Gerontology 474 Diversity & Global Aging
This was the first time the class offered combining both internet based learning using technology and in class for meetings. The class started out with a little bit of kinks, but soon worked the problems out. Maria and Casey designed the class as both in a class meeting and internet class at first the students had trouble with the technology. The online portion of the class was done in group session online which had problems of getting everyone online at the same time. Gerontology was examined with a global perspective with additional help from foreign liaison partners who acted as mentors and instructors.
I found the class interesting especially the involvement from our global partners. Additionally the class was divided into groups that researched one the host country. Our group was assigned Canada which I found especially interesting in reviewing Socialized Medicine and Canada’s retirement system in comparison to United States health care, retirement planning in light of the recent passage a President Obama’s Healthcare Reform Bill. Additionally each group presented their findings of the host country to the class in the in class meetings. This was unique in that provided information to all in regards the countries study. The countries that stood out particularly were the work on Taiwan, Mexico and Canada. One of the unique problems facing society in each of the countries was how adult children were expected to take care of their elder parents. This has been changing because children were moving away from parents for jobs and thus this relationship was breaking down. Societies need to design programs to meet the needs of elder adults who are unable to rely on their children.
In conclusion the class was a success designed by Maria and Casey Furthermore the group project allowed for the building of community and developed relationships that should lead to success in the future. The global partners provided mentoring and a different point of view. I would suggest the class to other students in the program.
I found the class interesting especially the involvement from our global partners. Additionally the class was divided into groups that researched one the host country. Our group was assigned Canada which I found especially interesting in reviewing Socialized Medicine and Canada’s retirement system in comparison to United States health care, retirement planning in light of the recent passage a President Obama’s Healthcare Reform Bill. Additionally each group presented their findings of the host country to the class in the in class meetings. This was unique in that provided information to all in regards the countries study. The countries that stood out particularly were the work on Taiwan, Mexico and Canada. One of the unique problems facing society in each of the countries was how adult children were expected to take care of their elder parents. This has been changing because children were moving away from parents for jobs and thus this relationship was breaking down. Societies need to design programs to meet the needs of elder adults who are unable to rely on their children.
In conclusion the class was a success designed by Maria and Casey Furthermore the group project allowed for the building of community and developed relationships that should lead to success in the future. The global partners provided mentoring and a different point of view. I would suggest the class to other students in the program.
