E-Learning 2.0 - The Latest Technology in Education

Much has been written about technology being used in education - how the use of online applications is rapidly spreading out in traditional classrooms, etc. Before the advent of e-learning 2.0, teachers delivered learning materials and instructions via lectures and assignments. However, the new type of e-learning has brought forth the concepts of wikis, blogs, and social media, to name a few. Teachers in various district schools and colleges have started to explore the potentiality of social media and blogs to conduct classes and courses online.
Social Media
Use commercial social networking websites in schools and libraries to impart education easily and quickly. For example, you can create a profile page on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc. to post and share information with large numbers of students and parents. The 2012 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project found that Israel has the maximum number of people using social networking sites (53%) followed by USA in the second spot (50% using social media).
Blogging
Many colleges in particular are using blogs in their classrooms to write and publish learning materials online. Blogs act as a great tool to encourage feedback, critical or otherwise, by allowing readers to add comments to any post, anytime, from home or while traveling somewhere. Many teachers are supporting their students to create and maintain a blog for publishing assignments and project works. It becomes extremely convenient for professors to check or download an assignment rather than to wait for the student to come and submit the work in person.
Podcasting
Podcasting has become a popular technology in learning. Many leading universities in the U.S. have created podcasts to offer free courses over the internet. For example, Boston College created the Boston College iTunes Web Site which provides a collection of lectures that students can load onto their iPods. You can also subscribe to the Georgetown University Forum iTunes Feed Web Site - a weekly radio program that highlights the research and expertise of Georgetown University teaching staff.
Media Sharing
Students can be encouraged to use Flickr, the free photo sharing website to upload and download multiple numbers of education-related photos to use for their schools tasks. You can access the photos and use them in slides, learning coursework, etc. Learners will also get the chance to comment on the uploaded photos to create a chain reaction suitable to share knowledge and impart education much easily and quickly.
Thus, e-learning 2.0 has opened up a range of avenues for both the teachers and students to gain education in a more advanced and updated setting.

Myth: College Is A Four Year Degree

As I age, I tire more easily of comments made by politicians and others who benefitted from college out of high school. I do not want to sound as if I degrade them, but in reality more like I envy them. Truth is, most of us can benefit from college starting today.
I cruised through high school. I knew I would never reach college if for no other reason than my Father could never afford the cost. What I never realized was the HOW part of getting into college. Had I known then what I know now...yep, we all heard those phrases.
My first college course came while serving the Navy overseas. College English classes contracted by the Navy. I discovered college was not all that tough. Imagine, a kid that cruised through high school finding college level work relatively within my ability, and I could afford the class (mind you I mean just A class). I strutted around like a peacock.
It would be years before getting back into college. I used the old reliable excuse, "I do not have the time." The fact of the matter is I did not make time nor invest enough time to find time. To make a long story short, I completed my degree at the ripe old age of 46. How does this factor into a four-year degree?
My point is getting your brain to connect to your feet, your wallet, and your wish to reach your goal. You see, you do not need to take courses "full-time" to get your degree. You do however, need to invest your brain full-time. You need to invest your family into your goals and allow them to help you achieve those goals.
I agree the earlier you start the better your chances, but moving is the first step. Again, the point is starting. Start with the goal of completing a course. Might I recommend English classes. Little you can do after getting your grammar and writing in better shape will prepare you for you degree. Even if you only seek an associate's degree, English should be the primary starting point.
When I realized I could not get my degree in four years, I used each semester as a goal. One semester might be only a single class while others may be as many as two. I did not say your start would be easy. I will say making your mind to do something makes your start easier.

My point is getting your brain to connect to your feet, your wallet, and your wish to reach your goal. You see, you do not need to take courses "full-time" to get your degree. You do however, need to invest your brain full-time. You need to invest your family into your goals and allow them to help you achieve those goals.

Why Should You Introduce Technology in Education?

There has being a lot of talk regarding why educational organizations should introduce technology in classrooms. This year, New York City's Department of Education plans to increase its technology expenses to $542 million for setting up internet connections and giving wireless access to all the city schools.
There is absolutely no reason to believe that the 'brick and mortar' classrooms didn't help students get the kind of education they deserved. Prior to technology, students still learnt and came through tests with flying colors. However, technology has brought in some significant benefits that even the most vocal critic can't disagree with.
I will share with you some crucial points in support of implementing technology in educational organizations. Let's figure them out.
Expansion of Time and Place
In technology minus classrooms, students had a fixed time to meet their teachers and exchange ideas and notes. A normal class period would be around 40 to 45 minutes in duration. However, technology has erased the time and place constraint. Now, a student can easily chat and discuss with a teacher whenever he/she wants to. Skype, online forums, etc. have made it possible to connect with the school faculty, 24x7 at their convenience.
Depth of Understanding
You can expand your knowledge base about a specific subject or lesson via interactive simulation and illustrations. Using a projector, a teacher can now demonstrate and explain a topic far easily to a large group of learners than just sitting in the class and giving lectures.
Learning at Your Own Pace
You can readily access and download learning materials as and when needed. Technology has eliminated the physical barrier of collecting notes and coursework only from the campus library or from the teacher. Now, all you need is a computer with an internet connection to get the information from anywhere and at any time.
New Media for Self-expression
In traditional classrooms, students had to write every assignment and homework in notebooks to let the teacher review it. Using modern technology, students can create several online slide presentations, videos, and set up a website or blog to make their assignments or projects accessible to the teacher, 24x7.
Collaboration Online
Students can at anytime add, remove or edit information online. They don't need to carry textbooks to school, as e-books can easily be viewed and downloaded from the internet. Large chunks of coursework can be organized and stored in a computer database for future usage. Educational projects can be collaboratively done by small groups of students residing at different locations. Online tools such as the web, email, text messaging, etc. helps you to complete homework in conversation with your classmates, without anyone's physical presence.

Make Training Programs Productive With Learning Management System

Training programs are intended to offer new knowledge to learners, which can be used to deliver better results in terms of performance. However, most training programs cannot cope up with the changing trends in the Learning and Development industry. Thus, employees are unable to apply their knowledge in practicality as per demands. Today, training organizers are continuously looking for effective ways to make training programs productive and purposeful. So how can they achieve this?
Experts believe, that using an integrated Learning Management System can help in making an employee training program highly effective. How does it actually help in delivering knowledge in the best possible way? Take a look here.
Pre training scenario
Identifying the learning objective is extremely important before starting on the program. Depending on the objectives, an action sheet is created and uploaded on the system. This action sheet can well serve as an individual reference guide to learners and helps them to stay updated with specific information about job tasks. Thus, it will be easier for learners to determine what kind of knowledge they can obtain from participating in the training.
On the course of training
The software system facilitates complete involvement of teachers and learners during the training sessions. While the learners keep a track of their day-to-day performance, the instructors can check the tasks and assignments given to the students on a regular basis. Thus, it becomes a win-win situation for both the parties. Learners are aware of their progress and achievements and instructors know what needs to be completed. In this way, participants will be able to stay updated about every stage of the learning program.
Post training phase
The primary focus in the post-training phase is to check how far the learners are able to apply the knowledge they have gained. Thus, interacting with peers and fellow learners is extremely important. With a Learning Management System, learners can do the same effectively. Here, they can share their individual situations and experiences with the group, which is likely to enhance their knowledge base in the long run. The new age software system allows users to create an online group even before a training program starts. The best part about this group is that participants can continue discussions even when the training session is over.
An effective training program should offer a comprehensive learning support and guidance throughout. A robust software system can help you can achieve the end while monitoring, managing and reiterating the training requirements.

How Effective Is a Learning Management System

In the digital era people constantly look for simple yet instant solutions to their daily problems. So is true for learning needs as well. With innovative inventions coming up almost every day, the Learning and Development industry is evolving through dynamic changes in recent years. Thus, technology has its widespread effect on the way training was delivered so far. Nowadays, education and training is still very much being executed, not just within the classroom but in cyberspace.
With Learning Management System, participants get the same course as offered in traditional schools. However, with immediate access to internet makes E-learning more informative and exciting. Students can learn online with constant assistance from this system whilst monitoring their performance simultaneously.
Presently, this software system is being used extensively in education, administration and the corporate set up for catering to diverse training requirements. While it is also being applied to in educational institutions, for monitoring the progress of the students, in corporate companies this system is primarily employed to train the workforce. In corporate organizations, the software system is exercised to conduct a series of training programs simultaneously for geographically dispersed employees.
According to recent statistics, Learning Management Software comprised of $860 Million of the market share in 2010. Its market value has increased with the passage of time and experts believe that it would be the only medium of education in the years to come.
At present, competition is tough and consumers are on the lookout for a "complete package". However, a Learning Management System caters to their needs. Right from registering students to conducting a training program till its successful execution, a Learning Management System serves all. Apart from this, it also helps in managing and delivering study materials in an organized fashion to students. An advanced version of the LMS, known as LCMS (Learning Content Management System) helps in creating, storing, and reusing learning content from a central object repository.
With technological advancements, the Learning and Development industry has greatly leaped from the old traditional ways. With the internet offering varied and interesting resources 24x7, the old and traditional practices of learning have become obsolete. Just with a simple click, you can now access a world of information. Experts believe, such software systems can improve the educational structure and process of learning on a rapid scale. Every day, an upgraded version of the software is appearing which acts as a catalyst in further enhancements in learning and development styles greatly.
Experts believe that education and training is going to make a great leap with the Learning Management System in the coming days

Various Methodologies of Preschool Teaching

Most Teacher Training Courses today offer Preschool or Nursery Teachers Training. Preschool students are usually between 2 to 6 years old. Developmental psychologists have identified this stage as the most important developmental stage in a person's life. So, it is crucial to give these children the right kind of start in life so that they can become responsible citizens of tomorrow. In order to do that a course in Preschool Teachers Training is of vital importance. In fact, in most schools across the globe a Preschool Teachers Training Certificate has become mandatory to teach in nursery schools.
There are a number of different PT methodologies in use today. In the following paragraphs the most popular ones are discussed in brief.
The Montessori Method was developed by Maria Montessori in the 1990s. Montessori believed that children learnt best unaided, by doing things themselves & from their peers. In this method children are allowed to learn at their own pace. Peer learning is highly emphasised & classes are typically of mixed age groups. This helps children learn from each other. Teachers are mostly there to guide or help students as & when required. Group & individual work is encouraged where a new task is practiced by the group & then children are allowed to explore it on their own. Whenever possible, learning is done by using tactile materials & children are encouraged to be independent.
The Reggio Emilia Approach was started by Loris Malaguzzi and the parents from the villages around Reggio Emilia, Italy after World War II. The parents believed that early childhood experiences form the basis for the personality of a child. The core concept of this method is that children should be allowed to develop naturally & have a close relation with their environment. Education is an experience shared by the whole community & children are to be respected & valued. Children are encouraged to learn things by using all the 5 senses & express themselves by drawings, sculpture, clay modelling and similar activities.
The Waldorf Education is based on Rudolf Steiner's educational philosophy. It is a humanistic approach which sees education as an experience which shapes the child's personality. Steiner's theories of child development provide the foundation for the educational structure. Children up to 6-7 years are mainly taught by imitation & example with special emphasis on practical activities. Children are encouraged to use their imagination, analytic & creative thinking while learning. Guided play & outdoor play are encouraged. Language learning is done through songs, poems, story-telling & games.
The Play-based Method is also called child-centered as its focus is on the children. It is believed that children learn best through play so all the learning is done through play. There is guided play, activity-based play & some time is set aside for free play as well. Story-telling sessions are also present for language learning. This method is built on the developmental theories like those of Piaget & Steiner.

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Textbooks for Education - What an Industry, What a Racket

Well, when I was in college nothing burned me up more than signing up for class, waiting to see if I got a spot or the class was filled - then if I did get in, I would later learn that the textbook cost $250, plus a another $50 for a workbook, with three other assigned books as additional reading material. No wonder it costs so much to go to school these days, and the kids have to take out a hundred thousand dollar loan just to get a two-year degree.
I've always complained, as did Steve Jobs, about the cost of textbooks. I always thought it was unfair that liberal socialist left-leaning professors would complain about monopolies in the free marketplace, and yet they would run a monopoly selling their textbooks to a closed and captured audience, and without any competition, thus those textbook prices ran up, and I can remember once spending $345 for a textbook. That's outrageous, and it's time to go digital. Okay so, let's talk about this for second shall we?
On or about May 30, 2012 there was an article in the Wall Street Journal titled; "Textbook Sales Likely to Rise on New Rules," written by Lisa Fleisher. The article noted that with the implementation of new standards in teaching that textbook publishers were in for a stellar year. Perhaps, that's good because that industry seems to be due for a close out sale. In fact, one of the most prominent textbook publishers filed bankruptcy a week ago with over, get this, $3 Billion in debt - wow.
Indeed, I hadn't realized the whole industry was that large myself, but now that I think about it, sure it is, it's huge and we keep feeding it don't we? How big with this latest boon be you ask? One publisher McGraw Hill estimates according to that article above $1 to 8 Billion just due to the new standards being brought forth. Should I coin the phrase; "Beware of the Industrial Textbook Complex" might be the question of the day?
Interestingly enough, the RAND Think Tank recently completed a research report with recommendations on renewal of NCLB (No Child Left Behind Act) with modifications to keep it in play, and deal with the some 17 states and growing that have received waivers from the Act from the Obama Administration. Each time new changes are mandated with our standards, the textbooks also change. Unfortunately, the textbooks generally don't change that much, they may change a few paragraphs here and there, and the politically correct Board of Education will wish to slightly modify the history to make it less abrasive.
It is unfortunate that we modify our history in the first place, and that we change our teaching methods so frequently, but it is even more profoundly absurd that we reprint textbooks merely because four or five pages have been changed, and therefore the used textbook market prevents anyone from saving money. Further, with the way the copyright laws are a student would not be allowed to copy off the five pages which have changed from their friends and take those copies and pasting them to the pages which have changed.
If there's any industry which has grossly taken advantage of free-market capitalism, consumers, and our students, it would be the textbook industry, and it's no wonder that Steve Jobs wanted to end all that by using an iPad style digital textbook platform. We are not teaching our students fairness, or free-market capitalism by showing them the inherent dishonesty that goes along with crony capitalism, barriers to entry, and overbearing authoritarianism which is clearly ripping them off. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

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