8802+Achievements

=8802 Achievements=

//What understandings have you gained in the unit about human evolution and history, where we are now and possible scenarios for the future?//

Through Big History, I have leant about viewing history of large time scales through the use of multi-disciplinary approaches. For example evolution can be understood by using the disciplines of astronomy, geology, climatology, history, cosmology and natural history. Of interest was the concept of //threshold moments,// when complexity get vulnerable and fragile, e.g. the period of the creation of the first stars, the origin of life, the development of modern species, and the moment of modernity. Other points of interest included the evolution of primates, development of bipedalism, the evolution of tool technology, culture, agriculture and industry. Today, we have reached very high levels of technological development and have created a global culture where we can trade, travel and communicate around the globe. The average quality of life today and much better and longer compared to the past, due to high quantities of food production, advanced medical technology and knowledge, and except for specific regions, much of the world is not at war. The other reality is that we have created an environment time-bomb bound to explode in the future. One future scenario will be marked by food shortages, floods, droughts, and violence unless we reverse the damages we have done to the environment. Another future scenario involves the next leap of evolution of going beyond our over-consumption habits, adopting sustainable lifestyles, as well as developing technologies to fix the environment and aid sustainable living.

//What understandings have you gained about the interconnections between past, present and future?// The most valuable lesson was in appreciating how out collective decisions and choices determine the future of the coming generations. Much of our past is based on past evolutionary patterns. In our past the development of agriculture and industry, as we as cultural collective learning, has given us development and high quality of living. The present industrial society we live in is based on past innovations beginning with the first technologies of hand tools, when ancient humans adopted the use of stone tools for cutting, breaking, hunting and later for war. This set a pattern we still follow today, and are likely to continue in the future. The use of tools and innovation led the ancient humans to efficient hunting, gathering and building. Today we still use tools for the production of goods, food and construction. We have advanced tool use to the level of computer technology and space travel, and the future will be future advancement to today’s technology. However, in the recent past and present we have also created environment problems promising us huge problems in the future. The largest problem we face to today and in the future is environmental. In the process of development and industrialization we have disrupted the ecosystem, by destroying vegetation, depleting soil fertility, over-mining mineral resources, polluting water and air, as well as killing large populations of other species. Our failure to see the future impact of our actions today is endangering future generations.

//What historical and futures methods or ways of thinking have you learned?//

David Christian described history analysis based on time scales. From microhistory dealing with small scale individuals, then history based on nationality or ethnicity, global history dealing with the last 500 years, world history going to 5000 years, human history going to 100,000 to 4 million years, then planetary history to 4.5 billion years, and then big history up to 13 billions years. Macrohistory studies the big scale events of the past, making links between them.

Macrohistory can be viewed in many ways, as linear – going progressively up as in evolutionary history of humans from simplicity to advanced complexity: as cyclical – with waves comprising of upward rises usually in development or progress then followed by downward falls of culture & civilizations: the spiral being a combination of linear progression combined with episodes of rises and falls as the history moves up. Macrohistory can be expressed in many ways, for example, one can write or view history based on economic perspective, dynastic cycles, class struggles, or spiritual development.

Future studies is usually a projection of future possibilities based on an analysis of past events, trend and patterns. The use of forecasts, trends, and scenarios can be used to analysis future possibilities through engaging interdisciplinary relationships between economic, technological, social, cultural and political issues and events. One futures studies method I found interesting was scenario building. It involves describing futures possible outcomes or events by analyzing interaction between driving forces like technologies & policies, and trends like population growth & markets, then including unpredictable shocks like weather.

//Did you further develop any of the following general skills during the unit?// The unit topics, readings and forums challenged me do further research and allow me to investigate local and global issues to get more accurate information and up to date facts and figures on each topic. Through this process I had to deal with information from various websites and the information was not always in agreement so I had to learn how to evaluate sources for authenticity or legitimacy as well as avoid materials placing ‘agenda’ bias over facts and truth. After investigating, evaluating, I had to integrate various perspectives looking for common grounds and point of agreements to create full picture of each subject. Topics like evolution, anthropocene, historical methods & futures studies required a lot of extra reading of material not listed in the unit in order to fully understand the width and depth of each subject.
 * //investigate global, regional and local issues//
 * //locate and critically evaluate online information//
 * //use different modes of inquiry or methods of research//
 * //integrate or synthesize ideas from various perspectives//
 * //use creative, critical and reflective thinking//
 * //use online technologies and applications to collaboratively build knowledge and share ideas//
 * //create wikis, blogs posts or other online productions of value to the broader community//

Forums, and Critical reflections were very useful in allowing me ponder on the unit topics and use critical thinking, reflective thinking and creative options and alternatives to the information in the reading materials. I found the highest level of satisfaction after writing the critical reflections because they allowed me challenge the written materials, challenge societal norms, and challenge my own beliefs and explore new avenues. Forum discussion allowed me to build collaborative knowledge in the unit through sharing ideas with other students, refining their ideas and allowing then the refine and further develop my own thoughts and ideas. I formatted my wiki project for public reading and to use it as a base to educate broader community beyond the class. Linked to the project I created a blog also dealing with the same subject of ‘sustainability’. I also used facebook site to publish my ‘critical reflections’ and many other topics and articles we explored in the unit.

//How did you deal with any technological, academic or personal challenges during your studies in the unit?// Academically, sometimes the readings materials in the unit were a bit complicated and not exhaustive enough to give one full depth of the subject. In those cases I fully used the internet and read many articles and publications on the same topic by different authors, and that allowed me to understand the topics in a deeper way. I also communicated and discussed the topic with other students through the forum or through email and shared ideas. Another challenge for me was attending the elluminate sessions because I live in a different geographical time zone. However, I dealt with this issue by replaying all recorded sessions at my own time and catch up with the other students.

//Did you act in any ways to make a real difference in our own life or in the lives of others by applying the understandings you gained to your own life or career, engaging with family, friends, colleagues and others in the broader community?// One of my contributions was through educating others on topics we covered in the unit. By the use of a blog and facebook I was able to share the gained understanding with others. I have also learnt to apply scenario building to my own life goals and future. I significantly changed my consumption habits. I am watching my energy consumption everyday using products with the least amount of energy wastage on the market. I am only eating organic products and avoiding patronizing companies or manufacturers of products harmful to health and environment.

//How did you help to build the community of inquiry of the program?//

Through the forums I helped build a community of inquiry by being actively involved in digging for information related to issues discussed in the unit and sharing the information with other students. I am actively sharing and discussing global issues on forums and well as sharing my perspective and inquiries on subjects and issues published by other students.

I am also helping build community of inquiry by contributing to collaborative wiki project. The is a good opportunity to contribute to a single but join project were everyone can shared their ideas and information to create a database of information accessible to everyone.

//Did you contribute or connect with any social networks and organizations or attend any events relevant to the course?//

I started using my facebook page as an outlet and forum for sharing ideas and issues concerning the environment and sustainable living. I published issues and articles connected to sustainability on my blog -[] I also connected with several organizations dealing with issues on sustainable habitats and joined several mailing lists to receive articles and publications.

- In Oct 2011, I attended the "Building=Energy exhibition" at the Center of Architectures in New York City. ([]). The exhibition explored how critical choices by people in the fields of design, planning, engineering, government, building management, and occupant behavior can make positive energy changes in our cities. My interesting in attending this events was to see how engineers, architects and planners are incorporating sustainable designs concepts in their designs, and how much progress New York is making in the direction towards sustainable habitats. - Signed up for the GreenHomeNYC newsletter. GreenHomeNYC is a community organization suporting greener lives and buildings. - I also joined 'The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association' (NESEA) for the purpose of learning and contributing towards sustainable communities. NESEA is an association of practitioners and activists committed to advancing sustainable energy practices. Its focus is on practical solutions, proven results and in being pioneers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy field. Members are a diverse group, including engineers, architects, builders, energy consultants, building owners and operators, manufacturers and installers, educators, activists, and transportation planners. NESEA’s overarching goal is to support professionals to bring clean energy, healthy, efficient buildings, and zero-carbon structures into everyday use in order to strengthen the economy and improve the environment.

//Have you developed further in any way as a person, a scholar or a professional during your studies in the unit?//

// Inquiry: // I further developed my ability to inquiry, research and integrate information. The unit topics challenged to refine my research ability and my critical analysis, to the level of challenging scholarly articles and publications.

// Knowledge: // The units increased by knowledge base on subjects covered as well as related subjects. Of great value were subjects like evolution, agricultural revolution, historical methods, and futures studies. These subject are valuable to understating of past, present and future, it gave me the platform or tools for writing or dealing with any other subject today from economics, politics, science and culture.

// Application: // The unit subjects and information as well as sharing with other students encouraged me to become more active in living more consciously and sustainable as well as encouraging other to live the same way and make a difference.