Archive for December, 2009
Attorneys Now Act Out to Be Villains
December 31st, 2009
The news of petty lawsuits filed against one medium or the other infiltrates the media a bit too often these days as a number of law firms now treat their profession as less of a responsibility towards the general public’s legal concerns and more as their own revenue generation channels.
Topic: Global Diversity
December 31st, 2009
George Siemens (2008) suggests three possible elements of distance education that contribute to more effective learning experiences in distance education, unique from those in F2F instruction: global diversity, communication, and collaborative interaction.
To some degree, technology can cut across cultural differences, perhaps even dialectal diversity. Technology can even bridge a gap when true language barriers exist for a brief period through translation programs. If, by global diversity, one means reaching diverse groups of people within the English-speaking world, then perhaps distance education does have the potential to reach a greater number of diverse peoples than a bricks and mortar course can. But, does distance education reach multiple nationalities of English-speaking people? Online course offerings at a diverse organization, such as Walden University, are geared toward diverse Americans. The Laureate Group offers another online program through the University of Liverpool in Amsterdam, and has affiliation with 7 campus-based universities in Asia, 18 campus-based universities in South America, 10 campus-based universities in Mexico and Central America, and 14 campus-based universities in Europe (Laureate Education, n.d.). None of these programs are focused on true global diversity.
However, distance education may never approach what human interaction can manage when confronted with true global diversity. True global diversity in education must encompass other nations, races, ethnic groups, and even languages. Face to face instruction is best to develop a relationship where body language, facial expression, and eye contact are vital to developing communication bonds among students with diverse backgrounds, and language. Today’s technology offers programs to include video component, which is not sufficient to bridge a language barrier. So long as there exists a language barrier among learners, even accessible translation services, and software do not translate fluid language to enable full-length conversations. These are sufficient for brief contact, but only among common languages.
For these reasons, face-to-face instruction is by far the most effective format for instruction among globally diverse learners.
Laureate Education, Inc. (n.d.). Our university affiliation. Available from
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). The future of distance education featuring Dr. George Siemens. [Video program]. Available from
Online Education - A fast track option for career development
December 30th, 2009
Is Online Learning For You?
Online learning is different in many respects from the traditional face-to-face learning we’re all used to, primarily in the way we get our information and how we interact with instructors and classmates. Many people say they learn more online, and their retention is better too.
Consider that good students in the traditional setting may fair poorly in an online environment, while struggling students may excel with online courses. This can be explained in part due to differences in learning styles. Visual, self-directed learners do well at online learning, but others succeed because online instructional design is often sophisticated and planned to reach a wide variety of learners.
Lifestyles play a big role in the success of online learners too. These are the traits that successful online students possess, to varying degrees:
* Self-Directed
* Motivated
* Comfortable with computers
* Able to use email, internet browser, word processor
* Like to read and write
* Inquisitive
* Disciplined
* Independent
* Able to stay on task
These questions may help you decide if online learning is for you:
Are you self-directed and motivated?
Most of online learning happens on your schedule. You’ll need to be self-directed and motivated to complete activities on schedule and initiate the communication required to be successful. You’ll be responsible for creating the structure to finish each course.
Are your technical skills adequate?
Along with having access to a computer and not being overwhelmed by typing, online learners should be comfortable with internet browsing and searching, email, sending and reading attachments, word processing, and sometimes downloading and installing software plug-ins (a normally simple but sometimes intimidating task).
Do you have strong reading skills?
Reading can play a large part in any class, and especially online. The ability to read and comprehend subject matter without it being a chore is critical to your success.
Does written communication come easily for you?
In most cases writing is the primary method of communication in online classes, so you should be at ease with writing to express your thoughts, share ideas, and ask questions.
Will you ask questions when you need to?
If you typically don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it you’ll do fine. Since you’ll be in an online environment it’s important to let your instructor and classmates know when you need help. Remember that they won’t be able to see your looks of doubt, confusion, or other body language to tell when things aren’t going well.
Will you miss the social interaction?
Interaction with instructors and classmates in online learning is often an integral part of the learning experience. Absent is the in-person contact – being able to see facial expressions, hear reactions, and speak. Campus life may be different or non-existent too.
Do you have the discipline to study regularly?
Like a traditional school you’ll need to set aside adequate time for study. You may discover that you need to be online frequently to complete assignments or communicate with classmates and instructors. You can plan to spend at least as much time working assignments and studying as you would with a traditional course, and you’ll be setting your own pace in many instances.
If you’re satisfied with your answers to these questions, you’re likely to do well in an online learning course. The links below are furnished as additional resources to help you decide.
source: http://www.worldwidelearn.com/elearning-essentials/learning-online.htm
Advantages of Distance Education
December 28th, 2009
Distance education is a way for learning where the learner can learn as per his requirements without going to attend classes. It brings many benefits for online college student. By joining , you can perform well in your courses as well as can continue your job simultaneously. When we are in job, then it is very difficult to go back for study. Still, online degree programs enable an individual to do both things without any hassle. If you are going to consider to join in distance education, you should consider many things. In online education, you are responsible for your success. It allows you to ask anything from your professors with an online environment. You should good time management skills, if you are planning to join virtual classroom.
Classontheweb, a , offers e-learning solution for the students of class IV to Class XII. It imparts digitized educational content highly focused on CBSE curriculum-based learning in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, English Grammar, Economics, Business Studies, Social Sciences, EVS, Biology and Accountancy. This online classroom brings very useful features for the students such as Virtual lab, Virtual textbook, Sample Board exam papers, Worksheets, personal tutor, instant revewing and much more.
Un-Appreciated
December 26th, 2009
Gone are the days when one would see people being appreciated for their work. Now the order of the day demands you to look down at other people and live in a virtual castle with your superiority complex. It is imperative that you harm others in a way that it earns you something.
Interested in Cataloguing Electronic and Internet Resources?
December 24th, 2009
I’ll be teaching Cataloguing Electronic and Internet Resources () again this Winter session. This is an optional course that’s part of the Library & Information Technician distance education stream at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.
If you’re interested for more information about the Mohawk distance ed programs.
How To Attempt Question Papers During CBSE Exams?
December 21st, 2009
A student should have full knowledge of subject for achieving good marks in the . But you should reproduce it on the answer sheet in an efficient manner for earning more good marks. You can make paper to read by good presentation and a perfect order of questions and answers. I am going to provide you some useful tips that may help you in fetching more marks in exams.
- When you go through your question paper thoroughly, you should tick mark the questions which you know more efficiently. Attempt such questions first at the beginning of the answer sheet. It will give a great impression on the mind of examiner. Always give your answers in a good handwriting.
- One thing is also important to score good marks that you should do highlighting of the question. You should try to provide as much ease as you can that will please the examiner. So you should write the numbers of question and answers in bold letters and highlight them.
- Many of us write very lengthy paragraphs but this may irritate the examiner. As an examiner, he has to check a lot of copies. So he has not too much time for reading the paragraphs. So you can make proper points instead of lengthy paragraphs.
- are essential for getting good marks. So try to make diagrams, tables for fetching good marks. Moreover, you can also explain your answers by giving suitable examples.
Second Life Book: My blatant act of self-publicity
December 18th, 2009
You might consider this book if you’d like to better understand the use of 3D worlds in education:
“Higher Education in Virtual Worlds Teaching and Learning in Second Life”
It’s a bit pricy but it has a small solid gold ingot inlaid in the inside front cover* and jewels (of insight that is) on every page from about 16 different authors active in SL, the most notable amongst them being Rob Pearce**
Notes:
* this is not true.
** Rob who?
Online Education helps in achieving your Career Goals
December 17th, 2009
The distance education system has been gaining widespread popularity over the years. By widening access to higher education, the distance mode provides an opportunity to all those who are/were unable to pursue higher education through the traditional system.
Online degrees can be earned from online colleges in subjects such as Nursing, MBA, IT, Animation, Education, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Paralegal, Healthcare Management and many more. There is an education solution for everyone.
Earning a degree online could be the perfect solution for advancing a career, but there are a few very important items to consider. Many online institutions hire industry-professionals and make use of powerful online tools to enhance the education of their students. Others, unfortunately, do not offer the same quality of faculty and resources. It is important to research any online school before deciding to enroll. Several well-known traditional colleges provide online education, while there are also many viable institutions that only offer online degrees. With so many options, it is best to study up on a school’s accreditation before deciding to sign up.
The flexibility of usage of time is also an attractive component of online degree programs; with most adults working office hours, it would otherwise be impossible to obtain a degree unless they attended class on weekends. Classes can accommodate students’ schedules with accessibility day or night, allowing students to work or engage in their other interests. This is certainly one of the reasons why many people choose to attend college online, and a bachelor’s degree is a great way to begin. Online Masters Programs are also available, and again the salary and career growth opportunities will only continue to open up.
Another reason that online degrees appeal to many people is due to the length of time it takes to complete a degree program. Because you do not have to schedule classes around each other and you do not have travel time, you are able to schedule more classes in a given period of time. Many schools have also gone to condensed classes which allow you take a normal class in about 6 weeks.
When considering an online school it is also important to look at your lifestyle and your daily activities. Are you someone who is a self-starter, someone who just does things without needing someone to look over your shoulder? If so, then an online program may be the right fit for you. In an online program there is no one looking over your shoulder, no one reminding you that homework are due or that you need to read certain chapters of textbooks, instead you receive a schedule of assignments and due-dates but it is up to the student to hand assignments in on time. There is little in the way of forgiveness when it comes to late assignments and little tolerance for students who are repeatedly late with their assignments.
Most online college degree programs offer flexible financial aid options to help students finance their educations. There are also many universities that offer ten-month online degree programs, allowing you to get on track with your career as soon as possible.
Overall, completing an online degree program not only gives you the benefits of an advanced education, but the flexibility to do so on your own time, and in the comfort of your home. Even if it takes ‘longer’ than an average program, the benefits to the company you work for, or a future employer, more than make up for the ‘cost’ of your commitment! Research the online degree programs available at both a bachelor’s and Master’s level in your industry, and you’ll soon find something that will be the best fit for you and your career goals.
For more articles and information on pursuing your education at online colleges and obtaining an online degree visit http://educationsonline.wordpress.com
Mocking Law
December 16th, 2009
Funny how something as serious and grave as law and regulation guiding a country can be played with…and not just played, but defeated virtually and victory celebrated. A law firm that claims to work for social welfare takes an educational organization to court on baseless charges, and expects “justice” that they want-lots and lots of money.