Yicheng Jin

EDCI337 BLOG#4

Economic Development

Overview

We will explore the fundamental concepts of Development Economics, emphasizing its importance in understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by developing nations. This topic sets the groundwork for the course, providing essential frameworks that will be applied to more specific economic issues in developing countries.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

Understand the key principles and scope of Development Economics.

Recognize the role of values in shaping economic policies and development goals.

Identify different measures of development, including GDP, GNI, and the Human Development Index.

Read/Watch

Reading: Todaro & Smith, Chapters 1 and 2. https://oeclass.aua.gr/eclass/modules/document/file.php/AOA245/Economic%20Development%20-%20Todaro%20and%20Smith.pdf

Video: What is economic development? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRPioDFGWRQ

Video: What is a “Developed” Country? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzYzmbQYTI4

Content

The Nature of Development Economics: An in-depth look at how this branch of economics differs from traditional economics.

Values in Development Economics: Exploration of how ethical considerations shape development goals.

Measuring Development: Detailed analysis of GDP, GNI, HDI, and their roles in assessing economic progress.

Application

Case Study Analysis: Learners will analyze a case study of a developing country, applying the concepts learned to assess its economic condition.

Project: Propose a development plan for a hypothetical developing nation, considering economic indicators and ethical considerations.

Reflection

Reflective Journaling: Learners will maintain a journal, reflecting on how the principles of Development Economics apply to current global economic issues.

Discussion Forum: Participate in a discussion forum to share insights and reflections with peers.

To Do This Week

Read: Todaro & Smith, Chapters 1 and 2.

Watch: “What is economic development?” and “what is developed countires?”

Participate: Engage in the discussion forum.

Analyze: Complete the case study analysis.

Create: Start working on the development plan project.

Reflect: Write a journal entry summarizing key learnings.

References

Todaro, M. P., & Smith, S. C. (2015). Economic Development (12th ed.). https://oeclass.aua.gr/eclass/modules/document/file.php/AOA245/Economic%20Development%20-%20Todaro%20and%20Smith.pdf

YouTube. (2021). YouTube. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRPioDFGWRQ.

YouTube. (2022). YouTube. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzYzmbQYTI4&t=4s.

Refecltion:

I have played a wide range of video game learning aids, from straightforward instructional games to intricate simulations intended for postsecondary education. Mayer’s multimedia learning principles are frequently incorporated into these games, especially in the way they use text, graphics, and audio to enhance learning. Games that combine written instructions with visual signals to guide players are a popular example of how multimedia works—that is, how words and pictures are used together to create a cohesive whole.

Merrill’s principles, especially task-centered learning, are often evident in games that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing players to learn by doing. But occasionally, I’ve observed that the principle of demonstration—which involves demonstrating how to solve problems—is underutilized. Unstructured direction is sometimes lacking in games that emphasize exploratory learning, which can cause confusion and unclear learning objectives.

Mayer’s coherence principle, which emphasizes eliminating superfluous content, is another guideline that appears to be less frequently used. Distracting components that don’t support the learning objectives are included in certain educational games, which may make learning more difficult.

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