects like the ones elaborated below: â€Å"(a) slow systemic procedures that prevented timely and adequate response, (b) court processes that did not adequately consult with children and young people, (c) lack of resources, support and training for carers and caseworkers, (d) inadequate early intervention strategies to support families to stay together and prevent entry into care (e) inadequate entry into care support, (f) inadequate support and preparation for young people preparing to leave car, and (g) inadequate post-care support.† (CREATE Foundation, 2004) Similar issues come up when children live in disturbed natural homes and feelings of insecurity and attachment could well make them cling on to oppressive natural parents or opt to remain in distressful conditions. Issues of culture and overall family environment also play a large part in shaping the response of children in disturbed homes, and partnership agencies and parents need to understand this phenomenon and respond accordingly. Children from ethnic backgrounds often face specific challenges on account of the different cultural environment of their homes, their inadequate English language skills, and the exclusion of their families from mainstream society. â€Å"There is apparent under-reporting of child sexual abuse in Britain’s Asian communities and a varied capacity amongst professionals to respond with cultural competence. Professional approaches originate in cultural contexts, which are often different from those of most British Asians. If the proportion of children and non-abusing carers from Asian communities who access relevant services is to increase, professionals need to develop better understandings of cultural imperatives which determine behaviour in those communities. Consultations with Asian women in Bradford reinforce the view that culturally competent practice and respectful dialogue are essential to the protection of children. They also highlight a number of recurring themes. Members of Asian communities are aware of child sexual abuse, they recognize that the issue needs to be addressed by all communities and they report that many of those affected within their own communities have found it difficult to acces s relevant services† (Gilligan, Akhtar, 2005). Decisions regarding removal of children from natural homes also need to take account of the influence of grandparents and fathers upon children and not be swayed totally by considerations of maternal ability and circumstance. With the role of grandparents in the lives of children reducing steadily, the role of fathers in child development, welfare and protection has never been more important. Fathers play critical roles in child development that often go much beyond that of providers of economic security, and incorporate nurturing, caring and supporting activities. Fathers play strong roles in (a) healthy child development in the home and school context, (b) creation of gender identity for both male and female children, (c) responsible sexuality and reduction of teen pregnancy, (d) emotional and social commitment, and (e) financial security. Whilst current service methodologies are women focussed, with social workers feeling more comfortable working with mothers, partnership working calls for much greater involvement of fathers, where possible, as well as consideration of the feelings of children about being separated from their fathers. â€Å"Mothers are the gate keepers to the father’s participation. Mothers have to believe that the family will benefit from the father’s participation. Furthermore, this discussion implies a systemic bias for excluding fathers. It is easier to manage the ongoing interactions over the course of a case by working only with one parent, the mother. In frontline practice, the potential for a compliant relationship with the mother takes precedence over a comprehensive working relationship with all the family.† (Father Involvement †¦, 2005) Mothers and social workers need to involve fathers as much as possible for partnership working to be more responsive towards child needs. Involvement of fathers by agencies could however lead to complications where relationships between parents are strained or in case of divorced and single mothers. Maternal grandparents can play significant roles in such conditions in creating conducive environments for protection and welfare of children and their involvement in partnership working could prove to be immensely beneficial. Conclusion The building of effective partnerships for protecting children is dependent upon involving all relevant agencies, namely the local authorities, social work agencies, schools, medical providers, police, community organisations, parents, and children. The recent episode, involving the horrific murder of the 17 month old child, known as Baby P, at the hands of her young mother and her boyfriend, despite the active engagement of social workers and medical practitioners, (Hyland, 2008) should not be seen as an aberration but as an indicator of the potential dangers faced by children in extremely different conditions and the individual and collective responsibilities that need to be exercised by all partnership members. The incident also reveals the vulnerability and limitations of methodologies that depend upon taking the opinion of children in cases where they are too young to express themselves. The extent of cooperation between social workers and parents also plays a critical role in the success of working partnerships. Whilst the barriers that come about because of cultural differences between social workers and members of Britain’s ethnic communities, especially from concepts of shame and honour, have already been elaborated earlier, barriers of class, income and education can also lead to lack of communication between social workers and parents and affect the appropriateness of decisions that concern child protection. In such cases, where unintended and invisible power differences work against the establishment of an equal working partnership, it is the paramount responsibility of social work agencies and social workers to build the foundation of a stable, democratic and equal working partnerships, take special pains to find out the wishes of affected children, and involve them as far as possible in the decision making process. The problems associated with knowing the wishes of children are complex; they differ from individual to individual, can be applied only to children over a certain age, and can even otherwise be solved only with patience, open mindedness, respect for children, and understanding. Working in partnership with parents for the protection of children, whilst a desirable objective, has numerous limitations and needs to be approached with care and caution. The adoption of a one shoe fits all approach in such cases is inherently fallible and can lead to horrific tragedy, as was evidenced by the Baby P tragedy, where the social workers kept the child with the mother despite numerous indicators of the dangers of doing so. Policy makers and social workers need to realise that all methodologies have their advantages and limitations. Social workers need to work with empathy; they need to scrutinise the working of all involved agencies, as well as parents, and refrain from being blinkered or authoritative in their approach, if they are to protect today’s beleaguered children from the fate that befell Maria Caldwell, Victoria Climbie, and Baby P. Words: 3290 References Ainsworth, F, (1997), Family-Centred Group Care: Model Building. Aldershot: Ashgate. Aldgate, J, Statham, J, (2001), The Children Act Now: Messages for Research. London: The Stationery Office. Background to Every Child Matters, (2008), Every Child Matters: Change for Children, Retrieved December 18, 2008 from www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/aims/background Badham, B, Wade, H, (2005), Hear by Right: Standards for the Active Involvement of Children and Young People. Swindon: NYA/LGA. Barber, J. G., Delfabbro, P. H., Cooper, L. (2001). 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Technologies role today :: essays research papers fc

Technology is a key element in the world today. It plays an important role in almost everything. Education is no exception to this; technology has been present in education for many years now. The purpose of this paper is to discuss why education is better with the addition of technology. More importantly, I am talking about this so that my audience will become more aware of how technology supports what is being done in education. Technology in schools has made drastic improvements within the last five years. Computers have gone from being in every school, to being in every classroom. Access to computers specifically has become very easy for students to obtain. Technology isn’t restricted to computers; there are also projectors, DVD players, VCR’s, and video screens that are used today. These wide varieties of useful classroom tools have become very common in schools today. Heartland Community College supports the growth of technology in education very well. HCC has stepped up to the highest demands of technology by offering computers in every classroom. Also, the school provides each classroom with overhead projectors, which are run by touch screens placed near computer systems in every classroom. The overhead light show presents the pictures onto the pull-down screen in the front of every classroom, via DVD, VCR, or computer screen. These are many of the options available for students and teach ers to use at HCC. This available technology helps advance the learning process and saves time. Furthermore, the learning process is easily enhanced when technology is used. First, with Internet access in each classroom, it allows the teacher to access massive amounts of information in just a few seconds. This information can be given to the students in a clear, easy to read format as it is projected onto the screen. With such easy access to information, students are able to learn more in a smaller time span, while teachers are able to be more efficient in how they teach. This makes the education a person gets from their school more valuable for their money; and money is important as college costs continue to rise. Most of these new technological advances aren’t cheap. Technology has brought the price of schools to higher levels, forcing the budget of schools and students to be changed. These plans are very well thought out and work in accordance to many of the programs the government has already set-up for schools.