Learn English by singing

Subingles is a Spanish collaborative site that encourages you to learn English through videos and especially by singing. It has a wide range of songs in English and all sorts of videos with subtitles. Users are invited to contribute with their own videos for their cyberlibrary. You can have access to language exercises and to a live chat. Subingles also suggests different ways of interacting with the English language by giving us links for:

- News from Reuters and SkyNews;
- Radios, such as, Rpadio Vaughan and CNN;
- Class videos;
- Chatting about specific topics;
- English symbols;
- Children songs;
- Blogs to learn English.

English 4 All

English For All is part of the Cyberstep project funded by the United States Department of Education "to meet the challenge of creating and distributing multimedia learning materials for the hardest-to-serve ABE (adult basic education) and ESL adult learners". It was developed by the Division of Adult Career Education (DACE) of the Los Angeles Unified School District. It consists of five stories divided by four episodes each one full of audio, video, and grammar exercises.

You can sign in to have your progress registered or enter the course as a visitor (no registration needed). But if you are a teacher you may register yourself and create a class, then you will receive a password to give your students so you can follow their progress and print some material as well. Let's ALL learn English!

Blogs as a teaching tool

As the Internet becomes an increasingly pervasive and persistent influence in people's lives, the phenomenon of the blog stands out as a fine example of the way in which the Web enables individual participation in the marketplace of ideas.

Teachers have picked up on the creative use of this Internet technology and put the blog to work in the classroom. Even though newer and more appealing Web 2.0 technologies are on the move, education blogs can still be a powerful and effective tool for students and teachers alike.

What is a blog?

A blog (sometimes referred to as a weblog) is a Web publishing tool that allows authors to quickly and easily self-publish text, artwork, links to other blogs or Web sites, and a whole array of other content.

Blogs are set-up like conventional Web sites, with navigation links, and other standard Web site features. Blogs have one standard characteristic, however: the posting. Blog postings are text entries, similar to a diary or journal, which include a posting date and may include comments by people other than the author, photos, links, or other digital media.

Postings are often short and frequently updated. They appear in reverse chronological order and can include archived entries.

Blogs work well for students because they can be worked on at virtually any time, in any place with an Internet-enabled computer. Hence, they can be used to create a classroom that extends beyond the boundaries of the school yard.

User-Friendly Technology

Blogs are surprisingly easy to use. They require minimum technical knowledge and are quickly and easily created and maintained. Unlike many traditional Web sites, they are flexible in design and can be changed relatively easily. Best of all, students will find them convenient and accessible via home or library computers.

Educational Benefits of Blogs

In addition to providing teachers with an excellent tool for communicating with students, there are numerous educational benefits of blogs. Blogs are:

• Highly motivating to students, especially those who otherwise might not become participant in the classroom;
• Excellent opportunities for students to read and write;
• Effective forums for collaboration and discussion;
• Powerful tools to enable scaffolded learning or mentoring to occur.

Using the Blog in the Classroom

As an educational tool, blogs may be integrated in a multi-faceted manner to accommodate all learners. Blogs can serve at least four basic functions.

1. Classroom Management (blogs may serve as a portal to foster a community of learners; they can be used to inform students of class requirements, post handouts, notices, and homework assignments, or act as a question and answer board);
   
   
2. Collaboration (blogs provide a space where teachers and students can work to further develop writing or other skills with the advantage of an instant audience. Teachers can offer instructional tips, and students can practice and benefit from peer review. They also make online mentoring possible);
   
   
3. Discussions (a class blog opens the opportunity for students to discuss topics outside of the classroom. With a blog, every person has an equal opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions. Students have time to be reactive to one another and reflective);
   
   
4. Student Portfolios (blogs present, organize, and protect student work as digital portfolios. As older entries are archived, developing skills and progress may be analyzed more conveniently. Additionally, as students realize their efforts will be published, they are typically more motivated to produce better writing).

Safety issues

Take the necessary steps to secure parental permission before using the blog in a participatory manner.

Blogs may be viewed publicly, as any other Web site. Students must be trained on issues regarding access, privacy, security, and free expression. As blogs have no publisher, producer, or editor, students must carefully consider the content of postings to avoid anything defamatory, libelous, or an infringement upon the rights of others.

Source: Teaching Today (abridged and adapted)

Photo credit: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com via photo pin cc

Guide Distance Learning Online Education

Distance learning opportunities used to exist through what was called correspondence courses, which were conducted over the mail, on the radio or on television. Today, the internet is the primary method of presenting educational materials. Online education affords students who little time or money, or who live in remote areas, to attend classes.

Classes Offered Through Distance Learning Online Education

Online Education

Almost any curriculum can be pursued online. Students can seek programs that result in certification, advanced technical skills, associates degrees, bachelors degrees, graduate degrees and even doctorates. Even continuing education classes for licensed professionals and high school equivalence courses can be completed through virtual classrooms.

Methods for Distance Learning Online Education

Online education is usually web-based with a specific web site designated for the course. Supplemental materials, such as software, may also be part of certain online courses. Students visit the course web site to complete the posted assignments and take tests. Instructors and students communicate through email and chat rooms. Sometimes virtual lectures and discussions are part of online coursework. Students can attend virtual classrooms to complete their education and some colleges even have virtual graduation ceremonies.

Types of Students Who Pursue Distance Learning Online Education

Many different students from all over the world participate in distance learning online education opportunities. Some students work and attend classes online during their free time. Other students live in remote areas where local colleges do not exist. Still other students choose to combine online courses with traditional classes for what is known as a blended learning experience. Student who pursue distance education do not fit a particular mold, but should possess the following qualities:

self-motivation;

well-organized;

independent learner;

computer literate;

good time management skills; and

excellent communication skills.

Validity of Distance Learning Online Education: Research from the Sloan Consortium states that online learning is comparable to education obtained in a traditional setting, based upon a poll of academic leaders. Academic leader James Sherwood, Ph.D. and dean of University Extension, the continuing education branch of The University of California at Berkley states that, "Coming out of World War II and getting into the 60's and 70's there was a kind of stigma associated with distance education. That has certainly changed." Because of technological advances and online resources, distance education has improved and offers an equivalent opportunity to traditional education.

Faculty Perspective of Distance Learning Online Education. Dr. Michael Otaigbe of Strayer University in Virginia has taught courses both in person and online at the same college. His opinion is that online classes generate an unexpected level of motivation, saying, "Online, I have the freedom to require contributions. Every week, my students have to submit essays and participate in group discussions. I get a better sense of the learning process." He also finds that online students come from all over the world and have unique contributions that benefit the other students.

Online Education Distance Learning Association in the US. Several distance learning associations exist within the United States that offer additional information about taking classes online for prospective students.

The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA). The USDLA is a non-profit association that promotes the development and application of online distance learning for education and training purposes. The USDLA encourages distance learning for grades K-12, college and higher education, corporate training, continuing education, government training and military training. Further, the USDLA supported the implementation of the Snowe-Rockefeller Amendment to the 1996 Telecommunications Act, as well as other legislation in 1997 that was introduced by Kennedy and Snowe.

The Distance and Education Training Council (DETC). The DETC is a non-profit educational association that is a central hub of information about distance study and the correspondence learning field.

Federal Government Distance Learning Association (FGDLA). The FGDLA is also a non-profit association. The FGDLA was formed to promote development and application of distance learning programs. The Association also acts to foster understanding and collaboration among the people involved in education and training within the federal government.

Covering Costs for Distance Learning Online Education Programs

Financial aid is available to online students, just as it is for traditional students. Online students can apply for applicable state and government financial aid, Stafford loans, student loans, tuition reimbursement and scholarships to cover costs for cyber classes. Also, virtual students save money on transportation and housing. Gaston Caperton, president of the College Board, said, "The College Board continues to advocate for need-based aid, so that students can have the opportunity to benefit from college education."

National and international strides are being made everyday in distance learning online education. Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers, R-Mich., introduced legislation to scientifically scrutinize online learning. The Independent Study of Distance Education Act of 2007 directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study that would compare classroom instruction with distance learning programs. Colleges such as the University of Wyoming are experimenting with gaming as a form of teaching online education. Consider that the dynamic nature and convenience of online education has attracted about 3.2 million people to take a distance learning course in the past year. Distance learning online education programs are an effective way to achieve higher education.

Guide Distance Learning Online Education

Why to use commas...

Posted by my colleague Manuela Pereira
found pic @ pinterest

Types Of Online Learning - Pick Up The Best For You

There are various kinds of online learning modes that the students can use as per their preferences. Each of these types is well-defined and linked to study resources and useful articles. Some of the models of online learning are described below:

Synchronous e-Learning/Live: In this type of learning, communication between the participating individuals occurs instantly and the participants can access the information at the same time. Some of the examples of synchronous e-learning include virtual classroom or video/audio conferencing and real-time chart. One of the major attributes of synchronous e-learning is that it offers instant feedback of the participant's performance. This gives a scope for adjusting the training to suit the requirement of the candidate, depending on the kind of feedback he/she has got.

Online Education

This type of learning also accelerates the formation of learning groups or communities for booting a higher level of interaction to enable better understanding of a particular subject. The best thing about synchronous e learning is that it enables greater involvement of the participants. This mode provides them an environment that encourages expression of synergism. Hence, participants can empower one another to construct knowledge.

The only disadvantage of this type of learning is the fact that it does not offer self-paced learning and logistics of scheduling. Moreover, it necessitates management of students' availability at various time zones.

Asynchronous E-learning: This is also known as store and forward e learning, wherein the communication between the participants does not occur instantaneously. Some of the examples of asynchronous learning include - taking up a self-paced course, posting messages to various discussion groups, and exchanging e-mail messages with one or more mentors. Asynchronous e-learning offers convenience, accessibility, and the much desired self-paced learning.

However, one of the major disadvantages of asynchronous e learning is that a student may feel isolated or less motivated because in this process, there is no opportunity real time interaction with other participants. Additionally, unlike synchronous learning, asynchronous learning does not offer instant feedback on the student's performance. Hence, any modification or adjustment to training, if needed, can be done only after the completion of the entire evaluation.

Blended Learning: This is often referred as mixed mode of learning, a blend of conventional face-to-face lectures, workshops, and tutorials with learning online through activities like emailing, discussing through discussion boards, tests, quizzes, and announcements.

In this type of learning, students receive their feedback from online quizzes and tests, which helps them to identify loopholes in their knowledge and ways to fill them. Almost all of the reputed online institutes offer blended learning for the overall benefits of the learning communities.

Types Of Online Learning - Pick Up The Best For You

Is reading a passion for you as well?

found pic @ tatteredcover

Clauses of Reason (by Students)

Never forget that...

found pic @ Stratford Library

Online Degrees - Moms Learning at Home

Many times, the use of the title "stay-at-home-mom" does not conjure images of a hard-working college student, but that doesn't mean the two do not go well together. Only seventy percent of college students are under the age of 25, with an average of that thirty percent being over thirty years old. Being able to balance a college education and parenting is not easy, but it is at least easier when online degrees. When you are selecting an online degree you should have a plan and a degree in a market which you will or already enjoy. There are many accredited universities and online colleges which offer distance programs that allow you to do all of your class work online with just a simple internet connection. Often times, you are provided an email address through the school, making it hassle free for you. Getting online degrees has never been easier than it is now. And sometimes the first step toward an online job for mom is mom getting an education.

Signing up for an online degree program is simple for those who have little time or miscellaneous availability. The variety of majors makes it possible for mothers with any interest to apply and succeed. There are associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, or doctorate degrees available online. Being a mother requires discipline and organization. Being a student online requires the same coinciding with computer and internet access. This flexibility makes online degree programs perfect for stay at home mothers.

Online Education

Stay-at-home-mothers are able to achieve their dreams without rearranging their schedules each day. Being limited to cooking and cleaning should not be the only thing in your future. Educational life can continue after children by getting degrees, then advancing your career. To begin obtaining your degree online or online training, you select the institution which you choose, then fill out the online admissions application. Once this is done, the internet can be used to enroll in classes, make payments on tuition, and break apart your classes in manageable sizes. Each of the course options vary in their type, length, and level based upon previous studies.

The benefits of these degrees include the fact that stay at home mothers can raise their confidence levels knowing that they have achieved a college education. They increase their chances in any job market and can use this to increase the income level of the household. Online education can lead to online work for stay-at-home-mothers which can add supplemental income to the family. By attending accredited online institutions, stay-at-home-mothers can achieve the same degree that would by attending classes at a traditional institution without having to get on campus. Lastly, by achieving an online education, stay at home mothers reduce their educational costs by eliminating travel expenses and on-campus expenses.

There is financial aid for stay-at-home-mothers thanks to the Federal Scholarship program which the Obama Administration created. By first applying for the academic institution of their choice, those mothers who stay at home can then investigate whether their particular course qualifies them for a scholarship. Filling out these applications with all true information will make it easier to obtain approval. The colleges will contact the applicants once they get a response. The best part about this is it eliminates the need to repay college loans.

Online Degrees - Moms Learning at Home

A thought for tomorrow ;)

found pic @ tmproduções

Learning Physical Education Degrees Online

Online education brings many advantages for many attendants. If you have the passion to be a teacher, you can totally start and finish this dream by online education programs. Before reaching this point, online programs will equip you with necessary skills and training so that you an be a perfect one to set an example for your future students.

 

Online physical education degrees are offered online and you can specifically choose this kind of degree if you have the passion for sports and you want it to share with the other people especially your students. Not only does it lead you to teach sports but it also helps you to share the importance of good health in every person. However, you might wonder how to get this kind of degree especially that it does not only require knowledge but you must also have the right skills and experience to be able to become a fully competent physical education teacher.

Follow this easy guide on how to do it.

 

The first thing that you can do is to make a thorough research on the internet since you want to avail for online education degrees specifically on physical education. It would be very easy because you only need to key in physical education on the search tool and you will be able to see a lot of websites that you can visit and read through the programs offered. You can also join forums wherein coaches or physical education instructors have shared their view as to what specific course they got. Somehow, it will give you enlightenment on your decisions.

 

Once you have chosen from the many schools that offers online physical education degrees, you need to pass the needed requirements or fill out forms.

The requirements, information and documents needed can vary from one school to another but commonly, they would ask for your educational history, your transcript of records and maybe a few lines or essay that would indicate your desire to specifically get this kind of course. All you need to do is comply all of them and see whether you will be qualified to be part of their program.

 

If you are accepted to be part of the online education program, then you must be determined and dedicated on your desire to become a physical education teacher. Do not miss any of your coursework online and if they are on-campus trainings then spare some time to be on time for it. Learn how to manage your time properly so that you will be able to complete the whole course and you will be able to fulfill your dream of becoming an effective coach, instructor or whatever your plans are.

 

This is an easy guide that you can follow if you want to pursue an online education. With dedication and passion for education, everything is a possibility.

 

19 Pencils - Discover, Manage and Share Content for Learning

http://19pencils.com/ is a free site that lets you discover and share educational websites, quizzes and other resources, as well as put all of that content on a website that students can access.

It is extremely easy to use, has some great features, and an excellent tool for teachers. You can also search the site to find content that is already there from other teachers. Check it out!

E-Portfolios for Starters

Distance learning online courses ? the most sought after education programs

There was a time when the concept of distance learning could not even be thought of. Though there were correspondence courses, the idea of online courses did not even develop. People could not think of education with classrooms, teachers, students, books and notebooks. They could not imagine as how a student could complete his/her education without going to an institute, without submitting assignments and without regular classes and lectures. But all these have been made possible through the various distance learning programs that are offered by the various universities and institutes. After the online courses are completed successfully, the candidates are awarded with an online degree.

This degree can help the candidates in making a successful professional career later. The only thing that has to be kept under consideration while pursuing distance learning or online courses is that a proper university should be selected for the same.It has been seen that distance learning or online courses are offered in regular subjects as well as in professional subjects.

The professional online courses help in making a successful career. MBA courses are the most commonly adopted distance learning courses. The popularity of these courses is mainly due to the convenience and flexibility that they offer. In these courses, students can study as per their own time.

There is no fixed schedule that needs to be followed in these courses. Students do not need to attend classes and lectures and submit assignments as well. These courses are best for professionals as they can manage their own time to pursue the online courses. They can study after office hours, during their free time in the office and even on weekends and holidays. Distance learning education programs enable a person to continue their studies and their professions hand in hand with one another without one hampering the other in any way.

The expenses that are incurred in pursuing online courses or distance courses are far less than that of regular studies. The two things mandatory for pursuing these courses are a computer and an internet connection. Apart from these, no other study materials are required as everything is available online. Therefore there are no additional expenses of books, notebooks and other stationary materials in online courses. No accommodation and travel expenses are required as well in studying via distance courses. Initially the amount of registration and then the tuition fee for the courses are the only expenses that need to be incurred.

Advancing Careers With Online Education and Distance Learning Programs

Do you feel stifled in your current career? Are you stuck in a rut and find yourself unable to move up the corporate ladder? Are you looking for better job prospects and a higher salary? Do you believe that having only an undergraduate degree is preventing you from accomplishing your career goals? Then, maybe its time to look at the best possible solution to your professional problems! The answer lies in online learning and what it can offer you in terms of career advancement.

Now, you might think that you are just too busy to resume your education. Juggling your job along with responsibilities at home may be preventing you from enrolling for that college course you have been toying with. Or taking time off from work to complete your education may just not be an option in today's competitive market. It is in situations like these that an online degree program becomes an ideal solution.

No doubt, earning a living is important, but nowadays this does not necessarily imply giving up your dream of a higher education. You can attend college after work with an online education school.

Online education is growing fast with many schools offering online degrees. Many colleges now offer courses and methods of studying that are easier and more enjoyable. You will receive the same quality education and degree as attending a campus. The difference is that your online degree is earned from home in your own time.

There are so many options when it comes to an online degree. You can choose from an Associate, Bachelor's and even a Master's degree. But the biggest plus point in favor of online education is the convenience. There are no set times and class schedules and you can work faster or slower depending on the pace you require.

You can complete your degree in lesser timeframe, which allows you to re-enter the work arena in a shorter time frame than with a traditional college program. You can attend class whenever you have the time and without having to commute or spend on gas or public transport. All that you require is a computer with an Internet connection to access all your course information online. A good program will promote communication between lecturers and other fellow students through email, forums, message boards and chat rooms. For those on a budget, most online programs offer flexible payments and are, as a rule, less expensive than a normal school program. Financial aid is also available for online education, so check out your options before registering.

Therefore, the highlights of online education are:
- A school that is open round the clock
- No traveling or commuting fees
- Less expensive course fees
- Study at your own convenience
- Access to the curriculum and course material is always available

In terms of today's shaky economy, you might be struggling to hold onto your job and stay afloat. It's in such situations that you need to boost your job skills and optimize your resume by adding new up-to-date skills through the variety of online degree programs available. Regardless of what you are interested in, the odds are that you will be able to find an online degree that meets your needs. Another benefit of choosing long distance education is that you are not limited by the programs offered by the schools around you. You can choose a program, no matter how obscure the field, rather than settling for programs available only through your local college or university.

In many careers, promotions are limited for individuals who do not have degrees. Working professionals should choose an online degree program to get out of a dead-end job. Choose a program that offers training that will benefit you with your career goals as well.

At the end of the day though, online programs are not an easy option. All said and done, completing any online degree program requires commitment and determination. You need discipline to stay on track but when you finally graduate, you will reap the benefits of online education that make all the difference to your career ... and your life.

Education becomes global with online university distance learning programs

There was a time when education was restricted to classrooms, schools and universities. Our grandparents could not even imagine that something like distance learning was possible. They did have a rough idea that there could be something like online university. This is quite obvious as the internet had not come at that time. Even if it was there, nobody had an idea that it could be used for studies and distance learning programs. But with time and the advancement of science and technology, the concept of distance learning and online university became quite common and very popular too. It has been seen and studied in a survey that today more and more numbers of people are going for various distance learning courses from an online university for the various advantages that these universities offer.

The greatest advantage of the various distance learning courses from an online university is that it offers great flexibility to the students.

Students can study as per their own convenience and free time. There is no hard and fast rule that needs to be followed in distance learning programs. Online university courses have come as a great boon for the professionals. All the organizations want their employees to have high qualifications and develop themselves with each passing day. For that, they have to do various kinds of professional courses through distance learning programs. MBA is the most commonly pursued professional course by majority of the professional students. Enrolling in an online university for distance learning courses saves time and effort for the students. They can study after office or in the weekends. On completing the course successfully, the candidates are also awarded with online degrees from the online university he/she is enrolled to.

There was a time when there were major issues with distance learning degrees from an online university. People had a notion that the education that was provided by the online university was not of high standards and the degree that was provided was also not very valuable. But the concept has undergone a sea change with passing time. Today people are choosing distance learning programs for their convenience and flexibility. Various things can be managed at the same time along with studies with the help of these online education programs. You just need a computer and internet connectivity for completing your course. It has also been seen that the expenses incurred in distance learning courses through online university are lesser.

Attain a psychology degree online with distance learning education programs

The concept of distance learning is not very new. Just the mode of education has changed. In the past, distance learning courses were in the form of correspondence courses. Study materials were sent to the students via postal mail. Students also had to go to an examination center to appear for the examination. On clearing the examination successfully, students were given a degree. There were many problems in these correspondence courses. Many complaints were filed that the study materials did not reach the students, they got lost and many a times even admit cards for examinations got misplaced. Keeping these problems in mind, online courses came into being. With the advent of distance learning online courses many of these problems got sorted. Various kinds of courses and degree programs can be followed through the distance learning online courses.

Out of the many courses that are pursued through distance learning, psychology courses have gained immense popularity.

You can now easily earn a psychology degree online from the various online universities and institutes that offer courses in psychology. All the online universities do not offer psychology courses. There are very few that provide psychology degree online. There is a conflict regarding pursuing psychology degree courses through distance learning programs. Many experts opine that since psychology involves the study of the human mind, behavior and nature, it cannot be studied in the distance learning mode. There need to be interactive and communicative sessions for the study of psychology courses. But with advanced online collaborative tools and technologies, this problem has also been taken care of. The sessions and that are needed for psychology degree online can now easily be done via these tools.

Psychology degree online can be obtained at various levels. While there is associate psychology degree online, there is also bachelors and master’s degree that can be completed online through the various distance learning courses. One can also do a PhD in psychology via distance learning education. This course is a very interesting one and helps in knowing the human mind very well. It helps you to learn about the various behavioral changes and patterns in a human being. It is preferable that for pursuing a course in psychology, one should have a little background of biology. This helps in better understanding of the subject as one comes to know about the functioning of the various parts of the brain. Therefore gaining a psychology degree online is quite easy with the help of distance learning courses.

The Next Educational Frontier: Online Distance Learning and Online Distance Learning Programs

In the early 90’s, it was predicted that online distance learning programs would grow tremendously in the coming years. By the late 90’s, up to 80 percent of US community colleges have some form of distance learning in place.

There are many technologies that are required with having an online distance learning system in place. The communication form between student and teacher is basically distinguished by two categories: the synchronous and asynchronous. In the former, students and teachers participate in real time. In both cases, telecommunication such as videos, audio files, and electronic messaging are important to create effective online distance learning programs.

With the improvement of internet technologies, the learning process has evolved to include audio conferencing as well as livestreaming of lectures. This trend is expected to continue and institutions that offer online distance learning programs will tend to rely on a combination of recorded as well as live sessions with the instructor.

According to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the profile of those who take up online distance learning are usually in their mid-20’s and highly motivated to pursue their studies. They are also unable to attend more traditional educational settings because of work or geographical considerations. They tend to take online distance learning programs because of convenience and the flexibility offered by the schedules. It is also a way to cut down on costs from transportation and even relocation.

For institutions that are planning to start offering online distance learning programs, there are many investments that need to be made in terms of finances. New courses would have to be developed and equipment such as computers and software would have to be purchased. Investing in such programs, however, does create substantial savings for schools in the long run. Teachers can conduct multiple classes at the same time from remote locations. To fund educational institutions, private and public funds as well as grants are usually used.

According to studies, students that participate in online distance learning programs show no significant differences in terms of average GPA when compared to students from traditional classroom settings. This indicates that it can work just as well as more popular forms of education. However, it is important to maintain access to technology so the educational process is not interrupted. Individuals from remote locations or low-income situations are among those who are most affected by this problem.

For more information on the topic of distance learning, please visit ici.net.au.