Elearning Tools Improve Collaboration and Engagement in Learning

There are a lot of elearning tools and software that promote increased involvement and collaboration in any academic setting as more and more students look for more engaging and interactive experiences in courses and tools offered by academic institutions. Both traditional and electronic learning students are looking for better, more flexible and more effective methods of learning. The popularity of social learning tools has prompted the rise of a trend that looks at these tools as new learning opportunities. Powerful academic elearning tools can effectively integrate traditional learning management system (LMS) with tools similar to Facebook and LinkedIn. This new innovation is user-friendly social software as a service or SaaS solution that allows customers to provide the elearning 2.0 environment which is currently in demand for the students of this generation. Alfred R. Novas, Chief Executive Officer of an elearning service provider said that the critical elements of educational offering nowadays are learning environment and collaboration tools. They are certain that academic institutions will not afford to miss this opportunity to engage their students and leave their legacy LMS's behind by choosing a different tool. Tools geared toward elearning web 2.0 is similar to Facebook in such a way that it provides social interaction for users from all over the world. It connects and engages students from different places. The specific communities and various community tools available empower users to connect with other people through tools they are already familiar with. Novas added that the new product brings together all the best things about community and creates an environment that is completely beyond the limits of a traditional classroom. Through a centralized online location, users can enjoy access to discussions, presentations, videos, forums, study guides, blogs and other applications conveniently any time and in any place. A department or institution's academic elearning tools are required to be comprehensive, modern, fool-proof, and applicable within defined goals and budgets before they can be implemented for complete online courses or as vital components in a blended learning environment. Dr. Peter J. Smith MD, MA, Fellowship Director, Section of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Chicago Medical Center said that their decision to use elearning tools was due to the advantage of being able to easily manage necessary courses, effectively deal with changing curriculum needs and create a new pipeline to help health care teams share ideas, expertise and relevant information. They believe that this solution is the most advanced of its kind in the market.

Three Tips on Finding an Online Education Program That is Right For You

A great many of us would like the opportunity to obtain further qualifications, but cannot afford to give up work in order to do so. Therefore it is worth considering now to look at actually doing one of the many university online courses that are now available. However with anything to do with the internet it pays to do vedic maths some research into any particular university course before you actually sign up to do it. Also it is important to remember that not all the universities are what they say and you could end doing a course that won't actually provide you with any significant return when trying to get a better job in the future. So in order to help you determine which of the many university online courses are right for you we offer some tips below that may prove useful. Tip 1 - When it comes to doing such courses it is important to realize that not all of them are created. Some are just there to help people receive diplomas. So in order to choose which university you apply to you must thing about what you hope to achieve at the end of the course. Do you want to enrich your mind or are you after a qualification that is respected by any those who may potentially employ you in the future. If this is your aim in life when taking up such courses online then look for those that have been certified. For example if the university is located in Texas then make sure that it is one that has been certified by the SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). If you do a course with these then the qualification you receive at the end will be more well recognized and so be of more value in the market place to you. Tip 2 - Make sure that you select an online university program that meets your needs. Remember to look for those courses that are going to not only reflect the type of career you want to follow but that will also allow you to achieve your personal goals. So don't be afraid to look through the curriculums that a number of different universities are offering in relation to the course you would like to undertake. It is also a good idea to make a list of what you want the course to include, as this will then help you to whittle down the list you have in front of you further. Tip 3 - Look for university online courses where you have the opportunity to work at a pace you find comfortable. Remember the whole idea of doing such courses is to get the qualifications you want at a time that is convenient to you. The great thing is the majority of these courses do allow you to do your studies when you want say in the evenings when you return home from work. But of course you also want to make sure that the course you select is one that allows you to do so at a pace you find comfortable.

Setting The Foundation Of Good Manners And Great Social Skills For Your Children

You would have made sure that good manners and social skills were a part of your children's upbringing. IF, you knew that one day you would be embarrassed by their behavior. Teaching your children to be mannerly and respectful should begin in early childhood - starting with the old standards of "Thank you", "Please" and "May I". By encouraging them to be polite and respectful and to treat others as they would like to be treated; you will be instilling a sense of value early in life that will sustain them well into adulthood. Good manners and Great Social Skills do not end with "Thank you, Please and May I". Children need to be taught everyday good manners and proper dining skills. Here are five suggestions that will help re-enforce the behaviours that you want your children to learn and practice: 1. Act in the fashion that you want your children to emulate; because they will copy your behaviours. 2. Family meals are important; they help to build closer family bonds and give you an opportunity to teach them proper dining skills; they also encourage conversation that will give you more insight into areas and practices in which your children are involved. 3. Encourage them to participate in setting the table and cleaning up; this will signal to them that they need to be helpful and caring. Family meals should be engaging and cheerful; providing memories they will take with them into future dining experiences. 4. Use some of the time you spend with your children to introduce them to acts of graciousness such as, not speaking ill of others or participating in gossip - because these acts are not positive and could be very hurtful to others. 5. Teach them the importance of learning to play games fairly and to accept the fact that they cannot win every time. Of course losing is not easy, but it is a part of life's lessons; explain that throwing a tantrum because they did not win or get their own way would not change the outcome. You can help them to be a gracious by adopting a positive attitude and shaking hands with and congratulating the winner. These activities will indeed take planning and time, but the end result will be more well rounded and mannerly children of whom you will be very proud.

Open and Distance Learning Framework for National Development

A national development plan always have a series of educational plans, policies and strategies on building up human resources that will man and oil the various sectors of the economy. In fact, these days, human capacity development index and the accessibility to information and education is what is use to measure a country economy and development. The growth rate of information accessibility through the internet and the revolution of education generally has made human development capacity to be more enhanced, achievable and cost effective than it was in the 70's and 80's. Most of these education policies centers round small, medium and high skills acquisition through various education programs meant to developed human resources thus increasing and enhancing the human capacity development index. This over time has been what advanced economies uses to transform all sectors of their economy. It is therefore quite easy to say that education programs geared towards human resources development translated to the high per capital income which also means an improved gross domestic product ratings for that economy. Against this backdrop, It has become very easy to deploy middle level and tertiary education through the electronic and the internet technology which can handle mass education either through distance learning and online via elearning strategies that abound globally today. The cost effective nature of the deployment of these electronic media(elearning, internet, distance learning technologies etc) has made human resources capacity development to be achieve faster in both short run and long run planning for the 21st century economies. This arrangement has made the walls of the 21st century universities to be broken into the global arena where intakes are no longer limited to the local confines of the geographic location of the universities. Thus if university education were to be more accessible to the teeming population of globally qualified candidates to produce the much needed high level human resources in sufficient quantities and quality to drive  the nation's developmental  processes, governments has to seriously consider exploiting other avenues of providing access to university education in addition to the conventional face-to-face mode. Below are what should constitute a framework inputs for open and distance learning geared for development 1. A recognition and a place for Open and Distance Learning(ODL) in the nation's education policy. 2. The political will for equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels irrespective of gender, race, status and otherwise with ODL as a vehicle for the access to education for All. 3. The need for a more elastic and accessible model of education which includes online mode of accessing education contents 4. A semblance of Open and Distance education system for higher education 5. Investment in broadband technologies to enhance education contents and access electronically 6. Incentives for telecommunication industry in providing access infrastructure for rural communities to benefit from ODL 7. Exploitation of close users circuit groups by disperse students through the telecommunications infrastructure to access education contents - this will reduce significantly the cost of access.

How to Compare Online Nursing Schools

The steps that you take to compare online nursing schools are up to you. Some people know what goes into this process, while others are new and looking for direction. No matter where you stand, one thing will always hold true: you need to compare schools before making a final decision. This is the only way to know for sure that you are making a good decision that you will be happy with in the long run. The first step in comparing online nursing schools is to make a list of those that you are willing to consider. With hundreds of options your list can be quite long if you so desire. Of course, you need to narrow your options to a workable number at some point. At the very most, you want to have three online nursing schools to choose from when everything is said and done. This way you can make your final decision without having too many details in your way. As you compare online nursing schools you should think about all the finer points such as the price, type of degree you can receive, number of credits needed, and much more. No matter what type of student you are, there are sure to be some factors that are important to you. Take your time in comparing each and every one. The more details you consider the easier it will be to make a confident final decision. If you need any help comparing online nursing schools be sure to contact the admissions department. This is a great way to get advice from each school, from somebody in the know. Don't be afraid to ask questions. In fact, make sure you ask anything that is on your mind. Questions will lead to answers that will help you make a better decision. This is just some of the information to consider as you compare online nursing schools. There are other details that you may find just as important. As long as you know what you want, as a student, everything will fall into place and you will be 100 percent happy with your decision in the long run. As long as you compare your options you will never look back and wonder what could have been. Instead, you will continue to look forward to the future and all that it holds for you and your career. What more could you want?

Ways to Promote Effective Communication in an Online Class

The need for communicating effectively with adult learners does not change with an online classroom, only the form of communication changes. An online instructor's written words become the primary method of communicating and adults may form a perception of the instructor and the class based upon how those words are received and interpreted. Communication within an online classroom can be strengthened when the instructor develops techniques to deliver clear and concise messages. When words represent the instructor, all of the details within a message become important, including the tone of the message, the word choices used, and the mechanics of the message. Written communication has the power to humanize or de-humanize the learning experience, depending upon the learner's interpretation of the message, along with the positive or negative interactions that have occurred between the instructor and the learner. Factors that create a negative perception of the instructor include messages that are poorly written or without thought given as to how it may be received and processed by the learner. In addition, written communication can lose its effectiveness when the learner reads messages that contain numerous spelling and grammatical errors. Within a traditional classroom instructors are present to provide clarification for learners and avoid misunderstandings; whereas, an online instructor does not know if miscommunication has occurred until an adult learner expresses concerns or asks questions. An online instructor further relies upon written communication as a primary means of delivering feedback and addressing the adult's developmental needs. The adult learner must also utilize written communication as the primary form of responding to the instructor and other learners, and they must feel comfortable making the transition to expressing their thoughts and ideas in writing. Instructors have an ability to encourage self-expression within the online classroom by modeling interactive communication, which in turn can strengthen working relationships with the learners. When adult learners develop meaningful relationships and strong communication with their instructors they are also likely to ask for help with challenges, issues, and assignments. Written communication can be effectively utilized if the instructor responds to learners in a timely manner and personalizes the messages sent to each learner, instead of utilizing pre-made or canned responses. For the online classroom environment there is also an opportunity to compose a response and wait before sending it. The ability to carefully compose a message before posting it is one of the important advantages of online communication. Communication within an online classroom environment is most effective when the intent of the message is clearly expressed by the instructor, and then it is delivered, received, and understood by the learner.

Online College Degree Program More Popular Than Ever

Searching for an online college degree program? Do you need classes which are much more flexible and convenient to attend than their brick-and-mortar counterparts? The popularity of online degree programs has spiked well over 60 percent the past few year generally due to the associated convenience and versatility they offer.  Well-Established Facts about Online Colleges and Online University Branches There are a host of advantages to online college degree programs. Besides the already great convenience/versatility factor, the range of diplomas, certifications, and degrees offered online are very abundant. Are you lacking the essential high school diploma? Find out how to obtain one online as these days, you will be extremely hard-pressed to land even a low paying job without one. From there, the possibilities are unlimited. Degrees from an online college degree program that are received from a nationally and/or regionally accredited institution are government-accepted equals to degrees from brick-and-mortar colleges and universities Like most everything online, there will be a scam here and there; however, you would not enter into any school - online or not - without doing thorough research, right? Do your homework and check out the school's reputation from various independent sources and most importantly make sure the school and its online college degree program is at the very least nationally accredited. Take heed. Just because your classes may be online, it does not mean they will be easier and you will get a lot of slack. With any good online college degree program, you will have to show the same dedication and willingness to learn as with a traditional brick-and-mortar school. The difference: however, is your ability to attend class as your schedule permits and the time, gas, and traffic/parking headaches a physical university requires. Degrees offered are usually associate's, bachelor's, master's and even doctorates. Although online PhDs are still quite rare, they have been slowly inching up the charts in the last couple of years. Typical Majors and Classroom Settings In an online college degree program, the numbers of possible majors are just as plentiful as traditional colleges. The field of business administration is hugely popular and it encompasses anything from accounting to finance and to hotel/restaurant management. Technology degrees are also a really hot trend as the United States Bureau of Labor places it in the top ten of all industries to that will most likely see permanent, sustainable growth. A degree under the broad scope of criminal justice is yet another very common degree to aim for. With a Bachelor in Criminal Justice, one could have a shot of landing a job with the United States government and a variety of law enforcement agencies. What to Expect from the Staff In any well-respected and accredited online college degree program, the instructors and professors will be at the top of their game, meaning that they have worked in their field of instruction and usually have an advanced degree. Just like in real-world universities, the instructors expect only the best work from each student and want to see a real effort being put forth from each individual. Group assignments are extremely common in the virtual classroom environment and the best part about that is that you need not worry about dealing with sometimes fickle students in person.

How Cyber Schools Meet the Needs of Today's Aspiring Performers

Between training, practice, auditions, travel and performances, where is a young performer supposed to find time to attend a traditional school? This is the predicament faced by children and young adults who want to complete their grade school and high school education while trying to expand their talents and become professional performers. In order to stand out in the field, you have to spend years developing your talents. This level of commitment and education requires academic flexibility, because you have to be able to study during your free time, as opposed to on a traditional schedule. You also need to have access to a teacher outside of regular school hours. That's where cyber schools come into the picture. These Internet-based learning environments are designed to meet non-traditional learning needs by offering: The option to study anywhere, anytime there is an Internet connection Certified teachers who are available via email, phone, fax or real-time classroom sessions Accredited curriculums that meets state standards for education Customizable learning options to meet unique educational needs Socialization opportunities Basically, cyber schools allow nontraditional learners to study when and where it is most convenient for them. They can get the extra attention they need without having to be inside a physical classroom for eight hours a day, five days a week. Tutors and other patchwork schooling solutions can't compete with what online schools can offer aspiring performers. A personalized educational approach that combines excellent teachers and certified curriculum options makes it possible for performers to get a quality education while still putting the bulk of their time toward pursuing their dream. Cyber Schools Offer the Support Performers Need When it comes down to it, having a learning support system in place is an essential part of achieving academic success - whether in a classroom or online. At today's cyber schools, students can get support from teachers, parents and other students. For example: Real time classroom sessions allow interaction among teachers and students just like they would in a regular classroom. Teachers are available to offer personalized assistance. Parents are encouraged to get involved and become part of the learning process. Students can join online clubs and activities to develop more personal relationships with classmates. As you can see, cyber schools offer a wealth of opportunities for aspiring performers. These children and young adults can still have a rich and rewarding educational experience, even as they dedicate themselves to pursuing their dream.

Why Should You Choose Online Accredited Engineering Degree Programs?

In the world we are living in today, there are many structures which have been carefully designed by persons who have skill. These structures are roads, bridges, tall buildings, water and sewerage systems and many more others. These structures need skill and a lot of persistence so as to get standing. Engineers are the people who are responsible for ensuring that the structures are well built and maintained from day one up to the day they get finished. This profession is one of the most famous and where graduates get fast job placements. Governments all around the world always ensure that engineers get well paid. It is the sole reason why people from all around the world scramble to get admitted to universities so as to study this course. Universities all around the world have a big influx of students who wish to study for this course. They are forced to lock some of the students out of the programs because they simply can not handle the big numbers. Online accredited engineering programs come to the locked out students' rescue by giving them the opportunity to study for the course. Their programs are suitable for all students regardless of where they come from in the earth. They are tailored to fit all students even those who are working because they have scheduled lecture timetables which enable the student to effectively participate in her/her day to day activities and hustles. A student will only need to have a computer with a good internet connection so as to be able to effectively attend the lectures The lectures are delivered through a combination of both high tech multimedia technology and internet applications. Most of these online accredited engineering programs use live web casts, e-books and a variety of online libraries to deliver the skills to the student. The best thing about studying in these programs is that the student will always have the privilege of meeting and socializing with other like minded students from everywhere around the world through the social platforms provided by the programs. With online accredited engineering programs, the student is able to effectively arrange his/her busy schedule so that it is able to accommodate the courses' lectures. In fact, these programs are very friendly to the working class of students. Before fully settling on the specific program to go for, the student should take the following factors into consideration. One factor is the credibility of the program being chosen. He/she should ensure that the course meets and exceeds the required educational standards. This is meant to ensure that the student gets a certificate from a recognized institution which will enable him/her get employment. Another factor is the cost of the course from start to finish. The course should not be too expensive for the student to afford. It should not in any way prevent him/her from catering for the daily basic needs. The student should also make sure that the program caters for students' attachments. This career needs a lot of practical training so as for on to become fully qualified.

Tips On Choosing Where To Attend College

You are going to have many important decisions that must be made during your lifetime. One of the more important of those decisions, however, is where you're going to attend college. Not only is it going to shape your future and what you are going to be doing for the rest of your life, it is also going to make a difference in your ability to care for your family. That is why you must give this decision the attention that it deserves, which would mean keeping the following things in mind. First of all, it's important for you to decide what you are going to do as a career, as that is going to make a difference in the type of education that you are going to need. Although this may seem obvious, it is overlooked by many individuals who forgo doing a career search in favor of choosing a college according to personal likes and dislikes. Quite obviously, however, you are going to choose a different path as far as your education is concerned, depending upon the type of career that you are going to choose. If you are going to be a radiology technician, you might want to check out the radiology schools that are specific to that type of education. You may also be able to get this type of an education at a local community college or perhaps at a different school which offers those classes. It is also important for you to consider the distance that must be traveled in order for you to get the education. It can be very difficult as well as expensive to travel for long distances to get an education. In many cases, you will find that a local college will provide you with all of the options that are necessary to get the degree that you need. If you feel that it is necessary for you to take some classes at a college which is some distance from your home, you may have the ability to take those classes on the Internet. Getting an online education provides you with the same benefits as getting the education in your local area but it has the added benefit of convenience. Are you having a difficult time deciding where to attend college? Sometimes, it is difficult to figure this out on your own because you are too close to the situation. Why not ask a guidance counselor at your school or perhaps somebody who is already in the field of your choice where they would attend college? You will find that their suggestions and guidance are indispensable in helping you to choose a college when you are having a difficult time making the choice. Finally, it is also a good idea to consider any additional options which may be available at the college of your choosing. Extracurricular activities are not necessarily going to help you to get the education that you need but they can make a difference in you being able to successfully gets an education and keep your focus. Although it should not be the primary reason as to why you choose a college, it would be a good idea for you to consider it.