Daftar di PayPal, lalu mulai terima pembayaran menggunakan kartu kredit secara instan.

Rabu, 30 Desember 2009

Technology in Schools is of Ultimate Importance

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Henry_Jeon]Henry Jeon

Technology has changed the lives of all human beings. It has brought revolution to the way we communicate and the way we carry on with our work. With time, nearly all working sectors functioning on this earth are influenced with technology. Technology has made many things possible that weren't thought possible before for instance taking a trip to the moon or exploring the depths of the sea. Millions daily are reaping profits on technology. However, one sector that is lacking behind in the use of technology are the educational institutes and the schools curriculums.

Today the world is the world of technology. A child ever since is born is exposed to technology from saga games to remote controlled cars and internet games to iPods and MP3 players. The truth is that children are growing up in world that is very different from the world parents or grandparents grew in. they get excited by technology and are motivated by technology. This aspect is however ignored by those who make the school curriculums. They do not pay much attention to introducing technology in the subjects. As a result the subjects are much deprived of one thing kids are truly fond of: technology. Children find the subjects boring, devoid of any interesting and challenging and thus lose interest in their studies.

Research has shown that technology creates many useful impacts on the students. Firstly, it prepares the students for the realistic world outside the classroom. When the students go into professional life they are not dumbfounded at looking at the technology, rather they are prepared as they know how to use it and make the best use out of it. They display impressive traits by making proper and effective use of the technology, thus success comes easy to them.

Technology opens many doors for the students. The first major thing it does is that it generates extreme interest of the students. The forums present online for the students, motivate them to discuss their subjects with the other forum members and get rid of any confusions regarding the subject. There are also forums and discussion boards that promote student teacher coordination. The teacher can leave her lectures or notes on the website and give her students access to it, or even give them online tutoring during the examination days when school is closed.

Students should be taught to make proper uses of the resources available online so that they can make better assignments or gather useful material for their exams. They should also be taught how to solve problems online and how to make creative strategies, this is definitely help them in the future life.

Of course, schools are always limited in budget and they cannot blindly introduce all kinds of technology in the school, as technology needs constant upgrading and maintenance which is costly. As an effective step, the school administration should start with one technology at a time. When benefits start reaping from that particular technology they should move to the next one.

Technology in schools is of ultimate importance, but the school administration should be careful to not to expose anything harmful to the students. Special care should be taken on the kind of websites students have access to in the school.

Henry has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. His newest interest is in the Shure SM57 microphone. So check out his latest website that discusses deals and information on the [http://microphonesforrecording.com/shure-sm57-microphone]Shure SM57 microphone, as well as other [http://microphonesforrecording.com]microphones for recording, so you can make the best choice for your recording technology needs.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Technology-in-Schools-is-of-Ultimate-Importance&id=3498286] Technology in Schools is of Ultimate Importance
READ MORE - Technology in Schools is of Ultimate Importance

Jumat, 18 Desember 2009

How to Get Your Teens Ready to Learn What Other Teens Could Not Until They Entered College

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jim_Chan]Jim Chan

Truly, madly, deeply, you want your children to learn and to prosper in this finance-driven competition-heavy society. Many parents dream the same all over the United State, seeking to give their children the best education they could afford before they go independent. What many parents could not dream of is, how? How is it possible to get my kids to actually learn to achieve their dreams? How is it possible to show my kids the materials they will be learning if they want to be a biologist? over 80% of college students in the United State could not decide on their future careers, after realizing that the course materials for their dream career are way too complicated or boring for them. And worse, our Junior and Middle Schools hardly provide any materials essential to our kids' future success in life. Interest in your career is important, but comprehending the course material is equally as crucial. That is why learning about your career materials in detail before you enter college is essential so that you will not be wasting time in college trying to find a major suitable to both your interest and comprehension.

"What in the world should I do to get my kids interested in learning about college course materials? I don't have the money to pay thousands of dollars for tutors or courses!"

Frankly speaking, no average American family can afford private tutors or courses for that matter. In fact, buying textbooks alone would have cost you $300 per textbook. If one buys from nearby college bookstores, they still charge you 90% of a new textbook if you buy the used ones. Overall, getting your kids to learn about what they are interested in could be a challenge. After all, you will need to buy a few textbooks from all kinds of majors for your teens in order for them to choose the one major that he/she believes to be most interesting and understandable. I, for one, never buys from any college textbook stores, yet I have a large collection of textbooks used by many top private and public universities. Some of these books include materials about microeconomics, management science, statistics, business, thermal dynamics, advanced calculus math, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, electrical circuits, physics, genetics, mammalian physiology, etc. Learning from these books, teens will be more ready to enter college with a major they like and be more motivated to achieve good grades after they already possess a fundamental knowledge of the materials.

Buying these textbooks used to be my biggest challenge that I ever faced in my life. The expenses were just too great until I found this website that sells the same textbooks college students are using now with a discount of 50-80% off all year long. This may be a little cliche, but I seriously couldn't believe what I was seeing, books that sell for $300, only sell for $90 on that website. The books are well-kept and without much damage when I receive them. Amazing shipping time!! I love to see what I bought as soon as possible, and this website did just that. Any parents who feel the urge to save some big money, please read more at: http://moneysaverbookdruggie.blogspot.com/

Frapmocha - BookDruggie Fan

Expensive is no longer a word in BookDruggie, only satisfaction still exists.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Get-Your-Teens-Ready-to-Learn-What-Other-Teens-Could-Not-Until-They-Entered-College&id=3394618] How to Get Your Teens Ready to Learn What Other Teens Could Not Until They Entered College
READ MORE - How to Get Your Teens Ready to Learn What Other Teens Could Not Until They Entered College

Selasa, 15 Desember 2009

Teaching Critical and Creative Thinking in a Global Education Setting

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_Stephenson]Cynthia Stephenson

I just finished reading A Critical Thinker's Guide to Educational Fads, which was published by The Foundation for Critical Thinking. In it the authors discuss the essential idea of various educational 'fads', proper educational uses and likely misuses of each. The fads range from school choice and Socratic questioning to integrated curriculum. Three of these fads stood out for me as important ideas that should be considered in more depth... and together as an educational strategy.

Critical Thinking

I believe critical thinking is the most important fad discussed, as it involves metacognition (thinking about thinking). When we think critically we reason, evaluate, judge and problem solve so that we produce the best thinking we can. When we think critically, we speak and listen with empathy, consider all viewpoints, think with an open mind, observe more carefully, persevere through a thought to an intelligent conclusion. Schools should teach critical thinking because this skill just might get us through any situation in life we might face.

I was not taught how to think critically in school... were you? We use critical thinking all throughout school (conducting science experiments, writing papers), but most of us are never specifically taught how and why it is important to think critically. We need to teach students this skill along with how to master test taking, how to develop good study habits and more. Most students muddle their way through and develop these skills and abilities on their own. Think of how much more successful they'd be if we'd just give them the right tools.

Educational Fads suggests the idea of teaching history as historical thinking, biology as biological thinking. Instead of memorizing our presidents, students should analyze presidencies in an historical context. Imagine the number of students who might be intrigued with science if it were taught this way. Our schools tend to teach in such a fragmented way that broad concepts are isolated instead of integrated into a larger perspective.

Citizens in today's global world need to know how to think critically in order to effectively communicate with and work alongside others from various walks of life. We must learn how to communicate with people who live in vastly different cultures where perspectives are different and backgrounds diverse.

Creative Thinking

Genuine creativity builds on critical thought, and as the authors of Educational Fads state, something is not creative simply because it is different. Creativity involves thinking 'outside the box' in order to solve a problem, create something new, do something differently than its been done before. Simply thinking creatively will only get us so far. Creative thinking must be combined with critical thinking to truly produce distinctive results.

Creativity sparks the imagination to think in unique ways to do things, to solve problems - even in interactions with others in non-conforming ways. Creativity and imagination allow us to fathom the concept of putting a man on the moon, connecting mankind through this thing called the internet, inventing silly shoes called Crocs.

Folk lore states that FedEx founder Fred Smith received a C on a term paper in which outlined the basis for his idea for FedEx. Smith describes his thoughts not as an eureka moment, but as a simple observation. He described his thought process in a 2007 interview:

"As society automated, as people began to put computers in banks to cancel checks - rather than clerks - or people began to put sophisticated electronics in airplanes - society and the manufacturers of that automated society were going to need a completely different logistics system." (From the May 6, 2007 blog posting: rel=nofollow [http://campusentrepreneurship.wordpress.com/2007/05/06/
interview-with-fedex-founder-fred-smith-yale-university/]Interview with FedEx Founder Fred Smith - Yale University)

Was Fred Smith taught how to think creatively and critically? If he wasn't, he was certainly doing it on his own. His idea began creatively, but was followed up with critical thinking in order to bring the idea to reality in a credible and viable way and it was thought out within a global perspective, and if it had not, FedEx might not be the company that it is today - or even exist at all. This is the kind of creative thinking which is combined with critical thinking that our schools must teach our students how to do. Instead of giving them a problem to solve that may have an obvious solution, we must challenge them to combine critical and creative thinking to seek new pathways to a solution or to a solution itself that would not have been reached otherwise, as Mr. Smith did - as so many innovators do.

Global Education

Educational Fads describes global education as curriculum designed through a global perspective. In our increasingly diverse culture which resides in an increasingly open global community, global education is crucial for this and every future generation to participate in - in an age of nuclear capability, growing terrorism and an ever-increasing pool of diverse perspectives that have a voice in the global community.

Our schools serve as a microcosm of the larger world, and educators must prepare our children beginning at an early age to not only accept but embrace everyone's differences - their differences in appearance, in thought, religion, ethnicity, background, and more. We must teach students to think beyond their classroom, beyond their community, instilling in them a global perspective from which to learn new concepts and ideas, new perspectives, new ways of considering the various aspects of the world.

We in the United States live at a physical disadvantage to most of the world, as we are separated by many miles and have developed preconceived notions about the world which in many cases are incorrect or flawed, due in part to our lack of critical thinking and to large degree due to our physical, emotional and intellectual separation from the rest of the world's population. As the world grows closer because of technological advances that allow us to video conference with people globally with the touch of a button, purchase products from the remotest corners of the world with the click of a mouse, everyone must check their egos at the door; fairly address viewpoints with which we disagree; and empathize with others' insights, perspectives and knowledge.

If educators worldwide embraced the idea of teaching critical and creative thinking in a global education setting, future generations would learn the importance of diversity, empathy and fair-mindedness - allowing us as educated citizens of the world to think about our world, those who are in it, and the problems we face as a shared civilization.

Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Cynthia Stephenson brings 20 years of sales and marketing experience to her writing which has included corporate marketing materials, websites, blogs and more. Stephenson received her BA in Journalism in 1989 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and began her career as a graphic designer and editorial assistant for Northwestern University the following year. As a marketing communications professional, she believes that writing should be concise, persuasive and ultimately results-oriented, leading the reader to take action. Whether you need a sales calling script, a press release, or an outline for an online video, her writing style is sure to match your needs, as she understands how to write to her audience, whoever they are.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_Stephenson http://EzineArticles.com/?Teaching-Critical-and-Creative-Thinking-in-a-Global-Education-Setting&id=3208812
READ MORE - Teaching Critical and Creative Thinking in a Global Education Setting

Minggu, 13 Desember 2009

5 Creative Ways to Decorate Your Classroom Bulletin Board This Winter

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Dobson]Jennifer Dobson

Back to school, fall leaves, Thanksgiving and Christmas all easily lend themselves to great decorating themes, but what to do when those are over and spring is months away? Invigorate your classroom this winter in color and pizzazz with some simple and quick designs. Use the five ideas below to get you started on your winter bulletin board planning.

You Are Unique

Students are unique. Each child comes with a wonderful personality, personal interests, goals and ideas. Why not highlight the differences in a positive way on a winter snowflake bulletin board. Allow each child to cut out snowflakes while tying in a quick science lesson on how snow forms, what it is made from, and some interesting snowfall facts. After the snowflakes are cut, have the children write unique things about themselves on the cut-outs. Integrate a lesson on adjectives by having them only write descriptive words about themselves. Glitter, sparkles or tissue paper squares may help to liven up a light blue background before the snowflakes are hung.

Who is Hibernating?

Bulletin boards can also be teaching tools, so why not incorporate science into a winter bulletin board titled, "Who is Hibernating?" Using a list of animals that hibernate in the winter, cutout or draw them in their winter nook. If an interactive bulletin board is needed, place the animal on one side of the board labeled with numbers and the winter hibernating location (i.e. - nest, cave, hole in a tree, etc.) on the other side. Use clear pockets and small number cards that correspond to the animals for the children to match the animal to the correct hide away.

Acceptance Starts With Me

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday falls mid-January and there is always talk of equality and diversity around this time. With a bulletin board background of stark white paper place traced and cut-out hand prints of all colors all over the board. Have students trace and cut out both of their hands on colored construction paper. On the hands the students can write, "Acceptance Starts With Me," "Tolerance Begins Here," or another appropriate slogan to address the issue of accepting diversity. Not only does the bulletin board teach a lesson about tolerance and acceptance, it also opens up the discussion about Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and purpose.

100 Days

Typically, the 100th day of school falls during the winter months. This celebration of the power of ten provides a rich opportunity to integrate math into the classroom bulletin board. Displaying sets of 100 items like gumdrops, Popsicle sticks, pencils or erasers make for a quick visual lesson. It is also a simple and potentially colorful bulletin board opportunity.

Have a Heart

Nothing says Valentine's Day like a heart, but this year make the heart more significant by creating a bulletin board of an actual heart. This teaching board will help with lessons on circulation, exercise and general health. To tie it in with the holiday, have students write and post things that they love about their heart on paper heart cutouts.

Bulletin boards are a fantastic way to reach students with a quick visual impact. They give teachers an opportunity to highlight the uniqueness of their class and teach important lessons in a non-obtrusive way. Be creative with bulletin boards and do not be afraid to work outside the borders.

Jennifer Dobson invites you to take a look at MPM School Supplies. It's a great site where you will find all kinds of [http://www.mpmschoolsupplies.com]teacher supplies, resource books, classroom decorations, [http://www.mpmschoolsupplies.com/c-37-school-furniture.aspx]school furniture, classroom rugs, educational toys, and much more. The best part is by shopping at MPM School Supplies you are helping children in need all around the world because 50% of the gross profits are donated to children's charities!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Dobson http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Creative-Ways-to-Decorate-Your-Classroom-Bulletin-Board-This-Winter&id=3395843
READ MORE - 5 Creative Ways to Decorate Your Classroom Bulletin Board This Winter

3 Ways to Avoid Teacher Burnout

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jurinsthea_Smith]Jurinsthea Smith

For long time and new teachers, how to avoid teacher burnout is perhaps the top thought that they always want to solve. But with pressure, stress and routine activities in school, a majority of our teachers are left tired, uninspired and unenthusiastic even before they start their working day. This is actually a taboo that not all teachers are willing to discuss and share.

You might not know it, but you might actually be experiencing teacher burnout already. Common burnout signs that lead to such a scenario are anticipating the end of the day, the next weekend or the next probable vacation. In addition, diminished work interest, an unfinished work load and worst - quitting the said profession can occur. Little do we know that every teacher around the world is experiencing this in certain moments of their life. We may deny it but the signs are telling otherwise.

If you have been secretly experiencing this, do not fear. There are different ways to avoid teacher burnout. Try these tips and for sure it can drastically change your current state and can give great improvements towards your attitude and profession outlook.

Tip #1: Do not hesitate to ask for help. This is the hardest yet the most effective strategy to overcome teacher burnout. It is best to talk with your fellow teachers who might experience the same mixed with some colleagues who have overcome it. Manage to be open and vocal about your current situation. If you are not comfortable talking this with someone, an immediate family member can be an alternative. Share this with your loved ones like your spouse or your parent. I am pretty sure they can give you tips and ideas on how to avoid such a stressful black hole. They might even give you a hug or a kiss that can give you a quick mental boost!

Tip #2: Reserve some free time for yourself. When I say give time for yourself, it is a time away from your classroom and from the school. This can be a time that you can use to pamper yourself with the things you enjoy most. You can head up to your favourite spa or parlor and have that awaited massage, or better yet, try on a new hairdo. You can also invest this time towards a little hobby of yours. Furthermore, this can be a time for your family and friends. Stop yourself from thinking on your profession at this current state. And when you head back you will feel pretty refresh and renewed.

Tip #3: Know the reason behind your profession. New teachers are really the ones that have that enthusiastic atmosphere when they set foot in their rooms. But the longer they stay, the more dragging it will be, thereby leading to teacher burnouts. Thus, reconsider and rethink why you teach in the first place. This can rekindle the spark that you once had and can mean a great change to your current state of mind. Teaching is a noble profession. Look at it this way and you will definitely jump start a new day ahead.

There are actually more tips that you might want to add up to the initial three. But nonetheless, following the stated strategies can bring a whole new positive difference to you and your profession. Thus, avoid teacher burnouts by simply following it and for sure that certain grace a teacher must have will be evident next time you come to class.

Seeking for ways on how to [http://www.teachersbusiness.com/avoid-teacher-burnout]avoid teacher burnout? Don't hesitate to click http://www.teachersbusiness.com for tips on how to overcome such a dilemma.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jurinsthea_Smith http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Ways-to-Avoid-Teacher-Burnout&id=3410239
READ MORE - 3 Ways to Avoid Teacher Burnout

Jumat, 11 Desember 2009

Teleclasses - A New Century - A Unique Way of Learning

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rick_Sherrell]Rick Sherrell

If you think continuing education, or lifelong learning, is important to the success of your business, then you need to think about how much time you, or your staff members, spend on attending a traditional class or seminar. First you've got to get into your car and drive to wherever the meeting is, wasting precious hours in traffic. And being on time just isn't enough! You'd better arrive early so you can get a good parking spot, register, and get a halfway decent seat. Then you can twiddle your thumbs or reread the agenda five or six times while you sit there and wait for the course to begin. And when it's over you've got to walk back to your car, despite inclement weather, and drive back to your office. So, now you've spent three or more hours of your busy day to attend a one-hour class.

Whether it's making the leap from employee to entrepreneurship and starting your own business, excelling in your current career, seeking a better job, motivating your staff or managing your time and money -- there is a way to gain access to personal and professional knowledge, camaraderie, and one-to-one interaction simply by using your telephone. Teleclasses are a great way to effect positive change in your life. Telecommunication is the buzzword - and virtual classrooms, teleclasses, tele-seminars, tele-learning or conference call classes are the wave of the future!

Teleclasses are offered on a wide range of business and personal development topics and are an exciting, innovative way to attain valuable information, explore new ideas and gain new skills. You can examine your spirituality, inspire your life through the arts, learn a craft, dialogue on best places to travel, learn to create better relationships, learn to eat better or exercise to improve your health and fitness, or just simply have fun.

A teleclass is much like a regular class - except it brings the classroom to your doorstep! The technology is as simple as punching the digits on a telephone and the returns are immense! You simply dial into the conference call at a designated time; announce yourself to the other class participants, and the program begins. The facilitator/teacher makes a presentation and there are usually questions and comments, followed by a lively and robust exchange of ideas. A major perk is that most teleclasses are offered at a variety of times and dates, allowing you to schedule them at your convenience.

Usually one-hour in length, and fully interactive, teleclasses can be accessed from your desk, your home, your car, a pay phone or even your hotel room. Best of all, the cost is significantly less than a traditional class or seminar when you consider travel and time; making tele-learning an extremely affordable knowledge tool. Teleclasses offer positive and essential education, using technology as a tool for communication with strong and consistently positive results. And when the program ends, you hang up the phone. And guess what, your one-hour class took exactly one hour!

One distinct advantage is that you can interact with other people that have different ability levels, skills and backgrounds, who can be from almost anywhere in the country or the world. You can take a class just for yourself or you can set up a teleclass that everybody in your company can take simultaneously. The groups are usually small, 20 or less, so everyone gets individual attention through instruction that is both topical and focused.

Teleclasses are a hassle-free, money saving alternative to traditional "in person" seminars and classes. NO Travel - NO Parking fees and you get cutting-edge, innovative and customized learning in an informal setting with a select group of people who, like you, want to take command of their learning experience and aren't afraid to take risks to increase their knowledge base and accelerate their development! So the next time you contemplate taking a seminar or a class to improve your business, personal or interpersonal skills -- you might want to make it a teleclass.

Rick Sherréll is the founder of Pro Speakers Bureau ( http://www.ProSpeakersBureau.com), an Atlanta-based agency that delivers high-quality speakers, trainers and subject matter experts as well as a variety of teleclasses, seminars and special events.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Sherrell http://EzineArticles.com/?Teleclasses---A-New-Century---A-Unique-Way-of-Learning&id=73312
READ MORE - Teleclasses - A New Century - A Unique Way of Learning

Rabu, 02 Desember 2009

Give Us More Choice For Education

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Russell_Hamel]Russell Hamel

Isn't More Better?

Students are writing more these days, with blogging, online chats and text messages taking up more time than their traditional homework. You would think educators should be happy. More is better; practice makes perfect, right?

As a private music teacher for the past 37 years, I have seen the effectual difference between students who are forced to learn a particular curriculum in order to pass examination requirements versus students who play strictly for enjoyment. The latter group plays more... far more, and they play better because they play more.

I observed that parents who insisted on pushing and dragging their children through a strictly classical approach in order to get a certificate ended up with a child who merely tolerated the 'torture'. These students literally counted down the days to when they could quit. Only weeks after passing their final exams, they couldn't remember how to play a single song.

Wake Up, It's 2009

Parents, teachers, administrators, and staunch supporters of traditional schools need to take note. The internet and cel phone have changed the way we communicate forever. People are writing more than ever, creating and sharing more information than ever before, not because they have to, but because they want to.

Yet, traditional systems argue that without formal training in 'good' writing and literature, students will suffer. The question is, who gets to decide what's 'good'?

In music, Bach laid the foundation for western music as we know it today. But Mozart came along and added to that foundation. His music was pretty good, too. Later came Beethoven who revolutionized classical music with his bold and daring changes. He was criticized and even cursed by the music afficionados of the day. Now however, we consider Beethoven's music to be 'good'.

Name the discipline, whether it be art or science, and you'll find that all throughout history, the associated governing boards for each particular field resisted mightily before change eventually was embraced. Imagine what would have happened if such notable 20th authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Margaret Mitchell, James Joyce, George Orwell, Ernest Hemingway, Aldous Huxley and countless others writers we revere were confined to write strictly in the style of Shakespeare.



It's the Education System That Must Change

Today in the news, U.S. President Obama is under criticism for supporting the Charter School in Education movement. For varying reasons, communities are rallying parents, teachers and school in education administrators to start charter schools in their area. They see the current public school system as inadequate and inflexible, leaving them with no choice other than to break away.

Paradoxically, this wasn't the intention at all for Dr. Ray Budde, credited with coining the term, 'Charter School'. His vision was to implement change in the current school of education system. His many disciples agreed but simply were unwilling to wait through all the bureaucracy and red tape necessary to implement change.

Arguments abound that without certain standards and structures of well-established institutions, we will surely produce a generation of illiterates incapable of functioning in society. Yes, today's writing style employs a seemingly different language, with chat room and text-speak abbreviations and emoticons becoming more pervasive.



Note to Schools - Resistance is Futile

These however should be seen as options - tools, if you will - no more different than the choices available to artists to use pointillism, cubism or expressionism. Schools must let go of the idea that their way is the better way, or as they more often think, the only way.

The internet has indeed opened many doors for the next generation to express themselves. More and more, young people are gaining notoriety and even outright fame for their blogs and social media participation.

Educators take note - the next generation is already communicating through writing more than ever before. And they are advancing rapidly in spite of all the attempts to push and drag them through traditional methods.

I applaud President Obama for bringing the need for sweeping, radical changes throughout the school systems to public awareness. I admire the courage of the charter school parents, teachers and administrators for re-shaping the education landscape.

However, with or without the debate and ensuing struggle, dramatic change is taking place and will continue to do so as it always has for millennia. Indeed, resistance is futile.

The world can seem like a crazy place sometimes...

OK, a LOT of the time!

However, no matter what is going on in your life, magic happens when you learn how to choose better feelings now! [http://lovethatfeeling.com/blog/give-us-more-choice-for-schools-in-education/]You're Gonna Love That Feeling

All the best from Toronto

Russ Hamel

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russell_Hamel http://EzineArticles.com/?Give-Us-More-Choice-For-Education&id=3328200
READ MORE - Give Us More Choice For Education

Jumat, 27 November 2009

Teaching Effectively With School Videos

School videos have the unique ability to introduce new individuals, resources, experiences and locations into the classroom in such a way that can engage your students like no other medium can. The strength of visuals and audio will appeal to both your learners that rely on these sensory aspects. When you incorporate activities that are hands-on, the use of video will engage your learners that are kinesthetic.

Whether the video is used to expose students to a lesson or concept, reinforce content that has already been learned, or to enhance or extend the content, you can consider video and its use as a process that includes four aspects. When you implement these aspects in this order, you can deliver a better experience for your students and create an environment where they will learn something, too!

Step 1: The Temptation
Teachers often use school videos to merely tempt the student into wanting to learn more. This type of video is generally a short piece that is typically no longer than roughly 15 minutes. It will often represent a new concept in such a way that it makes students asking to learn additional information about the specific topic.

Step 2: The Main Event
When it is used as the primary tool within the lesson, the video offers all or most of the critical information that is needed to be covered to learn a particular objective. Even if the video is long enough and includes enough information to cover the topic, it should not be used without additional activities. You should always incorporate the video into discussions, questioning, hands-on activities or writing activities.

Step 3: The Extras
The video does not always have to be used to tempt students or to cover the entire lesson. It can be used as something a little bonus to enhance the lesson that is delivered in the traditional method. This step allows you to provide a new perspective that is then reinforced with a key concept.

Step 4: The Finish
You can also use a video to complete a lesson. One method for doing this is once you finish reading a book, students might enjoy watching the video of the book and comparing how the video version is either similar or quite different from the book version. This encourages reinforcement of the lesson while also providing an environment where students think beyond the lesson itself.

Video as a Tool
Keep in mind that school videos are designed to be tools to help enhance the lesson, not as a replacement for the lesson. To ensure you accomplish this goal, manipulate the medium by "directing" the experience. Pause the video to discuss what your students have just seen, introduce a new concept in a hands-on exercise or ask questions so students can guess what is going to happen next.

You can also mute the sound to have students apply their own or turn off the picture so your students can use the sound to create their own imagery. Both methods can be effective for creating an environment where students must think beyond the information in the video and apply abstract thinking to determine how the concepts fit into their world. It sounds much more complicated than it is and a little bit of planning can help you to make the most of the use of school videos in your classroom.

The most valuable and affordable resource for enhancing your classroom lessons is still educational videos and educational DVDs. So make sure you're using video the right way and see immediate benefits in your students' engagement, retention and test performance by downloading and watching "The 7 Biggest Mistakes Teachers Make Using Video in the Classroom" right NOW!

The small company, SchoolVideos.com, I work for is committed to creating quality educational videos for classroom instruction. From the earliest script stages, all subject area content, images, and music are intensely reviewed and selected for meeting appropriate grade level, curriculum objectives and standards for our proprietary productions. The videos we distribute are also screened to meet our high standards.

Teachers in the 21st century classroom will be better educators if they understand how to use multi media in their lessons, if they understand the processes that research has shown to be the most effective for improved student performance, and if they know how to find quality video resources that will enhance their lessons.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Stohlman
READ MORE - Teaching Effectively With School Videos

Minggu, 22 November 2009

The Advantages of Recording Lectures

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=J_Finnis]J Finnis

The formal lecture has long been at the heart of university education. Large numbers of students form the audience while the professor holds center stage imparting his/her wisdom. That lectures have remained for so long as a major method of education is testament to their effectiveness, however, the traditional lecture does have certain disadvantages.

The typical human concentration span is reckoned to be around 15 minutes. After this time the audience's minds are likely to be on many things other than the topic at hand. That lectures are usually passive experiences doesn't help the concentration problem. The lecturer's personality also affects audience attention. Lecturers are generally selected for their expertise rather than their engaging delivery.

Lectures often provide a barrage of facts. The nature of the medium cannot provide sufficient time for reflection, and even the most alert student will be unable to absorb or understand everything first time around. Everyone gets the same lecture, regardless of aptitude, prior familiarity with the subject or whatever. For some it may be too easy, for others impossibly difficult. Lectures are generally one-off events, a student can miss a presentation through numerous reasons eg illness, traffic delays etc.

Many institutions are now investing in lecture recording technology, such as Echo360. This technology is being used to capture curriculum lectures as well as one-off seminars and guest lecturers. Recording may happen routinely, or on an ad HOC basis. Current lecture recording technology enables recording to be scheduled automatically according to the institutional timetable and on completion to be sent to a server, processed, and made available for viewing within an hour or so. Where lecture recording technology is installed its use is likely to become routine, or at least the default option, for all lectures.

Students have the opportunity to review lectures whenever and however they choose, and can often gain something new from each subsequent viewing. The institution can also leverage lectures, eg making the material available to distance learners, who in turn benefit from content that is significantly more engaging than ink on paper (or text on screen). This begs the question of whether there is a continuing role for the traditional lecture, or could faculty simply spend a few hours in front of a video camera recording their classes for the whole year (or for many years where subject matter doesn't change)?

I would suggest traditional lectures will be around for a long time to come. Recorded music has been around for many years and yet people still flock to live performances. For many the experience of sitting in a lecture theater listening to a live speaker will have a greater impact than watching a re-run on a computer screen. There is also the opportunity to raise one's hand and obtain instant clarification on a point of confusion. The audience also affects the presentation in more subtle ways. A good lecturer always has their antennae open for audience reaction, and will adjust their delivery accordingly, eg giving a more detailed explanation to material met with blank expressions.

Johnny runs [http://edtech.twinisles.com]Educational Technology Insight for Educators and Technologists providing an introduction to the philosophy and technology of e-learning. Johnny is available for educational technology consultancy at [info@twinisles.com]info@twinisles.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Finnis http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Advantages-of-Recording-Lectures&id=3303342
READ MORE - The Advantages of Recording Lectures

Rabu, 11 November 2009

Career Spotlight - Adult Education Teacher

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Erik_R_Johnson]Erik R Johnson

Adult education basically consists of self-enrichment, adult literacy, remedial education, and GED instructors. Individual working as an adult educator may work for state and local governments, providing basic education at juvenile detention and corrections institutions. From week-long self-enrichment workshops to year-long certification courses, adult education teachers primarily offer a variety of class types and schedules. In addition to this, these days many adult educators work for job training facilities; nonprofit, religious, and social service organizations; and residential care facilities.

In terms of job responsibilities of adult education teacher, it basically revolves around providing reading and writing instruction to adults, including high school dropouts or those immigrants who are in need to have better literacy skills. In addition to this, an adult educator may also require to provide instruction in a wide variety of subjects. There are many who teach a series of classes and provide or educate about useful life skills, like cooking, time management or personal finance.

Adding to this, at times adult education teachers may even require assisting students in acquiring successful study skills and the self-confidence. They may also be requiring setting clear objectives for students and guide or counsel them, and track their progress. Teachers also may encounter students with learning or physical disabilities, so teachers must possess an understanding of how to help these students achieve their goals.

Salary Outlook In relation to the yearly income, the profession offers a salary that is simply one of the best in current scenario. Generally, the median hourly earnings of adult education teachers are $43,910. Nevertheless, the most inspiring picture of this career is that the lowest 10 percent earns less than $25,310, and the highest 10 percent earns more than $75,680. Though there are much adult literacy and remedial education instructors who work on a part-time basis, but they are usually paid a good amount by the hour or for each class that they teach.

Employment Prospect In the past few years, teachers of adult literacy held about 76,000 jobs. Many of these jobs were federally funded, with additional funds coming from State and local governments. However, in next few years the employment is further expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. In fact, a large number of job openings are anticipated due to the need to replace people who leave the occupation or retire.

Today there are lots of institutions and schools that are offering educational programs in adult education. The program can vary depending upon the institutionalized learning methods or specific areas for an effective adult education. No doubt, it is surely one of the best options that can help you make most of your career potential. Though, working as an adult education teacher requires handling some of the major responsibilities, but it offer rewards that can beyond the comparison of any other profession.

Want to become adult education teacher, find complete information on [http://www.educationmajorsu.com/]top education colleges that offer [http://www.educationmajorsu.com/program.php?discipline=adult-education&id=210]top adult teaching programs and courses to start teaching career in adult education. Choose the best education courses for you and start your teaching career now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erik_R_Johnson http://EzineArticles.com/?Career-Spotlight---Adult-Education-Teacher&id=3238845
READ MORE - Career Spotlight - Adult Education Teacher

Minggu, 01 November 2009

An Outline on an Instructional Leadership Educational Program

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Erik_R_Johnson]Erik R Johnson

Are you one of those who are looking forward developing or improve classroom skills and follow a career as a curriculum supervisor or become an educational leader with the instruction as your main focus. If your answer is yes then making a career as an instructional leader can be the best option. Though, it is very important to comprehend that the role of an instructional leader differs from the traditional school administrator in a number of ways.

Basically, a conventional principal usually spends most of his/her time dealing with administrative duties, but a principal who is an instructional leader is primarily charged with redefining his or her role to become the primary learner in a community striving for excellence in education. As a result, it definitely becomes the principal's accountability to work with teachers to identify and classify different educational objectives and set school-wide or district wide goals. In addition to this, he or she must provide the essential resources for learning, and generate new learning opportunities for students and staff. Ultimately, ability to follow this responsibility requires deep understanding of leadership qualities. Fortunately, today there are number of colleges and universities that offer programs like instructional leadership that primarily focus on this objective. This education specialist program in instructional leadership principally emphasizes the core skills including comprehensive planning and implementation, curriculum theory and design.

The typical coursework of this program includes: curriculum development, educational topics and trends, and cultural diversity. In addition to this, the program endeavors to promote the values, knowledge, and skills needed to renew and improve education across the state, region, and nation. Once you complete the program, you will be able to:



Analyze and classify the uniqueness of an effective and successful leader

Study leadership attributes, styles and their significance for leaders to be successful

Express strategies for facilitating teams competently and managing clashes

Implement and facilitate collaborative professional development activities including team learning communities

The course enables you to learn many characteristics that can be very beneficial to your school and communities. You learn to exhibit a clear sense of direction for your schools and prioritize attention on the things that really matter in terms of the work of students. The program helps you identify your leadership strengths and gain knowledge of strategies that may engage students in the classroom using a team based learning. The program even enables you to discuss your role as a catalyst leader inspiring others to act; develop your personal leadership development plan and discuss methods for similar types of plans in the classroom.

Today instructional leadership can be broadly considered as a thoughtful journey that builds a learning culture. The program is a specialization that emphasizes leadership and managing other teachers with an eye towards a move into school administration. In recent years, this education program has gained enough popularity and expected to earn more recognition in next few years.

Want to start your career as instruction leader? Find complete information on top instructional [http://www.educationmajorsu.com/program.php?discipline=instructional-leadership&id=248]leadership education programs and top education colleges that offer hat Offer Instructional Leadership Courses at EducationMajorsU.com. Choose the best [http://www.educationmajorsu.com/]teaching majors for you and start your career now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erik_R_Johnson http://EzineArticles.com/?An-Outline-on-an-Instructional-Leadership-Educational-Program&id=3166557
READ MORE - An Outline on an Instructional Leadership Educational Program

Jumat, 16 Oktober 2009

Internet Delivery - 21st Century Classroom Educational Resources

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Stohlman]Kimberly Stohlman

We are now nearly a decade into the 21st Century and we should be getting used to it by now. While we can't yet predict what a classroom will look like in ninety years' time, we should have some idea of what a 21st Century classroom should look like, at least during the first few decades of the century.

Just stop and think how classrooms have changed even over the last twenty years. At the end of the 20th Century (in the 1970s and 1980s), the closest most of us got to having computers in the classroom was a pile of that continuous feed paper with the tear-off sides and obscure figures and code on the back. When computers came in, they were a real novelty, but to use them, you had to go to a special computer lab - laptops were almost as much of a status symbol as a mobile phone. Typing was taught on typewriters (albeit electric ones) and if students wanted a nice font (a word we didn't even use back then) for a project, this involved meticulous copying out of one of those books of lettering using tracing paper and window or squared paper. The 21st Century classroom looks completely different.

In a 21st Century classroom, you'll probably find a laptop or two with a printer and wireless internet. You'll find the computer lab still there, of course, but the equipment has been added to with a webcam and a digital camera, and the computers are able to run much more sophisticated programs.

Now, most teachers in the 21st Century classroom have grasped the idea of using the internet for research. This is pretty much a "given", and has been ever since the internet explosion and the dot.com proliferation. With faster bandwidths and more content being available, this opens up a vast library for use in the classroom - a library of educational tools ranging from worksheets to educational videos. This use of the internet in the classroom is still very valid today, but this is now known as "Web 1.0".

Teachers in the 21st Century classroom need to look at the potential of "Web 2.0". Now, the internet is not just a place to find information; it's also a place where anyone can share information and communicate with each other. This also has great potential for use in classroom.

Here are a few ways that the internet is starting to be used in the 21st Century classroom:

· The class website. The class website can be used to post completed projects for the world to view (or members only, depending on what sort of security you want). Creating the website in the knowledge that it can be viewed by people everywhere is a way of stimulating excellence, and requires a range of skills, from research to writing to graphic design.

· Blogs. These would probably be linked to the class website, but a teacher can post blogs giving inspiring thoughts, reminders about homework and projects due, links to good sites for research, etc.

· Communication with other schools: Students can set up a site where they post pieces of work (e.g. essays or short stories). Other students from other schools around the USA or even further afield can view these and post their own material, as well as offering helpful criticism and suggestions. This doesn't have to be limited to literature: it can also be used for art or science projects.

· Communication around the world: In the 20th Century, the closest you could get to having a visitor from the country you were studying in social studies was probably a film or documentary video - unless you were lucky. In the 21st Century classroom, you can easily get in touch with US troops serving overseas, people in aid agencies, park rangers, senators, etc., and you can ask them questions and find out what you really want to know.

Don't get left behind in the technology revolution. Multimedia is the way to go when presenting lessons. [http://www.schoolvideos.com/expert/7_mistakes]Download these free tools for improving your classroom lessons by using videos more-and more effectively.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Stohlman
http://EzineArticles.com/?Internet-Delivery---21st-Century-Classroom-Educational-Resources&id=3084805

READ MORE - Internet Delivery - 21st Century Classroom Educational Resources

Minggu, 11 Oktober 2009

One Way Technology in the Classroom is Transforming Education

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Stohlman]Kimberly Stohlman

The British comic writer Terry Pratchett once wrote that you could tell that his office was a paperless office because you could see paper everywhere. Classrooms, like offices, will never be 100% free of papers, but technology in the classroom is making the idea of a "paperless" classroom more feasible. How much easier would your job as a teacher be if you didn't have a multitude of papers (books, black line masters, flash cards, attendance rolls, notes-to-send-home-to-parents, handouts, quiz sheets) to cope with?

Technology in the classroom is becoming more and more extensive. It would be a rare classroom today that doesn't have at least one PC or laptop set up with a good internet connection (possibly even wireless), and nearly every classroom has its own VCR or DVD player (or at least, there's a player that's shared between two or three classrooms, depending on who's using it today). Some classrooms have multiple computers, and some even have data projectors. Certainly, most schools would have a computer lab where each pupil can work individually on a computer.

Society today is becoming more and more computerised, so it is vital that your students don't get left behind and they know how to use digital tools. They'll be using them in the workplace, so they'd better get familiar with technology in the classroom first.

What are some easy ways that you can cut down on the amount of paper that you have floating around your classroom?

· Use a spreadsheet for attendance. Once you've called the roll, you can email the result of who is and isn't here to the secretary, or let him/her access it via the school's intranet.

· Use webquests instead of textbooks for some subjects. If you haven't used them before, a webquest is an online teaching tool that sets your students various tasks that will require online research to be done. The best ones include helpful links to sites that can help in research. You can create your own customised webquests for your class.

· Use computer games instead of flash cards for drilling your students in time tables and spelling words. You can use online computer games or buy software for doing this. One of the better ones for multiplication is Times Attack from multiplication.com, which has the look and feel of a classic dungeon-style first-person-shooter game but provides an intensive drill in times tables.

· Use videos and DVDs instead of textbooks to explain a concept. Videos and DVDs can also take the place of information handouts. Better still, online video clips can be used, and your students have the chance to re-view these as part of their revision.

· In senior grades, it may be possible for students to submit papers and essays online. This prevents the "Well, I'm sure I put that paper on your desk or in your pigeonhole. The wind must have blown it down and the janitor binned it," excuse. If you're worried about plagiarism (which is one of the pitfalls of modern technology in the classroom), then sign up for Copyscape, which will let you see if anybody's created an essay by cutting and pasting.

Don't let the words "technology integration" scare you. It's not as hard as you might think, and you don't have to get a paperless classroom overnight. And if you have used a video in teaching before, then, you have some of the basic skills already. Standard methods for using media in your elementary lessons are still the benchmark for an effective lesson. Technology should be seen as just another tool in your lesson-not the lesson. Check out [http://www.schoolvideos.com/expert/7_mistakes]the free video tutorial to see how your lessons measure up.

The small company I work for is committed to creating quality educational videos for classroom instruction. From the earliest script stages, all subject area content, images, and music are intensely reviewed and selected for meeting appropriate grade level, curriculum objectives and standards for our proprietary productions. The videos we distribute are also screened to meet our high standards.

Teachers in the 21st century classroom will be better educators if they understand how to use multi media in their lessons, if they understand the processes that research has shown to be the most effective for improved student performance, and if they know how to find quality video resources that will enhance their lessons. http://www.schoolvideos.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Stohlman
http://EzineArticles.com/?One-Way-Technology-in-the-Classroom-is-Transforming-Education&id=3045689

READ MORE - One Way Technology in the Classroom is Transforming Education

Rabu, 07 Oktober 2009

Classroom Technology to Support Teaching

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Stohlman]Kimberly Stohlman

When you were going through your teacher training, did you ever wish you could be a fly on the wall in an experienced teacher's classroom so you could see exactly how he/she handled things? You always change the classroom dynamics by introducing a novelty in the form of an observer, so actually visiting a class for real has its disadvantages as well as its advantages. But by using classroom technology, you can be an observer in someone else's class.

Of course, this innovative use of classroom technology doesn't just apply to beginner teachers and trainee teachers. Even more experienced teachers need to upskill and learn new techniques of doing things in class. Again, watching someone else who has done the hard work of developing the new technique is a great way to learn - after all, you probably know how your pupils pick up concepts and techniques by watching them demonstrated on video (if you haven't learned this, you really need to upskill!).

This new development is possible, thanks to a new secure website being set up by a group of Californian educators. This innovation, created by LessonLab, consists of a collection of exemplary lessons by experienced teachers in a real class. Of course, with classroom technology being so common these days, the presence of a Webcam in the classroom is no novelty and the children in the class act like they normally act. The lessons are presented on a split screen, so the viewers can chat online while they watch, and receive answers from an education coach.

Many companies and publishers are interested in this new development. You are probably familiar with books and encyclopedias that are designed to be used in tandem with that most familiar form of classroom technology: the internet. These "internet linked" encyclopedias have now been extended to textbooks, and publishers such as Scholastic Inc. and Pearsons are beginning to produce textbooks linked with exemplary lessons and demonstrations.

You have probably already learned about the different learning styles and how to cater to them in your classroom. And these techniques also have to be remembered by those who teach the teachers. Teachers have their own learning styles, too, and up until now, reading educational journals (and websites and online articles like this one) and listening to presentations at training days have been the main ways of learning about new tools and techniques. Now the visual learners at the front of the classroom are being catered for, as well as the visual learners sitting in the desks.

You may be tempted, when you hear about these exemplary lessons, to just let your class watch the demonstration lesson linked with the textbook so you can both learn at the same time. Don't do this. All videos and all classroom technology has to be used correctly to be effective. Mistakes you don't even know you're making can be impacting your lesson.

Watch this free video (which isn't from LessonLab but does cater to visual learners) for some important information on why and how you should be using school videos and [http://www.schoolvideos.com/expert/7_mistakes]download the expert guide for easy solutions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Stohlman
http://EzineArticles.com/?Classroom-Technology-to-Support-Teaching&id=2961161

READ MORE - Classroom Technology to Support Teaching

Minggu, 04 Oktober 2009

The Need of a Reform on Integrity Education

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Artur_Victoria]Artur Victoria

Over the last 25 years a compelling body of evidence has been accumulated concerning the harm and waste caused by corruption and low levels of public integrity. The sums estimated are vast. The impact fails disproportionately on developing countries and on the poor within these countries. Flows of aid and structural lending remains significant to many developing countries are significant in terms of GNP. Aid and the development it is intended to spur are, however, often caught in a negative relationship, in which aid can fuel negative outcomes through its impact on corruption. It is largely against this background that a civil society and donor movement to counter corruption and establish high levels of public integrity has evolved.

This pro-integrity reform movement has undergone three major phases in its recent history: the first being awareness raising, the second the creation of conventions and international legislative structures and the third, in which we are now situated where implementation and enforcement are the overriding imperatives.

Despite the diligent efforts of many committed people reform successes remain relatively few and far between, either they are relatively distant historically (the changes in Northern Europe one and two hundred years age) or relatively particular as in the cases of Hong Kong and Singapore.

There is widespread uncertainty about whether the way to achieve improvement in public integrity is currently well understood, even if many of the attributes of high levels of corruption are increasingly clear. The historically favored strategy of implementing international 'best practice' has overwhelmingly been a failure.

Implementing public integrity reform is a considerable strategic public management challenge that requires the mobilization of large numbers of skilled people and resources to succeed.

The need for an Education Network is therefore based on these key understandings:

• The benefit of high levels of public integrity has been established though the examination of the consequences of corruption (the failure to maintain high levels of integrity) especially on the most vulnerable countries and populations.

• Currently there is a highly dispersed set of experiences and practices, both in the research and practice domains. A large and relatively unsystematic body of knowledge has been built up. The reliable application of this knowledge in practice remains at an embryonic stage if we are to judge by changes in governance over time.

• Despite the concept of corruption gaining common currency in the popular consciousness of most countries, as never before, it remains striking that within the academic community research and teaching remain dispersed, with very few courses being offered to meet the huge challenge of providing skills to support the pro integrity reform process.

At present much of the knowledge creation and impetus for public sector reform is coming largely from international organizations, be they donors or No Governmental Organizations. These organizations have initiated or provided the knowledge for many of the reforms that have been attempted (World Bank, U4, UN and so forth). This 'supply' model has some strength in that it has been able to develop a high quality of material, and a critical set of methodologies. http://sites.google.com/site/arturvictoriasite/ http://sites.google.com/site/cliptheschoolbeginning/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Artur_Victoria
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Need-of-a-Reform-on-Integrity-Education&id=2990625

READ MORE - The Need of a Reform on Integrity Education

Jumat, 02 Oktober 2009

The "McDonald's-ization" of Education

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ben_Carlsen]Ben Carlsen

McDonald's is astoundingly successful at purveying inexpensive fast food of consistently high quality. They have achieved this primarily through standardization and quality control. If you purchase an "Egg McMuffin," or a "Big Mac" at an outlet in Seattle, or Milwaukee, Chicago or Miami, it will be almost exactly the same.

Standardization is increasingly making in-roads into education. Once the realm of diversity (of opinion, thought, approach, teaching technique, classroom styles, etc.) and independence (academic freedom), the higher education classroom is being transformed into a "product" type delivery system. The "products" in this case are the concepts, lesson plans, group exercises, assignments, etc. - indeed, the education itself.

The intent of this transformation is to provide a "standard" high quality student classroom experience within disciplines, and across institutions. With the student being the customer (consumer) of the educational delivery system, we want to make sure he or she is getting the highest possible quality product, and the key to this is "quality control" and standardization.

Instead of the after-the-fact quality control offered through instructor "evaluations," " classroom observations," and the like, the approach introduces a far more intrusive and directive model. Lesson Plans, indeed, entire courses and curricula are loaded into pre-packaged modules, on thumb drives (USB) or onto computers, or servers.

As in the fast food business, manufacturing, or other product producing sectors, the product creation and delivery process is developed to gain the efficiency and effectiveness obtained in industry.

JUST LIKE McDONALD's

Just like McDonald's where the customer can expect to enjoy a standard, high quality product, served in a clean, well-designed environment, the student consumer can expect convenient delivery of the educational product, for his consumption, and enjoyment - "satisfaction guaranteed."

THE PROCESS

First, a product team is assembled. In this case it consists of academic experts, curriculum designers, course writers, technology experts, product representatives, trainers, content specialists, etc. The product development process is based on outcome objectives, i.e., "what do we want the student to know?," "what should he learn during this course?" and "how do we measure that?" This "beginning at the end" philosophy is crucial. It keeps the spotlight on the product, promotes quality, and ultimately, "customer satisfaction."

THE ENTERTAINMET COMPONENT

Gen Y students have different expectations from their predecessors, and are less likely to indulge obsolete or dated instructional methods and techniques. They demand to be engaged.

Instructors are partially selected on their ability to "entertain" as well as "inform." They are expected to be animated, humorous, engaging, and entertaining. They are expected to convey knowledge in convenient, enjoyable, and satisfying, bites.

STEAMLINING THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS

The more standardized the process becomes, the less latitude for the educator, the more prescribed the content, exercises and learning activities are, the more the business managers of the career and "for profit" colleges like it. This concept may, however, benefit the student as it concentrates on a quality, standardized, classroom experience.

IT'S EASIER

Once the instructor has mastered the technology, the whole instructional process is easier under this model. Everything is pre-packaged. No messy development of lesson plans - they're already done - and done well. No thinking about creative learning activities and approaches - they're already there. You could almost do it in your sleep! (if it wasn't for the requirement to be animated and entertaining.)

STUDENT NEEDS

Students in this new education model will be immersed in technology throughout their degree program. This is the world of today, and the future. They will participate and interact with SMARTboards, laptops, WiFi, simulations, business games, remote "clickers," interactive learning, real-world relevant projects, presentations, etc. It's designed to match their learning styles and attention spans It is preeminently designed to prepare them for their careers. Although many students are "comfortable" with technology, fewer are proficient, and fewer yet have an in-depth understanding. The curriculum should help them become more proficient and better prepared for the technology demands of the future business environment. The intensely technological nature of the classroom experience also addresses the various learning styles. The auditory learner will have voice, music, and noise. The visual learner will enjoy the videos, powerpoints, and other visuals. The kinesthetic learner will appreciate the hands on components, especially the SMARTboard.

Student satisfaction is, of course, a primary objective. Education, especially for-profit education, exists to serve the student, while running a business. And, through serving and satisfying the student, ultimately the student will stay in school, graduate, and learn valuable knowledge and skills in the process. These graduates will benefit the business community, and society at large. An advanced society like ours is critically dependent on an educated and productive populous.

EMPLOYER NEEDS

What do employers want and need? The link to employer requirements is a vital one. Businesses need educated workers. They require technologically adroit employees who can meet the demands of a rapidly changing technological environment and a highly competitive situation.

Ours is a productive society. Businesses spend billions of dollars training and re-training their employees. "Business Ready" graduates will be more productive from day one and employers will appreciate this.

HAS EDUCATION COME TO THIS?

Purists would argue that the more traditional approaches are preferable, and that academic freedom is being infringed upon. They would say that instructors should be hired based on their knowledge, quality of education, expertise, research history and contributions to their field. They would undoubtedly prefer to see pure "academicians" and "scholars" in the classroom. However, there is room for an interesting debate here. Is it about the instructor or the student? Obviously, we understand that it's about both, but whose needs take precedence? The answer has to be - THE STUDENT! After all, the whole educational system is in place to meet the needs of the student, and ultimately, society.

Instructors with real-world, practical experience and without techno-phobia will be more adaptable to this new format, and perhaps better equipped to relate to the student.

THE BOTTOM LINE

In education there is always room for a broad range of opinions and approaches. Let's try this new one. It works in business - why not education? This is probably why Career Colleges are embracing the approach much more readily than their mainstream counterparts. The "for-profit" Career Colleges are definitely the forefront of this initiative, and "early adopters."

We all know that "quality " is an issue in education. Graduates with virtually identical credentials can have vastly different skills, knowledge, and abilities. This is, and always has been a concern. This standardized, quality-assured model addresses that issue.

Sure, this educational model is controversial, as it should be! But the end result may very well be that students have a reasonably similar experience, learn comparable skills, and become better "fits" within the business world. Employers can be better assured and confident that graduates have the knowledge and skill base they require to be successful contributors. They will probably, at some point, wish to be full participants in the curriculum development process. In the globally competitive market, this might just be what is needed.

When we're teaching Business we must be business-minded. Let's transfer those "best practices" from the business world to academia, keep our students involved, and better prepare them for their future careers. And, the lessons to be learned from places like McDonald's may be more applicable to education than we might have ever imagined.

Copyright ©, 2009, Dr. Ben A. Carlsen, MBA. All Rights Reserved Worldwide for all Media. You may reprint this article in your ezine, newsletter, newspaper, magazine, website, etc. as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, leave my name and bio box intact, and you follow all of the EzineArticles Terms of Service for Publishers.

Ben A. Carlsen, Ed.D, MBA, is an experienced CEO and manager. Dr. Carlsen has over 30 years experience in management, consulting, and teaching. Currently the Head of the Business Department at Everest Institute, Hialeah, FL., he was Chairman of the Los Angeles County Productivity Managers Network and President of the Association for Systems Management (So. Calif. Chapter). Additional information can be obtained at http://drben.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Carlsen
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-McDonalds-ization-of-Education&id=3005654

READ MORE - The "McDonald's-ization" of Education

Jumat, 25 September 2009

21st Century Skills - Beyond the Buzzwords

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Annie_Condron]Annie Condron

Education is a field filled with buzzwords, from RTI to collaborative development to differentiated instruction to student-centered learning and beyond. The latest trend in this time of "change" is 21st century skills.

21st century skills encapsulate all that teachers have been begging for in the post-NCLB era: creativity, problem-solving and learning beyond fact recitation. Like most ed buzz words, this one emanates from a genuine, intelligent approach to preparing kids for their future. This approach would free teachers from the stifling bonds of NCLB and it just makes sense.

After pleas from teachers, Obama has picked up the 21st century skills torch and is blazing it through policy, tackling the easiest aspect first. Technology in the classroom is a commonsense factor to 21st century learning since ours is the internet age. Obama plans to fund computer and broadband access in schools nationwide. But tackling tech is the easy part. Implementing it on a nationwide policy level will be harder than installing computers. How do you give a standardized test on creativity? This murkiness led one Washington Post writer calls 21st century skills "a pipe dream whose literature should be tossed in the trash."

Personally, I'm reminded of an episode from The Office. The inept boss, Michael, asks the receptionist, Pam, to write down "everyone's indefinable qualities. Just write down what people are doing all day in a way that is helpful."

Later on, he asks about their scores from the day.

Pam: "I think they're even. At various times, you gave Jim 10 points, Dwight a gold star and Stanley a thumbs up. I'm don't really know how to compare those units."

Michael: "Check if there's a conversion chart in the notebook."

Turns out, there isn't a conversion chart.

And so goes the problem with generically testing for "the kinds of research, scientific investigation, and problem solving that our children will need to compete in a 21st-century knowledge economy." (Obama)

Regardless of how difficult and complex it will be to make this shift, I agree with policy analyst Elena Silva:

Whether or not the trendy label of "21st-century skills" lasts, says Elena Silva, a senior policy analyst at the Education Sector in Washington, what's important is the evolving research on how people learn. Teachers were long taught to cover content first and wait for children to get older before having them apply it, she says, but now research shows that "people learn best by learning content at the same time they are acquiring [and applying] new skills."

Annie Condron is the Editor in Chief at TeachHUB.com. TeachHUB.com is a new, online resource center designed by teachers, for teachers and is tailored to address the everyday needs of teachers both inside and outside of the classroom. To read more articles from Annie Condron as well as access other teacher recommended education tools, visit [http://www.TeachHUB.com]http://www.TeachHUB.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Annie_Condron
http://EzineArticles.com/?21st-Century-Skills---Beyond-the-Buzzwords&id=2922182

READ MORE - 21st Century Skills - Beyond the Buzzwords

Jumat, 18 September 2009

Who Am I This Time? Role-Taking For 21st Century Learning and Growth By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nicholas_Wolff]Nicholas Wolff

Merlin the Magician, according to legend, trained the boy who would become King Arthur by transforming him into various animals through which he experienced different ways of thinking about power and groups. As a snow goose, he participates in a peaceful culture in which leaders are chosen based on their ability to navigate. Things are quite the opposite when he is turned into a falcon and nearly killed when a competitor picks a fight with him, or a fish when he is nearly devoured by a much bigger one. As an ant he can only adapt by becoming robotic, hearing "a noise in his head, like a song on the radio that repeats over and over, and he hears a voice, constantly giving him directions," because the ant culture has eliminated independent thought.

Merlin's method would be called "role-taking" in our world, a learning method that is powerfully effective for internalizing an unfamiliar skill or new information, e.g In a recent training seminar, employees of a large non-profit institution that serves the general public were reeling from the consequences of severe cutbacks directly due to donor money that disappeared down the Bernie Madoff rabbit hole. The employees felt understandably defensive and victimized, sandwiched between what felt like an indifferent and distant administration and unforgiving public. We used role-taking to help them view their daily stresses from a number of perspectives: long-term patrons with expectations that could no longer be met; newer patrons who were demanding and unappreciative; empathetic patrons; immediate supervisors; unavailable admnistrators; donors to the institution; investors who lost millions of dollars and shut down entire foundations. This role-taking exercise allowed emotional expression without too much personal exposure and united the group as they explored and practiced a variety of strategies for dealing with the daily frustrations.

Studies show that new learning acquired through direct participation is internalized more rapidly, something critically important in today's atmosphere of accelerated change. Here are some examples from the literature:

Educational Perspectives published an article describing the work of a Winnipeg, Manitoba science teacher who teaches about particle theory by having students "become," and tell stories as, actual particles. They integrate such complex concepts as conductivity and kinetic energy, interacting in skits, plays, puppet shows."[1] She also uses role-play to teach about the heart and circulation system by transforming the entire classroom into the heart system, using tarps and other props, the kids making the pumping and gushing sounds, and people in from outside the room treated as antigens.

The Astronomical Society of Australia studied the use of experiential methods in astronomy and physics classes. "Conventionally taught students tend to rote-learn," the researchers report, "they fail to integrate their new knowledge into their prior assumptions, and rarely think through the implications of what they learn,"[2] The study involved an interactive class assignment designed to teach about the formation of planets and stars through an imaginative, collaborative process. The students were told that each of them were to imagine themselves to be "world experts in some branch of astrophysics. Just as in the real world, however, no single group can hope to know enough to solve this difficult problem alone. You will have to exchange information with many other groups to devise a complete picture, and win the undying glory of being first to figure out how stars and planets form....Take a few minutes to read your briefing sheets, and discuss what you have learned amongst yourselves. Once you've figured out your own areas of expertise, you will have to exchange information with the other groups. Anything goes; you are allowed to form consortia, lie, cheat, steal, bribe: anything to figure out a complete picture. But bear in mind that unless you share information with other people, they will not share information with you...Your goal is to put all the information you will learn from the other groups together, to make a coherent theory of star and planet formation."[iv]
Results showed that students internalized the necessary knowledge at the same rate as in a lecture format, and that active fostered an observably more friendly and interactive classroom.

The integration of creativity, intellectual challenge, emotional connection, and personal interaction allows trainees/students to practice skills that actualize new information and real-time use of social networks, making these methods fantastic innovations for 21st century training and education.

[1] Margo Hrennikoff, "Implementing An Imaginative Unit," Educational Perspectives 39.2 (2006): 25.

[2]Paul J. Francis and Aidan P. Byrne, "The Use of Role-Playing Exercises in Teaching Undergraduate Astronomy and Physics," Astronomical Society of Australia 16 (1999): 206.

Nicholas Wolff is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board Certified Diplomate and Trainer, Educator and Practitioner of Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy who designs experiential seminars and training groups for professionals in health care, education, forensics and corporate settings. His website is [http://www.lifestage.org]http://www.lifestage.org.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicholas_Wolff
http://EzineArticles.com/?Who-Am-I-This-Time?-Role-Taking-For-21st-Century-Learning-and-Growth&id=2894505

READ MORE - Who Am I This Time? Role-Taking For 21st Century Learning and Growth By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nicholas_Wolff]Nicholas Wolff

Kamis, 10 September 2009

Beware of Leaving Other Humans in the Dust - No One Will Know What to Make of You

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow]Lance Winslow

Many futurists thinkers are so intelligent and so far off in the future in their thoughts that they tend to leave all of their followers, readers, and listeners in the dust. Predicting the future 5 to 10 years out is not all that hard to do. Accurate prediction of five years out is fairly easy, and predicting 10 years out can be done if you watch the macro or micro trends surrounding various industries, watching how they all come together and interact.

Predicting 20 years in the future is rather difficult as the author of the "Black Swan" has so eloquently stated. But this does not mean it's impossible, and if such futurist prediction is done correctly, and carefully explained to the reader then everything seems to work out right and the futurist can make a compelling argument. Even if that "potential future" will never come to be and most everyone knows it.

The Real Challenge is;

Invariably what ends up happening is a futurist will talking about things that are 30 to 50 years in the future. They might even start talking about Star Trek transporters, wormholes space travel, and even time travel. It's not that all this won't someday be figured out; it's that the viewer of such predictions cannot wrap their minds around it.

If you get that far out into the future people just won't know what to make of you. So, all futurists need to beware of leaving other human minds in the dust when making these types of predictions, otherwise they won't know what to think of you. Interestingly enough, most things do not change that fast, after all besides the Internet, and mobile technology life is pretty much the same as it was 20 years ago.

Do you see that point? However, in the last five years the changes in the Internet have been astounding, and most of the predictions were incorrect. Think about that for a second, and you will soon come to the realization of why this topic is so important.

Lance Winslow - [http://www.aircraftwashguys.com/historicals.shtml]Lance Winslow's Bio. Lance Winslow thinks you should talk over these issues with your family; [http://www.familycells.com]familycells.com

Note: All of Lance Winslow's articles are written by him, not by Automated Software, any Computer Program, or Artificially Intelligent Software. None of his articles are outsourced, PLR Content or written by ghost writers. Lance Winslow believes those who use these strategies lack integrity and mislead the reader. Indeed, those who use such cheating tools, crutches, and tricks of the trade may even be breaking the law by misleading the consumer and misrepresenting themselves in online marketing, which he finds completely unacceptable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow
http://EzineArticles.com/?Beware-of-Leaving-Other-Humans-in-the-Dust---No-One-Will-Know-What-to-Make-of-You&id=2863315

READ MORE - Beware of Leaving Other Humans in the Dust - No One Will Know What to Make of You

Sabtu, 05 September 2009

Online Education - Revolutionizing Learning

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jaspal_Kittu]Jaspal Kittu

Our world is changing perceptibly everyday. The technological boom has revolutionized the way humans function. Innovative methods are emerging to substitute the traditional ways of working. We can discern perceptible change in the education sectors, wherein both students and educators are turning to information and technology to improve the quality and speed of learning.

Education has entered a new phase where Internet is fast becoming an important supplement to the traditional means of education like textbooks and classrooms. In the past decade, the shortcomings of classroom learning have become more evident. As a result, the youth is turning towards online guidance to help them cope with the excessive workload, which has eventually made elearning, live virtual class, online tutor and discussion forums as popular study choices of today's generation.

Education is an investment for future. And online education is the most rapidly growing dimension of the education sector. Higher educational institutes have increasingly embraced online education and the number of students enrolled in distance programs is rapidly rising in colleges and universities throughout the world.

The many advantages of online education have made it an indispensible tool in today's age. It help provides an unmatched autonomy to the learners. With increasing competition, additional professional qualifications have become mandatory and online courses provide an easy option to pursue the desired additional course with ease. Even the online study materials are easily accessible from anywhere, anytime.

The best part about online education is that the classes are quite flexible which even give students the power to control their learning environment, as in moving through their syllabus at their own pace. This nullifies the need for private tutoring as students can easily access the educational sites to get immediate assistance from online tutors. Round the clock availability of online help makes for a thorough understanding of complex subjects, thus, helping the student in securing that crucial extra mark.

The convergence of Internet and education has made learning possible anytime, anywhere. Due to Internet technology, the learning process has become decentralized. Students can live in a remote village but even then can have easy access to the pioneers and experts in whatever field of knowledge they want. This gives them both cost effective and flexible learning support right from the comfort of their homes.

Not only this, online education also incorporates innovative learning tools which make studying out an out a fun process. The elements incorporated in virtual teaching help in transforming any moron subject material, subject and topic into an intriguing one.

It's true that online education offers good quality multimedia tools to make studying a better experience. Infact, the additional usage of colors, images, figures, videos and audio help make difficult concepts all the more interesting and easy to memorize. This approach to study definitely increases the attention span, thus, improving the recall speed and better retention. Afterall, making learning more fun -- or interesting -- is what makes it more effective.

Online education facilitates a more interactive learning environment as students can easily avail the Class on Demand service to interact with the online tutor and as well discuss their doubts and queries without hesitation. These online tutors provide both academic support and counseling to motivate the students who later on try giving their best shot by excelling in their academic pursuits.

Extramarks brings students, teachers and parents together on a single platform to ensure that a child excels academically. To know more about online education, [http://www.extramarks.com/products/?tab=mindmap]online education, e-tutorial, school education support, CBSE, ICSE, and Rajasthan Board, log on to http://www.extramarks.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jaspal_Kittu
http://EzineArticles.com/?Online-Education---Revolutionizing-Learning&id=2753455

READ MORE - Online Education - Revolutionizing Learning

Kamis, 27 Agustus 2009

What is Home Schooling About?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=George_Preston]George Preston

Home schooling is the act of educating one's children primarily at home and in a family setting, with a parent or guardian as teacher. The term can apply equally to children in the K-12 range who fall under his or her state's compulsory attendance laws.

Home school is kind of similar to building a house -- you need to determine your plan, gather your materials, and make sure that you have the right tools for the job. Take your time to read, look around, compare notes on different ways of teaching. It is legal in all 50 states, and 37 states actually have some statutes or regulations specifically geared for home schooling. There are also home school organizations running in every state, and children that are schooled at home tend to score higher, on average, than their publicly schooled peers.

Families will choose to school their children at home instead of sending them to public schools for a variety of different reasons. This kind of schooling can help parents and children form strong bonds with one another. And nowadays, families are spending their educational dollars as they see fit, and educational entrepreneurs are trailblazing the way by creating a wide-ranging marketplace of goods and services for this market. It's not just about mom and the kids around the kitchen table now -- it's becoming a new educational model.

Home school programs are a great choice for many different kinds of students and families. They are most generally used by families with children between the grades of 5th and 12th. These programs are ideal for those children who are prevented from attending a regular high school due to some personal problems, financial troubles or poor health, among other things.

To learn much more about a home school program visit http://HomeSchoolCurriculumHelp.com/home-school-program.php to find out more about home school help of all kinds, including programs and curriculums.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Preston
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-is-Home-Schooling-About?&id=2808944

READ MORE - What is Home Schooling About?

Rabu, 26 Agustus 2009

Artificial Intelligence - Available Now

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Dir]John Dir

Whenever a person wants to present themselves as an industry expert, one credible approach is to paint a shining picture of future technology and what people can expect from hopeful visions of things to come. One potential that has long bothered me is the current general perception of artificial intelligence technology.

There are a few key concepts that are not often included in the general discussion of creating machines that think and act like us. First, the problem with artificial intelligence is that it is artificial. Trying to create machines that work like the human brain and its special creative properties has always seemed useless to me. We already have people to do all that. If we succeed in generating a system that is every bit as able as the human brain to create and solve problems, such an achievement will also result in the same limitations. There is no benefit in creating an artificial life form that can surpass us to further degrade the value of humanity. Creating machines to enhance and compliment the wonders of human thinking does have many appealing benefits. One significant plus to building artificially intelligent systems is the benefit of the teaching process. Like people, machines have to be taught what we want them to learn, but unlike us, the methods used to imprint machine instructions can be accomplished in a single pass.

Our brains allow us to selectively flush out information we do not want to retain, and are geared for a learning process based on repetition to imprint a long term memory. Machines cannot “forget” what they are taught unless they are damaged, reach their memory capacity, or they are specifically instructed to erase the information they are tasked to retain. This makes machines great candidates for performing all the tediously repetitive tasks, and storing all the information we do not want to burden ourselves with absorbing. With a little creativity, computers can be adjusted to respond to people in ways that are more pleasing to the human experience, without the need to actually replicate the processes that comprise this experience. We can already teach machines to issue polite responses, offer helpful hints, and walk us through learning processes that mimic the niceties of human interaction, without requiring machines to actually understand the nuances of what they are doing. Machines can repeat these actions because a person has programmed them to execute the instructions that offer these results. If a person wants to take the time to impress aspects of presenting their own personality into a sequence of mechanical instructions, computers can faithfully repeat these processes when called upon to do so.

In today’s market place, most software developers do not add on the extra effort that is required to make their applications seem more polite and conservatively friendly to the end users. If the commercial appeal for doing this was more apparent, more software vendors would race to jump onto this bandwagon. Since the consuming public understands so little about how computers really work, many people seem to be nervous about machines that project a personality that is too human in the flavor of its interaction with people. A computer personality is only as good as the creativity of its originator, which can be quite entertaining. For this reason, if computers with personality are to gain ground in their appeal, friendlier system design should incorporate a partnering with end users themselves in building and understanding how this artificial personality is constructed. When a new direction is needed, a person can incorporate that information into the process, and the machine learns this new aspect as well.

People can teach a computer how to cover all contingencies that arise in accomplishing a given purpose for managing information. We do not have to take ourselves out of the loop in training computers how to work with people. The goal of achieving the highest form of artificial intelligence, self-teaching computers, also reflects the highest form of human laziness. My objective in design is to accomplish a system that will do the things I want it to do, without having to deal with negotiating over what the system wants to do instead. This approach is already easier to achieve than most people think, but requires consumer interest to become more prevalent.

John Dir
LittleTek Center
Check out our information channel and free softtware at http://home.earthlink.net/~jdir/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Dir
http://EzineArticles.com/?Artificial-Intelligence---Available-Now&id=95105

READ MORE - Artificial Intelligence - Available Now