Saturday, October 27, 2012

Life Insurance to Protect Beloved Financially

Maybe, you have experienced a situation you have to face an unexpected moment at the time you are not really ready to face the moment. It may also happen to your children and other beloved ones in your family. They may face the situation that they lose you as you pass away. At the same time, they even are not ready enough to live their life without you. If you do not want your beloved ones getting problems because you leave them, you can make a kind of plan of buying life insurance so that your children will be financially protected.

Knowing that buying life insurance is very important for your future, there is something important you should also know about life insurance. There are several companies may come to your days to offer life insurance for you. They will make sure that their products are the best one so that you deserve to get the best. However, it will be much better if you can take a moment to understand more about them. You may also go online and visit the website that can help you comparing the quotes so that you get the clear description about what type you buy and how much you pay. Well, the linked site will direct you to the reputable one.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Experts for Computer Science Projects

The invention of computer has changed the history of human life. There is no doubt that the use of computer is very crucial today. Can you imagine how slow your life will be without your computer? Do you think that you can read this article without going online by using your computer? Well, that is a clear fact about computer so that computer technology is being discussed regularly now as a subject at schools. It means that there will be always assignments related to computer that the students have to finish.

Well, doing the assignments related to computer science projects could be very depressing for some students. Maybe, the students are very friendly with the computer and how to operate them appropriately. However, solving computer science projects is another different thing especially if it belongs to an assignment. In this case, finding the best partner to help finishing the assignment must be the best idea especially if the students have to finish the assignment soon. The partner here must be the experts who can work the project perfectly and fast. Therefore, the result of the project will be perfect and the students can submit the project on time. If this help is what you are looking for, just follow the link here and submit your project immediately.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Basic Things to Know About Homework Help Service

For some students, doing homework could be an uninteresting activity. They do not like doing this activity because they think that they actually can do some fun things else at home. The possibility of getting no partner to discuss or no teacher to ask for hints or advice could other reasons so that the students find problems with the homework. However, the students must finish the homework because they need the mark in order to pass the subject with expected mark. In this case, the students can ask for the homework help online when they think that they really need the help.

What you need to understand about online homework help are basically related to the quality, the price and the time. The quality here refers to the quality of the homework result which must be very authentic or free from any plagiarism issue. The next, the price must be affordable because the clients who ask for the help are students who mostly have limited amount of money. The last but not least is the time needed to finish the homework must be fast enough just to make sure that the clients can submit the work on time. Just follow the link to get connected to my recommended site for homework help.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Different Type Covers Different Claims of Car Insurance

Yesterday night I rode my motorcycle and met something beautiful. One of my favorite cars was parked in front of a house that a passed. Even though I did like its white color, it was still my favorite. However, there was a question if it was okay to park the car that way. Was it safe? Well, I just continued riding until I found big advertisement board advertising about car insurance product. Another question came once again, “Is the car insurance helpful enough when something bad happens to a parked car?” What do you think about it?

Well, I then tried to find out by looking for the information related to my questions on the internet. Finally I found a recommended site where I could find the information easily. The first time I read about types of car insurance, I realized that there are several types of car insurance available for car owners. Different type may bring different consequences and responses. It means that the claim must be related to the coverage, it is based on the type. Well, if you are a car owner who is looking for the best car insurance, please visit the recommended site by clicking the links given!

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Online Payday Loan for Your Unpredictable Financial Problem

One thing you cannot deny about your life is that your life could be very unpredictable. Something happens today, and another different thing happens tomorrow. Maybe, you feel so rich today because you have the cash you need to spend. However, different thing could happen tomorrow when you find yourself difficult to fulfill your need because you do not have the cash anymore. Just be optimistic because this unpredictable financial problem actually is a common thing. If the cash that you need requires you to provide very soon, payday loan must be the answer for this problem.

Payday loan now is very easy to get. There is online payday loans of which you can get just by sitting behind your computer. It means that you do not have to go to the lender physically just like the ancient time. To get it, your main concern must be how to get the cash and where to go. Well, as you may guess, there is a recommended online payday loan lender that you can visit and apply your for payday loan. The links available are the shortcut for you to get the cash that you really need. Remember, you must have a commitment to repay the loan as your payday comes just like the lender’s commitment to help you solving your problem.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

The Profile of 2013's Free Schools

The UK Government has recently announced that 102 prospective free schools have been given the go-ahead for 2013. It displays an increase in the adoption of this particular government initiative and so it is perhaps an appropriate time to look at what this means for the landscape of the English schools system.

Now in its third year, the initiative is certainly becoming more popular. The approval system had given permission to 65 schools last year, of which 50 will open this September (2012). The first batch of pioneers in September 2011, however, only consisted of 24.

Who is Setting Them Up?

Of the 102 new free schools eligible for 2013 there is a mixture as to who is/will be behind their establishment. They are all being set up by either those in the education profession already or local communities but the full break down is as follows:

59: Existing education professionals; including teachers, headteachers, educational organisations, existing schools and universities, of which:

    5 are private schools converting to free schools to access public funding
    2 are backed by universities

43: Local community groups; including charities and, parent groups

What Are They?

The majority of free schools being approved will be defined as mainstream schools, however there are a number of specialist schools being set up alongside these, as would be expected due to the remit of free schools to satisfy particular local education needs. The schools can be defined as:

85 mainstream schools, of which,

    40 are primary
    28 are secondary
    10 are all through (primary and secondary)
    5 are for 16-19 year olds
    1 is for 14-19 year olds
    1 is for 5-7 year olds (i.e., reception school)

12 alternative provision schools for those who are unable to attend mainstream schools

    5 special schools
    2 are all through
    1 is primary
    1 is secondary
    1 is for 14-19 year olds

Perhaps most controversially for the opponents of free schools in particular:

33 are religious schools, of which,

    20 are faith schools which will be permitted a degree of selectivity in their admissions based upon religious beliefs

The relatively high proportion of religious schools in the mix can be seen to bear out the concerns that religious groups will be more able and more likely to set up free schools. The belief is that this results from the fact that they are likely to already have access to the infrastructure as well as the organisational structure they need to get them up and running, in contrast to private individuals attempting to form organisations themselves from scratch.

Where Are They?

The largest concentration of schools will be in London (34, 1 in 3), followed by the South East and North West. Although one of their aims is to improve the education possibilities in particularly deprived areas, the North East only has 3 opening despite its higher than average levels of depravity. Interestingly there are pockets of the country where there are no new free schools opening at all such as in: the southern counties of Wilts, Dorset, Somerset & Hampshire (including the Isle of Wight); the central midlands (around Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire etc); South Yorkshire down into Derbyshire; North Yorkshire across into Cumbria.

The full breakdown by region is:

    34 (33%) - London
    16 (16%) - South East
    12 (12%) - North West
    10 (10%) - East of England
    9 (9%) - South West
    7 (7%) - West Midlands
    7 (7%) - Yorkshire and Humber
    4 (4%) - East Midlands
    3 (3%) - North East

The DfE's own research suggests that the Independence awarded to Academy schools in general is yielding dividends with their results seeming to outstrip the rest of the sector whilst the success of their US counterparts in New York also bodes well. However time will tell whether these burgeoning free schools can continue that success and fulfil their remit to plug the specific social and educational gaps in their local areas.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Technology Based Innovations Capable of Changing the Face of Education

Traditional form of classroom learning is fast giving the way to technology based learning. Different technological innovations like educational CDs, mobile devices, interactive devices, educational software systems and distant learning have proved to be beneficial. These innovations engage each and every student and establish better learning mediums.

If you own a school, you will soon feel the need of integrating these technological innovations with the existing education system. If you have a store dealing in educational products, you must know how to make profits with advanced learning products. Here is a useful discussion in this regard.

Educational CDs
The simple concept of educational CDs is to offer information in an interesting format using audio and video capabilities. The traditional form of textbook learning has constantly failed to trigger the interest of all the students. It is better to teach and explain graphically, with the help of a number of examples. From nursery rhymes and phonics games to mathematics and science lessons, everything can be made interactive and easy to understand using these educational CDs.

Interactive Whiteboards
The technologies like resistive touch screens, electromagnetism, infrared lasers and many others have made interactive whiteboards as great learning mediums for the students. The products can help disabled students to participate in collaboration with other students. Just like educational CDs, these boards make learning extremely interesting by integrating different components. Collaborative engagements of students and mutual discussions are possible with whiteboard presentations. Other technology based products used in conjunction with interactive whiteboards include stylus and projectors.

Laptops and Tablets
In the past few years, the potential use of mobile devices in classroom learning has been identified. These technology products replace the traditional text materials for better performance outputs. Moreover, they are as good as educational CDs in grasping knowledge. The students can browse information related to any subject or topic instantly and prepare better notes, projects and presentations.

Cameras
The use of different types of cameras to enhance classroom learning is in its nascent stage. One good example is that of document camera that can be used to display different documents on large screens. Digital cameras are also being suggested to help the students take pictures related to their lessons and projects.

Distant E-Learning
Finally, the concept of distant learning has been significantly improved with the help of e-learning. These setups allow the students located in different countries to attend classrooms and lectures at distant universities and institutes using web technologies. The internet and use of conference tools and technologies make it possible for the students to ask questions and queries and indulge in group discussions. At the same time, they have the access to the online resources to search for any particular topic simultaneously. Online books, encyclopedias and research papers can be accessed that definitely contribute towards effective learning.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Moving Tips - A Successful Timeline For Moving

Relocating is never easy, even if your company is covering all the expenses of your move. Regardless of who is footing the bill, you can make everyone's life much easier by following a basic moving timeline. Following an organized system will prevent many potential problems and also save much of your sanity.

Eight Weeks

1. Get at least two quotes from professional movers if you choose to hire help for your move. Once you select a mover, sign the contract and make the required deposit.

2. Take things out of easy-to-forget places such as your attic, basement, and tool shed. Start determining what you will take, what you will discard, and what you will give away to family members of a charitable organization.

Six Weeks

1. Start using up anything perishable such as frozen food. Use items you would prefer not to move, especially laundry detergent and household cleaning supplies.

2. Purchase necessary moving supplies such as magic markers, packing tape, and labels. If your moving company does not provide the boxes necessary for your relocation, buy plenty of boxes.

3. Visit your child's school and request copies of all records be given to you and also shipped to your child's soon-to-be school.

Four Weeks

1. Request copies of your medical records as well as veterinary records for any pets. Get copies for yourself as well as your future medical professionals.

2. Start packing away things you want to keep but do not need until after you relocate. Label each box clearly with not only an item description, but also the room in which it should be placed. Some people use different numbers or colors for each room.

3. File a change of address card at your local post office. Personally notify all important parties such as banks, credit card lenders, and key family members and friends.

4. Call all of your utility companies and arrange for a service disconnection date. Arrange for service at your future residence.

Two Weeks

1. Get a fireproof, lockable safe box. Place any valuables such as jewelry or important papers in it. If you have a safety deposit box at a bank, visit the box and empty its contents.

2. If you are moving with your vehicle, take it to a trustworthy mechanic. Have any necessary fluid additions or tune ups made before you hit the road.

3. Call your moving company, if applicable, and re-confirm arrangements for moving day.

4. Return all videos and library books before you forget to do so.

5. Make any necessary arrangements for your pets to move safely and also get a babysitter or trusted person to take care of your kids on moving day.

One Week

1. Pick up any dry cleaning, tailored items, and the like. Make sure any debts you owe to local businesses are paid in full.

2. Transfer your prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new community.

3. Take your pets to the veterinarian for a check-up as well as any required immunizations.

4. Drain oil or other fuel out of any equipment such as a lawn mower.

5. Create detailed directions for movers and other parties helping you get to your new home. Include all emergency contact numbers, especially cell phones.

Two Days

1. Defrost your refrigerator and freezer. Unplug it and block all the doors to stay open to children and animals cannot accidentally end up in the refrigerator or freezer.

2. Put all important personal items such as a change of clothes, medications, and toiletries in a box that you will carry with you on moving day. Do the same for your spouse, children, and pets if this applies to your moving timeline.

One Day

1. Record all utility meter readings, ideally with a camera. Do the same throughout your house, especially if you have a landlord and do not want to be charged for damage you did not cause.

Moving Day

2. At the end of your move, sign a bill of inventory with the movers. Lock all windows and doors.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Government Grants Within The United States Natural

The United States of America is a nation full of natural riches, from rain forests, rivers, lakes, oceans, desserts, and whatnot. If sustained, supported, and consolidated properly, these natural resources can turn into economical and industrial behemoths that can serve the people environmentally and financially.

For this reason, the United States Government has developed a slew of agencies that are established solely to render concerns related to the country's natural resources.

The United States Forest Service, one of the agencies in the natural resources sector, is an agency operating under the United States Department of Agriculture that administers the nation's 155 national forests and 20 national grasslands, which encompass 193 million acres of land.

The mission of the agency is "to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations."

The agency is divided into three primary divisions, the National Forest System, State and Private Forestry, and the Research and Development branch. The agency carries out its mission by establishing grant programs such as the Collaborative Forest Restoration Program, which was generally intended to encourage individuals, businesses, groups and other organizations to collaborate on the design, implementation, and monitoring of projects that value local and traditional knowledge, promote healthy and productive forests and watersheds, and build ownership and civic pride.

The National Park Service, on the other hand, is a United States federal agency that manages manages all national parks, various national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with various title designations.

The grants and programs of the National Park service are all geared towards the achievement of its primary agency mission which is to "provide quality law enforcement to safeguard lives, protect our national treasures and symbols of democracy, and preserve the natural and cultural resources entrusted to us."

Meanwhile, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, operating within the United States Department of the Interior, is the primary agency dedicated to the management of fish, wildlife, and natural habitats.

The mission of the agency, which is "to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people", is carried out by creating several grants and initiatives that serve this purpose.

One of these grant programs is the Evaluation of Mixed-grass Prairie Biotic Communities Project, which was developed to assist with research study design, statistical analyses, data assimilation, and development of written scientific manuscript or report regarding the present situation of mixed-grass prairie biotic communities.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Why a Map of Maui Is Necessary for Tourists

Details as to climate profile, fauna and flora, geographical location, latitude and longitude, physical characteristics, soil structure, vegetative structures, etc. of places are provided by maps. Over the years, maps have been used for education and/or reference in school and colleges, houses and in offices. Maps used to be in 2-dimensional paper-printed formats. Now, more up-to-date and accurate information is represented by dynamic or 3-dimensional maps. Thus, for anyone visiting Maui or interested in America's 17th largest island, there is a lot that can be learned from a Map of Maui.

Maui has 729 square miles of land area, which makes it the second largest Hawaiian Island. Its length is 48 miles and at its widest point, its width is 26 miles. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Maui is 144,444. 36% of the population is Caucasian, 23% is Japanese, and the rest includes Chinese, Filipino and Hawaiian. "Valley Isle" is the nickname of Maui. Kahului, Lahaina and Wailuku are the biggest towns in Maui.

Maui's main airport is located in island's central valley in Kahului. Direct service from Canada and the United States to Maui is offered by all major airlines. In West Maui, Kapalua, there is also a smaller airport, and in East Maui, Hana, there is a commuter airport. Cattle, Diversified Agriculture, Pineapple, Sugar and Tourism are the major industries of Maui.

The climate in Maui around the year is fairly mild since it is a tropical island, and the Pacific Ocean tempers the island's climate. At sea level, 75° F is the average afternoon temperature during the cold winter months of January and December. In the summer, the hottest months are September and August when the temperatures are in the low 90s, ranging from 75° F to 85° F. As a result of prevalent trade winds, most rainfall hits the northeast or north-facing shores, which leaves the southwest and south areas comparatively dry.

Thus, there is definitely a lot more that people might not know about Maui, even if they are living nearby, and tourists might actually be absolutely clueless about the details of this island. This is why a map of Maui can give quite a lot of insight of this large island, especially to those who are planning to travel there very soon. Maps of Maui are easy to find and can make traveling around the city quite easy.

When tourists go to a particular place, they often come to a point where they have no clue where they are going. The only reasons tourists are not able to find their way out is because they do not carry a map with them. Had they carried a map with them, it would have guided them in the right track. The same can also happen to someone traveling to Maui as well, since the island is so enormous. Luckily, today have a map while traveling does not mean carrying a piece of printer paper. Today, tourists visiting Maui can access the map of Maui online.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Challenges Facing Part Time Lecturers In Institutions Of Higher Learning

Education is central to development as it empowers people and strengthens nations and hence it is critical to nation's development. Investment in education benefits the individual, society and the world as a whole. A broad-based and good quality education is among the most powerful instruments known to reduce poverty and inequality. Quality education can only be achieved in a university. Quality is a good academic training based on good knowledge transfer, a good learning environment and a good relationship between teaching and research. This implies that the quality of the lecturer (who transfers knowledge and sets the learning environment) is a critical component of quality university education.

Lecturers find themselves moonlighting in addition to their full time work while others who are part time in one institution add work in other institutions. The reasons for moonlighting include the need for extra income, career development, meeting the needs of understaffed departments and changing environments.

However, part time lecturing on top of regular work comes with various challenges.

First, the lecturers have no forum for airing their concerns and these impacts negatively on the teaching/learning process. They remain docile in an environment that requires open interaction with their full time counterparts. Second, it is difficult to balance between full time and part time work thereby making it hard to plan for the available time. In addition, they are never sure of getting part time teaching and as such they cannot predict how to plan their time.

Third, accurate payments, low payments and being paid on time are a big challenge. They do not benefit from institutional deductions for medical cover, car loans, computer loans, annual leave, pension scheme and insurance cover. Payments are irregular and there are delays that sometimes take two to three months particularly at the end of the semester. Four, lack of choice of friendly courses for part time teaching means that lecturers are not imparting the right knowledge to the students. They are sometimes given courses that remain unallocated to full time lecturers and these may not be in their strong areas of specialization. To avoid doing without a course to teach they accept them because they cannot choose for themselves what they desire to teach. Five, these lecturers are overworked when they move from one institution to another and taking too much workload. Chances of taking many courses are there because there is no system of monitoring the loads they have elsewhere.

In addition, they lack time to prepare for lessons, administer assignments and mark to beat the deadlines for the various institutions. Six, commitment to one's work is important for good service delivery. Part time lecturers, however, are never committed to the institutions they work in for once they are through with their teaching they leave. They cannot be expected to be loyal to the dictates, vision and mission of these institutions because they are there for a short while only. The worst scenario is when part time lecturers feel unwanted by their full time counterparts; sometimes even looked down upon and discriminated against.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Writing Quality Online Content On Educational Topics

With the future of education in limbo and everyone drawing lines in the sand and picking sides, it seems there is enough chaos and controversy to fill up a 1000 newspapers with articles about how we ought to be running our education system. Whereas, we as Americans all seem to agree on the importance of education, it appears to be the getting everyone on the same pages as to how to get there which may never be agreed upon, in fact, I bet you'd agree to all this so far right? Good, so let's talk.

Think about all the sub-topics available for education article writing, you can write about getting admitted to the college of your choice, choosing which college to attend, and the need for stronger education in subjects of math and science. You can also talk about controversial topics such as the political correctness, socialism slant, and left-leaning professors indoctrinating students in college. And if you do like contentious issues, education is full of them, here are some more things that I've written on and you can too:

Vouchers
School Sports
Homeschooling
For-Profit Colleges
College Tuition Costs
Student Loan Problems
Special Education Needs
English As a Second Language
Rote Memorization and Creativity
Standardized Testing and the NCLB Law
Teachers Unions, Pay, Legacy Costs, Tenure
Textbooks Versus Digital E-Textbook in the Future

Indeed, I would urge all online article writers as the 2012-2013 school season begins to put forth your very best articles on these topics and topics of a similar vein. Education is on everyone's mind, and not just because it is an election year, because it very much has to do with the future of our nation. We are only as good as our schools were 20 years the prior. If we mess up our education, we will have hell to pay, and we will find ourselves nothing more than a footnote in the annals of history of great nations which once were.

Keeping the topic of education at the top of our list in our society guarantees that we will continue to put energy in the right spot and as our civilization becomes more technologically advanced we need well-trained, well-schooled, and highly educated people to run it. Just because in the future the robots may be doing all the work, or our education system may be completely be online that doesn't mean we don't need educated folks to make it work. We definitely will.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Independent Schools Offer Several Benefits For Students

Independent schools differ from public institutions in a few ways. The main one is that they are self-funded and self-governed, so they do not depend on the city, state, or federal government to stay funded. Instead, they usually charge tuition, and they may also accept cash donations. No matter where the funding comes from, there are a few advantages of a school that does not rely on the government for money.

One of the most important benefits of independent schools is that they usually offer high-quality education for all students. This is because they can carefully budget based on the money they either already have or know they will get from benefactors. By contrast, a public school often has a fluctuating budget that depends on the tax rate and overall economy since it is funded by taxpayers. Therefore, in a bad economy, programs may be unexpectedly cut, and due to this, there may not be a good variety of classes available for students.

This advantage applies to extracurricular programs, too. Since many independent schools have control of their own budget, they can offer a wide variety of after-school options. If you want your kids to have their pick of several sports, clubs, and performing arts options, choosing this type of school may be a good idea. This will help them with their college applications since most universities like to see a variety of extracurricular activities on any student's resume. If your kids have a passion for a program that the typical public school cannot afford, independent schools may be the best choice.

Additionally, due to the fact that the budget is often higher, this type of option usually attracts experienced teachers. This can clearly be quite beneficial for students. You want to send your kids to an educational institution that is able to appeal to the best teachers, not just new graduates or average teachers who are simply desperate for a job. This type of educational institution offers enough benefits and opportunities to teachers that it has its pick of several applicants. Such teachers usually end up offering students the help they need, which may include one-on-one assistance and constant communication with parents to update them on how their kids are doing.

If you are trying to decide whether public or independent schools are the best for your kids, you should keep these benefits in mind. There is no way to say that either type is the best for everyone, but you can look at the benefits of each. Then you should schedule a time to check out the campus and talk to administrators before making up your mind.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Bad Vs Good Chemistry Education

When I enrolled in college, I was pretty sure I wanted to major in biology and absolutely sure that I didn't want to go into a medical profession. In fact, I selected my college partly based on the number of biology classes offered that were not pre-medical in nature. Thus, I found it particularly ironic (and painful) when I was required to jump through a variety of hoops designed to eliminate individuals on the pre-med track who were not serious enough to actually be accepted to medical school. The most significant of these hurdles was chemistry. While I didn't learn much chemistry as an undergraduate I did learn a lot about education (and how it shouldn't work). The flaws in my undergraduate chemistry education became all the more apparent when I took many truly fabulous and truly educational chemistry classes in graduate school (courtesy of Professor Pam Mills, at Hunter College).

As an undergraduate biology major, I was required to take 18 credits of chemistry (8 credits of inorganic chemistry and 10 credits of organic chemistry). This is a good and reasonable requirement for a biology major since a solid understanding of chemistry is undoubtedly helpful for understanding the biological world. Sadly, the chemistry classes weren't designed to be educational. In fact, on the first day of class, the chemistry professor stood up in front of the lecture hall and told all 600 students that the primary goal of the class was to weed out people who couldn't get into medical school. Thus, the university would consider the class a success if it caused everyone who couldn't hack the medical school admissions process to change majors, transfer to a different school, or even drop out of college altogether. The professor seemed like a nice guy; I suspect that he wasn't comfortable being involved with a chemistry class that was designed to be an ordeal in the medieval sense of the word and the one thing he felt he could do about it was to describe the situation openly.

By the standards that the university set for the class, it was a success. When I began my second year of chemistry, there were only 200 students left. By any other measure, I'm afraid that the class was a failure. One semester my average was 55%, but, thanks to the curve, I received a B+. Obviously, most people were learning even less than I was. (This is something I try very hard not to dwell on when I need to see a doctor.)

But what made these classes so bad? As an educator, this is a question that I have spent a lot of time considering.

On the surface, the chemistry classes appeared to be run in a professional and reasonable manner. If the designer of the chemistry sequence was asked to explain the pedagogy, undoubtedly there would have been three or four learning tools mentioned. Information was supposed to enter the students' brains during the lecture periods and from reading the textbook. That information was supposed to be consolidated by completing problem sets for homework. Finally, there were the chemistry exams, which were intended to measure learning. Unfortunately, at no point was there any opportunity discuss ideas, ask questions, or get real-time feedback. This lack of opportunity to talk things through and have questions answered was, I believe, the single biggest problem.

There have been many, many research studies that demonstrate that learning must be active in order to be effective. It is absolutely essential for students to be able to take in information, manipulate it in their minds, put it out in a new format, and receive feedback to ensure that their understanding is accurate. Exams are not particularly useful feedback; by the time a test is given and graded, it is rather late to be telling a student for the first time that his or her ideas aren't quite right. Instead, the real function of exams in chemistry, or any other subject, are to motivate students to study and to provide a relatively objective method of certifying that learning has taken place.

Fortunately, chemistry tutoring is almost the exact opposite of the classes I endured as an undergraduate. In a tutoring session there is nearly constant discussion, questioning, and feedback. This allows students to explore ideas and create understanding. It is a very effective way of developing a real understanding of challenging content and learning how to solve problems.

It's true that private tutoring is generally one-on-one and is therefore very difficult to compare to large college classes. However, there is evidence that a properly structured large class can be quite effective. Indeed, there is a great deal of exciting research being done to discover more effective ways of teaching chemistry. Of course, that research is utterly useless if chemistry classes are mis-used as filtering devices. I do hope that my experience in undergraduate chemistry was the exception to the rule.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

What Advantages Does A Private High School Offer Students?

If you are thinking of putting your child in a private high school instead of a public one, you should do some research on the features to look for. You will find that most private schools offer some advantages that you cannot get just anywhere, but you need to sift through them to narrow down your search. You should learn about a few of the top benefits that you may find at schools of this type, and then you can decide if they are important to you. You can then look for schools with these features.

One of the most important details of a good high school is small class size. Many public schools are overflowing with kids, as each class might have upwards of 30 or even 35 students. However, many private institutions limit the size to about 15 to 20 kids per class. This is a good thing because it allows each teacher to offer every student more attention, which tends to improve the ability to learn. Therefore, you should keep this in mind when looking for schools for your child.

Another feature to look for is a range of interesting classes. For example, while the typical high school might only offer Spanish and French as foreign languages, private schools often have several other languages to choose from. This is especially important if your child is actually interested in studying a particular language that is not usually offered. Of course, many colleges tend to look at a wide range of classes as a good thing, since they can teach students more varied subjects than usual. If you want your child to have a chance to take unique courses, you should find a high school with several classes to choose from.

In addition, some colleges actually work closely with schools to make sure students are prepared to get an advanced education. This means that teachers are careful to teach skills that can be used in college, along with advanced coursework when appropriate. Also, college counselors may be on-hand to talk to students and give them advice. If you think your child could use some help of this kind, which would likely help prepare him or her for college, you should look into schools offering these features.

A simple visit to the website or campus of a local private high school could give you the answers you are looking for. If you think your child would benefit from and appreciate these advantages, you should start researching. You are sure to find at least one location that offers these benefits.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Best Schools - Resources To Help You Find The Ideal School For Your Kids

If you are looking for the best schools for your children, you have several resources to check out. Whether you plan to send your kids to a public, private, or charter school, you should take a look at the ratings and reviews given to local options. Find out where to learn the information you need in order to make a good decision.

You should first talk to other parents in your area and find out where they send their children. Ask them if they are happy with their choice, and if so, why? Most parents have a few things they like about their child's school, and a few things they would change if possible. Get to know all of the details, and then ask if they would recommend their child's school overall. You can also ask your kids to find out from their friends what the best schools are, since they have likely heard both rumors and facts from others in your city. All the information you gather will help you make a decision, so do not count anything out.

You should also check official ratings to find out the best schools. There are many magazines and websites that focus on ranking several of the best educational institutions at all grade levels. Rankings can give you a good idea of where each school stands according to the experts, but you should also find out why exactly each educational institution received its rank. Make sure the top programs and most impressive details apply to your kids, since otherwise you may end up picking the wrong option for your children. Just because a school is the top ranked for most students does not mean it is the ideal pick for your family.

Finally, you should find out for yourself why the best schools are so highly ranked. Schedule a campus tour so you can get a close look at the property. This also allows you to direct your questions to the tour guide so you can get immediate answers. For most parents, campus tours are enlightening, especially when the kids are brought along to offer their first impression and ask their own questions.

You want your kids to not only get a good education, but also be happy. Finding out about the best schools can help you achieve this goal, and these tips can help you make a decision. So start talking to friends, reading the ratings from websites and magazines, and setting up campus tours as soon as possible.

Friday, July 6, 2012

How to Write at the University Level

A key skill that universities require from students includes writing. Each undergraduate should be able to master this craft with practice.

To accelerate the process, here are some tips:

    References - Avoid plagiarism by citing sources properly.

    Style Guide - Each online college has its own set of rules. Popular style guides include APA, MLA and more. Determine which one is utilized, and then start researching their nature.

    Authority - Write in an authoritative tone. This means choosing sources that are reliable. In an open online atmosphere, anyone can place information on public websites. However, the student's ability to use sources that are trustworthy will separate success in writing from failure. Some examples of credible sources include newspapers, government data and more.

    Outlines - In many instances, the lecturers will supply an outline for theses and research papers. Following this sketch makes writing easier. The student's ability to follow directives will also contribute to the final grade.

    Objective Writing - Rather than writing subjective material, university level writing for an essay, research paper or thesis should be neutral. To accomplish this, students should paint two sides of the story, then create conclusions based on evidence.

    Brainstorm Topics - Create a working session to come up with topics that are interesting, but also practical in terms of finding sufficient resources for the paper or essay.

Additionally, online students are usually able to consult with students and professors through email or an online forum.

Quick Tip: Many top online universities recommend that students break down large writing projects into small tasks - then piece it together in the end. Doing so makes the assignment less overwhelming. This also allows students to spend quality time on each sector verses rushing to complete it in the end.

Quality work shows and is marked by higher grades. Recently, Online Colleges, a comparison site, conducted a study on how procrastination affects grades. In the study, the Ohio State University Research Department revealed that students who put off assignments usually receive inferior grades that average 2.9 out of a 4.0 grade scale.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Work And Get An MBA

Are you currently in the business work force? Have you ever wanted to further your education and get an MBA? It's a common thought of most who have entered the work force recently and are looking to move up in a company. Without an MBA, you can't go too far with just work experience. So how do you get an MBA without leaving work?

Most business people are probably asking this question and the answer is by getting an MBA online. There are more programs online than you would think that offer an MBA online and at an affordable price. It's a great option for those who are looking to further their education and climb the corporate ladder.

Here's how you can get started:

- Start searching for an online MBA program and as you search, start to consider the requirements and details of the program. Are you starting to see how easy it is? It's much easier than people think.

- Read reviews on MBA programs and consider what others are saying about their degree and coursework. It's important to get views from others and know how their experience was. Their insight can help you select the best program.

- Which programs offer the expertise you need? Some programs are more specialized than others and offer specific courses in different fields. Consider getting a more specialized degree or being more general and well rounded in your studies. The degree depends on the field you want to work in and what employers are looking for.

- Consider the amount of hours for completion and the price. You will notice that the price of MBA degrees online are reasonable and not expensive compared to traditional degrees that require you to be on campus.

Are you convinced about getting an MBA online? It's a big decision, so don't try to make up your mind in one day. Carefully plan your decision with plenty of research and insight from others. Online MBA programs are great resources for people in the business world and could be your way to a better and more fulfilling position.

Start by doing basic research of MBA programs and see what is available. At least inform yourself by inquiring and gathering information. Even if you don't want to return to education just yet, it's better to know what's available for the time you need to get an MBA. Star searching, get educated and improve the business world with your knowledge.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Are Traditional Toys On Their Way Out and Educational Electronics In?

Okay so, I was a child of the 60s and 70s and back then we had tinker toys, Legos, erector sets, and Lincoln logs. These were great toys, but they were also educational tools in many regards. If you could conceive it, you could create it. This helps harness the creativity, imagination, and the thinking of the child, in hindsight it worked well. I doubt if any parents watching their kids play with Legos would disagree. Obviously that company has withstood the test of time, and emerged even stronger in the modern age. Okay so let's talk.

I have a question for you; are electronic toys taking over the market now?

An interesting article appeared in the Wall Street Journal on September 1, 2012 titled; "Lego Chief Sees Weak US Demand for Toys," by Jens Hansegard. The CEO in an investor conference call noted that consumers were tapped out on credit (credit cards) and probably wouldn't be spending big this Christmas season. Is he right? After all, the last 6-months have been good for the Lego Corporation.

Could it be that much of Lego's success recently has to do with its ability to take Legos in the real world and merge them with gaming in the virtual world? This would intrigue parents because it allows their children to understand the concept of CADCAM design, engineering, and taking all of this to the next step. Many toys go through periods of fads; with incredible growth spurts, and then incredible crashes. What was popular as a toy three years ago won't even be on the shelves of the discount merchandisers today; do you see my point?

When the CEO of Lego warns of future earnings in some regards he may be telling Wall Street analysts; "do not overdo it with your earnings and profit expectations," therefore, the company can actually meet them. This is a new strategy which is becoming more prevalent in the era of "forward-looking statement" lawsuits and regulations. Still, he may also have a point even though the company did good in the previous six months, the Lego Corporation has to be very careful not to become a fad of the past. They've made it this far, and they hope to keep going.

Nevertheless, more and more kids are intrigued with their personal tech toys and small electronic devices, and Legos must continue to make that transition, if not, the CEO is absolutely correct, and even with their theme Park, awesome branding, and great products they could very well hit the skids. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Education Is the Most Important Thing - But Don't Confuse That With Educational Indoctrination

I am often amazed how many people will tell me that education is the most important thing for society. I don't believe it is the most important, although it is surely in the list of the top 10. The reason I say this is quite simple; while education is important it is what you are teaching that is paramount. If we send our children to school and they come back living a life of mediocrity, political correctness, and brainwashed into this theory of socialism, we haven't done ourselves any good.

If we continually rewrite our nation's history every decade so that it fits within the parameters of this political correctness we are denying ourselves the truth to the actual history of past periods, in doing so we are almost doomed to repeat. And whose fault will that be? There's a difference between education and educational indoctrination, there's a big difference. Just because we send our children to school doesn't mean they are learning to think.

Most recently, with the No Child Left Behind strategy we are not teaching our children to think, we are teaching them rote memorization and submission to authority. However if that authority is lying to them, and filling their heads with socialist ideals, it could take years for them to see the reality, but consider how much damage they might do in the process? They might go and vote for a socialist politician who promises them prosperity and all sorts of other things, even that they will tax the rich in a Robin Hood sort of fashion.

If they vote for such a Pied Piper, they will have to pay later, either through unemployment numbers, increased taxes due to national debt, or deal with the economic implosion of the country. Some lessons come hard. Today we live in a global economy, and there is no sense making things any tougher than they need to be in our future, because America is going to have to compete one way or another, and if we make our population weak and unable to perform, how are they to press on when the going really gets tough?

Sure, education is important, and I think both sides of the political aisle can agree on that, but I am quite concerned with what they are teaching our children in school today not only in K-12, but especially at colleges and universities as well. The left-leaning socialism motif has reshaped American society in some disturbing ways, we need not complete that indoctrination using our education system. Education is just too important for that, it is one of the most important things after all. Please consider all this and think on it.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Online Education - Why Get One?

Everything is moving online. Shop, order food, watch television shows, stream music, and get an education while you are online. You may have heard about online courses but never taken the time to see what they are about. Many people are realizing how easy it is to get higher education online, such as bachelor's and master's degrees, and many are signing up.

What are the advantages of going online with education? Well, for one, it's much cheaper than being on campus because it reduces fees you pay while on a university campus. Also, most universities offer online classes at a lower rate and will become cheaper as they become more popular and spots fill. Also, the other great advantage of online classes is being able to do course work from wherever you are. If you have a laptop, then you can access your education from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. It's revolutionizing the speed at which people become educated.

Convenience also translates to time and money. When education is convenient, it saves you time and hassle from finding a parking spot and attending class on a campus some where. Keep your valuable time by longing in to your class online and completing all necessary course work. When you save time, you save money. Not having to commute to school is a top reason to get an online education. Save money you would spend on transportation and use it to pay for the classes you take online. In every aspect, online classes save you time and money.

Most professionals who pursue master's degrees are in the work force and don't have time to stop working, go back to school and work for a degree. They need to continue in their field but also acquire a higher education. The only way to make this possible and convenient is to take classes online. When you leave work for the day, you can relax and regain energy and knock out assignments for class, all from the comfort of your home. In no time you will have a master's for your field and hopefully receive a higher position and salary.

Are you starting to see the benefits of getting an online education? The numbers add up and they are all positive for you. Time, money and effort are all conserved and save for you to use in other areas of your life. Enjoy work and education at the same time.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Oh Please, Not Another Teacher's Union Strike

Well, I don't know what's happening in your area, but I live out in California and we've had a tremendous number of teacher layoffs. Our state is in trouble, along with the counties and city governments. In fact we've had three cities file for bankruptcy this year, with perhaps more to follow. Nearly all the cities in California have legacy costs which are out of control, that is to say underfunded pensions, and promises and payments owed to retirees who no longer even work for the city.

In some cases these cities owe over 60% of all the money they take in in tax dollars to pay for people who are already retired. Why did all this happen you ask? It is due to public unions, demands, and public labor contracts. In California, CalPERS is a very powerful political organization, made up of retired school teachers, they have too much power. Much of the cost going to our schools is similar to the problem the cities have right now with their legacy costs. No, California is hardly alone in this problem with its teachers.

There was a rather troubling piece in the Associated Press published on September 4, 2012 titled "Chicago Teachers Threaten Strike Early in School Year" which seems to tell a problematic continuous tale of our degrading school systems across this land. Worse, things were supposed to have gotten better in Chicago with all the extra Federal aid and political juice they got due to it being Obama's hometown area.

Apparently, according to the article the union gave a 10-day strike notice, but what on Earth do you do with 400,000 students and no class? The teachers are complaining about the increased school day hours and a 4% demanded raise. I guess, any time our federal government bails anyone out something including the auto industry, or our schools, the money just goes to the unions. All the while the Obama Administration says that it is helping secure high-paying jobs for Americans.

Still, if we have to tax each individual citizen more so we can pay the labor unions what they demand, or they will stop working, then in essence our government is supporting extortion, and taking more money out of the pockets of middle-class America to run and in efficient and archaic system which isn't working.

The answer to the problem with our schools is not to throw more money at it, or to pay teachers any more money, nor is doing so going to fix the problem. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think about it as those teachers go on strike so they can get more cash and benefits.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Charter Schools And Vouchers Getting Results

Success is generally a good thing. But you wouldn't always know it, when certain people scramble to redefine "success" as "change, probably for the worse."

A Rand Corp. study released recently reported that "more than 190,000 students nationwide had left a private school for a charter by the end of the 2008 school year," according to The Los Angeles Times. Since 2008, the most recent year for which data is available, charter schools have increased in number substantially; the Los Angeles Unified School District boasts the most in the country, at 193. (1)

One of the best pieces of evidence we could have that charter schools are working is that they are successfully competing for students, not only against under-performing, inner-city public schools, but also against private schools.

Despite naysayers' complaints, this is good news for taxpayers, who are at least buying satisfactory education with their tax dollars, as well as for families that no longer feel the need to pay private school tuition. But charter schools are no panacea for the broader problem: Too many places in America pay too much for education that produces too little in the way of results.

Charter schools are one element of an answer. Another that is slowly but steadily gaining ground is vouchers that parents can use to pay for education at any private, charter or traditional public school. Such voucher systems are not only fostering improvement in public schools, which now have to compete more directly with charter and private alternatives; vouchers are also reviving private schools, especially parochial institutions, that were hit hard by the recession and faced the possibility of closing.

Teachers' unions, public school boards and administrators generally hate voucher systems. The National Education Association even offers a list of talking points specifically aimed at arguing against vouchers. (The organization is more ambivalent on charter schools; given the nature of charter schools, this is as one would expect.) But the current system is geared toward preserving a status quo that doesn't work. The goal of publicly funded education is to educate kids, not to create publicly funded jobs for public school employees. This hasn't stopped principals in Indiana from going door-to-door, however, trying to convince parents not to withdraw their students - and the public funding that comes with them - from struggling public schools.

What makes an individual child succeed or fail is a complex mix of many factors. Still, it is similarly not hard not to see why the National School Boards Association would be quick to dismiss a recent study from the Brookings Institute at Harvard that shows voucher systems have had significant positive impact in college enrollment among African-American students. Anne L. Bryant, the association's executive director, called the study's conclusions "grandiose" and claimed that parental involvement allowed for the difference observed. (2)

Public school productivity, like that of most public agencies, has lagged behind gains that the private sector has made over the last several decades, despite heavy investment in manpower and technology. In fact, those investments in manpower have arguably made public schools less productive, as we have more employees serving fewer students without commensurate gains in student success.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Medical Assistant Job Description And Salary Information

Because of the government's thrust in improving the quality of services accorded to citizens, the need for more people working in the medical industry is ever growing. Aside from this, with people becoming more conscious about their health and the number of people getting sick, the requirement for additional medical assistants to help doctors manage their work is increasing.

So, what are the main duties and responsibilities of these health professionals?

Job Description

Typically, assistants aide physicians in various tasks that include front office, administrative, and clinical responsibilities.

Front Desk Tasks. The assistant is the first person a patient sees during doctor's appointments. They welcome patients and hand out registration forms for them to fill out. In cases when a patient is required to come back for a routine check-up, the assistant arranges the patient's appointment depending on the doctor's availability. Aside from scheduling appointments, the assistant also answers phone calls and performs other data entry tasks.

Administrative Tasks. A medical assistant is also expected to perform clerical tasks that involve organizing all patient medical documents and records, coordinating with insurance companies, responding to billing concerns, recording all information about supplies and equipment purchased, and maintenance of the clinic's financial records and other accounting tasks.

Clinical Tasks. Aside from clerical responsibilities, assistants may also be required to perform some clinical duties that include application or changing dressings, collection of urine samples to be sent for diagnosis, and observing patient's health (if working in a hospital) and reporting the results to the physician.

Required Educational Background
The minimal educational requirement to get into an medical assisting program is a high school diploma. Programs for this type of job are available in vocational schools, community colleges, technical schools, and universities, and can be completed within a period of one year. These certificate courses can lead to an associate's degree in medical assisting, offered and can be completed within two years.

Although graduating from CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program) accredited programs or school is not mandatory, still there are States that prefer graduates from reputable and accredited schools.

In addition, these health professionals are not required to undergo any licensing tests to begin working in hospitals or clinics although there are recognized certifications for medical assistants, including Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA), and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). Passing these any of these certification exams, although not a prerequisite, strengthens an applicant's chances of being hired as it shows one's dedication and expertise on his chosen field.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Pharmacy Technician Salary Information

Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and help pharmacists distribute medicines. This involves taking information and filling up a prescription, counting tablets and measuring other prescription medicines, mixing medications and preparing creams or ointments, and prepares various other intravenous medications.

Thus, the role of a pharmacy technician is as important as other jobs in the medical field. Considering the tasks and responsibilities of a pharmacy technician, how much salary does one make in a year?

For those who are just beginning with their career as pharmacy technician, the salary can start at $7-$8 an hour, while those who have longer years of experience in the field can earn up to $13-$15 per hour. Roughly, that is $26,000-$29,000 annually.

Factors Affecting Compensation

Various factors help determine the salary of a medical practitioner such as location of practice, industry, years of service, and credentials considering that there are also technicians who earn up to $40,000 per year.

Salary according to State

According to studies, average rate for pharmacy technicians is from $12-$16 per hour, and among the highest paying States are:

- Alaska - $18.75 per hour ($39,100 per annum)
- Washington, California, and District of Columbia - $18.50 per hour ($38,500 per annum)
- Hawaii - $17.00 per hour ($35,300 per annum)
- Oregon and Nevada - $16.50 per hour ($34,300 per annum)
- Wyoming and Connecticut - $16 per hour ($33,500 per annum)

On the other hand, following are States that pay the least for pharmacy technicians:

- Puerto Rico - $9.60 per hour ($20,000 per annum)
- West Virginia - $11.90 per hour ($24,900 per annum)
- Mississippi, Alabama, and Kentucky - $12.20 per hour ($25,300 per annum)
- Virgin Islands, Arkansas, and Oklahoma - $12.40 per hour ($25,800 per annum)
- Ohio - $12.90 per hour - ($26,800 per annum)

Even though the above States pay lower than most other States, one thing that must be taken into account as well is that the above States have lower cost of living, thus, the per hour rates are still competitive especially after taxes and other fees have already been deducted.

Salary according to Industry

On the average, those who found employment in hospitals are said to receive higher pay than those working in pharmacies and drugstores.

- Hospital - $32,500
- Grocery Stores - $28,800
- Pharmacies and drug stores - $27,000
- Department stores (drugstores in malls) - $25,800
- Other stores - $25,400

Other Factors

As mentioned earlier, experience and credentials also determine the salary of practitioners. On the average, pharmacy technicians who have 3-7 years of experience can enjoy additional 10% salary increase per year, while those technicians who pass their certification can earn a one-time additional 10% increase on top of the regular salary. These are just a few of the reasons on how a pharmacy technician can earn up to $60,000 annually.