Wednesday, 10 September 2014

Online Education Class Setups

One expert says it in one line: "Anybody who plans to have an online education must be self-directed." The big reason is because online classes are very different from face-to-face classes, although the intention to learn is the same for students of both. Online education is really a new tool afforded by current technology. It is beneficial especially to people who might be unable to enter traditional schools but still want to pursue their educational goals. The following are some of the criteria you have to be aware of and be able to understand as well during your online studies. Communications All communications in an online class are in written text. Except for the occasional recorded video or audio, most of the lessons, lectures, and assignments are written down, rather than spoken. In addition, communications between teachers and students (and among the students) are done via e-mails, chat rooms or newsgroups. For the newcomer, this can be intimidating. Typically, online classrooms contain conferences, folders, or discussion group or some similar forms. They comprise all of the online class materials needed within the time frame of the course. Time management In an online course, the management of personal time is of prime importance, even critical. The student must have the discipline and perseverance in allotting time for study, discussion, "attending" class, and communicating with everyone. This also includes time with family and friends and personal business outside the "classroom". Support is badly needed from family and friends to keep one's motivation up. Burnouts are frequent. Deadlines Meeting deadlines and time frames are the sole responsibility of the student. There is no one or nothing to blame - not the instructor, not the student's computer knowledge limitations, etc. Online classes need more discipline. The absence of a face-to-face attendance of classmates and instructors can lull anyone into laxity. Work loads The flexibility of online education in terms of schedules and other student demands does not mean that the student will not exert any effort at all. In online learning, the student cannot afford to be slack or complacent. Work is the same as it is in on-campus schools, maybe more so because you can choose your time to work. The accelerated pace sometimes overwhelms the unprepared student. Support system A strong support system composed of your family and friends (and employer, if there is) should be in place from the start. Your employer's support is critical if there are competing responsibilities in your work and in school that will both demand for your time. Technical needs You need a very good working computer, period. It is THE most important instrument in your online studies. Your Internet connection should be fast enough and you can search online for your class needs without being dropped all the time. If you are in chat sessions in your class, your online platform should not drop your connection. Technical issues are normal (and expected within tolerable limits). What you cannot afford is having your computer leave you when you need it most (sending assignment papers or chatting with the instructor, etc.) All in all, these are some of the important considerations you must live with if you plan to get an online education. Preparation, as always, is a big step towards success.

Tuesday, 9 September 2014

Finding Free CNA Classes Online

Finding free online CNA courses is not impossible, but you may find some of the programs offered to be misleading. Understanding the requirements needed to obtain CNA certification will help you to determine if a free online course is right for you. By doing a basic web browser search on Google or Yahoo you will likely find a variety of online CNA course material or programs offered at no cost to you. Though many of these programs are wonderful supplements to a traditional CNA course, many fail to meet state requirements for obtaining a CNA certification. The types of programs which are offered online for free many times are not accredited programs and do not qualify as meeting the federal standards for necessary training as a CNA. Therefore, though the program may be helpful in increasing your understanding of certain aspects of being a CNA, the training offered will get you not closer to the certification you are seeking. Many of the online programs are very useful for someone currently enrolled as a CNA, or in the health care setting. These programs can offer valuable information which can increase your effectiveness in your CNA class, or in your work environment. Some free online classes may be offered through legitimate, accredited schools or facilities and would help you obtain your CNA certification. To find these programs you must consult the Health department of your local or state government, or inquire to facilities and schools which may offer free CNA training. It is prudent to know that even if the coursework is available online for free, to receive your certification you must complete a clinical training experience at a qualified facility. It is also good to know that there are often stipulations which accompany free CNA training programs, like committing to accepting employment with the program providing facility. When you do enroll in an accredited CNA training facility, it is recommended to utilize the free inline CNA classes, as they will expand your understanding of the material you study in class. Also, they are a convenient tool for anyone who is currently certified or working in the health care field. Much of the information provided in free online CNA classes is legitimate, useful information. One may even say that it is unfortunate many of these programs are not accredited. Either way, you can now decide what your best approach is to obtaining certification as a CNA.

Monday, 8 September 2014

E-learning Solutions - Getting Past the Difficulties to Deliver a Better Learning Experience

In many instances involving learning scenarios, many learners do not reap the full benefits of the learning experience due to a number of reasons. Since virtually everyone is unique in their own way, all possessing specific preferences and peculiarities that could very well be exclusive to them respectively, presenting instructors, trainers, and teachers with the unenviable task of formulating a teaching strategy that will take into account their unique attributes and allow them to learn fully. Without going so much into the details of teaching, this task may be viewed by some as a virtual impossibility, and that may very well be true, since it is a known fact that no two people are ever alike in the world, not even identical twins. This fact therefore necessitates that educators, trainers, and learning experts must design their learning modules to accommodate varying learning rates, within acceptable parameters, as well as certain learning material, and treat specific areas of contention, such as possible appropriateness and religion-related issues, with temperance and the underlying note that all subject material and learning activities have been included in the learning module all for the purposes of providing the needed lessons, and not for anything else. Normally such considerations are subject to much debate and deliberations from within the faculty or from within the management of the learning institution. Those using a learning management system, however, can work around this by completely customizing all subject matter and curtailing them for appropriateness and learner need, thus providing an even more effective learning experience. There will always inevitably certain learners who have a particular dislike for approaching the instructor to verify certain aspects of the learning module, and a failure to do will, of course, result in a lesson being incorrectly learned, or an incomplete understanding of the material, which is often the case. There are always certain aspects of lessons that will need a closer and more finite analysis than is typically done by those learning it, hence, the role of an instructor able to aid the learner in dissecting this matter and learning it further is quite crucial, although the entire point of having an instructor is quite moot if the learner themselves fail or inhibit themselves from approaching the instructor and asking the needed information. This is why in an instance like this, the benefit of an e-learning solution is quite obvious. Certain learning programs that incorporate e-learning tools may have a noticeable absence of an instructor, but this fact will not deter the learner from pursuing a particular aspect of the learning module that may not have been altogether that clear when it was taken up. Being segmented into easily manageable modules, a learning management system can facilitate "zooming in" on a particular area of difficulty and providing better and more in-depth information and materials on it, to facilitate better understanding and therefore complete the learning experience. The fact that there is no apparent "intimidating" presence of an instructor, certain learners may feel quite secure in pursuing further something which may have been an area of difficulty for them, and having the appropriate tools to allow them to analyze the matter better affords them the initiative to actually look up the area of difficulty and deal with it themselves at their own pace and not be embarrassed by the fact that they are stalled by a perceived difficulty.

Sunday, 7 September 2014

Online College Classes - Great For Busy People Who Want More

Why haven't you gone back to school and got a degree so you can have the job of your dreams? Do you not have the money for school? Are you not close enough to attend education programs a few times a week? These are not good reasons to not go get your desired degree. There is a way to make college work for you. If you are worried about payments for school, you can always get financial aid. If you are not near a good school or don't have the time to attend one you have the option of taking online college classes. If you have a computer and are online you can easily start working toward your dream job. Think You Don't Have Time? A lot of us just can't attend traditional colleges. We have to work to support our family. We also have to take care of and spend time with our family. People with children are already busy trying to pick up our kids from daycare and take them to all their activities. Online college classes are perfect for the busy parent. You are still able to work and take care of your family since the online college classes can be done on your own time. There is no going to campus at a certain time. You can do your classwork when ever you have the time so your family and work life don't suffer. Even a lot of regular students take some online college classes at the same time because they are so easy to fit into their schedule. These students can get through school even faster if they combine these with their traditional courses so they can get into the working world faster. If you are currently studying you can see if they offer online classes as well. If you are not near a traditional school and can't fit regular education programs into your schedule you should look into online college classes. The great thing about it is you do the classwork on your own schedule not on a strict schedule. There is no running to classrooms and trying to find a place to park your car. You don't have to try to schedule classes around work and family commitments. You can take them at whatever time is convenient for you and you will be doing the same work and working toward the same degree as students who go to traditional colleges. Online college classes are the perfect solution for busy people who want to better their lives but think they don't have time to go to school again.

Saturday, 6 September 2014

Online Degree In English - Unlimited Career Opportunities

Effective communication and the understanding of language is very important in every day life. The success of business, politics and education partly depends on being able to use language effectively. This is why doing an online degree in English is such a smart decision. As a matter of fact, this degree program is one of the most underrated because people think there is nothing technical about language. But doing an English degree is much more involved than doing English in high school. You will learn critical writing skills, methods of writing and ways to manipulate words that are far beyond the scope of secondary curricula. These skills are indispensable if you want to pursue a career in journalism, teaching, public relations, speech writing and advertising. Effective communication is more conveying information; it is also about giving readers an experience. For that to happen, words have to be written in such a way that can manipulate people's emotions. This is where an online degree in English excels. You will learn how to use words to get people to have an emotional connection with the ideas expressed on paper. There are distinct advantages to doing this program online. First of all, you are able to pursue your degree in your spare time. No need to give up your job or give up your familial responsibilities in order to attend college. No need to travel to and from school. All you need is a computer with the required accessories and an internet connection - you will be able to access your classes online. So anywhere in the world you are, you will be able to listen to lecturers and communicate with fellow students and instructors. Secondly, this online degree is self paced. This means you are able to finish the program at your own pace. After you graduate from your online degree in English program, you are not restricted to a career in the classroom or in the arts. Many businesses hire graduates of English programs because of their skills in communication, research and writing coupled with the overall intelligence.

Friday, 5 September 2014

Assess Your Knowledge With Online Tests

Tests are the barometer of one's preparation and understanding of the concepts. Studying a topic or entire subject gets completed only after taking a test on it. Moreover, true success or reward comes with an assessment of one's knowledge. No wonder tests have always remained an integral part of student's learning process that ensures a successful preparation for the exams. It's just that with the advent of Internet and online learning, tests have acquired a new format. Moving beyond the paper and pen, tests have gone the electronic way through online tests. A multitude of benefits of online tests have made the test taking process much simpler and easier. Exhaustive bank of question papers are available online to take tests on any subject or topic. Now students are not required to fetch question papers from peers or wait for model papers to come in the market. All the question papers are available online with correct answers and explanations. This helps a student to gauge the proficiency and further work upon the weak concepts to score extra marks in exams. In addition to previous year question papers, various model papers, practice papers, assignment sheets and other assessment tools are also available for the students to take tests round the year. Certified subject experts who make sure that every topic is duly covered in the question papers prepare the test papers with utmost precision. Moreover, a student can also check the given test with the help of correct answers available on the site. In a way, it reduces the dependency on private tutors and makes the test process faster and convenient. Online tests are available to the students anywhere, anytime helping them to take tests as per their convenience and time. Since, the tests are mapped as per the class, subject, chapter and topic, students can take the test as soon as he completes a topic or a chapter. Availability of chapter wise, multiple chapter wise and annual tests further provides added benefits to the students in planning their study and preparation. Question papers available online are also mapped as per the difficulty level and time that helps a student in taking tests step by step in a gradual manner. By taking tests of various difficulty levels, a student gets an assurance of the understanding and in a way gets a detailed report of weaker concepts that needs to be worked upon. Automated results and detailed report of the tests taken is another important feature of online tests. The result comes in a tabulated format and always remains there for further reference so that students can track their progress. It becomes very easy to improve and prepare successfully once students have a track of their previous performance. Availability of instant results of the tests taken proves to be very beneficial during exam months. It becomes very easy for students to revise in quick and easy way through online tests and be ready for exams. Thus online tests also ensure convenience to the students. They can take the tests anywhere, anytime from the comfort of home.

Thursday, 4 September 2014

Numerous Assets of Experimental Learning and Coaching

The three main types of coaching are intervention, skill-based, and development. Intervention coaching occurs when the individual is thought by others to be in need of improvement and development by means of an intervention. Usually this person is experiencing struggles, which are obvious to the world around them. The Executive coaching in this instance does not seek out help via coaching, but more they are recognized for being in need of coaching, and a coach will be assigned to them, or the coachee's job may be in jeopardy. Intervention may address personal habits that are interfering with an individual's full success; or it may focus on awareness development, new practices, and new points of view, which will guide actions and behaviors for the person being coached. Skill-based coaching occurs when an individual actively pursues a coach in order to learn new skills. Because of the ever-changing market and fast-paced work environment today, it is important for individuals to continue to learn new skills in order to keep up. Individuals also may want to learn new skills just for their own personal knowledge or interests. The Chicago business coach in this instance may be more of a content expert in specific areas and will guide the coachee through the process of Leadership development training to develop new skills and habits. Individuals also have the opportunity to sharpen up their current skills, and may discover new interests in the process. Development coaching occurs when an individual really seeks to develop and grow themselves in a certain area, in multiple areas, or in new roles. The individual may wish to further develop skills they may already possess, develop personal characteristics or abilities, or just develop a more precise plan for their future. Development coaching can inspire and empower individuals, and aid them in setting up an action plan for their careers. Through development coaching, coaches will guide individuals and help set goals and a vision for what they would like to see in the future. Overall, development coaching really sees individuals through in optimizing their performance through experimental learning. Once a type of coaching has been established, the coaching process can begin. Usually the session will start in a relaxed, open, and friendly manner. The coach will ensure the coachee knows that this session is not meant to be disciplinary in any way. From here, the coach can explain to the coachee the nature of the discussion they will have, and the coach will explain the current state of the situation based on their own perspectives. The tables then will be turned on the coachee and their perspectives will be given based on the current situation. Once both sides have been explained, there is a consensus on the current situation and from here the coaching session can be built upon. The coach and coachee will then paint a picture or a vision, or define a future state that is an improvement over the current state. The coachee will also be asked for their input on the future state, and again, an agreement will be made on this vision. After these discussions have occurred, a final summarization of the coachee desired future state will be made, as well as any support actions, or action plans. Next, a timeline will be created in order for the changes and development to take place. A method will be determined for examining the results of the coaching, and schedule will be set up to determine when the results will be analyzed. From here, the session will close and follow-up dates will be established. There should be a clear plan of action, and a timeframe in which this will occur, and a way to measure the results and set up further actions. Throughout the coaching, it is important for several things to occur between the coach and their coachee. First, the coach needs to choose a time and place which is appropriate to their coachee. They must be specific, and stay on purpose throughout the session. Both parties need to engage in active listening in order for proper results to occur. Corporate team building is also based on the similar mantra and is highly beneficial for enhancing the skills of the team members and motivating them towards the improvement of their work. The main take-away from coaching is that the coach should inspire the heart throughout the session. Along with this, they need to model the way for their coachee, as well as inspire a shared vision, and enable them to act upon it. At any point in time, the coachee should also feel ready to challenge the process if they see fit. The purpose of coaching is to work together to create a plan; coaching is not one-sided.

Wednesday, 3 September 2014

Get Maximum Benefit With Online Education

Online Degree Tuitions are one of the best ways to keep you updated and trained, while being a part of other important ventures like job and family. Often, getting a tuition class at the vicinity is a problem that most of us may face. You may not always get a skilled tutor too. If in case you get one, he/she may charge exorbitant rates for teaching just a subject or two. The question that remains is that what to do to get well-trained in the subject or subjects and by spending much less or even no amount. There are varieties of such classes, which provide free video classroom tuition on various subjects. Online Degree Tuition: Advantages Online Tuition have increased with the popularity of the medium, internet. As the problem of accessing the internet got solved in various countries, students found online learning more convenient, faster and economical. Online Degree Tuition is the best example for this and they help us in having a cost effective degree you can say. When you go for Online Tuition you save much of the money which otherwise would have wasted in conveyance and the tutor charges. So join an online tuition and enjoy a better career without spending much. Getting a degree isn't as tough as it previously used to be. With technology making things easier for us, getting a college degree on any subject is not a far fetched dream anymore. Renowned universities arrange for online tuition classes that take place at various intervals. Some of these tuition classes are held as per the convenience of the working class.High school online subject tuitions costs from 15 dollars, while Boston University Master of Arts tuition costs 614 dollars per hour. Depending on the subject and the degree, tuition fees are determined. Who is taking the tuition class, also determines its fees. For instance, if the online tuition classes are provided by the same university lecturer, the tuition may cost higher than that given by a private tutor. Online Degree Tuition are more beneficial for students staying in isolated areas as compared to the students staying in metropolitan areas. All you need to do is browse through the pages of the website or attend an hour of audio-video class, by spending much less than what you would have to otherwise. Spending just a few dollars you can now get the right education through the fastest medium of internet.

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

What Makes Algebra So Difficult For Kids To Understand And Challenging for Teachers To Teach?

At first glance this seems to be another Chicken or the Egg situation. Are kids not understanding because Algebra is a subject that is difficult to teach or is Algebra difficult to teach because kids have so much trouble understanding it? In reality, there is some truth to both of these issues; and, theoretically, solving one will solve the other as well. So, exactly what is it that makes Algebra so unique? Algebra is like a giant question mark in the brain of every freshman who walks into the classroom. These 14- and 15-year old students enter the classroom having absolutely no expectations of what they are going to be learning; and teaching Algebra successfully is one of the greatest educational challenges existing today. Students in elementary school know just exactly what math was covered in each grade and what is coming next year. Addition, subtraction, multiplication,... They know. In high school, at the end of Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus, students can explain to you what the course was about. But Algebra is a different kind of animal. Too often Algebra teachers assume their students know what Algebra is, so Day One of school is Section One of Chapter One in the textbook and off they go on their unknown journey. Sadly, many students are as clueless at the end of the school year as they where at the beginning as to what they have been studying. Some students can tell you they solved(?) equations, they factored something, and they graphed things. Some students can actually be good at Algebra skills, but still have no idea why they were doing any of it. That's very sad. The numerical skills required in Algebra (the HOW) are really pretty basic. It is the understanding of the WHY and WHEN that students don't get. But is this a student issue or a teacher issue? Students issues to consider: (1) knowledge of multiplication facts is the #1 indicator of success in Algebra, yet many students enter Algebra with weak multiplication skills, (2) most students are lacking the ingrained sense of "I am smart enough" that they possessed when learning language, (3) many students have lost the persistence they demonstrated when learning to walk, talk, and read, (4) most students lack a pre-school math foundation similar to what parents provide for language skills, (5) unlike all previous math courses in which only 25% of the material is new (never seen before), the amount of new material being covered in Algebra is approximately 75% of the course which seems to be too much for them to absorb, (6) the pace required to cover so much new material seems too fast for students to absorb, and (7) many Algebra students see no practical application to their lives, so they view it as unnecessary to learn. Have I missed any student issues? Probably, but you get the point. Teacher issues to consider: (1) the assumption that students already know what Algebra is is incorrect, (2) teachers sometimes don't recognize that the problem is weak basic skills until the damage is done, (3) the large amount of new material to be covered does not allow for proper processing but teachers do not have a choice about removing some of the subject matter, (4) some teachers are weak at task analysis, (5) a few teachers have trouble explaining a topic several ways to deal with the different ways students learn, and (6) No Child Left Behind has caused immeasurable harm to mathematics education and the learning environment. Again, you get my point even If I missed something. In spite of all the issues I just listed, it should be noted that this "problem" has existed literally forever. The failure rate was 50% when I started teaching in 1972 and it still is. Many attempts have been made over the years to solve these issues. Nothing has been successful. So the answer to the initial question is: we don't know. If we knew, the issues would get solved.

Monday, 1 September 2014

Online Degrees From Georgian Universities - Your Key to Success

I know there are certain misgivings students generally tend to harbor about online degrees. Are they as good as regular ones? Do they hold the same weight? These are only some of the many questions that may bother you before you opt for an online degree. All I can say, as a professional in the field for over a decade now, is that you can lay your doubts at rest. On the contrary, I am going to list you some advantages that online degrees have over regular degrees. Conceding that student and campus life in Georgia is wonderful, I must say that the scopes are little limited and your programs a little rigorous when you become a regular student. One of the biggest advantages that online degrees have over these regular degrees is its flexible. You can pursue it at a pace that suits you. Physical distance becomes no hindrance, and you can pursue your profession along with your studies. Finally, since we have technology at our disposal, there is no reason why we shouldn't make the best use of it. Moreover, as a busy professional, you are not really left with of a choice to attend a regular course. Once you have decided to pursue an online course in one of the Georgian Universities, the next step is to select the course and the university you will enroll in. This can be a difficult step, as the sheer range of disciplines that modern universities typically offer can be enough to puzzle you. The key factor is to know your mind and the specific requirements that your field of work demands. Choose a discipline that will help in the advancement of your career and also satisfy your thirst for information and knowledge. For your convenience I will make an attempt to streamline the possibilities. Ignoring the specifics, some of the broad areas in which online degrees can be earned from Georgian universities include the following: Business Technology Criminal Justice Nursing Information Technology Visual Communication Some of the best institutes from where you can earn these online degrees include the University of Phoenix, The American InterContinental University, Strayer University and South University. Georgia has some of the top art institutes and universities of the US, and definitely is the leader when it comes to imparting online courses in art. Creative art, you must remember is not what it used to be even twenty years back: struggling artists fighting it out in their cluttered studios or running around to bag a modest job of an illustrator. Digital technology has revolutionized the field of creative arts. With Media Arts, Animation, interior designing and advertising coming up in a big way, artists are having it better than ever before. Why not then sharpen your skills with a little help of some of the best people in the creative arts business. The Art Institute of Pittsburgh have imparted quality education related to art for the last 85 years and has now come up with comprehensive online courses that are ideal to suit the ever changing demands of the present world. It is time you lay your misgivings aside and enroll for an online course and earn a relevant degree. The rewards will be more than you can ever imagine.