The video shop like letters Essay Example for Free

The video shop like letters EssayThe task is to do a logo that tramp promote the video shop, and be put on all to do with the video shop like letters. My logo should be simple nevertheless effective, and non to cheesy. It should catch peoples eye, and make them want to read on. I allow try to do this with colour and pictures. Software Requirements The software I choose must be able to Import pictures, so that I can actually create the logo. Move and make out pictures, so that the logo can be tweaked, and the pictures do not stay as their original. Input text, so that the logo has text as well as pictures and so the name mercury Entertainment can be on the logo.Shade pictures, so that I can make the logo look and have a professional feel. intersection and infralay objects, again to create a stylish look, and make the logo look the best it can. Change the text colour, font, and size, so that I do not have to keep boring Arial text, and can make a good logo. Convert to pic tures, so that I can save the copy as a jpeg file, to save space and time loading the original file, and therefore copying it from there. I could produce the logo using a word processor. This is a limited, but simple way of doing the logo.It can do e rattlingthing above, apart from edit pictures in the way that other programs can do. It can wrap text, and edit the brightness, but it cannot edit pictures in the most expert technique that I want, for example, fading different parts of the graphic, or overlapping objects. It would be able to produce the logo, but it big businessman not be as good as if I used another program. I need it to look the best I can because I want to promote the business as much as possible. I could produce the logo using MS Paint , but this a very basic program, more so than the word processor.It does not have import feature, but you can use traditional copy and paste. It cannot overlap and underlay objects with a toolbar button, but of course, you will be able to by dear placing one graphic over another. It cannot convert graphics to pictures either well I cannot happen a tool for it. I will produce the logo using Serif PagePlus 8, because it is the most expert program that I have to choose from, and it will help me to create the logo to the full quality. It can import pictures through the typical copy and paste, and through Insert Picture.It can move pictures through the ruler method, by clicking and holding the left mouse button over the picture and consequently dragging it to where you want it to be. It can input text through the keyboard, just as any other program does. To shade a picture, you must highlight the picture and then click on the attributes tab on the right. wherefore there is a shade slide bar on the bottom, which you can slide to the right to shade lighter and right for heavier. It can over and under lap objects with the two buttons on the arrange toolbar, at the top With these, the left sends the item to the back, and the right one brings the picture to the front.Text is edited in the threadbare way, by the toolbar at the top, or by clicking Format Character. It can convert things to pictures. You have to highlight the certain graphics you want to be a picture, and then click Tools Convert to Picture It will then come up with a box Select JPEG from the combo box, as it provides a picture with vitiated file size, and therefore easiest and fastest to work with. After this, it will be converted to a jpeg however, it will be inside the page plus publication. To export the picture so that it is a unsanded file, highlight the picture, and click File Export As PictureThis will then open a new window, enabling you to save the picture as a certain format. I chose JPEG, because it has the smallest compression size at a 24-bit format. This will enable me to use it right away and efficiently. Conclusion I am going to use Serif Page plus 8 for my logo, as it is the most professional and enab les me to do things in which a word processor and MS Paint cannot. It is much easier to use from a graphic point of view, and it is not hard to put in text. I in any case know much more about it than I do a word processor or MS Paint, which makes it easier to work with.That means, if I use a word processor or MS Paint, it will be very time-consuming to find out how to do things that I am not sealed about doing. Outline Plan I will type Mercury Entertainment straight into the package in a logo art format, so that it is more eye-catching, and can be changed to different shapes and colours, and can have shadows and backgrounds. I will get my graphics from Microsoft Office Design Gallery. This is because it has a wide option of clipart and graphics, all available for download. I will bring them onto the page by copy and paste.When you download it, the picture appears in the clipart window, and you can easily highlight it, and then copy (Ctrl + C) and then go to the Page plus 8 window s and press (Ctrl + V) to import it onto the display. I will probably use Times New Roman, as it is the easiest to read, and the default font, that is not that boring. See below. I will then export the thing as a picture, after highlighting it, so it can be used universally. Appendix Trebuchet MS Nice font, easy-to-read, and practical. Tempus Sans ITC Sophisticated, but not that clear first time, better for wine lists.Times New Roman very good, clear, definitely using this, it is very clear for all ages. Verdana Big, very clear, but it does not look attractive. Arial Easy-to-read, but plain, better for kids stories. Book Antiqua Very Attractive, but serene clear, definitely using this. Calisto MT Much like Times New Roman, but more kid-like. Comic Sans MS Very plain and young. Graphite begin ATT Sophisticated and cool, but too narrow. Lucida Handwriting Very nice, but not too easy-to-read. Design of Promotion Logo Michael Boulter 11. 7.

Evaluation of E-Learning Program

Evaluation of E-Learning ProgramChapter oneIntroductionNowa mean solar days, steeper education is experiencing big ch on the wholeenges driven by m some(prenominal) emerging trends, among which is the introduction of the means of online discipline. harmonisely, many universities all over the world atomic number 18 taking different moves to cope with the tender requirements some universities were established as purely online instruction providers, other formulaic universities launched new-sprung(prenominal) online programs, and some introduced online learning programmes to enhance some of their already existing programs.E-Learning redefines the teaching/learning processes and the overall learning milieu. It changed the old university system to a new set of practices by introducing signifi fecal mattert changes in the roles of its chief(prenominal) key presenters learners, might members, and the mental substructure as an entity (Mendenhall, 2001).The change which e-lear ning brings to higher(prenominal) education, accompanied by its vast bed cover as an accepted learning delivery mode, has been always questioned by its components who tie this type of learning to poor timberland. Therefore, studying the different eyeshots of evaluating the quality of e-learning has been rising as an issue that is worth researching and enhancing (Kistan, 2005 Wirth, 2005).A big range of perspectives on what factors to address when evaluating the quality of e-learning has been create. Nevertheless most of those studies either intercommunicate a few factors pertaining to a single aspect or dimension ( on the wholey, 2004) or addressed multiple aspects but without looking at the e-learning institution encyclopedicly (Cohen and Ellis, 2004).In view of the miss of a holistic framework of factors to evaluate the quality of e-learning programs, the aim of this study is to hopefully contribute to the body of knowledge in this ara, by developing a framework for the ev aluation of quality in e-learning programs.Research objectiveThe main purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of e-learning programs through investigating the related searing factors that return been identified by police detectives and practitioners of this topic. It also intends to examine the relevancy and importance of such frameworks within e-learning practise in Saudi Arabia.The study aims also at understanding how the key learners and faculty members differ in perceiving the importance of such factors on impacting on the quality of an e-learning program?Research QuestionThe research intends to retort in broad perspective the following questions as wellWhat ar the factors which affect the quality of e-learning?In this question the researchers argon trying to address the quality factors which affect the success of E-learning in Saudi Arabia based on 12 factors that nourish been addressed from the literature.How send packing we increase e-learning practice in Sau di Arabia?The blurb question to know is whats the best way to increase the number of E-learning practise in Saudi Arabia and what do learners think based on their experience.Dissertation body structureThis dissertation includes six chapters in addition to its introduction. Below is a brief description of eachChapter two outlining the background development of the research to put the ratifier into the perspective of this study. The chapter includes a discussion of the emerging trends in higher education that have pushed for the introduction of e-learning and discusses broadly the quality issue in this type of learning.Chapter trine covers the literature review of e-learning, i.e. critical factors for evaluating the quality of e-learning programs. The chapter starts with identifying the distinctions between e-learning and traditional education, discusses in detail the definition of the look concept in higher education generally, and in specific e-learning.Chapter four Cover the r esearch methodology such as the process of data collection and analysis which bequeath be apply.Chapter Five we will be describing and analysing the data and present the data gathered. Results of the analysis are then discussed.Chapter six this chapter summarizes the study, lay out the conclusion and ends up with recommendations for future research.BibliographyResearch methodological analysisIn this study the researcher will to collect his data by the quantitative method where a questionnaire will be designed based on the factors which have been discovered from the literature review and then will be sent to random group in Saudi Arabia. The Data later on will be analysed to show the result and the findings.Saudi Arabia BackgroundSaudi Arabia which is the birth place of Islam and home to Islams two holiest places, Mecca, and Medina, is located in the shopping pennyer eastmost bordering the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. The kings official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mo sques. The modern Saudi State was founded in 1932. It is a large Middle Eastern nation that ranks as one of the worlds leading producers of petroleum, and exports more than oil than any other nation. The government is of a monarchy type and the monarch is both the header of state and head of government, and administratively it is divided into 13 provinces, with the constitution governed according to Islamic Law. The countrys legal system is based on Sharia law and some(prenominal) secular codes have been introduced. Commercial disputes are handled by special committee.Saudi Arabia has an oil based economy with strong government controls over major economical activities. It possesses more than 20% of the worlds proven petroleum reserves. It not only ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, but also plays a leading role in OPEC. The petroleum arena accounts for roughly 75% of bud attain revenues, 45% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings. It is believed that about 40% of GDP come s from the private sector and roughly 5.5 million foreign employees play an important role in the Saudi economy, particularly in the oil and service sectors.The researcher carried out this research in Saudi for the following reasons which are described in detail.The access as the researcher is a Saudi national and has good access to the people in Saudi Arabia where he can collect more learning and find a better repartee rate than carrying out research in any other place.The Language The researcher is multi lingual as he can speak Arabic and English fluently, therefore he will not face any problem in collecting the dataThe Information The researcher understands the situation in Saudi Arabia which enables good research as he will not spend besides much time understanding the situation and its cultural factors.The Organisation of the Education System in KSAThe education system in Saudi Arabia has five divisions. They are kindergarten for children from trinity to six years old, elem entary (6-11), in boundediate (12-14), indirect level (15-18), and university level (typically 19-24, depending on the subjects studied, and the form of higher education). The secondary stage is the final mannikin of general education in the Kingdom. It is a three-year period, following on from the intermediate stage. Students are admitted to this stage if they have checked the intermediate stage certificate. Normally students follow secondary stage education between the ages of 16 and 18 years. This stage is ciphered the most important period in the general education ladder because students who successfully roll in the hay this stage are eligible to join any higher education institution.The administration of the education system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is highly centralised. All educational policies are subject to government control and supervision by the Supreme Council of Education. Textbooks and teaching tools are uniform throughout the Kingdom. The four principal po litical science responsible for education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are the Ministry of Education the General Presidency for Girls Education the Ministry of Higher Education and the General Organisation of good Education and Vocational Training.ConclusionIn this chapter we gave a sample overview about the research and the reasons for carrying out this research such as the lack of understanding in the practice of the E-learning program in Saudi Arabia. The research is trying to develop a good understanding of this and the information of other studies carried out in like fields of the success factors of the quality of E-learning in Saudi Arabia. Also in this chapter we have described the dissertation structure and the research questions which are going to handbill the main factors for the success of learning Quality. Finally the Saudi Background has been analysed to give the reader the information to understand where the study has been carried out and why.Chapter TwoIntroducti onThe main objective of this chapter is to put forward the point of view of this study by laying out its background information. The chapter starts with presenting the emerging trends in higher education that have lead to the introduction of e-learning. It then continues by explaining the quality issue that is associated with this type of learning. The chapter also includes an overview of the background information about e-learning in Saudi Arabia.Education An overviewAccording to a recent publication by UNESCO, the education sector in general comprised of all of its components including higher education is experiencing new trends that exert on it new pressures and challenges (Hernes, 2003).Those trends are either classified under demography, such as the continuing growth and increase of population, particularly green populations, migration between countries, and increase of life expectancy, or are due to globalization where nations in general and learners in particular flow across borders without limits, allowing learners to have easy access to the best universities in the developed countries. Finally, perhaps the most important trend is knowledge growth accompanied by advanced information and communicating technologies which have changed forever the way information is obtained, stored, used and displayed.Despite the divide between one country and some other, or within the same country, more knowledge development opportunities have been created. Information technologies brook the possibility of modularization and customization of education through the use and re-use of learning objects foc utilize on learners, the possibility of engaging learners more than ever and therefore changing the role of the faculty from a teacher to a facilitator.In response to the challenges described above, the growth of the e-learning programme with its different modes in higher education is apparent and best reflected by the increasing number of e-colleges and e-universities, or the increasing number of higher education institutions that introduced e-learning programs and definitely by the growth of enrolment rate among learners.A study of e-learning in the United States in 2005, suggested that e-learning is penetrating the higher education institutions both in size and breadth and that e-learning is part of the mainstream of higher education. Figures of the study showed that sixty-five percent of schools oblation graduate face-to-face rushs also chap graduate courses online. Sixty-three percent of schools offering undergraduate face-to-face courses also offer undergraduate courses online. Among all schools offering face-to-face Masters degree programs, 44% also offer Masters programs online. Among all schools offering face-to-face Business degree programs, 43% also offer online Business programs. The same study showed an increase of near 20% of learners enrolment rate compared to the previous year (Allen and Seaman 2005).For different reasons, thos e statistics do not depend to be applicable to other countries. The USA is certainly the worlds largest provider of e-learning however the market for e-learning and lifelong learning is also growing in Europe. Moreover, the Arab world, which represents 5 per cent of the worlds overall population, has entered the 21st century with a striking statistic, which shows that it has only 0.5 per cent of the worlds Internet users. This obviously impacts on the number of its e-learning initiatives and enrolled learners in such type of learning systems (UNDP, 2002).Using Computers in LearningThese days, electronic computers have become an important educational tool kit. Many educational organizations and training centres rely on them to deliver information and learning knowledge. However, using computers in education has a long history and is deep-rooted in the field. The idea of using computers in training first appeared during humankind War 2, when the US military trained farmers to use w eapons and other equipment via this systematic approach (Horton, 2000).The first real use of the computer in educational organizations was take heedn in the 1960s, when the University of Illinois together with the Data Corporation developed the PLATO system. PLATO is a system which enabled the learning and understanding of complex subjects. Apples Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating system have since provided a streamer platform on which programmers can develop training programs (Horton, 2000)Definition of E-learningE-Learning refers to the employment of information and communication technologies to support the development and delivery of learning in faculty member and professional development institutions. E-Learning is used widely with other terms such as online learning, technology-mediated learning, web-based learning, computer-based learning, etc.Several definitions of e-learning have been developed reflecting the diversity in its application, used tools, and associate d technologies. Whatever definition was used, the meaning of e-learning always contains two fundamental terms Learning and Technology. In one way or another, all definitions of e-learning indicate the learning that takes place with the support of multimedia objects, the internet and technological applications as a delivery mode. One of the highly used definitions of e-learning is Education via the Internet, network or standalone computer it refers to using electronic applications and processes to learn, where communication and cognitive content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or videotape, TV and CD-ROM etc as appropriate (LTSN Generic Centre, 2004).A recent definition that uses the language of higher education institutions was laid out by Ally (2004) who defines e-learning asThe use of the Internet to access learning material to interact with the content, instructor, and other learners and to obtain support during the learning process, in order to acquire knowledge, to construct personal meaning, and to grow from the learning experience.According to Horton (2000) E-learning is a general phrase that has several definitions. However, the comprehensive definition that covers all aspects of e-learning is what Ruth and Richard offer E-learning is defined as instruction delivered on a computer by way of CD-ROM, Internet, or intranet with the following featuresIncludes content relevant to the learning objective.Uses instructional methods such as examples and practice to help learning.Uses media elements such as words and pictures to deliver the content and methods.Builds new knowledge and skills tie in to individual learning goals or to improve organizational performanceFeature of E-learningEaton (2001) outlines that e-learning is characterized with the following featuresComputer-mediated classrooms faculty members and learners communicate through the computer, making face to face fundamental interaction less frequent.Separation in time be tween communications communication between faculty members and learners can also be in asynchronous modes.availableness of operate online learners are not only provided with online learning experience but also with online services such as advising, registration, and library services.Distinction between e-Learning and courtly EducationTo understand the quality of e-learning requires a full understanding of how this type of learning differs from the conventional dash of education and the changes it brings to higher education institutions. This section presents in a broad perspective the distinctions between e-learning and traditional education which shape higher education nowadays. Such distinctions will be taken into consideration when materializing a definition for quality in e-learning, and deciding what to be taken into consideration for evaluating the quality of this type of learning.The following areas were highly repeated in the literature as key distinctions between e-learn ing and traditional educationEducational ChangesMcLaughlin and Oliver (2000) believe however that new technologies have a positive impact on the learning environment where more choices for forms of learning are provided to the faculty and learners. This includes the delivery and presentation of content in more flexible way and a variety of modes, the provision of inter practise, engagement, communication, feedback, and communication and collaboration tools. Weller (2000) sees that those types of new choices will further the quick use of courses for easier customization and individualization resulting in more satisfied learners.Change in Faculty RolesWith the growing criterion of knowledge and information every day, and the availability of a huge amount of content over the internet, faculty members will not continue to be seen as the source of knowledge, instead, according to Cashion and Palmieri (2002), faculty members are expected to direct learners where to find the most relevan t knowledge and provide them with tools that teach them how to learn.Different Types of LearnersOblinger and Oblinger (2005) have referred to young learners of today as the Net Generation who grew up being familiar with technological products and facilities. Internet access, computer and electronic games have been a daily activity of learners lives. Learners today have different expectations with respect to their learning styles they take to experience things instead of reading or hearing about them, they expect immediate response to questions or actions, they appreciate interactivity and dialogue (Pashuk, 2005). Learners of today consider themselves as customers who demand to be served high quality services. They have consumers attitudes towards their academic program and any of its services (Wager, 2005). E-Learning institutions should be arranged to different types of learners, not only in their preferences and expectations but also in their level of variety.Change in Administra tors RoleAdministrators of an academic institution are usually referred to as staffs who are not participating in direct teaching or research work, their role is usually to assure that the institutions systems are running properly. Administrators are responsible to create, maintain and improve an environment that helps learners and faculty achieve their academic goals. Administrators of an e-learning institution can be involved in selecting, orienting, and preparing dependent faculty for courses, administer and manage the technological facilities at the institution, provide different types of faculty and learners support from the technical helpdesk library services, financial aid, etc. Administrators can also be involved in the planning, quality assurance, and performance management of an activity to help the institution serve its learners better (Williams, 2003).Reliance on foundationAlthough e-Learning is basically about learning rather than about technology, the technological i nfrastructure of e-learning programs is still the critical and primary component of the education systems. E-Learning is characterized by its high independence on the validity, and reliability of its infrastructure, which has the role of facilitating and providing accessibility of the learning/teaching process and its support services between faculty members and learners (Pashuk, 2005).Institutional DemandsE-Learning institutions must set up their systems, policies and procedures to deal with issues like data security from both internal and external threats as well as copyrights from the learners, faculty and the institutional perspectives. Developing a high quality online course will not only require the intellectual contribution of faculty members, it rather involves other key team members from the same institution or from partnered institutions. Copyright issues are usually conjugate to revenue sharing models, especially when the course developers are contracted or granted any incentives (Mendenhall, 2001).Advantages of using E-learning MethodsAs we know, traditional education requires effort, time and money that can lead to some difficulties in achieving the goals of learning. On the other hand, e-learning contributes to the spread of knowledge among people around the globe by easy, fast, and comfortable means, that helps people to attain their personal learning objectives. As a result, several educational organisations have proceeded along the e-learning approach to facilitate and improve the process of learning. In this section, several advantages of using an e-learning approach will be discussed. The author has divided the advantages into two main categories, advantages for learners, and advantages for instructors.Advantages for learnersAccording to Mayer (2003) he has conclude the common advantages that learners can gain from e-learning. The following list illustrates the main advantages for learnersLearners can get the best instruction available T he wide popularity of the e-learning programme makes learning more flexible and gives freedom to learners to choose the best course available which fits their needs. Training occurs just in time. Web-based training is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week which allows learners to study when they need it without any conditions or constraints. They do not need to wait for training sessions or a specified time to attend.Learners set the pace and the schedule. Learners can study at their own time learners can take as many lessons as they need depending on their time and their plans. For example, some of them may wish to study full-time while others prefer to study a few hours a week.Learners get better access to the instructor. Communication with the instructor(s) through web based e-learning systems can be more effective than the traditional classroom approach. Training adapts to the learners style Many different learning styles can be incorporated within an e-learning environment , and the learner is able to adapt to a style or series of styles which they prefer and in the way they feel is most efficient.Learners get immediate feedbackThere is no need to wait while for the results of the exams, or games. The results can be obtained immediately.Learners are treated more equally A degree of anonymity is regardd, therefore personal characteristics are not considered.Saves money and time for learners Hidden costs are eliminated in that here are no travelling expenses, parking fees, etc. It is also efficient for time in that almost all the time is worn-out(a) on learning and no time is wasted on travelling. Produces positive side effects Learners are constantly improving their other skills, such as general computer skills, various internet technologies and how they apply them in their jobs.Advantages for InstructorsAccording to Mayer (2003) the most common advantages for instructors can gain from e-learning areInstructor can teach from anywhere Instructors are able to teach the course from any location in the world. All they need is connection to the internet.Instructors travel less Almost all the time is spent on planning, producing and publishing courses with no time wasted on travelling to attend.Course content can be dynamic Instructors have the opportunity to deal with course matter at any time and in any place such as home, office etc.Instructors dispense with time Time consumed in preparing the course document such as handouts, having course paper printed etc., are eliminated.ConclusionIn this chapter we have covered a wide range on academic study in order to understand this subject, starting with the definition of E-learning and what do we mean by E-learning, followed by another important part which is what is the difference between E-learning and Conventional education. Also the researcher has included a brief explanation concerning the history of E-Learning and the feature of E-stand and its practise.Moreover, we can see that b ased on the literature there are many advantage of E-learning for the learner. For example, he can study from anywhere and at any time which is the tractableness of E-learning and also there is an advantage for the instructor as he can also teach from any place and with a flexible time schedule.Chapter threeIntroductionIn order to understand what constitutes quality of e-learning and the critical factors that should be addressed when evaluating this type of learning, an understanding of the distinctions between e-learning and traditional education needs to be attained. Therefore the first section of this chapter is dedicated to exploring what changes have been brought to higher education by e-learning. This chapter includes a literature review for to explore what has been recognized by the researchers and practitioners of this field as key factors that affect the quality of e-learning programs and institutions, and therefore should be used to evaluate this type of learning.A list o f highly rated and most repeated factors was then generated and categorized to form the basis for a comprehensive framework intended for evaluating quality of e-learning programs which will be used later in the empirical research.Quality in E-learningA range of perspectives on what defines quality in e-learning, and what should be considered when evaluating the quality of e-learning has been developed. Some studies have addressed few factors pertaining to a single aspect or dimension, and some have developed frameworks for evaluating the quality of e-learning addressing many aspects. During those studies many different approaches were adopted ranging from surveying learners, faculty members, designers and policy makers for their views, building models for effective e-learning, and constructing camps that contextualize and fight the e-learning environment (Brennan, 2001).Despite the important contribution of each of those studies, a complete framework for evaluating the quality of e -learning couldnt be found. Developed frameworks either addressed the quality of the e-learning program with an emphasis on the classroom environment only, or overlooked some important aspects, such as the impact of the institution on the quality of e-learning programs (Cashion and Palmieri, 2002).E-Learning has been addressed by governing or accrediting bodies which developed quality standards, principles or frameworks. Such standards however, were developed to help institutions plan for their e-learning programs (Cashion and Palmieri, 2002) or as a self judicial decision tool, therefore they usually address in general perspective quality standards, academic standards, standards of competence, service standards and organizational standards (Harvey, 1999).According to Vlasceanu et al (2004), the definition of quality in a higher education institution differs with the changes inThe interests and needs of various types of stakeholdersThe institutions own inputs, processes, outputs, p urpose, mission and set of objectivesThe characteristics and attributes of the academic worldThe historical evolvement and development of higher educationRevisiting the changes that e-learning brought to higher education especially to the role of its fundamental stakeholders, learners, educators and administrators, it perhaps becomes logical when we look for a definition of quality as a concept, to consider these stakeholders first. For this reason, a growing literature in the field of e-learning tends to define quality of e-learning programs as the degree to which principal stakeholders needs and expectations are consistently satisfied, referring to the learners and educators (Kistan, 2005).Success factors particular success factors (CSFs) are key areas of performance that are essential for the organisation to accomplish its mission (Rockart, 1979). Managers implicitly know and consider these key areas when they set goals and as they direct operational activities and tasks that are important to achieving goals. However, when these key areas of performance are made explicit, they provide a common point of reference for the entire organisation. Thus, any activity or initiative that the organisation undertakes must ensure consistently high performance in these key areas, otherwise the organisation may not be able to achieve its goals and consequently may fail to accomplish its mission. The term critical success factor has been adapted for many different uses. Familiarity with the term is often presented in the context of a project or an initiative. In this context, CSFs describe the underlying or guiding principles of an effort that must be regarded to ensure that it is successful.Clarity of course goalsNot surprisingly, there has been consensus in the literature that in order to assure the quality of the teaching/learning process, designing a course should start with explicit outcomes that identify the expectations from learners and the faculty from the very be ginning. Learning outcomes which usually drive the effectiveness assessment process of courses should be also challenging and linked directly to the institutions overall goals and objectives. (Mayer et al 2000) faculty members have to adjust course content by selecting appropriate learning styles to achieve course goals and learners needs.Learner fundamental interactionInteraction is one of the most widely mentioned factors in the literature in relation to its impact on the quality of e-learning programs. (Moore, 2002)Interaction in the e-learning environment compensates for the disadvantage of direct and face to face contact between learners and their faculty member or colleagues. Moore (1989) has identified three types of interactionInteraction between faculty and learners, which is considered to be the most vital component that creates an effective learning environment upo

Introduction To Dual Diagnosis Health And Social Care Essay

Introduction To Dual Diagnosis Health And Social C be EssayOver the last ten years in intellectual health, there has been a signifi tidy sumt change and consider up to(p) debate about the definition of dual diagnosis, this terminology refers to a psychical health disorder feature with core insult (Department of Health, 2002). This can cover a broad range of disorders from learning disabilities and nucleus disgust of legal or illegal drugs to severe mental illness such as schizophrenia and heart misuse of cannabis or alcohol (Department of Health, 2002). still in medicine dual diagnosis is an umbrella term, for a uncomplicated and secondary disorder for example diabetes and hypertension (Sowers Epstein, 1995) This research proposal allow for counseling on the lymph gland group duality of psychosis and substance misuse of cannabis or alcohol.Psychosis can be defined as a severe mental health disorder in which thought and emotions are significantly impaired, whereb y citizenry can lose contact with reality. However the symptoms can vary between negative and positive, the negative symptoms can cause apathy, a simplification or absence of social skills, resulting in confused thoughts which impair their ability to concentrate or complete instructions. The positive symptoms can be defined as either visual or auditory hallucinations or delusional thoughts, where a person may deem an undeniable belief in something false (National plant for Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2011).However substance abuse can aggravate psychosis leading to further hallucinations, which is associated with a wide range of negative outcomes, such as nobleer rates of sink, increased hospitalisation (revolving door clients), suicide, housing issues and poorer levels of social functioning, such as poverty, violence, criminality and social exclusion, little compliance with treatment, greater benefit costs to National Health Service (NHS) or the criminal justice system and government services (Department of Health, 2007).More significantly The World Health system (WHO) reported 51,353 admissions of drug-related mental health disorders in 2010/11. These admissions attain increased year on year and are now nearly twice as high as they were ten years ago, therefore families are at greater risk of having a family component diagnosed with dual diagnosis (The World Health governing , 2012).Significantly the impact of the dually diagnosed within families is drastic, family dynamics are altered by challenging and difficult situations within the home, by displaying profuse and aggressive behaviours (Biegel et al, 2007). Clearly hoi polloi with dual disorders check strained interactions with their families. However when alliances are strained families might be less volitioning to help, the relative with dual diagnosis which could erect to high rates of homelessness and social problems (Clarke, R E Drake, R E, 1994). Yet family members may have diffe ring amounts of contact and distancing, because of the negative impacts of their behaviour.However someone in the family takes the role of briny dread hapr, world the person most directly linked to the caring of the dually diagnosed whilst conduct giving non only affects their QOL, it also impacts on possible depressive symptoms and research has indicated that care giving burden has a risk factor for early mortality (Biegel et al, 2007), (Marcon et al, 2012) (Walton-Moss et al, 2005)Yet a lack of social maintain, and loose and formal care, has been found to be the most important source that predicts the burden of family caregivers (Biegel et al, 2007) although informal caring occurs naturally within family relationships, which is naturally unpaid, this goes beyond the caring anticipate of these relationships in contrast to a paid formal carer (Chaffey Fossey, 2004) additively being a carer can raise difficult personal issues about duty, responsibility, adequacy and guilt ( Shah et al, 2010).Research into the impact of care giving shows that carers suffer significant psychological distress and experience higher rates of mental ill health than the general population, the triggers for distress are as follows worry, anger, guilt, and shame financial and emotional strain marital dissatisfaction, physical effects of the stress of living with a substance abuser (Biegel, et al 2007).However without the theatrical role of the UKs 6.4 million unpaid carers health and social care services would collapse. In 2037 its anticipated that the number of carers exit increase to 9 million (Carers UK, 2012). Worldwide some(prenominal) authors have argued for service systems to ac familiarity and address family members need to ensure their deliver well-being, as well as to ensure effective community support for passel living with mental illness (Chaffey Fossey, 2004) (Igberase et al 2012) (Carey Leggatt, 1987).The last ten years have seen major reform of the law as it relates to carers consequently families have been forced to give up work to care for their relatives. Family carers need assistance to prevent becoming unwell themselves (Carers UK, 2012). Therefore supporting carers must be a profound part of government reform, which ac slamledges the family as associated clients who desperately need support. This is paramount because relatives often know little about how the interactions between mental illness and substance misuse are interchangeable. Therefore families need pragmatic info about dual disorders, to help recognise the signs of substance abuse, and strategies for its management for example medication adherence and recognising relapse triggers. Addressing these factors would change the improvement in the dually diagnosed directly related to greater outcomes in the well-being of the family (Mueser Fox, 2002).Over linear perspective, context and background information relevant to topicIt costs the UK 1.3 million a year in care rs benefits and confounded taxes whereby family members are becoming increasingly responsible for providing support, although in 2012 the British government submitted the Care and Support Bill which will guide future services for caregivers. Families will no longer be treated as an extension of the person they are caring for, they will have a right to an assessment, this will give carers much better access to support them balance their caring roles and responsibilities (Carers UK, 2012). Yet informal carers may experience less choice about the discontinuation of care in comparison to volunteer or paid carers, possibly due to love of the family member and a intelligence of duty, it is essential that the family understand the facts about dual diagnosis, to have every hope for recovery of the family (Department of Health, 2007)Additionally health services should acknowledge the families by assessing them as associated clients so that carers can learn to recognise the triggers of care giver burden and moreover be given general education and health promotion (Rethink, 2007).However in 2006, the College of occupational Therapists (COT) announced a 10 year vision for occupational therapy in mental health which included by 2013 for practitioners to have ex operateed their scope of formula across a range of agencies to meet the occupational needs of mental health services (COT, 2006)Statement of the problem proposed to be investigatedThe proposed research intends to investigate, what are the experiences of tidy sum who are carers for people with dual diagnosis?General buzz off(s) of the proposed researchTo find out how families cope living with someone with dual diagnosis? What are their biggest challenges? To get a line the current experiences from the perspective of the carer regarding the impact of dual diagnosis, the burden grief and the loss of their relative.Relevance, significance or need for the studyThe relevance to occupational therapy and the health ser vice carers are associated clients and therefore need to be taken into consideration when assessing this client group. Furthermore the lacking of occupational therapy literature in this area makes a send away case for the proposed research.Chapter 2 Literature ReviewIntroduction to the chapterLiteratures in dual diagnosis are largely separate, mainly based in substance abuse or mental health fields. However over the past decade, family work in dual diagnosis has been mainly focused on client outcomes and non the families well-being or quality of life QOL.However occupational therapy literature is also limited, lacking investigation of occupational needs place from the families perspective. However a considerable amount of literature has been published on descriptions of occupational therapists roles by defining and establishing what an occupational therapist does within the multi-disciplinary team in mental health services, but not specifically to dual diagnosis (Brown, 2011) (Hy de, 2001)(Lloyd et al, 2008). Therefore it is beneficial for occupational therapists to have a better understanding of the families perspectives, as associated clients to enable additional support for the caregiver thus improving outcomes for the whole family.There is a plethora of literatures, on outcomes associated with family support for the dually diagnosed, the majority of studies examined the relationship between family involvement and client outcomes such as reduction in mental health symptoms, drawment in treatment services, lower hospitalisation rates, improved decrease in substance abuse, sustained remission (Clark, 2001) (Mueser Fox, 2002) (Biegel et al, 2007). Although the high service costs of treating the substance abuser and the frequent involvement of relatives in the lives of dually diagnosed clients, there are few resources to help clinicians engage and collaborate with families (Mueser Fox, 2002). This implies that families or informal carers can easily become the main source of care when treatment fails, the family being the last resort (Clark 2001). On the separate hand, some research has shown that individualists with dual diagnosis are less satisfied with their family relationships than those with a severe mental illness alone (Kashner et al. 1991) and that receiving family support may exasperate difficulties by increasing conflict (e.g. supply of additional money may be used for drugs, existing poor family dynamics worsen carer-client relationship). Conversely research is lacking in the support of families caring for the dually diagnosed (Biegel, et al, 2007) (Townsend, et al, 2006).In contrast families are often the most significant people in the dually diagnosed life, this unique relationship puts families in the central position of being able to encourage the dually diagnosed to take the necessary steps towards recovery by providing direct care such as practical help, personal care, emotional support as well as financial suppor t (Clarke, R E Drake, R E, 1994) (Shah et al, 2010) (Mueser Fox, 2002). The impact of mental illness on families is usually conceived in terms of caregiver burden, this experience may help determine the quality of life QOL for family members, the most significant being, isolation, coping with behavioural problems, and relationship problems between family members (Clark, 2001).Mueser et al, (2009) study of 108 families conducted a randomised control trial utilising Lehmans QOL question instrument with satisfactory reliability and validity (Lehman, 1998) for the diagnosed, the caregiver was assessed using the family experiences interview schedule (FEIS) with established reliability and validity which did not incorporate the QOL for the family this was not addressed. The findings from this study found that motivating relatives, to participate in family intervention can address the disruptive effects. These stressors that affect quality of life include worry, anger, guilt, and shame financial and emotional strain marital dissatisfaction, physical effects of stress of living with a substance abuser (Biegel et al, 2007).Additionally Biegel et al (2007) exploratory, non-experimental cross-sectional survey design conducted interviews / surveys with 82 female persons with dual diagnosis and 82 family members and considered the caregivers experience as subdue, and found that behavioural problems contribute to the burden affecting their quality of life, the strength of this study is acknowledging how substance abuse impacts on the role of care giving which was also tested by applying FEIS. m any(prenominal) another(prenominal) a(prenominal) studies of family carers of persons with mental health and or substance abuse issues consider how families quality of life is affected, the main themes highlighted that write outs throughout the reviewed literatures are caregiver burden which is documented as worry, anger, guilt, isolation, stress which results in a diminishmen t of QOL of family members (Biegel et al, 2007) (Chaffey Fossey, 2004) (Shah, Wadoo, Latoo, 2010) (Chan, 2010).Behavioural problems have been found to be the strongest predictor of caregiver burden across chronic illnesses (Biegel et al, 2007). In contrast Jokinen Brown, (2005) conducted a focus group study which included 15 subjects would argue that there are positive aspects of lifelong care giving and quality of family life, the study acknowledge the concerns for the health of all family members (Jokinen Brown, 2005).Research in the QOL of care giving highlights that carers suffer significant psychological, distress and experience higher rates of mental ill health than the general population. Therefore by improving the QOL of carers will likely to reduce caregiver burden that requires further research to explore the lived experiences of families living with the dually diagnosed (Shah et al, 2010).However, literatures addressing the family as a collective unit and the impact of care giving on each family members role is lacking therefore this literature reviews the research.The majority of family caregivers, mostly women report experiencing moderate to high levels of depression as well as stress, this type of informal care giving is taken on in addition to existing roles and responsibilities (Chaffey Fossey, 2004) (Biegel et al, 2007) (St-Onge Lavoie, 1997). Traditionally, informal care was supplied by women but nowa solar days women are not only more likely to work, but also likely to be significant contributors to family finances. For women, this implies that profits will be lost due to informal care increasing. However women play a central role in care-giving which may impact on their well-being more than opposite members of the family (St-Onge Lavoie, 1997).Although according to shah et al (2010) women have higher rates of depression than men in the care-giving role (Shah et al, 2010). However male carers tend to have more of a managerial style that allows them to distance themselves from the stressful situation to some degree by delegating tasks (Shah et al, 2010). Significantly (Mays Holden Lund, 1999) Interviewed 10 male caregivers and the findings, men expressed their means of coping by being realistic and action-oriented in response to their feelings.However the effect of care giving on children can be considered by the physical changes to normal growth, for example migraines, inflammation of the lining of the colon, and ulcers (Biegel et al, 2007) (Townsend et al, 2006). Tracy Martin, (2006) examined the effects of dual diagnosis via cross-sectional survey design which examined the types of support provided by minor children and the differences in support perceived by the child versus the support perceived by the adult. The findings that the role of children is often ignored or neglected, the effects are referred to as a role reversal parental child or parentification thus resulting in negative developmental outco mes for the child, although a weakness with this study is the support perceived by the child is not the views of the children but by the mothers reporting on both, these findings represent a design bias (Tracy Martin, 2006).Significantly Rupert et al (2012) aim to identify the issues when engaging children whose parents have a dual diagnosis explored the perspectives of 12 children via semi-structured interviews. A strength with this study is that the authors were able to elicit the sensitive data ethically by gathering information about secrecy issues around their parents substance abuse and remaining loyal to their parents, children experience negative epochs spent with their parents, with family arguments and the knowledge of when the parent abuses substances these findings represent the need to acknowledge childrens perspectives as associated clients (Reuper et al, 2012). The authors acknowledge that the study does not recognise the other family members within the household th at could provide an exploratory view of their perspective.Although the effect of care giving on siblings is lacking, Sin et al (2012) studied the phenomena of understanding the experiences of siblings of individuals with first episode psychosis. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with 31 sibling participants researched that they had somehow lost their brother or sister as his or her character had changed since the onset of their diagnosis (Sin et al, 2012) Younger siblings were much more likely to cope by withdrawing and not getting involved, they often reported that they were not made aware of information and resources uncommitted to help with the situation and were also less likely to want to know about the illness (Sin et al, 2012).Strength of this study is the qualitative exploratory semi-structured interviews, and the themes that emerged although this study does not address the issues of substance abuse or the quality of life of the other family members. The gap in the lit erature is that quality of life does not consider the affects of mental health and substance abuse on the family. This paper has not been able to locate any studies that consider the qualitative exploratory lived perspectives of all family members living with the dually diagnosed, and the impact on their quality of life, therefore due to the lack of research on families living with the dually diagnosed this research seeks to explore their perspectives.To conclude Health professionals should focus on the familys environmental context, and their perceptions of their relative with mental illness, thus by assuming that each family is different, clinicians should guess how family dynamics can affect the families quality of life and how theses interactions impact in their plan of care (Walton-Moss et al, 2005). However, numerous studies have looked at the effects of family involvement on the outcomes of the dually diagnosed, current literatures are lacking on the quality of life of famil y members, and does not consider the effects of mental health and substance abuse on the family, this provided the focus for the present research.The relevance to occupational therapyThe relevance to occupational therapy services is to lessen the burden on the carers so that they can continue in their caring role, being fully advised of diagnosis, relapse triggers, substance abuse, and the available services so that they can continue their caring role.Statement of aimsTo explore the perspectives of carers of clients with dual diagnosisTo explore the perspectives of the carers regarding substance misuseTo find out how carers cope, living with someone with dual diagnosis, what are their biggest challenges?Research question proposed to be investigatedTo explore the lived experiences of a family that lives with the dually diagnosed client.Chapter 3 methodologyDescription and justification of research DesignA qualitative semi-structured interview which utilises open ended questions, ha s been elect because these methods lend themselves to exploring the familys perspective and meanings of living with the dually diagnosed, this will allow for individual members of the family narrative to be acknowledged. Moreover the investigator will ask questions in similar ways to all participants, which will attempt to maximise the potency in the research reliability and validity (Hicks, 2009). This method will attempt to understand a complex novel phenomenon, whereby the tec needs to understand that the concepts and variables that emerge may be different from the aims, sought by the study (Pope Mays, 2006). In contrast focus groups were not chosen due to the consensus of a group of people rather than the individual perspectives from the family (Pope Mays, 2006).The research will be conducted in the participants home, due to purposive sampling methods in which sites are selected on the basis that they are typical of the phenomenon being investigated (Pope Mays, 2006 115). This will attempt to justify the rationale for the research taking place in the home in environment (Pope Mays, 2006). Moreover purposeful sampling techniques will be used to obtain participants whereby the researcher identifies specific people to take part (Hicks, 2004).However an aspect which illustrates rigour can be identified through member checking, whereby cross-checking findings with participants, can help to refine explanations, and aims to reduce subjectivity in processing of data analysis (Pope Mays, 2006).Therefore Living with dual diagnosis through the families eyes, can be addressed by using semi-structured interviews whereby rigor can be associated with this type of approach, due to data collected from as many appropriate sources to provide in-depth information (Pope Mays, 2006).Indication and justification of required number of ParticipantsThe participants will be family members of the dually diagnosed client, that attend a community mental health daycentre. Howev er this study acknowledges the stigma attached to mental health services, as recent studies have shown that public education campaigns on mental illness and the integration have done little to alter the stigma associated with mental health (Schulze Angermeyer, 2003). Conversely the recruitment of participants may rely upon their visit to the day centre or if not appropriate for them then the dually diagnosed lodge at the centre and the passing on of the flyer or information about the study, requiring no attendance at the day centre is necessary, due to the research being conducted in the participants family home.However It is argued by Crouch McKenzie (2006) that for in-depth qualitative studies small numbers of cases facilitates the researchers association with the participants, and enhances the validity therefore a maximum of 20 participants in total will be recruited to allow sufficient time to analyse the collected data (Crouch McKenzie, 2006). However snowballing sampling, was not the chosen method of recruitment because recruited participants in the study, would refer and reccommend future participants (Patton, 2002).Organisation of access to and recruitment of possible participantsParticipants for this study will be obtained through voluntary participation advertised via flyers and posters at a community mental health daycentre (Appendix 7), the flyers will provide instructions for participants to contact the researcher, the purpose of the study requirements to be a volunteer, and the time commitment of the volunteers will be listed on the flyer, once families (maximum total of 20 people) are recruited for the study, the researcher will remove the flyers and posters.When volunteers respond, a telephone screening interview, just about 5 minutes per person, will be conducted to determine if the individual family members meet the inclusion criteria. Families that respond and meet the inclusion criteria will be consented and assented (if appropriate) a nd recruited to participate in the study. The researcher will speak with the families, and communicate with each family member to set up a merging time and place that is convenient for all members (Pope Mays, 2006). comprehension/exclusion criteria of participantsThe validation for the inclusion and exclusion criteria relies on the family homogeneity that they are composed of being related and living together, therefore similar participants may enable a more in-depth enquiry into their shared and distinctive experiences (Hicks, 2004)The inclusion criteria eligibilitya) Family member is living with the person diagnosed with dual diagnosis.b) Family member is capable of engaging in literal communication pertaining to semi-structured interviews.c) Family member is above 16d) A family brooding of two or more members (max 4) not including the dually diagnosed client.e) English speaking and capacity to reflect participate.The exclusion criteriaa) Family member is below the age of 16. b) The diagnosed family member with dual diagnosis.c) No mental disorders or substance misuse disorders.d) Non-English speaking or with a cognitive deficit disorder.The semi-structured interviews may discuss topics or issues which are sensitive to the participants, these difficulties can be averted by a procedure of gaining on-going consent and assent for the 16-18 year olds (appendix 2) (Wiles et al, 2007). If distress occurs then the researcher can either stop the activity or will move on to the next area. It will be made clear to participants that they can even off to answer any particular questions or discuss topics that they feel uncomfortable with and can leave the research at any time, additional support and information will be available (Wiles et al, 2007).Indication of honest issue relevant to the proposalThe researcher should at all times respect the autonomy of the individual by allowing the participant the freedom from control or influence of the study. Additionally th e researcher has a duty to uphold beneficence which is the obligation to maximise benefits and denigrate harm (Domholdt, 2000). Justice should be maintained throughout which is the obligation to treat each person in accordance with what is morally right and proper, therefore informed consent and ascent will be obtained via the Participant Information Sheet (approximately 30 min) (Appendix 1). at a time the inclusion criteria has been met and each of the participants agree to join the study, a meeting time and place for informed consent, form review and data collection can be scheduled. The researcher will review (1) the purpose of the study, (2) an explanation of the procedures including the interviews, and the interview process, (3) an explanation of possible benefits and/or risks or discomforts (4) Consent to audiotape semi-structured interview (amended consent form), and an explanation of the subjects rights and confidentiality, the subjects will be asked to repeat their underst anding of the study and procedures in their own words. Once full understanding has been demonstrated of the purpose and procedures of the study, the researcher will ask the participants to sign the consent form.Research approvalGeneral approval to be sought from Brunel University Research Ethics committees. Ethical approval for the research study is to be obtained from Brunel University, additional permission to be sought from the community mental health day centre (gatekeepers) to recruit participants via flyers and posters (Brunel University West London, 2010).Discussion of ethical considerations related to participation and consentDue to possibility of participants being aged from 16-18 assent will be required which is a term for participants too young to give informed consent but who are old enough to understand the proposed research, including the expected risks and possible benefits, and the activities expected of them as subjects. Assent by itself is not adequate, however. If assent is given, informed consent must still be obtained from the subjects parents or guardian (Domholdt, 2000).Ethical issues will arise throughout the research process, from initial planning to writing up and data analysis, due to interviews concerning private experience (Kvale, 2007). The researchers will respect the seclusion of the participants by making it clear to them that they are free to decide what information they wish to share with the researcher and that they should feel under no pressure or obligation to discuss matters that they do not wish too. Data regarding the patient, family or the community, which will have the potential to identify them, will be omitted,Indication of any risks and benefits to participants and/or researcherThe possible risk to the participant is the discussion of sensitive issues, due to the nature of the research and the psychological aspect of discussing experiences. If distress occurs then the researcher can either stop the activity or wil l move on to the next area. It will be made clear to participants that they can turn to answer particular questions or discuss particular topics (Wiles et al, 2007). Moreover the non-therapeutic approach, whilst designed to advance knowledge and therefore be of collective benefit, it is not expected to give a direct benefit to the research subject (Wiles, Crow, Charles, Heath, 2007).The risk to the researcher is conducting the study in the participants home, the researcher will have to abide by the Suzy Lamplugh self-assertion lone worker policy (Suzy Lamplugh Trust, 2012) (appendix 4 ) therefore a full risk assessment will need to be completed. Additionally the researcher will indemnifying against risk, to either the researcher or to participants, by taking out insurance for a period of time limited to the research process.Consideration of issues of confidentiality and data pledgeIn order to protect confidentiality, the researcher will identify the subjects for this study by th e role that the participants fulfil in the family for example mother, son or daughter. Once all data is collected and analysed the interviews will be transcribed, and the audio tapes will be stored in a locked, secure location until the study is completed, after completion, the primary data will be destroyed and all other data will be destroyed and discarded according to data protocol up to two years (Brunel University West London, 2010).Materials or equipmentThe interviewer is the instrument in this type of evaluation the instrument can be affected by factors like fatigue, personality, and knowledge, as well as levels of skill, training, and experience. According to (McNamara, 2009), the strength of the general interview guide approach is the ability of the researcher to ensure that the same general areas of information are collected from each interviewee. The equipment required to analyse the data is software for qualitative data analysis which is ATLAS.ti 7, as a tool for enhanci ng rigour this software is available at Brunel University (Atlas.ti Qualitative Data Analysis, 2012). The training implications required is a one hour training session. Additionally an audio tape recorder is required for the semi-structured interview a limitation is that the interviewees may be unable to put their thoughts into words and difficulties of analysing data from semi-structured interviews (Atlas.ti Qualitative Data Analysis, 2012).Comprehensive description of ProceduresThe study will consist of 45 weeks part-time work (appendix 9) the research will be advertised through flyers and posters at the mental health day centre after desire approval from the day centre (gatekeepers), The recruitment drive will be for two months via dually diagnosed participation at mental health day centre which the researchers have no affiliation too

Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

bank political program mental faculty (TPM)Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a term practiced to define a chip or microcontroller. This chip or microcontroller dismiss be placed into a motherboard configuration such as devices like mobile devices, or a personal computer (PCs). The requirements and occupation was presented and established by the Trusted Computing Group (TCG), to deliver a resolving where a reliable and genuine descent exists amongst hardwargon and software configurations. This facility was executed through cryptographical and hashing algorithms. Additional, TPM offers unlike confirmation, a verification and au pasttication do work for other third party software. TPM is a global regulation for a protected crypto processor, which is a devoted microcontroller or chip intended to protect ironware by joining cryptographic winders into devices.TPMs skilful requirements were established and written by TCG and launched in 2003. TCG was created as a nonprofit from inception and known to have brands like Microsoft, IBM, Intel, and Hewlett-Packard as clients. TPM just as well up as others has flaws, and suffers from attacks. These attacks include offline dictionary and OIAP attacks nevertheless, when joined with other endpoint control systems like multifactor au thereforetication, network access control, and malware attainion, TPMs contri unless whenion to a sound warrantor program is well-grounded. (Sparks, 2007)This survey is a complete review of research conducted on TPM, its components, mechanisms, application, and office protocols. Furthermore, a description of some common attacks to which TPM has been a victim pass on be presented. Finally, more recent and future performances will be discussed, such as the incorporation of TPM within mobile and smart devices and even within cloud work out. First, it is beta to start with an overview of the TPM particularation, its components, and its purpose.The TPM endureground section dis cusses in some detail an overarching summary of TPM. This will include what the motivations and advantages are to utilize TPM as well as how the antithetical types of backbones function. Also discussed is the evolution of TPM over time in how it functions in both its hardware encryption that also its capabilities.2.1 TPM SummaryA Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a cryptographic coprocessor that replaced smart cards in the 1990s and then became present on just about commercial personal computer (PCs) and servers. TPMs are almost ubiquitous in computer hardware and typically non seen by enjoymentrs beca drug abuse of the lack of compelling applications that use them. However, this situation has changed effective with TPM version 1.16 by adding the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) bit which is a static flag that verifies if the device or firmware the TPM is attached to is FIPS 140-2 cryptographic module compliant. This compliance is then registered by the consoli dated validation certificates granted when FIPS 140-2 is validated and are then registered and published at NIST as public record listed alphabetically by seller located at http//csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/documents/140-1/1401vend.htm. (TCG FIPS 140-2 Guidance for TPM 2.0, ver 1, rev.8, 2016) Therefore, the line of thinking of TPM has change magnitudely twist one of importance and an essential ingredient to cryptographic defense familiarity whom are required to prove their FIPS 140-2 compliance. However, this was not always the case since gage was not a mainstream issue in the early years of the Internet.2.2 Motivation to use TPMThe motivation for TPM began decades after the advent of what is known as the Internet. From the creation of Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) in 1969 it took almost nineteen (19) years for us to become aware of the first known exploit called the Internet Worm in 1988. (Pearson Education, Inc., 2014) Until this time the focus had always been on the bring forthment of the computer with no security hardware and software that was easy to use. There was a real concept of information security threats. However, in the 1990s there was the concept of the potential of mer ignoretile system the Internet would have and the need to ripe the PCs that would exchange with that commerce. This prompted some computer engineers to convene and form and develop the first TPMs which became known to be as the Trusted Computing Group (TPM A Brief Introduction, 2015). A main objective of this group was a cost effective approach to create a hardware anchor for PC system security on which secure systems could be built. This first resulted in a TPM chip that was required to be attached to a motherboard and the TPM hold in set was architected to provide all functions necessary for its security use cases.2.2.1.EvolutionTPM has evolved considerably over the years to become the go fored platform it is today. The earlier TPM 1.2 standard was incorp orated into billions of PCs, servers, embedded systems, network gear and other devices, the evolving Internet of Things and increasing demand for security beyond traditional PC environment led TCG to develop a new TPM specification, which recently was adopted as an international standard ISO/IEC 118892015. For more flexibility of application and to enable more widespread use of the specification, TCG created TPM 2.0 with a library approach. This allows users to choose applicable aspects of TPM functionality for different implementation levels and levels of security. Also, new features and functions were added, such as algorithm agility, the ability to implement new cryptographic algorithms as demand (Trusted Platform Module (TPM) A Brief Introduction, 2015).ISO/IEC 11889-12015ISO/IEC 11889-12015 defines the architectural elements of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), a device which enables trust in computing platforms in general. roughly TPM concepts are explained adequately in th e context of the TPM itself. Other TPM concepts are explained in the context of how a TPM helps establish trust in a computing platform. When describing how a TPM helps establish trust in a computing platform, ISO/IEC 11889-12015 provides some commission for platform requirements. However, the scope of ISO/IEC 11889 is limited to TPM requirements (Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Summary, 2008).2.3 TPM Working FunctionalityThe TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a computer chip (microcontroller) that can securely chisel in artifacts used to authenticate the platform on a PC or laptop. These artifacts can include passwords, certificates, or encryption attains. A TPM can also be used to store platform preventionments that help ensure that the platform remains trustworthy. This is vituperative because Authentication and testimony are necessary to ensure safer computing in all environments. Trusted modules can be used in computing devices other than PCs, such as mobile phones or network equipment (Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Summary, 2008).. direct 1 Components of a TPM2.3.1 Hardware- found cryptographyThis cryptography pees certain that the info stored in hardware is moderate against malicious threats such as external software attacks. Also, many types of applications storing secrets on a TPM can be developed to strengthen security by increasing the difficulty of access without proper say-so. If the configuration of the platform has been altered as a result of un received activities, access to data and secrets can be denied and seal off off using these applications. TPM is not responsible for control of other proprietary or vendor software running on a computer. However, TPM can store pre-run time configuration parameters, notwithstanding it is other applications that determine and implement policies associated with this information. Also, processes can be made secure and applications such as email or secure document management. For example, if at boot tim e it is determined that a PC is not trustworthy because of unexpected changes in configuration, access to highly secure applications can be blocked until the issue is remedied. With a TPM, one can be more certain that artifacts necessary to sign secure email passs have not been affected by software attacks. And, with the use of remote attestation, other platforms in the certain network can make a determination, to which extent they can trust information from some other PC. Attestation or any other TPM functions do not transmit personal information of the user of the platform.2.3.2 CapabilitiesTPM can improve security in many areas of computing, including e-commerce, citizen-to-government applications, online banking, confidential government intercourses and many other fields where greater security is required. Hardware- ground security can improve protection for VPN, radio receiver networks, file encryption (as in Microsofts BitLocker) and password/PIN/credentials management. TP M specification is OS-agnostic, and software stacks exist for several Operating Systems.2.4TPM ComponentsTrusted Platform Module (TPM) is the core component of trusted computing. TPM is employ as a secure hardware chip and provides the hardware root word of Trust. TPM has been designed to provide trusted computing based on Trusted Computing Group (TCG) specifications. TPM functions can be implemented either in hardware or software. A secure cryptographic chip (Figure 2) can be integrated on the motherboard of a computing device according to TPM 1.2 specifications (Angela, Renu Mary, Vinodh Ewards, 2013).Figure 2 A TPM 1.2 Chip (Source http//www.infineon.com)A limpid layout of the TPM is represented downstairs (Figure 3) along with the TPM components.Figure 3 TPM Component Diagram (Zimmer, Dasari, Brogam, 2009)Information flow is managed by the I/O component through the communication bus. The I/O component handles routing of messages to heterogeneous components within the TPM and establishes access control for TPM functions and the Opt-in component.The non-volatile repositing in the TPM is a repository for storing the Endorsement Key (EK) and the Storage rout out Key (SRK). These long-term keys are the basis of key hierarchy. Owners authorization data such as password and persistent flags are also stored in the non-volatile retentivity (Trusted Computing Group, 2007).Platform conformation Registers (PCR) are reset during power-offs and system restarts and can be stored in volatile or non-volatile region. In TPM v 1.1, minimum payoff of registers that can be implemented is 16. Registers 0-7 are allocated for TPM usage leaving the remaining registers (8-15) to be used by operating system and applications (Angela, Renu Mary, Vinodh Ewards, 2013). In TPM v 1.2, tot of registers can be 24 or more and categorized as static PCRs (0-16) and dynamic PCRs (17-22).The Program Code, also known as Core determine of Trust for Measurement (CRTM) is the authorita tive source for integrity measurements. Execution engine is responsible for initializing TPM and taking measurements. The execution engine is the driver behind the program code.RNG (Random tour Generator) is used for generating keys, nonce creation and to fortify passphrase entropy. The SHA-1 engine simulated military operations a key role in creating key Blobs and hashing large blocks of data. TPM modules can be shipped with various states ranging from incapacitated, and deactivated to amply enabled. The Opt-in component ensures the state of TPM modules during shipping.The RSA engine can be used for a variety purposes including key signing, encryption/decryption using stock keys and decryption using EK. The AIK (Attestation individuality Key) is an un interchangeableal key pair typically linked to the platform module that can be used to vouch for the validity of the platforms identity and configuration. The RSA key generation engine are used for creating symmetric keys of up to 2048 bits.2.5 TPM KeysTCG keys can be categorized as signing or fund keys. Other key types defined by TCG are Platform, Identity, Binding, General and Legacy keys (Trusted Computing Group, 2007).Signing keys can be classified as general purpose keys and are asymmetric in nature. Application data and messages can be signed by the TPM using signing keys. Signing keys can be moved between TPM devices based on restrictions in place. Storage keys are asymmetric keys and primarily used for encrypting data and other keys as well as for wrapping keys. Attestation Identity Keys (AIK) are used for signing data pertaining to the TPM such as PCR register values. AIK are signing keys that cannot be exported. Endorsement Key (EK) is used for decrypting the owner authorization credentials as well as cryptic messages created by AIK. EK is not used for encryption or signing and cannot be exported. Bind keys (symmetric keys) come in handy to encrypt data on one platform and decrypt it on a differ ent platform. Legacy keys can be imported from outback(a) the TPM and used for signing and encrypting data. Authentication keys are responsible for securing the transport sessions related to TPM and are symmetric in nature.Endorsement Key (EK) in the TPM plays a critical role to maintain system security. TPM uses a private key EK to generate other keys which are bound to a specific EK. EK should be secured and protected from be compromised. A 160-bit AIK authentication value is necessary to use the AIK by TPM (Sparks, 2007). The parent key used for generating other keys should be loaded first and authenticated by users before TPM can load all other keys. The EK is unique to the TPM and embedded within the tamper resistant non-volatile memory (Angela, Renu Mary, Vinodh Ewards, 2013). Public EK is used for creating AIK certificates and during the process of encrypting data within the TPM. The private key pair of EK is not touched when generating signatures. Multiple AIKs can be sto red within a TPM to ensure anonymity between various service providers requiring proof of identity. AIK keys should be stored in secure external storage (outside the TPM) to make them persistent. AIKs can be loaded on to the volatile memory in the TPM when in use.TPM has a Storage outset Key which stays persistent. Keys are not stored permanently in TPM due to limited storage space. A apprize description of the process involved in key generation, encryption, and decryption in TPM is outlined below (Osborn Challener, 2013). A new RSA key is generated by the TPM when a key creation request is initiated by a software. TPM concatenates a value to the RSA key, appends authorization data and then the data is encrypted using the public section of the Storage Root Key and sends an encrypted blob to the requested software. A request is sent for the key to be retrieved from the blob storage when requested by the software program. TPM uses the Storage Root Key for decryption and validates t he proof value and password before loading the key into TPM memory. This loaded key is referred to as the parent key and can be used for subsequent key creation forming key hierarchies.The TMP security section discusses in some detail the various ways in which security is implemented and vulnerable. TPM authorization protocols in both version 1.2 and version 2.0 are addressed. Several examples of different types of TPM vulnerabilities are outlined as well as ways to rely the integrity of the system to protect against this vulnerabilities and what the future holds for TPM.3.1 TPM Authorization ProtocolsTPM 1.2 AuthorizationThe basic definition of TPM authorization is the process of verifying that software is allowed to use a TPM key. For TPM 1.2 this process is accomplished by utilizing a couple basic commands in an authorization session typically using passwords or values stored in the Platform Configuration Registers (PCRs) which are referred to as authorization data. The three ty pes of authorization sessions for TPM 1.2 are Object Independent Authorization Protocol (OIAP), which creates a session that allows access to multiple objects, but works only for certain commands Object Specific Authorization Protocol (OSAP), which creates a session that can manipulate only a single object, but allows for new authorization transfer and Delegate-Specific Authorization Protocol (DSAP), which delegates access to an object without disclosing the authorization data (Nyman, Ekberg, Asokan, 2014).Commands are then used to manipulate the keys within an authorization session. package can prove that it is trusted by sending a command which includes the password hash to verify it has knowledge of the password. Also the locking of non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) to PCRs and particular localities is utilized for two different authorizations one for reading and one for writing. While effective, these authorization mechanisms created a relatively rigid authorization sy stem which make it difficult to administrate the sharing of TPM keys and data (Osborn Chaneller, 2013).3.1.2 TPM 2.0 AuthorizationThe implementation of TPM 2.0 on the other hand, takes a couple different approaches by introducing enhanced authorization (EA). EA takes methods from the TPM 1.2 authorization methods and improves upon them by incorporating features mentioned in Table 1 below.Table 1.TPM 2.0 Authorization FeatureDescriptionPasswords in the clearReduces overhead in environments where the security of hash message authentication (HMAC) may not be feasible due to its extra cost and complexityHMAC keyIn some cases when the software talking to the TPM is trusted but the OS is untrusted (like in a remote system), it could be useful to use HMAC for authorization the same way as used in TPM 1.2 tactile sensation methodsAllows IT employees to perform maintenance on a TPM by authenticating using a smart card or additional data such as a biometric fingerprint or GPS location. This ensures that passwords cant be shared or compromised by unauthorized users and that an additional verification check is conductedPCR values as a deputy for system boot stateIf the system management module software has been compromised, this prevents the release of the full-disk encryption keyLocality as a proxy for command originsCan be used to indicate whether a command originated from the CPU in response to a special request.TimeCan limit the use of a key to certain times of the dayInternal counter valuesLimits the use of an object so that a key can only be used a certain number of times indicated by an internal counterValue in a non-volatile (NV) indexUse of a key is restricted to when certain bits are set to 1 or 0NV indexAuthorization is based on whether the NV index has been written physical presenceRequires proof that the user is physically in possession of the platform(Table created with information from (Arthur, Challener, Goldman, 2015))These features can be combined to create more complex policies by using the logical operators AND or OR which allows for the creation of policies to include multifactor/multiuser authentication of resources, limited time constraints for resources, and/or revocation of resources. (Arthur, Challener, Goldman, 2015).3.2TPM VulnerabilitiesWhen ranked against other standards, TPM comes in as highly secure but that isnt to say that it is immune to all attacks. There are several vulnerabilities that can allow an attacker to circumvent TPMs level of security. The sections below explain a few vulnerabilities that attackers can use to exploit TPM, and the mitigation techniques one could deploy to manage the risk.Dictionary AttackTPM authorization relies on a 20-byte authorization code that is sent by the requestor which if not properly locked down can result in an attacker guessing their way past the authorization. TPM issues guidance on how best to mitigate and prevent these attacks however, the guidance is not very detai led and rather leaves the specifics up to the implementer. For example, one could implement a design that has TPM disable further input whenever it encounters more than 3 failed attempts. This would effectively prevent online dictionary attacks and has the added benefit of also preventing Denial-of-Service attacks.Weve spoken about preventing online dictionary attacks but where the threat in truth comes into play is with an offline-based attack. This vulnerability comes into play when the authorization code is easily guessable, or in other words, poorly implemented. An attacker could observe a given command, the associated Key-Hash content Authentication Code (HMAC) sent by the requestor and finally, the TPM response back. Since the HMAC is created from the authorization code, session handle and nonces an attacker can utilize a dictionary attack to attack different nonces and authorization codes with the given HMAC algorithm. A match would then provide the attacker with the correc t authorization code. This offline attack bypasses TPMs lockout policy and though the attacker but sift through the random nonces and authorization codes, the method is a viable means of attack because it can be reasonably executed given the approachability of time and computing resources. The mitigation for this comes down to proper configuration and ensuring that the authorization code is not easily guessable. fluid dram AttackThough this attack is not directly against TPM, it is worth mentioning as it is a viable way to circumvent TPMs security authorization protocols. TPM maintains its keys within non-volatile memory within the TPM component however, when these keys are pulled by a requestor or requesting application, they are stored within Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). It is well known that one can easily exploit DRAM to extract valuable information (keys, passcodes, etc) with this even being demonstrated against Microsofts BitLocker encryption utility. During reboot, W indows would load the encryption keys stored within TPM into DRAM, prior to even prompting the user. Given this, an attacker could go in and dump the raw memory to an external device, obtain the keys, then utilize those keys to decrypt the disk. This flaw enabled attackers to gain access to data on stolen laptops, even with full disk encryption. This hits on how a system is designed and ensuring that every detail is accounted for. Even if your system has a TPM, it is only going to be as secure as the weakest component within the overall system.OIAP Replay AttackReplay attacks are a method used by many attackers across a multitude of systems. TPM is no exception and is vulnerable to replay attacks based on several characteristics. First, a TPM Object-Independent Authorization Protocol (OIAP) session can be left open for an indefinite period. The authorized session is only closed by the requestor whenever an abnormal message is received and finally, the HMAC that wraps the message can detect alterations to the message but cannot distinguish between a deliberate alteration and a simple network illusion.For example, an attacker would first capture a requestors authorized command for later use. The attacker then sends an abnormal message to the requestor which then fools it into resetting the session. The requestor is unable to distinguish between the abnormal message and a network error so no concern is raised. Since there is no concern, the TPM keeps the authorized session open, allowing the attacker the ability to replay the previously captured command through the open session. This could range to the attacker being able to corrupt or even overwrite a subsequent command issued by the requestor. The TPM would not be able to get a line this type of attack which is truly concerning based upon the foundational principles of TPM and its assurance of being able to detect unauthorized modifications to data.3.3TPM AttestationsAttestation is the method a platform uses to prove to another platform that it is in a particular configuration by using a digitally signed set of cryptographic hash values which creates a trust between platforms (Fisher, McCune, Andrews, 2011). The network server first creates a cryptographic random value (used to prevent replay attacks) called a nonce, which is then sent to the client. Software on the client then sends the nonce to the TPM and specifies an identity key. The TPM hashes the PCR values along with the nonce and then signs the hash with a private key. The client software sends this back to the server which then verifies the platform configuration by comparing the public portion of the identity key. This process provides hardware-based assurance that software on these platforms has not been modified. (Osborn Chaneller, 2013). Figure 5 provides a visual representation of attestation as provided by (Osborn Chaneller, 2013)Figure 5 AttestationIn order for the attestation process to be valid however, it must be able to be proven that the TPM values from the client are not being spoofed. This can be accomplished using a couple of key components attestation identity keys (AIK), which are created by the TPM and securely stored on disk before being reloaded into volatile TPM memory phiz keys (EK), which are hardcoded by the manufacturer into the TPM chip and a privacy certificate authority (CA), which is a third-party validation entity.The first step of this process occurs when the public half of the AIK and EK is sent to the CA. The CA then uses the public EK certificate to verify that the request comes from a valid TPM by comparing it to a list of all valid TPM manufacturers public keys. The CA then puts the public AIK in a certificate and encrypts it with the public EK. This ensures that the only party that can decrypt it is the computer with the AIK of the corresponding TPM, therefrom confirming that the TPM from the requesting platform is trusted, and therefore, the attestation method is trusted as well. (Uppal Brandon, 2011).3.4Application of TPMWith the ever-evolving landscape of technology, there is an increased need for faster, more reliable and more secure methods of defend private and personal data. TPM is a product of those evolving requirements and has thus been incorporated into many different sets of applications. This section will expand upon those sets of applications and delve into how TPM is utilized within the labor today.EncryptionOne of the most popular uses of TPM is to ensure the confidentiality of user data by providing full encryption capabilities for disks and file systems. The full disk encryption utilizes symmetric encryption with a key created from the users supplied passcode and used during the initial configuration and system boot. This protects against the loss of the disk drive and serves to facilitate disposal or repurposing of the drive since deleting the keys will result in the drive being wiped. The same method is utilized for the encryption of file systems and can be done so to protect specific nodes.Policy EnforcementWith Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) policies becoming more and more prevalent within the commercial businesses, TPM has found a use as a policy enforcement mechanism for remote access. TPM can be used to establish trust and verify a devices integrity before allowing remote connection to an organizations intranet. This utilization of TPM is comprised of a series of hashes that measure the predefined sequence of code loads, starting with the boot of the BIOS through the loading of the applications. The chain of hash measures are then compared to the stored value in order to validate the systems integrity. This is very useful for establishing the base operating environment and developing a baseline with which access control policies can be developed.Password ProtectionTPM protected storage provides a method of storing encryption/decryption keys as well as providing utility management of user pa sswords. Typically, the password manager retrieves the then encrypted password from TPM, decrypts it, and then sends it to the client application for validation. Since the passwords are usually sent to the client applications over plain-text, this is a serious vulnerability in which TPM can provide a solution for. Using the 20-byte authorization code, a TPM object is created for each user password with this then being saved in the objects authorization field. To verify a password, an application would need to send an OIAP request to access the TPM object. TPMs response to this request would indicated whether the password was correct or not. As a plus, this serves as both password storage and verification with the password never being sent to the application thus eliminating the vulnerability associated with plain-text.3.5TPM FutureTPM is compatible with many hardware and software platforms in use in todays commercial markets and is already in use by several major business functions, to include Banking, E-Commerce, Biometrics and even Antivirus applications. Looking forward, TPM will play an even bigger role in the evolving mobile market, providing more enhanced security for cell phones, GPS tracking systems, tablets and more. TPM can be used to secure the agile Operating System (OS) from being modified by attackers and can be used to further secure authorized access by implementing a hard-coded digital signature solution. For GPS devices, TPM can be used to protect against the modification of system defined location parameters, thus preventing an attacker from adjusting those parameters to satisfy their ends.The biggest constraint facing TPMs implementation within the mobile realm is the space and power constraints on mobile devices. Research is being done on whether a mobile instantiation of TPM should be based on firmware, software or even hardware. A hardware implementation would be the most secure however, the firmware-based option will likely prove to be the best approach as it will balance the security of the device with the size limitations.TPM is also being looked at with regards to providing security enhancements for cloud-based services. Cloud computing has migrated most of the standard desktop to a virtual and remotely

Those Winter Sundays Essay -- essays research papers

Knowing Your FatherBeing a child is one of the hardest stages in a persons life. They go through and through doing all the wrong things in order to learn how to do the right things, and then they socially develop into a sensible mature adult. During this stage of a young childs life, the roles of parenting are absolutely crucial and determine a childs role that he/she is going to play in society in the future. This is a crucial part of everyones life, they need to learn what they are good at and what they are not good at. In the poem "Those spend Sundays" by Robert Hayden, on that point is a sense that the narrator does not have a special bond with his father when he was a young boy, and that there is a sense of fear toward his father. I feel that in order to grow up and be a morally strong-stable person, you need a well-built kinship with at least one of your parents, if not both. Which was more common back then than now.Growing up in a very suburban townsfolk taught me many things about being a boy and even further into my life as then becoming a young man. I worn-out(a) most of my childhood days running around the desert with my motorcycle, riding in the dirt track I had, or helping my father with whatever project that he had around the house or in the garage with the cars. I used to always come back to him with everything for help and the support that I needed. I would run up to the house, break his concentration, and he would come help me with whatever I needed help with. He al...

Dantes Inferno Essay example -- Dante Inferno Essays

Dantes InfernoIt was sometime in the middle of the 17th cytosine that British cleric doubting Thomas Fuller wrote, He that falls into sin is a man that grieves at it, is a fear that boasteth of it, is a devil. If Fuller was right, where does peerless place Dante, the pilgrim who bravely wandered where no man had wandered before? Certainly, the sojourner precisely written by the poet of the same name was a man. Certainly, also, he repented his sinful ways (how could one not after braving not only the depths of Hell but later the stretches of Purgatory and the many waters of Heaven?), but he was no saint. Indeed, Inferno itself can be easily construed as a boast of sortsmade it through hell, met Lucifer, bought the t-shirt. But in reality, the book is much more subtle, and the journey much more enlightening to readers as one watches Dante, an Everyman if ever there was one, change his thought processes even as foot passes foot on his journey downward. When examining just what type o f man Dante the poet was, its important to telephone circuit the society of the times. To be from Italyor, even more specifically, from Florencewas an important distinction. Even today, Italy is a center of religion. In 1330, Italy was not only a Catholic Mecca but a republican haven. Dante the poet was not the only citizen of the city to gain distinctionMichelangelo, Raphael, and da Vinci all proudly added Florentine under their signatures. Additionally, Pope Gregory XI would find the city sinful enough to excommunicate the entire place forty-six short years later. Living in such a tumultuous and dynamic atmosphere, it was no wonder that Dante the poet, already in exile, would place his literary replica (for clearly the pilgrim is ss otherwise specified... ...e progress of the pilgrim from a sinner, sympathetic even to those condemned by God, to that of a saint of sorts, vindictive and scornful of the enemies of the church. The presence of the two further episodes of Dante the poets Divine Comedy (Purgatorio and Paradiso) indicates that the pilgrims spiritual education is not complete, but he has learned a commodious deal throughout his journey throughout hellarising from the subterranean with less moral confusion and a greater sense of God-fearing reverence. For 14th century Italy, the alternative was more than a personality flawit was a stigma. The poet, alone and in exile, had taken truly to heart and to paper the words that his Romantic counterpart Percy Shelley (a man who would be called to Italy himself time and time again) would write nearly 500 years later The great instrument of moral good is the imagination.