Jarrod Billig Professor Carlson CMME 2000-01 February 5, 2021 Literature Review- Proposal For my research assignment, I decided to engage in the topic of the current stock market situation. In the past 10 days, the stock market had gone through some interesting changes, changes that resulted in ‘the little guy’ winning. The current stock market extravaganza symbolically relates to Flik and the ants’ fight against Hopper and his grasshopper army in the animated movie ‘A Bug’s Life’. In short, there was a reddit page that 250 thousand plus people engaged with, all with the purpose of hammering down on the hedge funds and billionaires that have the power to manipulate stocks in order to gain large amounts of profits. The way these reddit folks attacked the hedge funds and wall street billionaires was simple, they would bet against what the hedge funds were rooting for. This started a movement where thousands of people were purchasing the GameStop and AMC stocks. Inflating the traffic of buying and selling of these stocks made the prices skyrocket, causing the hedge funds to lose millions and millions of dollars. They struck back the very next day however, when Robinhood, a common stock trading platform, banned users from buying certain stocks, so that the hedge funds could cut their losses. Relating back to ‘A Bug’s Life’, the ants were all afraid of the grasshoppers, and the grasshoppers took advantage of the fear and made the ants offer up their food they collect each harvest season. Flik, an ordinary ant who has a reputation for having bad ideas, stands up to Hopper, the leader of the grasshoppers. This made Hopper very upset, so much in fact that he knows he needs to send a message to the Ants. After some time, three grasshoppers laugh about the fact that one ant is no match for a grasshopper. Hopper makes a statement about those grasshoppers, by drowning them in food. Here’s how the scene plays out: Hopper: ‘You let one ant stand up to us, then they all might stand up! Those puny little ants outnumber us a hundred to one and if they ever figure that out there goes our way of life! It’s not about food, it’s about keeping those ants in line.’ Connecting back to the current stock market situation, Hopper and his gang of grasshoppers symbolize the hedge funds and billionaires, while the ants symbolize everyday hardworking citizens. Much like Flik, people from all across the nation stood up against Wall Street and bought stock in companies that were on a decline. The impact made in the few days it worked was tremendous. GameStop’s stock rose nearly 2,000% and AMC’s stock rose nearly 1,000%. This proved that everyday people outnumber the billionaires, and at a much larger scale than 100 to 1. Relating back to Hopper, when he states ‘It’s not about the food, it’s about keeping those ants in line’ he symbolizes the wealth and power that Wall Street and its billionaires have. Those billionaires do not sweat over losing millions, since they seemingly have an endless stream of wealth. However, they do not want people finding a sense of hope, hope that could lead to change. They want to make sure they keep us all in line, which is why Robinhood banned users from trading stocks like GameStop and AMC. Overall, this movement has opened the eyes of many, convincing people that it may be time for change, and the billionaires know it is coming.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.