A well-balanced marketing strategy for your product or service includes advertising and public relations elements, along with digital (social media platforms) and nondigital channels (traditional communication channels). What motivated you to purchase the last non-essential product that you bought? Was the message advertised or publicized through a digital or nondigital communication platform? What communication channels do you respond best to when it comes to the products and services that you buy? Responses to Other Students: Respond to at least 2 of your fellow classmates with at least a 100-200 word reply about his or her Primary Task Response regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your discussion, please consider the following questions: What did you learn from your classmate’s posting? What additional questions do you have after reading the posting? What clarification do you need regarding the posting? What differences or similarities do you see between your posting and other classmates’ postings? For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials. first Student: Brian Kenny What motivated you to purchase the last non-essential product that you bought? Aside from some small things like books, the last non-essential item I bought was a Playstation 5. I originally wasn’t in a hurry to purchase one, but I think a lot of the coverage about them only being available online through 2022 and how quickly they sold out motivated me to get one a little quicker. A get them if you can mentality. The other motivating factors, honestly probably just that it was the newest video game console and playing games is one of my hobbies. I would say that anything I knew about them was through earned media. Any video game websites that review details about the new consoles helped influence my decision. Thinking about it now though, I’m sure there was plenty of advertising for the new consoles or games for them on the various websites. Banner ads or other targeted advertising. Lastly, any coverage of E3 (a video game expo) that covered the system or games coming out for them also probably influenced my decision. Was the message advertised or publicized through a digital or nondigital communication platform? From the previous paragraph you can probably figure out the message was advertised through digital platforms. I don’t get the newspaper, have cable TV (unless it’s football season), listen to the radio, or drive past any billboards only way to work so I suppose that only leaves digital advertising as an option. Even learning about where to find one in stock was done through digital platform. From reading articles about shortages of new consoles, I found the best way to find one was through following certain accounts on twitter. I had an account I never really used before to follow those notifications. What communication channels do you respond best to when it comes to the products and services that you buy? Digital channels are just about the only way to advertise to me. My purchase prior (indoor speakers) was advertised to me through podcast ads. I wouldn’t have known anything about the speaker brand otherwise when I saw them in stores. I still find a lot of items I end up with through in-store advertising and their displays. Otherwise ads through any streaming tv platforms, podcasts, and digital advertising/PR are the most effective channels for me.  Second student: Richard  Streck              What motivated you to purchase the last non-essential product that you bought? The last non-essential product that I purchased was a new video game called MLB: The Show 21. It is the newest game in the popular “MLB: The Show” series developed by Sony Interactive Studio and San Diego Studio. I was motivated to purchase the new game for many reasons. One of the main reasons is that I have been a long-time fan of the series and have purchased nearly every one of the games. Once any consumer, including myself, finds something they enjoy and find value in, they will most likely continue to purchase the same or similar products. Another reason I decided to make the purchase was because the game went cross-platform for the first time in its history. That means that players who used Playstation or XBOX could play against each other online instead of only players using their same platform. This created a massive spike in sales and made it the top selling game in April of 2021 (Good, 2021). These reasons plus many other motivated me to buy the game, even when the money could have been used more wisely elsewhere. Was the message advertised or publicized through a digital or nondigital communication platform? The message to buy this particular game was publicized mostly through digital media, such as social media. I personally saw targeted advertisements on my Instagram at least five times a day as the game was nearing its release date. Major League Baseball and most of their teams promoted the game on Twitter and Instagram as well. I watch the local baseball team every night on television and there were multiple commercials per game about it on there as well. I’m sure there were advertisements in magazines and publications too, but I do not usually consume those forms of media. The game is geared for a younger demographic, so the advertisements probably did better on digital sites. What communication channels do you respond best to when it comes to the products and services that you buy? As with many people in the 20s and 30s, I prefer most if not all of my media to be delivered to me through digital channels. My phone is connected to me nearly the entire day and I also use laptop on a daily basis. The benefits of digital channels are numerous, but the most important one to me is the fact that you do not have to leave your home or even your bed to consume media and information. This makes is much easier on the consumer but also makes delivering marketing material easier for companies as well. If I did not have the use of a digital channel, I would not hear of near as many products.  References Good, O. (2021, May 27). April’s bestselling video game is … MLB The Show? Polygon. https://www.polygon.com/2021/5/27/22457307/mlb-the-show-21-sales-figures-xbox-playstation-npd.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.