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Moodle: An Online Teacher’s Dream

We have run into some challenges as more and more universities and high schools move to e-learning and more parents start home schooling. First, cost. The traditional e-learning platforms are expensive. Secondly, usability. Other platforms I have used have been cumbersome, awkward, and quite frankly confusing for many of my students (and I teach graduate school). Additionally, many people who are currently teaching either are resistant to embracing online learning, or have used the other platforms and gotten frustrated. Moodle is a “What You See Is What You Get—WYSIWYG) sort of program…It is intuitive, point and click.

Last year, I started developing an online master’s program for the University of Florida’s Department of Counselor Education. After wrangling with other popular online teaching programs, we came across Moodle. It was a dream come true (especially for my Department Chair because it was free). For those of you old enough to remember, going from WebCT/Blackboard to Moodle was like going from using DOS (remember the black screen where you had to type cd/ all the time) to Windows. I was thrilled!

Moodle is GPL (General Public License). That means you can download it for free—forever. Within each lesson you can link to specific websites (like Online, Full Text Children’s Textbooks), .pdfs or Word documents. This lets your students/children go exactly where you want them to go. You have a built-in grade-book and can add auto-scored quizzes (set them up by filling in a pre-designed form), writing assignments, forum posts, wikis (i.e. wikipedia.com) etc. I have yet to find something you cannot do with Moodle. There is even a plug-in so you can build virtual chemical elements and one that you can use to create podcasts, rss feeds and more!!! Get the feeling I am excited…

You can even have it customized for a reasonable price (including free if you do it yourself—it is not that hard) see Theme Gurus). I liked Moodle so much I even had Theme Gurus design my business website—logo, paypal integration and all. Himmat Singh and his associates from ThemeGurus provided unparalleled customer service and personal attention (and a really reasonable price) while customizing my site –see (like My Site)

If your school district is thinking about going to e-learning and you want to really make it easy for your faculty and students, Moodle is the way to go. It has the three things I look for in a program—free, easy and customizable—oh, and it really is stable.

As a side note for home school parents: About a year ago we decided to start home schooling our children. My son is quite gifted in math and science and our particular district had no advanced programs for first graders. He was bored, miserable and his love for learning was getting squashed like a bug. If you are home schooling and want to really keep your kids on-track, Moodle is the way to go. It has the three things I look for in a program—free, easy and customizable.

Dr. Dawn-elise Snipes
http://www.articlesbase.com/online-education-articles/online-teaching-with-moodle-88297.html

School College University Online

The computer revolution scripted by the emergence of internet and personal computer as household items in the developed world has altered the way people approach the concept of education. The old methods of education, particularly, that of distant education, are changing to remodel themselves in the changing world driven by computer and internet. For obtaining a degree through online education, one does not need to go to the classroom in an educational institution at a specified time to attend the class by the teacher. Now, one can sit at the comfort of one’s home or at any other place that is convenient at any time one wishes to attend the class and hear the lecture. Only thing is that one should have a computer and internet connection to have access to the online lecture and other study materials. Through a simple search in Google, one can find a number of websites that offer online college degrees on various topics. Then there are websites specifically set up to compile the information about colleges that offer online courses from which one can get graduation certificate. Also, many community colleges and junior colleges provide online associate degrees on a variety of subjects.

The advantages such online learning facility offers are many. Other than the convenience factor, one can save time and energy needed for commuting from the residence to the college. This facility is most useful for people who engage in some other activity like a full time job or a business. Also, online courses have an international flavor and naturally will offer more courses than what a local college can possibly provide. Another advantageous thing is that most of these courses are customized; that is one can set one’s own pace for studying a particular course depending upon the availability of time. In spite of all these advantages, one should do a detailed research to find the right college for obtaining a college degree through online. It is because in internet fraudulent activities coexist with genuine ones, and sometimes even the experienced people find hard to distinguish between the two. If the college has a reputation as a traditionally good college, then chances are that the online course provided by that college will be better. Also, the graduate certificate provided by such colleges or universities tend to have more value for potential employment opportunities.

Some of the popular universities in the United States that provide online degree courses include The New England College, Norwich University, Harding University, Jones-International University, Regis University, University of Phoenix Online, Salem International University, Western Governors University, Ohio University, City University of Seattle, Kaplan University Online, Central Michigan University Online, Iowa Central College, and Northeastern University College of Business Administration. Also, Baker College Online, Berkeley College, Ellis College, and Florida Metropolitan University are some of the prominent colleges and universities that provide associate degrees online. But ideally, one should seek the help of friends or other known persons who have experience in online education to find the right college to study a particular course online.

Anna Cove
http://www.articlesbase.com/science-articles/college-school-university-online-748195.html

                             Piano lessons can be taken up either in the online or in the offline means with both having their pros and cons. There are many numbers of websites offering online piano tutorials for beginners and anyone who wish to continue in any specific mid or high level of piano lessons. Offline piano classes refer to the age old method of learning under a music teacher. The offline methods are well-tried and proved to give the desired results in most of the cases. While assurances can’t be given related to taking up online piano lessons. Online piano lessons are time saving and cost effective. While the offline piano lessons have more probability to give positive results and is a must if one is planning to conduct a piano concert.

                              If you are a person who doesn’t have an idea to be serious pianist and/ or cannot afford additional time or expense, then online piano lessons is the answer to your needs. You just need a piano; even a most basic one will suffice, along with a good internet connection. It doesn’t cost you much too. Most of the cases the basics and few higher levels of piano lessons can be completed under $50 – $100. Online piano classes are flexible to suit your free time out of your busy schedule. So if these are your requirements, then you can gladly opt for the online piano classes. But make sure to research before you select your online piano lessons. It is advisable to consult with your friends or anyone you know associated with piano lessons regarding the materials you sample or purchase online before following it. This is because not all the websites provide a standard curriculum or the right way to teach piano lessons. As online piano lessons are associated with self study, getting little help before you settle will be a good idea.

                             For offline piano lessons, make sure you find a good teacher after enquiring among your friends or family circles. Seeking leads from music colleges or universities about finding a good music instructor is also viable. You should be able to face the fact that offline piano lessons can be expensive depending on the instructor you choose and piano lessons you take up. You should also be able to make the commitment of attending your piano lessons on the days as agreed between you and the instructor. Sometimes a single piano lesson may seem to be very serious or long due to the fact that the interaction is one to one. But the credits of offline piano lessons are that, your progress is supervised by a professional and you have plenty of chances to correct your mistakes and know the finer points.

                              So the optimum balance suggested by many experts is to try your hand at online piano classes for getting your basics and then find a good teacher to continue with your piano lessons. Relying entirely on any one may not be fruitful for all cases.

John
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/online-and-offline-piano-lessons-striking-a-balance-700212.html

Are you one of the few who despite the financial turmoil has been able to save some cash? Do you have cash on hand because you sold the rest of your stock or mutual fund portfolio after watching it drop? If the answer is yes, I have one question for you, what are you going to do with it? With the stock markets down 40% or more, investing and making your savings grow has become a challenge. A safe investment for your money would be Certificates of Deposit or CD.

A CD is actually commonly called “time deposit”. A certificate of deposit is somewhat similar to a regular saving account but with a twist. Unlike a savings account where you are free to withdraw anytime (up to 6 withdrawals per month, Certificate of deposits have fixed terms.

There are tons of CD terms, 1 month to 3 months or more, some terms are as long as 10 years. During this time, you can’t withdraw your money, but you are guaranteed to earn fixed interest rate that’s much higher than a traditional savings account rate.

The rule of the thumb is, the longer the term, the higher the interest rate. Certificate of deposits are offered by banks, thrift institutions, and credit unions. Your deposit is safe as it is insured by FDIC up to $250,000 per depositor.

If you are planning to invest in a CD there are tons of online resources to find the best CD rate.

Here is a small sample of current CD rates.

1. You can earn 2.40% on your deposit for a 1 month CD. The minimum deposit is $10,000.

2. Another bank offers as much 4.27% for a 12 month CD. There is a $500 minimum deposit for this provider.

3. For a deposit of $10,000 in a 5 year CD, you can earn up to 5.02%.

4. A seven month Certificate of Deposit (CD) currently yields 4.11%. This special rate is a promotional online CD rate and the minimum opening balance is $5,000.”

5. GMAC Bank is offering a 3 month CD rate of 3.15% with an annual percentage yield of 3.25%. The rate is for balances of $500 or more. The penalty for early withdrawal for a 3 month certificate of deposit is 90 days of interest, basically all the interest you would have earned so be sure that you won’t need your funds before locking in this CD.

So be sure you won’t need access to your money when you invest in a certificate of deposit. If you are unsure when you might need access to your fund it’s better to invest in only short term CDs, like a 1 to 3 months CD, instead of a longer term CD.

Certificate of Deposits allow you to earn easy money without risking your hard earned savings. However, I have a piece of advise for you, since financial institutions require that you don’t withdraw your money for the duration of the Certificate of deposit term, you must deposit only the amount that you won’t need during the term’s duration. Otherwise, instead of earning interest, you will lose some of your interest earned because banks charge a penalty for early withdrawal.

Gen Wright
http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/investing-in-a-certificate-of-deposit-750463.html

Online degrees are wonderful ways to juggle your professional responsibilities with your academic goals. When you enroll in an online university you are free to set your own schedule. You learn what you want, when you want for as long as you want. If you’re considering a online degree program, here are five practical applications of an online education.

1. Make more money

Enhance your financial earnings at your current job by getting a degree or certificate online. Get paid more to do what you do now. You’ll have more to bring to the table, so you can be confident that your new skills and training will be rewarded. Talk to your supervisors, find out how an extra degree would improve your situation. If you can clearly see a path to higher success, then you owe it to yourself to take it.

2. Change jobs

The higher you’re education level, the more job options you have. If you are unhappy with your current job situation, then change it. Be proactive, without taking unnecessary risks. Look for another job before you quit. Augment your education and branch out to new disciplines while you’re still working. You are in control of your own professional development. If there’s something you don’t like about your job situation, then find an interesting online degree program and start working towards a different future.

3. Fun and personal enlightenment

Education doesn’t always have to be a serious long-term commitment. Use the functional ease and affordability of online universities to pursue your won interests. Have fun and explore the educational options around you. Unlike traditional colleges, you don’t have to invest large commitments of time and capital. You can pay as you go and learn at your own pace. Online universities are just a convenient way to enlighten yourself. Take a class or two and find out whether or not a particular program is right for you.

4. Further your already existing education

Online degree programs come in all shapes, sizes and disciplines. If you already have a degree, and you would just like to build on an already existing academic foundation, then consider enrolling in an online university. You can earn a masters degree before you know it. Think of how many more opportunities will be available to you if you spent just a few months taking your education to the next level.

Online degree programs are practical. If you choose to learn through the Internet, you can make more money, find another job, or just pursue personal interests. You can start fresh, add to something you already have, or just test the waters of academia in an environment free of worries and long term commitments of time and money.

Chris Stout
http://www.articlesbase.com/online-education-articles/what-you-can-do-with-your-online-degree-84735.html

I am going to be living in Guam for the next 3 years and need to finish my degree to get my Masters degrees in Physiology. Anybody know of a university that offers that through distance/Online Classes?
Thanks, that is good info. Unfortunately I need Physiology, not Psychology. One is body and one is brain But thanks for your answer!

Guam! According to my information there are only few accredited Colleges or Universities which provide Online Masters degree in Pcyology. One of the best Accredited college that provide Online Masters degree in Psychology is University of Phoenix and Kaplan University. These both are well known for there service and quality of studies. Here is a link of all the accredited College and Universities those provide Online Masters Degree in Psychology. University of Phoenix as they provide 24/7 service and believe in Small classes for quality education

Can somebody tell me the difference between home schooling in high school and Online Schooling?

I am a sophmore in high school and am looking at both opitions but nobody can really tell me about home schooling.
arlington texas
i just moved from ohio and do not want to go to a public high school, so I am looking for an online high school

and no I didnt drop out

I am going into law enforcement after i get my education

and live in arlington texas now

Homeschooling generally covers any schooling done under the guidance of parents or guardians. Some homeschoolers use an online program, others use traditional texts and still others create their own curriculum from a variety of sources (library, internet, local co-ops, etc.).

Some online schooling is run by the public schools or the state, such as the K12 programs that are available in some areas. These types of programs are not homeschooling, but rather public schooling at home because the parents are not the responsible parties, the public school is the one doing the administration.

I am taking certificate program from eCornell. In my resume, do I need to mention that it is an Online Certificate program or is it ok to write "I am taking certificate program from Cornell University"?
How should I list the certificate in my resume then?

What does the certificate say when you are done? How will Cornell verify if someone calls? The last thing you want to do is tell them one way, and have the employer get verification that doesn’t match. You want to avoid even the appearance of being dishonest.

I started an online highschool, and i am only in 9th grade. I want to get through high school as fast as i can. Any ideas on how to do this or good schedules, routines? anything you did?

heeeelllppppp pllleeasseee

You need to earn a certain number of credits to complete a high school degree from a legitimate online high school or a ‘real’ high school. You just need to start earning them faster, apparently. Ask them.

My online health teacher is a firefighter as his day job, and teaches Online Classes during his free time. He has his masters. But mind you, this is a community college.

This influenced my plan… I would like to work as a police officer, and teach online criminal justice classes at a UNIVERSITY. Would this require a masters in criminal justice, or a phD?

To teach at a 4-year college or university, you’re expected to have a PhD for almost every field. Community colleges often hire people with just a masters, but universities don’t hire them full time (although they might as an adjunct). Here’s a site that lists current job openings at colleges and universities and what they’re looking for in applicants. http://www.higheredjobs.com