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.
jinyiguoedci337
2023-11-14 — 7:51 am
HI Yicheng, thanks for sharing your blog
As a ECON major student, it’s actually easier for me to understand your topic and analysis it, I am really impressed by the Videos and Readings that you found for the students, it really provided students who don’t have any economics background a basic understanding of “economics development”, what’s economics development? I am also interested in your case study analysis, from my economics academic career, I think the most useful approach for students to learn is the real case study, you not only let students learn from the videos and readings, but also add a real world case study which could help us understand how economics development run and work in real world, and as you mentioned in my post, the use of interactive videos and quizzes is a brilliant way to ensure students are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in their learning journey, we also talked a lot through the H5P process, I do believe we all did a great job, however, I think you could add more questions to test students’ knowledge about the economics development, one question is probably not enough to run in my opinion. It’s my pleasure to work with you together through this module
Thanks for sharing
Jinyi Guo
samw
2023-11-16 — 3:00 pm
I believe this class has provided a deeper understanding of economics, especially your insightful integration of educational principles into video games. From your experiences, it is evident that Merrill’s multimedia learning principles play a crucial role in enhancing the educational value of these games. Emphasizing the combination of text, graphics, and audio creates a more immersive learning experience. Your profound observations on the prominence of Merrill’s task-centered learning principles in simulating real-life scenarios are noteworthy. You pointed out a potential issue of underutilizing the demonstration principle in some exploratory learning-focused games. I find H5P to be a fascinating learning tool, offering me a better understanding of economic development.