Discuss the following topics.
1. Distance learning programs offer flexibility around busy schedules; however, face-to-face experiences are minimal. What are the pros and cons of distance learning?
2. What are typical features of a distance learning course?
3. Online learning is very different than learning in a traditional, face-to-face classroom setting. Answer the questions with a “Yes” or “No” response in the following survey “Is Distance Education Right for Me?”
- At the end of the survey, add up all of your ‘Yes’ answers to receive feedback regarding your readiness for online education.
- Discuss the results of the survey.
Is Distance Education Right For Me?
Technical Considerations:
| Yes | No | Question |
| Do you have access to high speed Internet at home? | ||
| Do you have Microsoft Office or Microsoft Office Compatible software? | ||
| Can you install the required software downloads on your computer? | ||
| Do you know how to send and receive email? | ||
| Do you know how to attach files to email messages? | ||
| Do you know how to read file attachments in email messages? | ||
| Do you know how to cut and paste text using your computer? | ||
| Do you have access to a computer in a quiet place where you will be able to focus on this online course without distractions? | ||
| Do you know how to download files to your computer? |
Learning Styles:
| Yes | No | Question |
| Do you typically complete any assignments/work at least a couple of days in advance of the due date? | ||
| Will you dedicate as much time to your online course work each week as you would to a traditional class? | ||
| Do you normally understand written instructions? | ||
| Can you prioritize your work without direct supervision? | ||
| Will you be able to contact your instructor for assistance? | ||
| Will you be able to communicate with other students online? | ||
| Will you be able to communicate effectively in writing? | ||
| Do you enjoy reading? | ||
| Do you normally read all of your assignments for your face-to-face classes? |
Your score:
Add up all the times you answered “Yes”to a question.
How many ‘yes’ responses did you get?
14 or more?
You are probably ready to take an online or hybrid class! Remember, these classes require a good deal of self-motivation and discipline. If you are not sure whether or not you are ready, make an appointment with the instructor teaching the class to discuss this.
11–13?
You should consider working on your technical skills before taking an online or hybrid course. You should also make an appointment with the instructor of the course that you would like to take to discuss the time commitment required and the specific skills needed to be successful in the course.
10 or less?
You should reconsider enrolling in an online or hybrid course at this time. If you do not have any other options, it is strongly recommended that you contact the instructor right away to discuss the technical and academic requirements for the course.
MODULE 4
UNIT 16
What are the World’s Major CURRENCIES?
LEAD-IN
Exercise 1. Be ready to answer the question.
The Forex market, also known as FX or foreign exchange market, has eight major currencies that are by far the most popular among investors and traders. What are these currencies?
Exercise 2. Choose the correct variant.
| 1. To determine a) обозначать b) определять c) подразумевать 2. The same a) тот (же) самый b) самый c) некоторый 3. Pawn shop a) антикварный магазин b) ломбард c) магазин уцененных товаров 4. Diverse a) разнообразный b) распознаваемый c) разбирающийся | 5. To derive a) производить b) происходить c) проводить 6. Considerable a) обозначенный b) значительный c) обознавшийся 7. Value a) ценность b) оплата c) бесценный 8. Precious a) необходимый b) нужный c) ценный |
COMPREHENSIVE READING.
What are the World’s Major Currencies?
The currencies of the world’s major economies have names and backgrounds that are as diverse as the countries themselves. The dollar, used in many countries including the United States, Canada, and Australia, gets name from a silver coin minted during the Middle Ages in a small valley, or “Thal”, in Bohemia called Joachimsthal. Just as a sausage from Frankfurt came to be called frankfurter, the coins from Joachimsthal were called “Joachimstaler” or simply “Thaler”, and came to be called “dollar” in English. The pound, used in Britain, Egypt, and Lebanon among others, refers to the weight used in determining the value of coins, based on precious metals such as gold or sterling. The penny has the same origin as the word pawn, found in terms such as pawn shop, and originally meant “to pledge”. A penny, like any currency, is a “pledge” of value.
In Italy the currency was called lira. The word was based on the Latin libra, meaning” pound” and once again refers to the weight of the original coins. In Spanish, the word meaning “weight” peso was used to describe the coins that were based on a certain weight of gold or silver. Originally, there were gold coins called peso de oro and silver ones called peso de plata. In Spain the currency was called peseta, meaning “small peso.” The word peso is used to describe the currency in many Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America.
The riyal, in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and the rial in Iran, are based on the Spanish word real – which, in turn, was derived from the Latin regal(is) – referring to earlier “royal” coins. The dinar, used in Iraq and Kuwait among others, derives its name from “denarius”, a Roman coin that was worth “ten bronze asses”, an item of considerable value in days of old. In India, Pakistan, and other countries of the subcontinent, the currency is called rupee (in Indonesia, rupiah), based on the Sanskrit word rupya, meaning “coined silver”. The ancient Chinese word yiam meant “round”, or “small round thing”. The name of the Japanese currency, the yen, and the name of the Chinese currency, the yuan, both derived from the old Chinese word, refer to the round shape of the original coins.
COMPREHENSIVE CHECK