'XFracture for Senator'

[XFracture]

Fellow citizens,

Upon becoming a candidate for Senate, I think it prudent to establish this venue for espousing and clarifying (upon questions) my political and social disposition.

First, I am a conservative. I believe that there is much to gain from preserving that which is good of our heritage and traditions so as to ensure that the "nature" of 10KI remain distinct and singular.

Second, I am proactivist. While preserving our identity and values is important, we must also embrace new ideas and perspectives as we continue to define ourselves as a region.

Third, I am a moralist. I believe we all ought to seek a set of core values, establishing them forever via our actions and speech. If we are found by others to be just and prudent, we will never have to try to convince others that "we are right". Instead, the value of our lives will be open for judgment by our peers. That which is good will be lauded, while that which is not will be rejected.

Fourth, I am a constructionist. I believe that we can build upon the foundations that came before us, sometimes enhancing what was before, and sometimes building new institutions which help to propel us as a society.

Fifth, I am a protectionist. I believe that the strongest deterrent to any threat is the promise of an overwhelmingly powerful response. However, as with my position as a moralist, we dare not enforce our ways upon other regions, but rather uphold a just example of virtuous engagement that others would want to follow of their own volition.

I hope this relatively short discourse has been an adequate introduction to my social and political disposition, and I welcome any requests for clarification from my fellow citizens.

[Sinn Féin's Ireland]

As i am a candidate for the United Progressive Party, i am obviously keen to promote regional progression. One of our key beliefs is that the economy can offer our region a lot. In this respect, are you in agreement, or do you believe that a more conservative approach is required? Also have you any wider thoughts on the currency.

Thanks.
Sinn.

[XFracture]

As a constructionist, I have some progressive leanings. In terms of the economic system of the region, I am in full support of it as I believe it is one of those "new institutions" that I mention that can propel our society.

[XFracture]

I have posted my offical platform here.

10000islands.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=senele0106&action=display&thread=1142056908

I will entertain any and all questions.

[Goldenloser2241]

I would like to hear some ideas, or plans you may have for education.

[XFracture]

I am glad you ask. I have some experience in online education, both as a student and as an "educator".

I believe that online education has to be easily engaged, consistent in method, and timely.

First, online education must be easily engaged. We cannot make it difficult for people, especially in a voluntary system like we have at the islands. We want people to look at our system and their schedules, and say, "Hey, this won’t take too much time, and I can learn something valuable in the process." What we do not want them to say is, "wow, I don't think I can expend that much time and energy on something that is not going to give me credit in real life." So we need to simplify our system, both for our instructors and our students. Additionally, we ought to consider incentives and rewards for participation.

Second, online education must be consistent in method. People taking and teaching classes need a standard format for lectures, exams, and schedules. This allows people to know exactly what to expect from one class to the next. This greatly streamlines the workload for both student and instructor, and lets them concentrate on content quality rather than on structure.

Third, online education needs to be timely. We need to specify what goes on, and when, for each week of a course. We need to set a schedule of operation, so we know when the off months are or when the on months are. We need to give people time to come down form a course and ready up for the next. Consistency in the area of timeliness increases the legitimacy of an online educational organization.

So, how do we ensure that our online education system is easily engaged, consistent in method, and timely?

First, I think 10KIU needs dedicated classroom space. It appears this is in the works already, which I applaud. I propose that we set a four-week class schedule with a final exam to be completed in week five. Each week contains one lecture, posted on Monday. The rest of the week is time for interaction with the lecture. We should set a word-count range for each lecture so that roughly the same amount of material is presented for any course. This means that some complicated subjects will be broken down into more manageable chunks. I also propose that we issue educational badges, similar to scouts, giving people high recognition for being involved in the university. Lastly, we need, as stated above to set a prescribed schedule. I propose that this schedule take into account time for signups to courses as well as the things I mentioned above. I suggest then a 6-week course routine. Weeks 1-4 are lectures, week 5 is exam, and week 6 is registration. This schedule, or one similar, must be strictly adhered if we are to maintain the integrity of the institution.

I am sure that similar ideas are already in the works behind the scenes by our education department under the leadership of our Minister of Education. I would relish the opportunity, as a senator to come along side our Minister of Education and our educators to help make 10KIU meet and surpass our greatest expectations.