Rabu, 10 Desember 2008

Learning Online Has Revolutionized Education

by Chandrasoma Perera


'Learning is a Treasure that no thief can take away' as per a words of wisdom coming down the ages. This is true even in today's modern environment. The information age, that we are in now, has created stiff competition in every sphere of activity including the field of education. It can be clearly seen that people around the world are craving for more knowledge. A revolution in education due to the popularity of internet and development of related technologies is taking place around the world that takes training to homes replacing classrooms and lecture rooms for the comfort of the home. The student can choose from large number of study courses and study as per his or her own schedule.

The rise in demand for knowledge is also due to the fact that most peole want to be productive in what they perform and be able to get more from life. This burning desire for education provides them with initiative to pursue online learning as an ongoing investment to reinforce and advance skills and attitudes through study courses in related job related subjects as well as in subjects like personal development, leadership, team work etc. In brief more and more people want to magnify their minds with knowledge to glorify their life in future!

More and More people globally today realise that they are ignorant and this creates in them a genuing need to look for knowledge and receive it even online. Since the world moves fast reaching new horizons yesterday's point of views become obsolete today and we have to move with the moving world if not to be left behind with lot of new things to catch up.

Therefore, as technologies are changing the knowledge requirements to be in step with technologies too are getting consistently updated automatically. This applies to any profession. To keep in step with this knowledge revolution the people around the world has a need to know better and smarter. This has resulted in them starving for education as they want to know more in areas of their choice. Their keenness to obtain knows how on various fields such as business knowledge, technical know-how and general knowledge has given rise to a huge demand for such educational facilities. Now more and more people desire to enter the society as educated and competent professionals. This type of mass education can lead to a change in the World as stated by Nelson Mandela that the Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

The need for speed in every sphere of activity in this modern age equally apply to education as people want to leanrn better to be able to get more from life. As a result the training seakers have an alternative of gaining knowledge without going to a school or a lecture hall of a University. And to cater to the rising demand for online training, education facilities with many online feature keep entering the market. A distinct advantage for online education providers is that the scope to provide a large number of courses online due to the ability of this vehicle of awareness to reach many students beyond geographical boundaries. Online learning can serve a large population of students at one time or session as it doe not faces the limitations that apply to a conventional school such as limited class room capacity and restrictions in tools, teachers and other related facilities. Like a conventional school the online education provider too can have a teaching panel of experts in relevant fields. There is interaction between the teacher and student as the student can actually see the lecture speaking using the white board or other teaching aids online. Since the cost of such learning too is more affordable than offline it is more acceptable also as the students can study at home on their own schedule.

Receiving job oriented degree level education or continuing further education part time has never been easier. Therefore, the societies will benefit from this trend because, 'a small head full of right knowledge is an asset to the society, whereas what use is a big head filled with nothing but ignorance.' - as per a 2500 year old ancient saying from Asia.

About the Author

Chandrasoma Perera writes regularily on a wide range of subjects on internet opportunities. For more details on Online Education visit this website:- http://www.138811.successuniversity.com

Purdue University

by Sam Loyal


University Founders

President Lincoln signed the Morrill Land Grant Act in 1862. Stating the federal government of the United States would grant land to any state prepared use any proceeds from the sale of that land to be used for maintaining a teaching establishment for the 'mechanic arts' and agriculture. Three years later decided to take steps to create a teaching college in the state of Indiana. Today, this college, now Purdue University, is one of the biggest university systems throughout the US. Ranked high amongst all Americas top institutions. Founded using a hundred acres of donated land, fifty thousand dollars from the county of Tippecanoe, and a hundred and fifty dollars generously donate by a gentleman called John Purdue. Hence, Perdue University!

Campus

Today, the university has six campuses and offers majors in many diverse areas. More than two hundred undergraduate and graduate programs are available. Famous for it's College of Engineering, which offers some of the best aviation and aerospace programs in the world. Boasting a world class flight school and are forerunners in aerospace development and research. Their aeronautics graduates are ranked as top new recruits within the defence industry. They were the first to offer a bachelors degree in aviation, and the first university to have it's own airport.

Research and Discovery

Purdue Research Park and the Discovery Park encompass the university grounds. The site stretches out for miles, covering over seven hundred acres, just a few miles north of Purdue University's west campus. Around a hundred and fifty biological, nanotech, medical companies, and laboratories make this the biggest technology park in the state of Indiana. More than fifty buildings make up the park today. Founded over forty years ago, it has become one of the biggest university affiliated technology parks, throughout the American states.

Moniker and Mascots

The official nickname for the Perdue University Athletes is the 'Boilermakers'. Although the shortened version, 'Boilers', it's often used when referring to any student of Perdue. First used in 1891 by a local reporter, in reference the university's winning football team. It was fast adopted by the students, and has continued to be used when referring to just about all things related to Perdue. Since nineteen forty, their official mascot, come emblem, has been the 'Boilermaker Special. A replica locomotive originally adopted to highlight Perdue's success in the field of engineering. Especially with regards to railway technology. 'Perdue Pete' is an unofficial mascot, infamous both on and off the university campus. The latest addition to the Purdue University mascot family is Rowdy. A three metre high blow up boy!

Achievements

During the mid twentieth century, the university's aviation program began to incorporate advanced spaceflight technology. Today, these programs have earned Purdue the nickname 'Cradle of Astronauts'. More than twenty NASA astronauts have come from Perdue. Including Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moons surface, and Eugene Cernan, the last man. Usually, a third of any NASA crew, selected for a manned mission, will be a graduate of Purdue. Many famous people have been associated with the university. The faculty has even won the Noble Prize.

About the Author

Sam Loyal is an expert author who writes on various topics. He writes interesting and informative articles that makes readers know more about the things.

Find Financial Aid for College

by Austin Warty


Financial aid for college is almost necessary these days. Every year the cost of college has been increasing at a 20% rate. Between the time you start college to the time you graduate, the cost to go to school will almost double.

Not many people are fortunate enough to afford that, and not many people see the benefits of making such a large financial purchase.

Many studies show that a college degree will, on average, double your income. But with the average student graduating with $50,000 or more, it takes a long time just to break even.

One solution that savvy students take advantage of are government sponsored programs that assist with financial aid for college. These programs give students who determined to get a college a chance to pursue their dreams and complete their degree program.

There are hundreds of government education grant programs, but most people are not even aware of them. Your financial aid office may point you to one or two of the larger programs, but here are hundreds of others that will provide you with the financing you need to pay for college. For example, there are grants for being a minority students, grants for studying engineering, grants from your local county or state, grants for being a women.

This is financial aid for college that the government is mandated to give away. All it takes is for you to ask for it. Once approved, the money is yours to keep and you'll never have to pay it back.

That's how you combat the rising cots of college and graduate debt free.

About the Author

To start searching for financial aid for college that you qualify for, request access to the government grant database. Order your free kit at http://www.govfunds.info/education.html

Educational Requirements To Be A Registered Nurse

by Louis Zhang


If you happen to be interested in becoming a registered nurse, then you are most likely aware that there are certain qualifications to become a registered nurse.

Knowing the educational requirements to be a registered nurse is the the first step you will need to take in your journey to become a RN. You will need to complete a prescribed program of study. The education that the prospective registered nurse chooses will depend on if he or she is interested in pursuing further education.

One of the most popular forms of education for registered nurses is an associate degree in nursing which takes about two years to complete. Other RN candidates may opt for a hospital diploma program where they take thirty to sixty hours worth of science classes and then take many more hours of classes which are heavily focused on nursing. The diploma program usually takes a minimum of three years. A diploma program meets the basic educational requirements to be a registered nurse.

Another option is for the prospective RN to get a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from a university. Once a BSN degree is earned, it gives the person the opportunity to pursue higher education opportunities in his or her field such as a Master's Degree or a PhD.

The registered nurse educational requirements can vary from state to state as each state has its own laws and policies that govern the nursing profession. However, all registered nurses most take some sort of licensing exam in order to become legally able to practice in the registered nursing profession.

While 2-3 years of training is required, it is possible to make a good living from the salary that you can earn as a registered nurse. But be aware that the profession can be stressful. Some of the most stressful nursing positions are those in hospitals, particularly in the emergency rooms. Some less stressful jobs may include working in private practice where the hours will not be as long.

Keep in mind, while fulfilling the educational requirements to be a registered nurse, that there are different types of RNs. You could be a triage nurse or a neonatal nurse. As part of your coursework, you should take classes that will address the job duties of the type of nurse you are interested in working as. Being a nurse is an honorable profession. It is also a profession which suffers a shortage of qualified professionals. Louis Zhang, Registerednursejobopportunities dot com

About the Author

Get more information on nurse training including LVN To RN programs and also Paramedic To RN Bridge programs at Registerednursejobopportunities dot com

Rabu, 16 April 2008

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Senin, 07 April 2008

Concentration is Key

by Adam Hurley

Learning to concentrate while studying and doing work is a skill that will be used for the rest of your life. The art of concentration is to eliminate any possible distractions and completely focus on the task at hand. Many students will read through material and discover that they have no idea what they have just read. Or, they will attend lectures and have difficulty paying attention to what is being said. Here are a few suggestions to help you stay focused and boost your grades...

When scheduling study times, try to stick to a consistent and efficient routine. Try to avoid studying one day late at night, and the next in the afternoon. Write in your planner or calendar when you will study so as not to have conflicts.

Always study in a quiet environment. If you haven't already, find a designated study spot free of distractions. If you live in a noisy house or dormitory, this may mean heading to a study room or even the library.

When you need a study break, do something different from you have been doing, and in a different area. Get up and walk around in another room. Listen to music for a few minutes. Grab a snack. Try to take a break every hour for about 10 minutes.

Every student struggles with day dreaming while studying...thinking about plans for the night or tomorrow's basketball game. To avoid daydreaming, ask yourself questions about the material as you study it, which will keep your mind focused.

If you have trouble focusing during classroom lectures, look over the notes of the previous lecture and read the course material pertaining to the lecture beforehand so you can anticipate the main ideas that the instructor will cover. Additionally, show outward interest during lectures. Have an attentive expression and posture. This will self-motivate internal interest. Also, resist distractions by sitting in front of the room away from disruptive occurrences and classmates and by focusing on the instructor through listening and note taking.

Just a few minor adjustments in your studying habits will go a long way in improving grades and concentration.

About the Author

Adam Hurley is passionate about many things, including travel, photography and writing. He now lives in Vietnam. Vietnam Travel Notes

Skimming with Skill

by Adam Hurley

Think about how you find a name in a telephone book. You don't read any more than necessary to find the name. Maybe you use your finger to guide your eyes. This type of reading is known as scanning. Skimming uses the same type of skill mechanically but a different skill mentally. In scanning, you know what you are looking for; in skimming, you don't.

Since you don't know exactly what you are looking for while skimming, prepare yourself by reading the title, source, author, and any pictures; then question yourself,--who, what, when, where is this likely to focus on? With a questioning mind direct your eyes down the column of print, or in a zigzag, if the lines are quite long. Look for exact names of people, places, things, ideas, numbers and words like therefore, whenever, until, because, and instead, to clue you to how and why.

When you first start to learn to skim you may see only the words in bold type, italics, digits, or capitalized words. Soon you will note new or unusual vocabulary. As you become an efficient skimmer your span of perception will develop and your ability to make closure will increase.

Skimming is a step you should always take before you read any article of factual or practical narrative. You will soon be able to detect most important facts, strange vocabulary, and words that are clues to important relationships.

It's a good practice to skim everything in mass media after reading the title and first paragraph. You may get all the information you want. This keeps your skimming skills from deteriorating, or will give you the practice you need to develop necessary skills.

Skim everything you intend to read before you make a final decision to read, discard, or study the material.

Skim all highlighting and develop a read-skim pattern to use for rapid review. And don't overlook this! Reviewing frequently and rapidly is the best way to memorize (or simply remember information) from notes and long text assignments. Skimming is a very useful tool for studying, so learn it and use it!

About the Author

Adam Hurley is passionate about many things, including travel, photography and writing. He now lives in Vietnam. Vietnam Travel Notes

Sub Officers Course for Fire Services

by Adam Sturo

Being a state subject, fire services are administered by the respective states/UTs. The ministry of home affairs renders technical advice to states, uts and central ministries on fire protection, fire prevention and fire legislation.

Amongst others, the national fire service college Nagpur conducts different types of courses for training fire officers including a BE i.e fire engineering.

An all India entrance exam is conducted for the sub officers’ course for joining fire services at Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, bhubaneswer and Nagpur. Duration of the course is 25 weeks, including four weeks of practical attachment with major fire brigades of the country, anywhere in India. Private and defense candidates have to undergo additional practical attachment for a period of eight weeks.

The course provides the basic knowledge needed for protecting life and property from fires and other natural disasters and to familiarize the trainee officers with the actual fire situations, different fire fighting organizations, and with the operation and maintenance of appliances and equipments. This course is useful for those who want to make fire service as their profession.

The exam, conducted in two sessions on the same day covers general English and general knowledge in the first session and general science and mathematics in the second session.

The objective type question paper is printed bilingually (Hindi and English) and can be answered in either language. The questions are of the higher secondary level.

Eligibility:

Age: 18-23 years, relaxed by five years for SC/ST.

Academic Qualifications: 10+2 or equivalent with science subjects. You must be able to read, write, speak and comprehend instructions in both hindi and English.

Physical Standards: (a)#Height: minimum 165 cm. (160 cm. for candidates belonging to hilly regions like Gurkhas, Garhwalis, Assamese, Nagaland, tribes among others). (b)#Weight: minimum 50 kg. (c)#Chest: minimum 81 cm normal with minimum expansion of 5 cm. (d)#Vision: 6/6, no color blindness.

For more information on Top Colleges India visit globeeducation.org

About the Author

Know more about engineering colleges india and llm colleges

Delaware Technical and Community College Information - Stanton Wilmington Campus

by Peter Salazar

Delaware Technical and community college was founded in the year 1967. It is the first community college in the state. The Delaware College provides opportunity, excellence and hope to each student in the college. The students will get opportunities technical, academic, continuing education, corporate and community training. The college has more than hundred associate degree, diploma and certificate programs. They have specialized teaching courses in all fields like allied health, biotechnology, culinary arts, language and culture, human services, business and computer etc. The Delaware college lifelong opportunities for learning to all its members, summer camps for kids, directly job leading associate degree programs for high school graduates etc. The Delaware College follows open admission in the recruitment of its students. The college has four convenient locations throughout the state for providing traditional classroom courses.

The Stanton/Wilmington Campus is one of the locations of Delaware College where traditional classroom courses are available. The Stanton/Wilmington Campus is situated in New Castle, which covers more than half of Delaware’s population. A variety of distance education opportunities including online, interactive classroom and telecourses are offered in addition to traditional classroom course. The college has become an educational leader in the Delaware state. Because of its responsiveness, vision and hallmarks of commitment the college has been trusted and respected in both national and state level. The Delaware College provides flexible, convenient and affordable quality education to its students. The main of the Delaware College is to help its student to plan their future, live through their plan and achieve their life goals. The helping hand of the college will be with each student when he places his first step in the campus or even the first time to navigate the college website.

The Delaware College has a very quite college campus. It has a very natural and greenish environment, which will help its students to easily develop and think. This will increase the creativity of the students. Safety and security habits are essential for developing a good personality. The Delaware campus ensures almost safety and security for the students. The Delaware College also has campus in Georgetown, which is called The Jack F. Owens Campus and The Charles L. Terry Campus in Dover. The Delaware College advisory committee has been included with leaders in business, education, government, health and industry. These advisory committee will provide guidance to Delaware college for its curriculum evaluation and development for ensuring that its programs are relevant to the modern work situation and up-to-date.

About the Author

The Stanton or Wilmington Campus is one of the locations of Delaware Technical and Community College

Jumat, 18 Januari 2008

Heavy Equipment Training from Vocational Schools

by Michael Bustamante

If you have never forgotten your childhood dream of operating heavy equipment for a living, you can make that dream a reality with accredited heavy equipment training. There are numerous schools across the U.S. and Canada that can teach you everything you need to know to operate bulldozers, cranes, dump trucks, backhoes, wheel loaders, excavators, skid steer loaders, and much more.

All across Northern America, there are thousands of constructions sites in need of well-trained, certified heavy equipment operators. In as little as 4-8 weeks, you could gain heavy equipment operator training that will give you the confidence to work as a respected member of a heavy construction team. Generally, these courses will cover topics such as inspection and safety, electrical systems, controls, instruments and dashboards, math, blueprint reading, map reading, demolition, land clearing, landscaping, quarry operations, mining, accident prevention and first aid.

Of course, the main goal is to teach you to safely operate, maintain, and perform basic repairs on heavy equipment such as backhoes, front-end loaders, bulldozers and excavators. You will learn how to use construction-related machinery for land clearing, demolition, culverts and ponds, ditches for utilities, pipe laying, landscaping, and road building. If you so choose, you could focus on only one specific type of equipment, such as cranes, for instance.

Heavy equipment training is readily available through trade schools, vocational schools and community colleges. But, before enrolling in any school, make sure your choice of schools is accredited by the National Center of Construction Education and Research (NCCER). This will ensure that your training in operating heavy equipment will be comprehensive and well-regarded by future employers.

Upon graduation, you will receive a certificate of completion or a technical diploma. This will be helpful toward gaining your commercial drivers license (CDL), a requisite for all heavy equipment operators. You should be able to count on your school to offer job placement assistance that will quickly help you secure gainful employment in the construction field.

If you would like to learn more about heavy equipment training, why not start today? Submit a request to a few top schools on our website and you may soon be on your way to an exciting and challenging career.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2008 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.


About the Author

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. and ArticleSourcePlus.com. Find schools providing Heavy Equipment Training, as well as Colleges, Universities, Online Schools and Vocational Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your resource for higher education.

Home Inspection Schools Offer Vocational Training

by Michael Bustamante

Real estate licensing, home appraisal, and building inspection are some of the most fascinating and lucrative careers today, and home inspection schools provide avenues for stepping into the interesting housing market. Vocational and technical training in home inspecting can teach you to conduct non-invasive examinations of residential dwellings and provide written evaluations of any related residential structural exterior and interior housing components.

A home inspection gives the seller an opportunity to disclose any conditions, and aids the buyers by providing knowledge for making informed decisions on the home. Vocational building inspection training teaches students to be investigators and informers, and to remain impartial to the process - home inspectors are not counselors to either party.

Inspection of real estate is technical and complex. Good training will provide extensive knowledge of residential construction with courses in environmental considerations, soils and foundations, wood and construction, roofing, air conditioning and heat pumps, heating and ventilation, plumbing, electricity, appliances, swimming pools and spas, and wood-destroying insects.

Courses in building inspection provide step-by-step training to determine quality of a home's structure, and whether older houses can meet local residential housing standards. Students will learn essential skills and develop an understanding of all operating systems. Students learn to quickly recognize red flags that may indicate problems in construction, electrical systems, or plumbing.

Home inspection schools prepare students with professional attitudes necessary to performing objective visual inspections and provide written reports. Students learn to evaluate and report their findings in an objective manner by using professional forms and methods of communication. You can even learn home inspection online.

If you would like to learn to be a professional building inspector, search our website for good home inspection schools in your area, and submit a request to several of them for more information.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2008 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

About the Author

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. and ArticleSourcePlus.com. Find Home Inspection Schools, as well as Colleges, Universities, Online Schools and Vocational Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your resource for higher education.

Minggu, 13 Januari 2008

3 Powerful Tips To Learn A Foreign Language In Less Than Three Months!

by islam

Learning a foreign language can be really easy if you have a good teacher. I travel a lot, and I've seen hundreds and hundreds of people spend years in a foreign countries. However, they weren't able to speak correctly.

To learn a secondary language, you need the proper method. Believe me, one of my coaches told me that he had a friend who was able to learn the basics of any language in only three days.

This is the secret! Once you have the basics right, everything become easier..

1. Communication with a native

This is the first thing you need to do. If you want to learn French, you need to speak to someone on a weekly basis.

You have different methods to do this, and the Internet made this even easier.

You can use skype, Yahoo or msn messenger. It's much cheaper than the traditional telephone, and hence, you will be able to speak more often and longer.

It is even better if you have a native speaker in your neighborhood, but it's not frequent.

2. Get a grammar manual

You need to have a manual that explain all the basics of the language. It will be your guide.

Whenever you have a problem, you will come back to this manual. It can be a book, or even a software. Today, there are a lot of good software out there, and you can easily find them on the Internet.

3. Memorize Everything

Yes, I said learn everything.

Every single day, write a minimum of fifteen words on a piece of paper, put this on your pocket and memorize them.

Think about it, after one week you will already know ninety words. After two months, you will have a lot of vocabulary.

I learned the traditional Arabic language in only three months because I applied the two tips above, plus this one.

I speak fluently, and whenever I travel in an Arabic country, people think that Arab is my native tongue, they don't even see the difference.

About the Author

Do you want to learn French from the comfort of your own home? Rocket French will help. Visit Franck's website today at http://www.learnfrenchexpert.com

Edutainment: The Innovative Mix of Education and Entertainment

by Shawn Chua AKA Captain Amazing

Working hard and playing hard are both equally at the same time. This applies to adults as well as our kids.

In this day and age, our fast paced lifestyle means we are constantly forced to multi-task. As such, our attention span on a single task is greatly decreased. Time is also always a rushing factor because there's just so much to do in so little time! This fast-paced lifestyle has shortened our kids' attention span even more and educators are always looking for new and effective ways to reach out to students.

One approach is creating the right mix of education with entertainment and presenting it to the kids; in the form of edutainment.

What is edutainment? What does it do? How does it work? Believe it or not, edutainment is not an entirely new concept. Here's a simple example of an edutainment activity:

Remember when you were a kid going on school excursions? Instead of spending the day in a classroom, you and your friends took a trip to a farm, the zoo or a discovery centre. You got to see, feel, listen and learn about something new. You might have even watched a skit put up to spread an important message. It made you feel excited about learning. It was even fun!

That's edutainment!

The term "edutainment" is not new. In fact it comes from the computer industry. It is used to describe CD-ROM programs mainly designed for educating children but also has a fun entertainment aspect to it. As you can see, edutainment is not restricted to just one form. A school excursion, a computer game, watching a puppet show or even a film can be used as edutainment. TV shows such as Dora the Explorer or the evergreen Sesame Street are great examples of popular edutainment programs.

Edutainment allows children to learn through play. The key thing about edutainment is that it allows children to learn through leisure or play activities. Children naturally want to explore and manipulate their environment to make their own discoveries.

Studies into early childhood development have shown that children at preschool level learn best through their own play activities rather than in a structured setting, such as school classes. As such, many pre-schools are aware that open-ended play is in fact the best approach for children to learn and develop socially, physically and mentally.

Parents and educators can practice edutainment at home and in school by 'sneaking in' entertainment or fun into teachings. This can be the form of creating skits, role playing, solving fun puzzles or infusing songs and dance into a lesson.

Edutainment on Stage

One form of edutainment is live stage shows that help to spread positive messages in a fun way. Key messages are customized or incorporated into stage performances that often use creative mediums and interactive tools.

Many multi-national corporations and organizations today are also using edutainment on stage as a tool to spread a positive message to young students. Professional production companies are engaged to create creative shows that are effective and help reach objectives. For example in Singapore, the Health Promotion Board utilized two custom-created puppet & magic shows to spread the importance of good dental hygiene and harmful effects of smoking. The Fire Safety Prevention Council also commissioned a puppet show to highlight to students the importance of fire safety and prevention.

If you are an educator, parent or organization looking to instill positive values or communicate an important message to children, consider edutainment as an innovative approach.

About the Author

Shawn Chua AKA Captain Amazing is a professional children’s birthday party entertainer with Singapore Birthday Party entertainment provider Mighty Magic Factory. He is a Master Ventriloquist and award-winning magician with 6 years of live performing experience. Find out more about him at Singapore Birthday Party Entertainer Company

4 Tips To Students Considering Online Education

by Jullie Harvard

Many students choose to pursue online degree without evaluating their learning style and personality whether they will be successful as online students. Survey results show that many online students failed to complete their degree program mainly due to student's personality issues. Earning a degree through online education may not be a right decision for all students. Here are 4 important tips to evaluate yourself to ensure you are a right candidate to success with online learning style.

Evaluation #1: Are your education success mainly depend on face-to-face interaction with instructors and classmates?

In online learning environment, most learning materials and communications are in text format, you need to adapt yourself to this type of learning environment if you want to success in this type of study. Many students who failed in their online study find themselves learn better in the courses that conducted in classroom-based. They prefer direct interaction with lecturer and face-to-face communication with their classmates.

If you education success or failure really depend of how the courses being conducted and you are not ready to change your learning style, then considering online education may not be your best option.

Evaluation #2: Do you often get things done ahead of time or you prefer to wait until the last minutes?

Self-motivation is very important in online learning because most of the courses and assignments are in self-paced form. You plan your own time that best fit into your schedule to logon to classes, do and submit your assignments. If you are the kind of person who always put on-hold your tasks to last minutes of dead line, then online education may not be your best choice.

Evaluation #3: Do you always need assistance when you are given written directions for an assignment by an instructor?

If you do, then you might have problem to understand instruction in text format. Most communications for online education such chatting, discussion board, email and downloadable materials are in text format. Although there are helps available if you need any assistance, most of your questions will be answered in email or posted text on the online discussion board. Hence, you need to be able to under text instructions if you want to benefits from the advantages of online education.

Evaluation #4: Are you good in time management & able to divide your time between your work, family and online study?

If you are a working individual who want to get a degree online without giving up your career, online education is good choice because the benefits in term of flexibility and self-paced learning style enable you to achieve both your career and education goal. But, for people who are not good in time management, they tend to lose their focus on their study if they are too busy with their career and family. That's why many online students who are not able to allocate their time for study tend to quit without completing their online study program.

If the results of the above evaluation reveal a strong self-motivation and preference for a more independent learning environment, you may be an ideal candidate to take your degree online.

About the Author

Jullie Harvard is the author of http://www.studykiosk.com an online degree directory that lets you browse online study programs to help you understand what makes online edu

Jumat, 11 Januari 2008

Tahanee: Teaching Job Skills to Young Women

by DAN SADOWSKY

Dura, West Bank - Tahanee Darabee's intellectual interests have always veered toward applied science and technology. But when it came time for her to enroll in high school in the mid-1990s, there was no technical school in her hometown of Dura to satisfy her interests. So she attended Dura's secondary girls school, took the standard variety of courses, and went on to earn a college degree in computer engineering.

Today she's helping the next generation take advantage of an opportunity she never had. She's one of ten teachers at the new Dura Girls Vocational School, the showpiece among nine schools that Mercy Corps has built in this sprawling West Bank town since 2003.

"I dreamed about this," says Tahanee, a cheery and articulate 24-year-old who is in her second year of teaching office equipment maintenance and repair. "But it wasn't here yet."

Last May, the school graduated its first class of 13 students. That number should grow with time as the two-year school, which last year filled 64 of a possible 120 desks, becomes more widely known. Graduates typically go on to college to further their study or seek jobs in fields such as computer maintenance or electronics.

Headmaster Majeda Amr says the skills that students learn here are in demand. Dura, an 80,000-person town made up of hundreds of ancient villages, needs people who can fix an office copier, patch an electronics network or get a bank of computers to speak to each other, she says.

"This school is so important because our community has a leakage of technical people," she says. "We need all these jobs."

Yet despite that need, Dura's vocational school is the first technical school for either boys or girls nearby. Before, students had to ride two buses to reach a co-educational technical school in Hebron. And even that school didn't offer as wide a range of courses as this one.

Accordingly, the new school has made quite a splash in Dura. Its architecture and appearance have gained praise from the local population. The main building is shaped like a horseshoe and wraps around a well-tended courtyard — an oasis of green in a mostly dun-colored landscape. "When anyone visits the school, they say 'Ahhh…'," says Amr.

The first-rate space attracts meetings and seminars beyond the normal school schedule. One afternoon in late May, a period where students come to school only for morning exams, a couple dozen older teenage girls were pecking at keyboards in a well-furnished computer lab as part of an executive secretary training.

Tahanee was one of their instructors. She's been teaching ever since completing a stint fixing computers in a Hebron repair shop shortly after college. She says she enjoys the opportunity to deepen her knowledge in technology and transfer it to bright young women from her town.

She also says she's committed to teaching despite the tenuous state of education in the West Bank. Palestinian teachers went on strike in September and October after they hadn't been paid in six months — a result of the ongoing moratorium on most Western aid to the Palestinian Authority, triggered by Hamas' legislative victory in January 2006. Another casualty has been equipment the school has been expecting from USAID, the international development arm of the U.S. State Department. The school's communications lab, for example, still lacks digital electronic kits, oscilloscopes, wave analyzers, soldering stations and other equipment.

But Tahanee didn't hesitate when asked if she'd rather return to the private sector. She, and her fellow teachers, "would not think of taking another job."

Instead, they continue to help Palestinian girls acquire skills they'll need to find jobs of their own.

New Class(room) War: Teacher vs. Technology

by SAMUEL G. FREEDMAN

Halfway through the semester in his market research course at Roanoke College last fall, only moments after announcing a policy of zero tolerance for cellphone use in the classroom, Prof. Ali Nazemi heard a telltale ring. Then he spotted a young man named Neil Noland fumbling with his phone, trying to turn it off before being caught.

“Neil, can I see that phone?” Professor Nazemi said, more in a command than a question. The student surrendered it. Professor Nazemi opened his briefcase, produced a hammer and proceeded to smash the offending device. Throughout the classroom, student faces went ashen.

“How am I going to call my Mom now?” Neil asked. As Professor Nazemi refused to answer, a classmate offered, “Dude, you can sue.”

Let’s be clear about one thing. Ali Nazemi is a hero. Ali Nazemi deserves the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Let’s be clear about another thing. The episode in his classroom had been plotted and scripted ahead of time, with Neil Noland part of the charade all along. The phone was an extra of his mother’s, its service contract long expired.

Just as fiction can limn truths beyond the grasp of factuality, Professor Nazemi’s act of guerrilla theater, which he recounted last week in a telephone interview, attested to the exasperation of countless teachers and professors in the computer era. Their perpetual war of attrition with defiantly inattentive students has escalated from the quaint pursuits of pigtail-pulling, spitball-lobbing and notebook-doodling to a high-tech arsenal of laptops, cellphones, BlackBerries and the like.

The poor schoolmarm or master, required to provide a certain amount of value for your child’s entertainment dollar, now must compete with texting, instant-messaging, Facebook, eBay, YouTube, Addictinggames.com and other poxes on pedagogy.

“There are certain lines you shouldn’t cross,” the professor said. “If you start tolerating this stuff, it becomes the norm. The more you give, the more they take. These devices become an indisposable sort of thing for the students. And nothing should be indisposable. Multitasking is good, but I want them to do more tasking in my class.”

To which one can only say: Amen. And add: Too bad the good guy is going to lose.

At age 55, Professor Nazemi stands on the far shore of a new sort of generational divide between teacher and student. This one separates those who want to use technology to grow smarter from those who want to use it to get dumber.

Perhaps there’s a nicer way to put it. “The baby boomers seem to see technology as information and communication,” said Prof. Michael Bugeja, director of the journalism school at Iowa State University and the author of “Interpersonal Divide: The Search for Community in a Technological Age.” “Their offspring and the emerging generation seem to see the same devices as entertainment and socializing.”

All the advances schools and colleges have made to supposedly enhance learning — supplying students with laptops, equipping computer labs, creating wireless networks — have instead enabled distraction. Perhaps attendance records should include a new category: present but otherwise engaged.

In the past three years alone, the percentage of college classrooms with wireless service has nearly doubled, to 60 percent from 31 percent, according to the Campus Computing Survey, an annual check by the Campus Computing Project of computer use at 600 colleges. Professor Bugeja’s online survey of several hundred Iowa State students found that a majority had used their cellphones, sent or read e-mail, and gone onto social-network sites during class time. A quarter of the respondents admitted they were taking Professor Bugeja’s survey while sitting in a different class.

Naturally, there will be many students and no small number of high-tech and progressive-ed apologists ready to lay the blame on boring lessons. One of the great condemnations in education jargon these days, after all, is the “teacher-centered lesson.”

“I’m so tired of that excuse,” said Professor Bugeja, may he live a long and fruitful life. “The idea that subject matter is boring is truly relative. Boring as opposed to what? Buying shoes on eBay? The fact is, we’re not here to entertain. We’re here to stimulate the life of the mind.”

“Education requires contemplation,” he continued. “It requires critical thinking. What we may be doing now is training a generation of air-traffic controllers rather than scholars. And I do know I’m going to lose.”

Not, one can only hope, without a fight.

The Canadian company Smart Technologies makes and sells a program called SynchronEyes. It allows a classroom teacher to monitor every student’s computer activity and to freeze it at a click. Last year, the company sold more than 10,000 licenses, which range in cost from $779 for one teacher to $3,249 for an entire school.

The biggest problem, said Nancy Knowlton, the company’s chief executive officer, is staying ahead of students trying to crack the program’s code. “There’s an active discussion on the Web, and we’re monitoring it,” Ms. Knowlton said. “They keep us on our toes.”

Scott Carlin, an instructor of teacher interns at Michigan State University, advises his charges to forbid personal use of tech devices in the classroom. Of course he occasionally has to pause in his own lesson to make one of his graduate students stop scrolling through text messages.

“If the students actually found some creative way to use a cellphone or a BlackBerry in a class demonstration, I’d be all for that,” Mr. Carlin said in a recent interview, recalling his own years as a middle school and high school teacher. “Or if they could demonstrate how a chat room or AOL instant messenger would help them present a project. But what I found in most cases is that it was just a fancy new way of passing notes.”

In the end, as science-fiction writers have prophesied for years, the technology is bound to outwit the fallible human. What teacher or professor can possibly police a room full of determined goof-offs while also delivering an engaging lesson?

I am reminded of a story I heard from an Ivy League junior at a social gathering last year. She and a friend walked into the lecture hall for a class and noticed two young men in a back row surfing Internet pornography sites. They called out and waved to alert the professor.

He stopped his lecture. He turned his eyes to the young women, those would-be whistle-blowers. And as the pornography show proceeded undetected, he chastised them for interrupting.

New Jersey Revamps State Aid to Schools

by DAVID W. CHEN

TRENTON — After a tense three-hour stalemate, legislators handed Gov. Jon S. Corzine a dramatic political victory on Monday night when they approved his $7.8 billion plan to revamp New Jersey’s formula of financing the state’s public schools.
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Now on the Governor’s Desk (January 8, 2008)

After the Legislature threw in an extra $20 million for special education with his approval, Mr. Corzine, a Democrat, was able to sway three Republican senators and overcome opposition from urban lawmakers.

The plan is designed to direct more money to children who live outside the poorest districts, which now receive more than half of all state aid.

If the plan survives the scrutiny of the State Supreme Court, which Mr. Corzine will seek, the state would apportion funds to schools based on demographics, including family income, population growth, language ability and special academic needs.

Under the formula, education spending would increase by an estimated $532.8 million the first year, with all districts receiving at least a 2 percent increase for the next three years, and some receiving as much as 20 percent more.

But for hours, the fate of the bill — and by extension, a major pillar of Mr. Corzine’s agenda — was uncertain.

With the legislative session due to close on Tuesday at noon, the bill stalled initially in the Senate when six Democrats joined 13 Republicans to freeze the vote at 20-19 in favor of the bill, one vote shy of the majority needed.

So for the next three hours, Democratic and Republican supporters of the bill surrounded one colleague after another who had initially voted no, hoping to change minds.

The drama yielded moments of pure political theater and high-stakes brinkmanship. At one point, at least 15 senators huddled in the middle of the Senate floor, not unlike the way baseball players, anxious, huddle around the pitcher’s mound.

At another point, Assemblyman Joseph R. Malone III, a Republican who was part of a 41-36 majority that approved the bill in the Assembly earlier in the evening, wandered down the hall to the Senate. He escorted Senator Martha W. Bark, a fellow Republican who had voted no, to his office, fueling speculation that he was trying to win her over.

But in the end, it was something much simpler — a promise, with Mr. Corzine’s approval, of an additional $20 million for special education in next year’s budget — that compelled Ms. Bark and two other Republicans, Senator Gerald Cardinale and Senator Joseph A. Palaia, to switch their votes.

“I’m jubilant,” said Senator Barbara Buono, a Democrat from Metuchen who was the bill’s sponsor, and who helped to craft the compromise. “This is the way it’s supposed to work.”

Mr. Corzine said in a statement: “The new law replaces a flawed system with an equitable, balanced, and nonpartisan formula that addresses the needs of all students, regardless of where they live. This formula puts the needs of all children on an equal footing, and will give them the educational resources they need for success.”

The vote on school financing capped a frenetic final day of the legislative session. With the two houses meeting simultaneously, the corridors of the State House teemed with lobbyists, reporters, educators and other interest groups until 11 p.m.

Among the dozens of measures that passed on Monday, the two chambers overwhelmingly approved bills authorizing a formal state apology for New Jersey’s role in slavery. New Jersey, the last Northern state to abolish slavery, became the first Northern state to apologize for it.

The two chambers also passed bills to increase judicial salaries, offer tax credits for businesses that invest in urban transit areas and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Assembly also approved a bill, previously passed by the Senate, to toughen the state’s hate crime and bullying laws.

Those legislators who will continue serving when the next session begins on Tuesday will not have much time to catch their breath.

A few hours after they are sworn in, Mr. Corzine is scheduled to outline in his State of the State address his long-simmering proposal to squeeze more money out of the state’s toll roads. He is expected to call on the Legislature to approve his idea of selling billions of dollars worth of bonds that would be backed by higher tolls on the state’s three toll roads, the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway.

But on Monday, the focus was education, which for the last two decades has largely been guided by a landmark State Supreme Court ruling, Abbott v. Burke, which found that students in poor and urban districts were not receiving the same education as their counterparts in wealthier ones, and therefore deserved a bigger percentage of the state’s aid to schools.

Those who opposed Mr. Corzine’s bill did so for a variety of reasons, including the sense that it was being rushed through, or that it threatened to cut funding to poor urban districts. All six Senate members of the Legislative Black Caucus opposed the bill.

“They don’t want the middle class suburban schools to examine this formula, not in terms of what it takes from Abbott, but what it takes from us,” said Senator Nia H. Gill, a Democrat from Montclair.

After the vote, Senate President Richard J. Codey summed up the relief felt by the bill’s supporters when he grabbed Joseph V. Doria Jr., Mr. Corzine’s commissioner of community affairs, who until recently had been a Senate colleague.

“Joe, it’s like delivering a baby,” Mr. Codey joked. “It’s painful, but it’s worth it.”

Jeremy Peters contributed reporting.

City Names New Principal for English-Arabic School

by ELISSA GOOTMAN

On Tuesday, the New York City Education Department named an educator who has a “working knowledge” of Arabic as principal of the Khalil Gibran International Academy, the embattled Brooklyn school whose founding principal resigned under pressure after being quoted as defending the word “intifada” as a T-shirt slogan.

The new principal, Holly Anne Reichert, 42, has worked in the city public schools for more than nine years, first as an English as a Second Language teacher and, later, as a teacher mentor.

She has also spent much time in the Arab world, including stints as a Peace Corps volunteer in Yemen, as a teaching fellow at the American University in Cairo, and as head of the English department at an English-Arabic dual language school in Bahrain.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language and Social Anthropology from the University of London, and master’s degrees from the American University in Cairo, Teachers College at Columbia University and Baruch College.

The Khalil Gibran school, which opened in September with about 60 sixth graders, is the city’s first school based on the theme of Arabic language and culture. It will eventually grow into a 6th-through-12th-grade, dual-language school, in which many classes will be taught in Arabic.

The school has generated controversy since it was announced last February, with some critics calling it a “madrassa” that did not belong in a public school system.

The founding principal, Debbie Almontaser, was forced out in August after she defended the T-shirt slogan.

When she was asked by The New York Post about the phrase “Intifada NYC,” which had been printed on T-shirts sold by a Brooklyn organization, she said, “The word basically means ‘shaking off.’” Of the T-shirts, she said, “I think it’s pretty much an opportunity for girls to express that they are part of New York City society” and “shaking off oppression.”

Through her lawyer, Ms. Almontaser declined to comment on Tuesday on Ms. Reichert’s appointment.

Since August, the school has had an interim acting principal, Danielle Salzberg.

At a news conference on Tuesday announcing Ms. Reichert’s appointment, which takes effect on Wednesday, the new principal declined to comment on the events surrounding the removal of Ms. Almontaser, who has since filed a lawsuit, now pending before a federal appeals court, charging that she was unfairly dismissed from her post.

“I’m here to start something new, and things that have happened before my appointment that starts tomorrow are things that I had no part in,” Ms. Reichert said at the news conference.

She sidestepped questions about how she would handle sensitive topics, saying that “all students in New York City and all students at Khalil Gibran will be studying the same things, the same conflicts.”

But in a telephone interview later, Ms. Reichert elaborated on her feelings about the word intifada, saying, “It’s a word that connotes tremendous violent conflict, and I don’t think it should be used casually, as on a T-shirt.”

The Arab-American Family Support Center, a social service agency that helped open the school, released a statement praising Ms. Reichert “as incredibly qualified for the position.” But the appointment is not likely to end the controversy over the school.

Immediately after the news conference, Ms. Almontaser’s supporters released a statement criticizing the appointment as “illegitimate” because Ms. Almontaser’s challenge to her dismissal, and to the Education Department’s refusal to reconsider her application, is still pending in court.

“We challenge any self-respecting professional who would accept a position at this school at this time given the evidence of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim racism that hangs over Debbie Almontaser’s discharge,” the statement said.

Selasa, 08 Januari 2008

Baby Boomers Back to School

by CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd

Get Motivated for a Positive Career Transformation

In this day and age, it's not uncommon to see more and more seasoned adults returning to college to acquire essential skills and training to gain an edge in the competitive job market. Despite the fact that baby boomers are at retirement age, the age group (55-64) is the fastest growing segment of the adult population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of individuals 65 and older in the year 2050 is projected to be nearly 87 million. That means one in five people will be a minimum age of 65 or older by the year 2030.

Today, retirement-age baby boomers aren't necessarily in the market for a retirement home in Florida. The older generation of thinkers and doers is breaking ground with continuing education and post-secondary education to stay active and knowledgeable, thus remaining a critical element in shaping the ever-evolving future of this nation.

Baby boomers aren't yesterday's generation, and they're demonstrating that older persons can be a vital part of society. Instead of high school-age students awaiting happy returns from prospective colleges, it's the baby boomer generation anticipating acceptance letters into the school or university of choice.

Today's boomers are settling for nothing less than a meaningful and enriching lifestyle, which often includes going back to school to re-train for new and exciting careers that benefit society.

Some rewarding career-training programs are attracting baby boomers to post-secondary education in the field in which they've worked most of their lives. For example, if you've worked in computer technology your entire life, you could pursue education from a local tech school or college to become a computer educator in elementary schools or in senior citizen centers. Other popular academic options include natural healthcare courses for those who've served as medical health practitioners.

Of course, there are multitudes of career-training opportunities for those undecided about how they wish to spend their golden years. Whether you choose to pursue a new career in beauty, health, education, or alternative medicine, rest assured that baby boomers aren't throwing in the towel for retirement. Now, more than ever is the right time to rethink your future plans. Transform your tomorrows into personally and professionally-rewarding fields today.

Baby Boomers back to School

Get Motivated for a Positive Career Transformation

Copyright 2008

The CollegeBound Network

All Rights Reserved

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for The CollegeBound Network, an interactive media company that specializes in recruitment lead generation solutions for colleges, universities, and career schools.

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active

About the Author

The CollegeBound Network, an interactive media company that specializes in recruitment lead generation solutions for colleges, universities, and career schools.

Distance learning Counselling and Psychotherapy

by Shaun Bird

Distance learning Counselling and Psychotherapy. Why not completely change the direction of your life and begin doing something really worthwhile?

If you like working with people and helping others overcome their problems, our Counselling and Psychotherapy course could be the answer.

Many people today need Counselling to help them cope with their problems such as Personality Disorder, Eating disorder, OCD, Addiction, Anxiety. Depression, Divorce, Sexual Orientation to name but a few. A Distance Learning Counselling course is a great way to study without the constraints of having to attend classroom training which does not suit everybody especially with today’s busy life style. Some companies offer “hands on training” to go along with the distance learning course and this is a great way to gain valuable practical experience. There are many fully-accredited Distance Learning providers in the UK today (type ‘distance learning’ ‘home study’ or ‘distance education’ into Google.co.uk and you’ll find most of them), offering a huge range of interesting, educational courses available for study. You are not alone when you study from home. Distance Learning providers (or Home Learning colleges as they are sometimes called) employ professional student advisors and fully qualified tutors to mark and help you with your coursework. It is always best to look for a company which offers accredited courses as there are many out there who just offer their own diploma which is worthless! It is always best to do some research on the best course providers and ask questions before purchasing a course. Many Distance Learning providers offer interest free credit schemes to help students spread the cost over a period they can afford. Also look out for special discount offers. Course Author Shaun L Bird UK Open Learning http://www.uk-open-learning.com


About the Author

Shaun Bird is the Managing Director of UK Open Learning

LEARN SPANISH IN LESS THAN 3 MONTHS

by Darwin

You are about to learn amazing Spanish,i n just a short time you will be able to speak to anyone in Spanish, are you tired of Spanish courses that you take and end up with nothing? or are you afraid of speaking the Spanish you already learned? if you said yes, YOU ARE NOT ALONE many people don't even finish the Spanish courses they take for a simple reason,THEY AREN'T INTERESTED. all grammar and exercises and more grammar without the opportunity to speak out loud!! This is not the way to learn Spanish,its even not a way to learn a language, do you want to know the real secret to learn a language? you have came to the right place, it called Rocket Spanish, learning Spanish will never be the same, its a fun course that you are going to want to study. With Rocket Spanish, you are going to learn Spanish rapidly, effectively, and easily. You are going to be able to speak at a restaurant, at an airport, with new friends... in basically every situation you can think of! ROCKET SPANISHis an interactive course which will give you a chance to speak Spanish form the start, you are not going to learn just how to speak Spanish,if you want to learn more grammar or vocabulary,we have also a program for you, Rocket Spanish includes also 300 pages grammar for beginner and advance students,it also include interactive games to make things more fun and easy to follow. so do you want to know the secret of learning a language????? YOU ARE LOOKING AT IT Try the free six-day course,If you don't, you'll be missing a valuable opportunity to see if Rocket Spanish is right for you. Click Here Now!

About the Author

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Audio Books For Kids

by Kit Heathcock

Audio books are becoming more and more popular as people with no time to sit down and read a book take advantage of iPods and MP3 players to listen to the latest bestseller as they rush through their daily lives. Where is the place of audio books for kids though, at a time when we are struggling to promote literacy for all and encourage kids to read?

Audio books can work very well alongside printed books for kids that have grasped the basics of reading but need to develop vocabulary. They can sit down with the printed book and follow the text as they listen to it being read on a CD or MP3 download.

Not only does the reading aloud bring the story to life, at a time when slowness of reading skills can frustrate children when they are trying to make out a plot line, but it means that they can cope with more complicated vocabulary than they might otherwise be able to.

Hearing a book read aloud as an audio book teaches them the correct pronunciation of words that might otherwise be hard to work out from the complexities of English spelling.

By listening to the same story over and over as children love to do, they can memorize it and will suddenly find that they can actually 'read' the printed book with the help of their memory. This soon translates to real reading as word recognition increases.

Of course if parents have time to read aloud to their children this is invaluable in developing a love of reading, but today when we are hard-pressed to find the time for more than a quick bed-time story, audio books give us another way of satisfying our children's demand for more stories and give them the love of good books and the motivation to learn to read themselves. I don't think that audio books should replace reading to your children, nothing can be better than snuggling up to Mom or Dad on the sofa, but they can supplement reading time when Mom or Dad are too busy to sit still!.

Another perfect way to use audio books for kids is on long car journeys. Take along a few favorite audio books as MP3 downloads and as long as each child has his own MP3 player you can get through hours of tedious driving with barely a complaint!

I really do recommend that each child should have their own system though. If you expect them to use the car CD system you'll end up listening to endless squabbles over what to listen to next. Either that or you'll be screaming with boredom as they repeat the same favorite story for the ninety-ninth time!

The huge range of books available as audio books, from Harry Potter to Roald Dahl, means that there is something for each age group and endless variety, from the classics like Winnie the Pooh and the Narnia series to the latest Philip Pullman.

If you want to build up a collection of kids' audio books in an affordable way consider joining an online audio book club, where for a reasonable monthly fee you can download one or more books every month, according to your membership plan. Your only problem will be in resisting the enticing books on offer for adults and heading over to the kids' section!

About the Author

Kit Heathcock is a freelance writer, editor and mother of three currently collaborating on Audio Books for Today , A Hosting Review and A Flower Gallery.

Teach Courses Online

by Mario Churchill

Everybody who has access to a computer and the Internet knows you can do a search and find online courses offered by colleges and different universities to further your education at basically your own pace, however statistically did you know the numerous amounts of people in our society who disagree with the courses being taught online?

To them, for universities to teach courses online isn't really teaching. They believe if someone is going to teach it needs to be in a classroom. I'm serious, there is a forum I stumbled across that people were actually concerned about those who teach courses online. Whether they were legitimate or real people.

I mean if they are employed by a university and teach courses online, they are real people. Its not like they are computer parts or something. In fact on some of the university websites you have to be going through one of the college courses to gain access to the main web pages. This is because those who teach courses online, know the students id numbers or names, so just "anybody" can't log in. They are actually putting lessons on the site, they really teach courses online.

I knew someone in fact, that happened to be going through a school getting her GED online and her instructor was only one of the many that teach courses online, at the college she was going through. It was a local college, however the instructors were all teaching courses online of different variety.

Is it so hard to believe that people can work and learn on the computer at the same time? In fact, if you do a search for learning to teach courses online, you will come up with a staggering number of results.

Why? Because more people now than ever are studying online and those who teach courses online are just being outnumbered by those who take the courses. Someone has to check assignments sent into the college web site via email. Obviously it is the one that teaches courses online, and then sends the assignments back out.

Look at it like this, they are literally here to teach courses online, however the classroom is invisible, you can't see it, however it is still there. Those who teach courses online at certain times of the day in fact will be on the main portion of the web site especially to answer questions that their students might have. I have done a lot of research and its amazing what technology can do in our society today.

We shouldn't underestimate those who teach courses online. Its these people who help students learn no matter how old or young we might be. The simple truth people, is that we live in a high tech world now, if computers can be in the actual classroom and our children are learning on them, I know there are those that are capable to teach courses online.

Whatever the course may be, and they work for the accredited university or college that sponsors the website, that unless we are taking a college course through we aren't going to get access too. But just because you can't isn't a reason to say those who teach courses online are not really people. They are simply protecting the students ids and assignments.

About the Author

Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more info on teaching courses online checkout his website.

Minggu, 06 Januari 2008

To Understand A Weather Pattern, Know About Air Movement

by Eric Slarkowski

To understand a weather pattern, no matter where in the world it might occur, it is necessary to know about the interaction of the sun with the Earth, its atmosphere and the air masses that move around the globe. Much of the weather change that we experience on Earth is caused by, or includes, the uneven heat distributed throughout the atmosphere. If the sun heated the land, the oceans and the air at the same level all over the world, there would be no need for the atmosphere to attempt a state of equilibrium.

Simply stated, weather forecasts look at how warm air masses and cold air masses interact, even collide, to create certain conditions. For example, warm air will rise until it comes in contact with a boundary called the tropopause. This is basically a level separating the troposphere and stratosphere that warm air cannot break through.

When an air mass bumps against this barrier it generally spreads in the direction of the poles. As the air cools it moves back toward the Earth at about 30 degrees latitude north and south of the equator. The drop of such an air mass usually results in an area of high pressure, with its common clear skies and little or no precipitation.

While it is not easy to predict weather, over the years meteorologists and other scientists have discovered that the sinking air mass 30 degrees from the equator pushing out whatever air mass is there. The displaced air returns to an area closer to the equator and to low pressure. Sailors have given this air movement the name "trade winds." Eventually the movement of the air mass loses its steam and the "dead" areas around the equator at this time were known as doldrums. The label for this general type of air movement is Hadley cell, because George Hadley, a scientist from England, first described the phenomenon in the 1700s.

But some of the air at the equator rises and, instead of dropping back toward the ground 30 degrees north or south of the equator, continues on toward the North Pole or South Pole. Even the strongest air mass won't always make it all the way to one of the poles, however. The warmer air comes into contact with much cooler air at about 60 degrees north of the equator and south of the equator. Thus the name "polar front."

In this case, the warmer air rises above the polar air mass and much of it makes a return trip toward the equator. The air mass may then sink toward the Earth at the 30 degrees latitude mentioned earlier. This weather phenomenon, called Ferrel cells, was first identified by William Ferrel about 150 years ago. In a slight twist on all this air mass movement, some air does continue on to the North Pole or South Pole, cooling and dropping to the ground, then moving toward slightly warmer climes at 60 degrees. This subset of air movement is known as a polar Hadley cell. Figure in the effect of the earth's tilt and rotation with the movement of air masses and you have most of the ingredients for weather change.

About the Author

Eric Slarkowski writes largely for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a web publication about weather forecasts . On his site one might find out more about his contributions on weather forecasts and murcia weather.

Earth's Effect On Weather Formation

by Peter Wilson

Earth's Effect On Weather Formation

Weather formation is a very complex process, involving the sun, the Earth's atmosphere and the rotation of the Earth. But there is one more item to add to the list of ingredients responsible for changing weather patterns. This last piece of the puzzle is none other than good old terra firma.

Yes, the unique combination of land and ocean that makes up the Earth has significant effect on weather patterns, temperature and precipitation, on a large scale and on a local scale. The water of the oceans and lakes, as well as the huge masses of land, warm with the sun and cool. The effect caused by water and by land is different, though, because large water surfaces absorb heat slowly and release it just as slowly. Land, for the most part however, warms up quickly and cools just as quickly.

One of the basic differences, then, is in temperature, when weather in coastal areas is compared with climate conditions over the same amount of land surface away from the sea. As most experienced weather watchers know, and as meteorologists report, clouds form over land more readily due to heating of a landmass during the daytime. This can lead to widespread convection. (Of course, the peculiarities of land and water also play a huge role in wind formation, from monsoons to sea breezes).

The ongoing interaction between a weather system and the land below can make changes in that system. A good example is the hurricane, a powerful and massive storm that can destroy man-made and natural structures but can lose intensity when it encounters land, especially a rise in elevation on that land. Mountain ranges can make major changes in a weather systems. For instance, a system of low pressure that approaches a mountainous area is forced to move up and spread out. Any air mass rotation is slowed down by this contact. Though the area of low pressure can regain some speed and strength but generally is never as strong as before.

Mountains are also a key catalyst for what is known as "rain shadow." As described before, an air mass moving into a mountainous area will move upward, triggering condensation. After this initial contact, clouds form and precipitation, as rain or snow, can start. Meteorologists know that the precipitation will primarily reach the ground on the side of the mountains from which the air mass approached. Those living things on what is often known as the "lee" side of the mountain receive less precipitation because the air mass falls to a lower level, warms up and becomes dry. The "lee" side of the mountain range experiences the rain shadow. In fact, east of the Rockies, an area often called high plains in the central U.S. is a classic rain shadow landscape. If the effect continues for a long enough period of time, a desert can be the result.

Discussions of weather should include terms such as atmosphere, clouds, water vapor, wind direction and so on. But these discussions should include the Earth as well.

About the Author

Peter Wilson repeatedly edits detailed reports on subjects similar to weather patterns and temperature. You might come across his work on weather forecast for alicante and weather patterns here.

High Voltage Transformers for Tesla Coils

by P. Graham

If you are building a small Tesla Coil there is only a few choices when it comes to the supply. The first would be the Neon Sign Transformer. NSTs as they are commonly known have an output of 5KV to 15KV and around 30mA. They are easy to find and really aren't that expensive to buy. The 15KV, 30mA NSTs are prefered as they have a power output of around 450W. WARNING: NSTs often have the case connected to the centre tap of the secondary, this means the case has half the output voltage of the NST. A simple Jacobs ladder can be constructed using a NST and some Stiff bare wire. Just don't Run the NST for too long arcing this way as an arc provides close to a short circuit and you may damage the NST.

Another choice is the Microwave Transformer. The out put of these is around 2KV with around 500mA output. Parts to build a Tesla Coil can be obtained cheaply with a 2KV rating so they are an attractive prospect. There are two draw backs with Microwave Transformers the first is the fact you have to have your circuit transform 2KV up to 200KV+, the other draw back is the high current. Microwave Transformers can deliver 500mA+ any current above 30mA CAN BE LETHAL. Also take care when dismantaling Microwaves as there is a 2000 volt Capacitor inside them they may still contain enough charge to be lethal.

For large Tesla Coils One can parrallel the above Transformers or find an industrial HV Transformer. One example would be an induction hardening Transformer. Huge Power usually three phase.

Another example would be a pole Pig. These are a step down transformer from a higher voltage down to domestic supply. With these the domestic supply voltage is fed into the secondary which is the low voltage side of the transformer. The primary will exibit a voltage similar to that which is fed into it on the pole. The very last option for a HV Transformer is to wind your own. This may take more effort than it is worth but some builders prefer to build all of their own components. Much planning and understanding of transformer theory is needed to obtain good results. Everything needs to be considered it is more than just the turns ratio.

Warning: Care must be taken when ever working around any voltage capable of causing n electric shock. If You are planning to experiment with High Voltage please take care. It is a good idea to find someone experienced with HV.

About the Author

Amateur Radio Operator in VK (Australia) HV Enthusiast.

Sabtu, 05 Januari 2008

Consider The Options Before Borrowing Money To Support Your Education

by Don Alexander

If you are thinking for borrowing money to support your education, try to ask yourself first if you have savings left that you can use instead of taking out a student loan from the school of your choice. Also, think if you can get by with less by way of holding down expenses, or if you can do something great, like working more, either in the academic year or during vacations just to support your education.

Also, think for the possible scholarships that you can apply for, or you can be qualified for. There are actually a lot of options left for you out there. The best move to take now is to know and understand them.

Estimate Your Loan Payments

It is worthy to note that the more you borrow for your education, the higher is the amount of your monthly repayments will be once you finish your degree. So if possible, try to estimate your loan payments. There are a number of student loan repayment calculators out there that you can use to do the math. What's more, you have the chance to calculate your monthly payments based on the estimated starting salary of your chosen occupation.

The Essential Borrowing Tips Now that you have pondered enough about your student loan with the things you have to consider before borrowing, as well as with the amount you need to borrow, I guess it is now important for you to look at the most recommended tips for borrowing student loans.

Just consider the following:

1. Start by looking at the award letter given to you by your servicer. From the letter, figure out which need-based loans you have been qualifies for and for what amounts.

2. After looking at the full financial picture, such as the awarded aid, education cost, and family share, you should then consider settling on an amount that you actually need to borrow.

3. The rule is: never borrow more than you need. Always note that as a student loan borrower, you are not required to take the full amount of the loan you have been offered.

4. Don't ever forget about student employment as an alternative for borrowing. Even though working at a job can seem like an extra burden for students, so is struggling with high loan repayments after college.

5. Apply for the student loan right away. This is very necessary especially if you want to ensure that the loan is approved as well as the money paid to the college before you have to make your first student account payment.

6. The key to successful application is to follow the loan application instructions carefully. Note that any mistakes you make will delay receipt of the funds.

7. When you are applying for a Stafford or Direct student loan, be prepared for the amount that is paid to the college to be less than the amount you signed for. Usually, a fee of up to four percent will be deducted from the student loan. This deduction occurs before the check is sent to the college of your choice.

8. If you already figured out the exact amount you are borrowing before any borrowing process begins, you should start keeping track of your student loan tab, which is what your monthly repayment amount will be after you graduated from college. There are student loan calculators out there than can do the math for you.

9. If instances occur that you find yourself needing more than the amount that's been offered in your award letter, it is necessary to contact with a financial aid counselor before taking on an additional loan.

10. And, if you do take on an additional, unsubsidized loan, just consider making interest payments while attending your degree. The interest won't be much and this will help you save money. If you delay or capitalize the interest payments, you will end up having to pay back significantly less than.

Also, after leaving college considering purchasing a home instead of getting an apartment. My wife and I fortunately did this a few years after we left school, and we were able to pay back my $26,500 student loan with a simple refinance that also lowered our mortgage payments. We were able to do that within 8 months of purchasing the home! What a relief it still is to this day knowing that my education has already been paid back in full!

As mentioned, planning and thinking your moves for taking out student loans is very necessary for a successful borrowing. If you do consider what have been mentioned above, then there is no doubt for you not to attain your dream education, and even a successful career in the future.


About the Author

Don Alexander is owner of leading-online-business.com and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about this topic Don recommends you visit http://www.leading-online-business.com

Spanish, take one class for free, then pay from 11$/hr

by Instituto Exclusivo

learn real Spanish at home

Private classes, via the internet at the instituto exclusivo

Native-speakers teach Spanish through web-cam and Skype/Google talk.

How it works This method of teaching has proven to be highly effective and the technology is not complicated at all. All you need is a web-cam, speakers and a microphone. With the webcam you can see each other, face to face. You talk, we correct verbally and through the text-program.

According to your specific needs Tailor-made classes �" adjusted to your needs and the way you learn. We select a range of interesting material to suit your level and interests. These are sent by e-mail beforehand.

Variety of courses Beginners to (very) advanced. o Tourist steam course (shopping, making friends…) o specialist classes: e.g. business-correspondence

So convenient Any time of day. At home, during lunch-break at work, or elsewhere. 1 to 40 hours a week. With or without home-work.

Contact us now for a free internet intake-interview.

info@instituto-exclusivo.com

Check out our web-site: www.ie-spanishonline.com

Tel.: (+591.715.35.110)

Price: USD15 per hour for the waged, USD11 for unwaged Learn Spanish Online Free

About the Author

The i.e., instituto exclusivo, offers individual Spanish classes over the internet to anyone seriously wanting or needing to learn Spanish. We have experience with helping complete beginners to achieve a basic level of Spanish in just 12 lessons.

Benefit Of Learn Spanish Online

by Thiphan Chunno

Spanish id the language that widely used in Europe, not particularly in the Spain. Therefore, the demand for learning Spanish has also become rapidly increased. If you interested to learn Spanish and then take the lesson seriously, then you will be comfortable when speaking to Spanish people or go to Spanish-speaking country.

However, If you're seriously interested in knowing about learn Spanish, you need to start to get the lesson as quick as you can, this is because Spanish is the language that not difficult but also not easy to learn, so if you have start as quickly as possible, you will be able to find that learning Spanish gives you a lot of benefit. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about learn Spanish, both before and after learning.

However, there are so many ways of learning language effectively, and individual have to find his/her own ways to learn effectively. Some people go to Spanish class in their home country which some schools have native Spanish speakers available for their students, meanwhile some others do not have native speakers. They only have local teachers who can speak Spanish fluently or ones who has been in Spain for a long time and be able to speak Spanish. We can see in very rare case that these local language schools have certified Spanish language teachers available for students. Unfortunately, these local schools charge the class fee in very expensive rate without guarantee the result of teaching, so students will never know about their teacher's background but they have to pay very expensive lesson fee.

Therefore, according to this reasons, many people have now tend to practice Spanish language at home. There are plenty of Spanish language teaching book which they can find effective self-study lessons as well as reading Spanish dictionaries or books that teaches the basic of Spanish language. More over, they can find TV shows and radio programmes to in Spanish language to practice their listening skills.

Also, some people can find that they can find Spanish people on the internet to talk to, in order to practice Spanish speaking skills, and this is one of the benefit of internet that you can find friends who can speak any language with absolutely no cost. There are also websites provide Spanish lessons for free and you can find it easily by searching on Google. However, for someone who may want to be a certified Spanish teacher, there are also websites provide training for training in very cheap price. One of the most distinct benefit of learning Spanish online at home is you can learn with your own comfortable, you will be able to get to set your own pace, but you get to learn the language in the comfort of your own home, therefore you can expect very effective result when you have your own comfortable to learn.

However, the only suggestion from this article may be not enough for you. For those of you not familiar with the latest on learn Spanish now have at least a basic understanding. But there's more to come, therefore you may be have to find and learn more information until you sure that you are ready for Spanish online lesson. That's the latest from the learn Spanish authorities. Once you're familiar with these ideas, you'll be ready to move to the next level.

About the Author

Thiphan Chunno:For article about languages information, please visit education articles, a popular site providing great insights about education,Home Schooling,College University, and more.

Counseling Education

by Michael Bustamante

For the human services-oriented individual, gaining counseling education may be an appealing prospect. Many vocational schools and colleges offer courses designed for individuals who want to learn to be a professional counselor. At the vocational level, counseling training can be a springboard to a graduate degree program, as the occupation generally requires a minimum of a Master's degree, as well as applicable licensing or certification.

Counseling courses can include topics such as psychology, counseling theory, therapy and intervention strategies, interpersonal relationships, evaluation and assessment methods, adolescent and child therapy, group therapy, marital and family therapy, ethics, business practices, and associated regulations applicable to the practice.

Successful graduates can go on to a 4-year college or university to complete their education in counseling for occupations including counselors for Schools, Colleges and Universities; Rehabilitation; Mental Health; Substance Abuse; Family and Marital Therapy; and other related fields.

The perfect candidate for a beginning course in counseling is the person who is interested in helping others to live more peaceful, healthy and productive lives though mental health care. If you are unsure as to whether you would be able to sustain a career in the field, why not take some entry-level courses from a vocational school or community college? There are even some good online counseling schools where you can get your feet wet and learn the basics.

Career outlook is promising for those who have attained a graduate degree in the field, as the rate of employment is expected to grow much faster than average through this decade. The well-educated, professional may earn an annual salary in the range of $27,000 - $51,000 or more, depending on the specific occupation and region of employment.

If you want to learn what it takes to be a counselor, contact schools and colleges on our website that offer counseling training today!

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.


About the Author

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. and AllMediaConsulting.com. Find Counseling Education, and research Colleges, Universities, Online Schools and Vocational Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your resource for higher education.