Continuing Care Program: Am I Choosing the Right Career?
Medical professionals have many options as they enter the job market. One of these is to enter a continuing care program. Continuing care programs vary tremendously from company to company, but they all have one thing in common. All continuing care careers give medical professionals the chance to provide long-term care to individuals, either in their homes or in specialized treatment facilities.
Types of Career Opportunities in Continuing Care Programs
Continuing care professionals fill a much-needed gap in the community. Certain demographics of people need continuing care and support even when their traditional medical needs have been met. For instance, an elderly individual who has had serious surgery may need some additional support during recovery outside of what the hospital can provide. Continuing care programs allow nurses and caregivers to provide that help as long as it is needed.
If you choose a career in continuing care, you could be providing your services in a hospital, nursing home, or other long-term medical facility. Nurses and therapists are often needed to fulfill these needs. Nurses who wish they could spend more time with their patients, interacting with them on a day-to-day basis, and getting to know them as individuals rather than cases on a piece of paper often find this line of work rewarding.
Hospice care is another field of continuing care. Hospice nurses help those who are in their last days live them out as comfortably as possible while being surrounded by their friends and family members in a warm, supportive environment. Working as a hospice nurse is not the career for everyone. It takes a special individual to care for the dying, but hospice nurses provide a much-needed service to the family members of someone who is suffering from a terminal condition.
Nursing home care is another possibility for those seeking continuing care careers. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities need nurses, therapists, and aids who can ensure that their residents have their medical and comfort needs met at all times. Most of these facilities need staff on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which means there is a high demand for professionals in this line of work. Similarly, assisted living facilities for those with developmental disabilities are in need of continuing care professionals.
Benefits and Downsides to Working in a Continuing Care Program
Choosing a career in continuing care provides many benefits. First, you will be making a difference in the community among those who desperately need your services. Because you are interacting with your patients on a regular basis for a long period of time, you are able to get to know them on a more personal level than is possible in other nursing careers.
Another benefit of choosing a career in continuing care is the fact that there is a huge demand for these types of services. New medical technology is making it possible for people to undergo surgical procedures that were formerly impossible, and many of these individuals need continuing therapy after they are out of the hospital. Similarly, people are living longer and longer today, and the elderly frequently need continuing care, whether they are living at home or in an assisted living facility.
Of course, working with the elderly or those who are suffering from terminal illnesses can be emotionally draining. This is definitely something to keep in mind if you are considering a career in continuing care. If, however, you see yourself meeting a need in your community, working in an industry where you can really get to know your patients, and enjoying a job that has job security, then continuing care may be the right career path for you to consider.
About the Author
Halifax college provides hands-on career training for business management and medical industries. When doing research for a continuing care program, paralegal studies, or training in medical office administration, consider the College of Healthcare & Management.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Strategies To Help You And Your Child Survive Homework
Strategies To Help You And Your Child Survive Homework
by: Linda Bress Silbert, Ph.D. And Alvin J. Silbert, Ed.D
Is homework wreaking havoc in your home? If the answer is YES, then finding the real causes behind the homework problems, and taking steps to resolve them, will improve both school success and family harmony. How do we know? Homework is the single biggest issue affecting home life, according to many of the parents who bring their children to us at STRONG Learning Centers®. Here are the ten most common causes of homework problems, along with suggestions to help you resolve them. 1. THE HOMEWORK IS TOO DIFFICULT. If the homework is continuously too difficult, with everything that entails, then a child will try to avoid it. Look into the cause. Begin by having a conversation with the teacher. If the problem is class-wide, hopefully the teacher will evaluate and adjust the nature of his or her homework assignments. If the problem is limited to your child, she may require additional help from the teacher after school, from you, from a sibling, from a teenager you hire, or from a tutor. If this fails to resolve the issue, then a reevaluation of the type of class, or course level, or teaching vs. learning style, or school may be in order. On the other hand, the cause of the problem may be a disability: physical, learning and/or attentional. Your child may have difficulty in such areas as: hearing, seeing, reading, processing language, or writing, or she may have ADD or ADHD. If the problem is one of these, sometimes it is easy to resolve. For example, corrective glasses can easily resolve some seeing issues and behavioral therapy and/or possibly medication might help AD/HD, the newer term for the disorder. In many cases, consulting teachers, counselors, or specialists in the appropriate field, might be in order. Note: If you suspect AD/HD, a valuable resource is CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder organization). For information on the learning disability (LD) issue in general, contact the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA). 2. THE HOMEWORK IS TOO CONFUSING. When children chronically complain that assignments or directions are confusing, they are likely to become frustrated and/or anxious, eventually avoiding such assignments. Parents usually respond to these children by asking, "Weren't you listening?" Or "Just read the directions!" The children were listening or reading, but they may not have been able to process the information. In this case, the cause may be reading comprehension and/or language processing problems. You may need to seek the help of teachers or a learning specialist to help your child learn strategies she can use to overcome or compensate for her disability. For example, she may need to put the words into pictures or graphic organizers. Children who become confused due to problems with language processing, do better when they can see things visually. And, regardless of who is working with them, be sure they remain actively involved. Children (and adults too) are notorious for shaking their heads "yes" when asked "Do you understand?" even when they don't understand. Sometimes they are just yessing you and sometimes they think they understand. However, when you ask them to explain or discuss what you were just talking about, they realize that they really don’t understand. If neither of these areas are the cause of the problem, then you may need to investigate why your child continues to complain. If it turns out it is simply a ploy to get you to do the work with him, then you need to address the reason for that behavior. But wait – before you get annoyed, remember what it was like for you when you were a child. Homework isn't always fun, and sometimes it's nice to have a little company. Your child may simply want your company during homework time. Wow! How's that for the ultimate compliment? 3. THE HOMEWORK IS TOO LOW-QUALITY OR TOO BORING. Sometimes homework assignments are low-quality boring busywork and children will avoid them simply because they don't want to do them. Unfortunately, one of life's little lessons that children need to learn is that sometimes we simply have to do boring things. If, however, every assignment appears to be dull, too easy, or too low-quality, you may need to talk to your child's teacher to determine the purpose of the assignments. Many teachers do not realize how some of the assignments are coming across to the children; chances are they will appreciate the feedback and adjust the work as appropriate. 4. THE CHILD IS DISORGANIZED. He brings home the book and forgets the assignment. He brings home the assignment and forgets the book. Or he forgets the assignment and the book. Does this sound familiar? If so, it sounds like you've got yourself a disorganized child. The same is true for children who can’t judge time or can't manage their time. They may have the best intentions to get the homework done, but somehow it gets lost in their time-maze. It is so difficult for disorganized children to get their homework done that some of them would rather lie, insisting that there is no homework, than be criticized and punished. If poor organizational skills seems to be the issue, there are many books and articles that offer great strategies to help the disorganized child. See, for example, pp 123-127 in Why Bad Grades Happen to Good Kids. 5. THE HOMEWORK IS TOO INTRUSIVE. It's a fact; homework cuts into playtime. So what's the problem? The problem is that in some cases homework time creeps up to the point of consuming the home lives of the children and sometimes that of the family as well. Besides the obvious down side, this may be harmful to children's intellectual development. Their brains are developing and they need to use all parts, and good quality play provides opportunities to use the "far corners" of the brain that might otherwise remain fallow. So, it turns out that children need to play. Surprisingly, brain research indicates that occasional boredom is good, too, as it forces children to think of things to do — that is, to use their brains to create. So if homework time seems to have taken over your home, work out a schedule with your child so that he doesn't have to lie in order to play. 6. TOO MUCH PARENT INVOLVEMENT. Some parents are overly involved in their child's homework. Here are the three most common types, all of whom tend to drive their children toward lying and deception. If any of these describe you, then work to change your behavior. A. The "perfectionist parents." Perfectionists demand picture-perfect-homework. Their children hate to let them see their homework papers out of fear that they will judge the work unworthy, tear it up, and make them do it again. Besides being tedious and time demanding, in these extreme cases it is downright disrespectful of the child. B. The "helicopter parents." These parents hover over their children, making sure that every "t" is crossed and every "i" is dotted. They think they're being helpful, but here's the problem: By not giving their children any breathing room, they are delivering the tacit message that their children are not capable of doing the work themselves. Not only does this harm their self-esteem, but it also denies them the opportunity of taking responsibility for their own work. C. The "Pandora parents." The children of Pandora parents tend to deny the existence of any homework they don't understand because asking Mom or Dad even the simplest question is tantamount to opening Pandora's box. Their well-meaning parents can't contain their enthusiasm and turn what would ordinary require a short answer into a long-winded treatise on some esoteric detail. 7. THE CHILD IS UNMOTIVATED. Most children don't want to do homework. But while they may put up quite a fuss, somehow they manage to get the work done. If they don't, motivation may not be the problem; they may appear unmotivated, but this may be a convincing protective screen they've set up to mask a larger issue. For example, many children appear unmotivated when in fact they avoid homework to protect their egos. How's that? Because these children erroneously equate failure with stupidity. Their logic is as follows: If they try and fail, it is a reflection of their intelligence. If they don't try and fail, it is not a reflection of their intelligence; it is due to lack of motivation or irresponsibility. These labels they can live with; the label "stupid," they can't! 8. TOO MUCH HOMEWORK. Many kids simply cannot keep up with the projects, tests, quizzes, reading and other assignments they are given. Here is a general guide for the typical amount of time children should be expected to spend on homework each school day. Grades K-2, about 10-20 minutes. Grades 3-6, about 30-60 minutes. Grades 7-12 will vary considerably, depending on subjects, projects due, tests, etc., but a reasonable average is about two hours, with more on weekends, as needed, for major projects and exams. If your child spends considerably more than this on homework, look into the cause. Begin by having a conversation with the teacher. If the problem is class-wide, hopefully the teacher will make adjustments. If the problem is limited to your child because your child works slowly, or has other issues discussed in this section, talk to his teacher and see what can be done to modify his assignments. 9. IT'S TOO NOISY. Many kids complain that they can't concentrate at home. Their siblings are running around, TVs and music systems are blaring, someone's on the phone, people are fighting, the dog is barking, the baby is crying. I don't know about you, but I need quiet to do work that requires thinking. Closed bedroom doors don't help much, as the muffled sounds of chaos always manage to get through. Here is an idealistic solution. Even if it can't be carried out fully, at least it is something to aim for. As a family, consider designating a block of time as quiet time. Normal living continues, but more quietly than usual. Kids can use the time to do homework; parents can read, balance the checkbook, and write e-mails; those who have time to watch television can do so with headphones or the sound turned low. Sometimes quiet sounds pretty good, doesn't it? 10. THE CHILD IS TOO ALONE. Some children are lonely when required to do homework in their rooms, and don't work efficiently in that setting. Some need continuous support and direction. That is, they need someone to help them stay on task or to provide a little assistance when they get stuck. If required to work alone in their rooms, these are the kids who emerge three hours later with little or nothing accomplished. Both groups of children tend to prefer doing homework on the kitchen table. This way they have people around them, either for support or company. So, if homework causes chaos in your home, look into the reasons. Once you find them, and do what you need to resolve the problems, you'll be back on the road to school success and family harmony. (Originally published at the Strong Learning website and reprinted with permission of the authors, Linda Bress Silbert, Ph.D. and Alvin J. Silbert, Ed.D.)
About The Author
Linda Bress Silbert, Ph.D. and Alvin J. Silbert, Ed.D. are the founders/directors of STRONG Learning Centers in New York. They've written over 40 books and developed 20 phonics games for children of all ages. To learn more about the Silberts and the STRONG Method, visit their website http://www.oureducationalbooks.com. To subscribe to their free e-zine, send a blank email to: subscribe@StrongLearning.com.
by: Linda Bress Silbert, Ph.D. And Alvin J. Silbert, Ed.D
Is homework wreaking havoc in your home? If the answer is YES, then finding the real causes behind the homework problems, and taking steps to resolve them, will improve both school success and family harmony. How do we know? Homework is the single biggest issue affecting home life, according to many of the parents who bring their children to us at STRONG Learning Centers®. Here are the ten most common causes of homework problems, along with suggestions to help you resolve them. 1. THE HOMEWORK IS TOO DIFFICULT. If the homework is continuously too difficult, with everything that entails, then a child will try to avoid it. Look into the cause. Begin by having a conversation with the teacher. If the problem is class-wide, hopefully the teacher will evaluate and adjust the nature of his or her homework assignments. If the problem is limited to your child, she may require additional help from the teacher after school, from you, from a sibling, from a teenager you hire, or from a tutor. If this fails to resolve the issue, then a reevaluation of the type of class, or course level, or teaching vs. learning style, or school may be in order. On the other hand, the cause of the problem may be a disability: physical, learning and/or attentional. Your child may have difficulty in such areas as: hearing, seeing, reading, processing language, or writing, or she may have ADD or ADHD. If the problem is one of these, sometimes it is easy to resolve. For example, corrective glasses can easily resolve some seeing issues and behavioral therapy and/or possibly medication might help AD/HD, the newer term for the disorder. In many cases, consulting teachers, counselors, or specialists in the appropriate field, might be in order. Note: If you suspect AD/HD, a valuable resource is CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder organization). For information on the learning disability (LD) issue in general, contact the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA). 2. THE HOMEWORK IS TOO CONFUSING. When children chronically complain that assignments or directions are confusing, they are likely to become frustrated and/or anxious, eventually avoiding such assignments. Parents usually respond to these children by asking, "Weren't you listening?" Or "Just read the directions!" The children were listening or reading, but they may not have been able to process the information. In this case, the cause may be reading comprehension and/or language processing problems. You may need to seek the help of teachers or a learning specialist to help your child learn strategies she can use to overcome or compensate for her disability. For example, she may need to put the words into pictures or graphic organizers. Children who become confused due to problems with language processing, do better when they can see things visually. And, regardless of who is working with them, be sure they remain actively involved. Children (and adults too) are notorious for shaking their heads "yes" when asked "Do you understand?" even when they don't understand. Sometimes they are just yessing you and sometimes they think they understand. However, when you ask them to explain or discuss what you were just talking about, they realize that they really don’t understand. If neither of these areas are the cause of the problem, then you may need to investigate why your child continues to complain. If it turns out it is simply a ploy to get you to do the work with him, then you need to address the reason for that behavior. But wait – before you get annoyed, remember what it was like for you when you were a child. Homework isn't always fun, and sometimes it's nice to have a little company. Your child may simply want your company during homework time. Wow! How's that for the ultimate compliment? 3. THE HOMEWORK IS TOO LOW-QUALITY OR TOO BORING. Sometimes homework assignments are low-quality boring busywork and children will avoid them simply because they don't want to do them. Unfortunately, one of life's little lessons that children need to learn is that sometimes we simply have to do boring things. If, however, every assignment appears to be dull, too easy, or too low-quality, you may need to talk to your child's teacher to determine the purpose of the assignments. Many teachers do not realize how some of the assignments are coming across to the children; chances are they will appreciate the feedback and adjust the work as appropriate. 4. THE CHILD IS DISORGANIZED. He brings home the book and forgets the assignment. He brings home the assignment and forgets the book. Or he forgets the assignment and the book. Does this sound familiar? If so, it sounds like you've got yourself a disorganized child. The same is true for children who can’t judge time or can't manage their time. They may have the best intentions to get the homework done, but somehow it gets lost in their time-maze. It is so difficult for disorganized children to get their homework done that some of them would rather lie, insisting that there is no homework, than be criticized and punished. If poor organizational skills seems to be the issue, there are many books and articles that offer great strategies to help the disorganized child. See, for example, pp 123-127 in Why Bad Grades Happen to Good Kids. 5. THE HOMEWORK IS TOO INTRUSIVE. It's a fact; homework cuts into playtime. So what's the problem? The problem is that in some cases homework time creeps up to the point of consuming the home lives of the children and sometimes that of the family as well. Besides the obvious down side, this may be harmful to children's intellectual development. Their brains are developing and they need to use all parts, and good quality play provides opportunities to use the "far corners" of the brain that might otherwise remain fallow. So, it turns out that children need to play. Surprisingly, brain research indicates that occasional boredom is good, too, as it forces children to think of things to do — that is, to use their brains to create. So if homework time seems to have taken over your home, work out a schedule with your child so that he doesn't have to lie in order to play. 6. TOO MUCH PARENT INVOLVEMENT. Some parents are overly involved in their child's homework. Here are the three most common types, all of whom tend to drive their children toward lying and deception. If any of these describe you, then work to change your behavior. A. The "perfectionist parents." Perfectionists demand picture-perfect-homework. Their children hate to let them see their homework papers out of fear that they will judge the work unworthy, tear it up, and make them do it again. Besides being tedious and time demanding, in these extreme cases it is downright disrespectful of the child. B. The "helicopter parents." These parents hover over their children, making sure that every "t" is crossed and every "i" is dotted. They think they're being helpful, but here's the problem: By not giving their children any breathing room, they are delivering the tacit message that their children are not capable of doing the work themselves. Not only does this harm their self-esteem, but it also denies them the opportunity of taking responsibility for their own work. C. The "Pandora parents." The children of Pandora parents tend to deny the existence of any homework they don't understand because asking Mom or Dad even the simplest question is tantamount to opening Pandora's box. Their well-meaning parents can't contain their enthusiasm and turn what would ordinary require a short answer into a long-winded treatise on some esoteric detail. 7. THE CHILD IS UNMOTIVATED. Most children don't want to do homework. But while they may put up quite a fuss, somehow they manage to get the work done. If they don't, motivation may not be the problem; they may appear unmotivated, but this may be a convincing protective screen they've set up to mask a larger issue. For example, many children appear unmotivated when in fact they avoid homework to protect their egos. How's that? Because these children erroneously equate failure with stupidity. Their logic is as follows: If they try and fail, it is a reflection of their intelligence. If they don't try and fail, it is not a reflection of their intelligence; it is due to lack of motivation or irresponsibility. These labels they can live with; the label "stupid," they can't! 8. TOO MUCH HOMEWORK. Many kids simply cannot keep up with the projects, tests, quizzes, reading and other assignments they are given. Here is a general guide for the typical amount of time children should be expected to spend on homework each school day. Grades K-2, about 10-20 minutes. Grades 3-6, about 30-60 minutes. Grades 7-12 will vary considerably, depending on subjects, projects due, tests, etc., but a reasonable average is about two hours, with more on weekends, as needed, for major projects and exams. If your child spends considerably more than this on homework, look into the cause. Begin by having a conversation with the teacher. If the problem is class-wide, hopefully the teacher will make adjustments. If the problem is limited to your child because your child works slowly, or has other issues discussed in this section, talk to his teacher and see what can be done to modify his assignments. 9. IT'S TOO NOISY. Many kids complain that they can't concentrate at home. Their siblings are running around, TVs and music systems are blaring, someone's on the phone, people are fighting, the dog is barking, the baby is crying. I don't know about you, but I need quiet to do work that requires thinking. Closed bedroom doors don't help much, as the muffled sounds of chaos always manage to get through. Here is an idealistic solution. Even if it can't be carried out fully, at least it is something to aim for. As a family, consider designating a block of time as quiet time. Normal living continues, but more quietly than usual. Kids can use the time to do homework; parents can read, balance the checkbook, and write e-mails; those who have time to watch television can do so with headphones or the sound turned low. Sometimes quiet sounds pretty good, doesn't it? 10. THE CHILD IS TOO ALONE. Some children are lonely when required to do homework in their rooms, and don't work efficiently in that setting. Some need continuous support and direction. That is, they need someone to help them stay on task or to provide a little assistance when they get stuck. If required to work alone in their rooms, these are the kids who emerge three hours later with little or nothing accomplished. Both groups of children tend to prefer doing homework on the kitchen table. This way they have people around them, either for support or company. So, if homework causes chaos in your home, look into the reasons. Once you find them, and do what you need to resolve the problems, you'll be back on the road to school success and family harmony. (Originally published at the Strong Learning website and reprinted with permission of the authors, Linda Bress Silbert, Ph.D. and Alvin J. Silbert, Ed.D.)
About The Author
Linda Bress Silbert, Ph.D. and Alvin J. Silbert, Ed.D. are the founders/directors of STRONG Learning Centers in New York. They've written over 40 books and developed 20 phonics games for children of all ages. To learn more about the Silberts and the STRONG Method, visit their website http://www.oureducationalbooks.com. To subscribe to their free e-zine, send a blank email to: subscribe@StrongLearning.com.
Customer Service Is Dead In Britain
Customer Service Is Dead In Britain!
A Working Man's View So What? Who cares? What is Customer Service? What are the repercussions? What does it represent? Who are the culprits? What can be done about it? Dear Reader, I've had enough. After being brought to the point of anger where profanity would've been my next utterance, I've decided to 'vent my spleen' in this article, highlighting the cause & effect the breakdown of quality customer service is having on our society. I'm sure if you've ever had a bad experience with customer service, you will appreciate some of the points and suggestions I make in this article. Before I begin, let us first establish what is 'good' & 'bad' customer service. WHAT IS GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE? To be greeted politely with eye contact & a pleasant countenance; To be spoken to with a clear, even, tone. Always ready to listen than assume; Always prepared to provide assistance. Ensuring the customer is never kept waiting unnecessarily. Ensuring your attitude is geared to assistance & understanding; Providing unknown but helpful advice to the customer; Delivering/responding on time. WHAT IS BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE? Intolerably long queues/idle staff; Calls not answered within 2 minutes. To be put on hold for more than 3-5 minutes; Following call-scripts instead of listening to the customer's problem; Late or no arrival of delivery with no explanation; Unexplained & unwarranted blocks on credit/debit cards; Unjustified high service charges or penalties by financial institutions; Misinformation causing expense to customer; Poor workmanship; Sour, cynical, unhelpful attitudes; Overcharging/hidden charges; Withholding useful/valuable information; Inadequately trained staff. WHO ARE THE MAIN CULPRITS? Mainly Banks, Supermarkets, Home Shopping Centres, Mobile Phone Companies, Mechanics, Fast Food outlets, Service engineers - plumbers, gas fitters etc. Virtually any large institution is, but not exclusively, a culprit of bad service. WHO CARES? We are in a time where a majority of people are in debt and we are in debt to the very major institutions that provide poor service. If I'm going to spend my hard earned money with you and possibly add to my debt, the very least I can expect is to get what I pay for without fuss, rudeness and with value for money. It's as if these institutions think "you or someone else is going to spend your money with us anyway, so why should we bother about customer service? - You'll be back!" Banks, Home Shopping Centres et al We all lead busy lives where time is of the essence, yet the queues in Banks etc. get longer & longer. It is not unusual now for someone to spend 45 minutes of their lunch hour waiting to be served in a bank. There have been numerous times when I've had to ask a member of staff to open another till to alleviate the queuing - why couldn't they do this of their own accord? Why did it need me to point out the obvious? This is indicative of the attitude business has towards their customers. By the way, you are legitimately allowed to ask a member of staff or management at any venue or outlet to open another till & start serving customers if it's obvious the queues are too much for the member/members of staff currently serving. WHY ARE THEY GETTING AWAY WITH THIS? We are in a time where government is increasingly forcing us to 'accept our lot' in life; 'SHUT UP, BE HAPPY'! (To prove my point I could expand here into 'Game Theory', 'Negative Freedom' and our budding totalitarian state, but I'll leave that for a future article!). Add to this the 'sheep' & 'don't make waves' mentality of the British and you have a nation that is ripe for arrogant, sloppy business practices. >If we can't be bothered to take action, they don't need to respond. The irony is that under the present political climate it is assumed by government and the captains of industry that what we buy is a true representation of our wants & needs and therefore a true representation of democracy. Yet we fail to see the power that belief gives us, the consumer. No matter how much small print and word trickery is invested into an organisation's Terms & Conditions, we are still protected under Consumer Law which has been strengthened considerably over the past decade. HOW DID THESE PRACTICES SEEP INTO OUR NATION? I would like to suggest a number of possible factors: One factor is the Americanisation of Britain - our government taking existing American policies and tailoring them to suit the British economy - that was started under the Thatcher era, and continued with fervour under the Blair government. Anyone who's visited the West Coast of America frequently like I have will know that 'service with a smile' is not a standard approach, be it from a public servant or an average serving citizen. The "Time Is Money" principle is applied with fervour. A second factor is the practice of globalisation. We are in a world where foreign companies can own any company in any country, even if it's considered to be a major culturally important institution of that country. Successive British governments from the Thatcher era onwards have made it clear that anyone willing to invest is welcome & ensure our virtually non-existent union laws make this country a viable prospect. Add to this the fact that a company residing in Britain may have a telephony service in India and a production factory in South-East Asia, and you can see how loyalty to an ideal can be become a passing thought. A third factor is technology. The advent of automated lines, email & text communications, in addition to internet shopping, is creating a nation where person-to-person communication is rarely practised, therefore there is less patience when performing the art of speech. Pitch, Inflection, Courtesy, Tone, Understanding, Rate & Enunciability are fast becoming a quaint approach to communicating. A fourth factor is immigration. With a large influx of people from all over the globe, the importance of good customer service in this nation needs to be highlighted when you have people from Australia to Zaire whom haven't been raised with the British shopkeeper mentality & may have been brought up to believe that getting the job done is good enough. It isn't. A fifth factor is staff consideration - which may range from poor pay to poor working practices to poor working environment. Good pay is not enough to motivate staff; almost every employee survey carried out on job satisfaction puts pay 3rd as the most important requirement for an employee. Giving an employee a sense of worth goes a long way to a happy workforce - although this needs to come from the employee as well; if money is the only motivation to work and nothing else, make sure you never deal with customers. Go and work on a production line somewhere - we don't have to deal with your lack of ambition or self-worth. Taking pride in whatever you do goes a long way to affecting your approach to a task. HOW WOULD THIS AFFECT CUSTOMER SERVICE IN BRITAIN? Policies can direct and shape a culture. Policies shape the decisions of what products will or will not be available; how they will be available; how much they cost. These in turn will shape our buying and shopping habits. This in turn will help to shape attitudes and practices throughout society. Modern day communications have made vast savings for big business; the trade off of unhappy customers as a result seems to be worthwhile in their eyes. Britains reputation and culture was built on its customer service. The nation continues to trade on that reputation from being the first called to provide UN relief to being the first contacted to train police forces of the developing nations. The British workforce used to think it a grave slight on their character if they were accused of bad service. Now, in the event of a complaint, the manager pretends indignation in front of the customer and ridicules their 'pettiness' behind their back. "The Customer Is Always Right" is from a bygone age. WHAT ARE THE REPERCUSSIONS? The repercussions are already being felt. The increase in these no-win, no-fee companies is a testament to that. The second stage is the unpleasant aspect of public servants being attacked, verbally or otherwise. Indeed, were the figures for physical assault on public servants and shop assistants to be measured over the past 20 years, I'm guessing they would show a sharp increase. The third stage - which has already begun - is when customers start taking individual action in small claims courts when they are not happy with the conclusion of a complaint to a Customer Services Dept. Increased, continuous litigation on big business cannot be a good thing for a company in terms of cost and man hours. WHAT CAN BUSINESSES DO? Branch Services -Any organisation that makes sure customers are not queuing for more than 5 minutes per customer will see their volume of visits triple. -Make sure there are never more than 5 customers per till person. -Make sure that whatever your staffs is doing - no matter how important & time sensitive they think it is - as soon as a long queue has developed, get them on the tills or assisting to clear the queue. -Even if customers are still queuing for some time, they will appreciate the attempt and the importance you place on their custom. -If there are processes & procedures that have to be performed throughout a business day, there should be a flexible contingency method that enables the staff member to help clear long queues then get back to their procedural matters or conclude them in a quiet period. -Any branch of any business that takes the above stance will see their volume of customers increase. Telephony Services -Ensure the option to talk to an actual person is on the 1st list of menu options offered. -Teach your staff to actually listen to the problem. -Teach your staff not to be menu-driven when giving support. -Ensure the Reduction of waiting times is a constant priority. -Design the menu options you offer from the customer's point of view. WHAT CAN CUSTOMERS DO? Vote with your feet! & COMPLAIN! COMPLAIN! COMPLAIN! When making a telephone call, have a piece of paper and pen ready. Always seek the name & job title of the person you're speaking to and write it down. Ask to speak to/see the manager or senior member to make a verbal complaint. If that fails, seek the name of their customer services manager - they have to give to you. Seek the address of the customer services department for complaints - it may be different than their standard customer service dept. Find out the email address of the person or department you need to speak to. Write to the relevant person. In these instances the pen is truly mightier than the sword. Send letters recorded delivery. Someone has to sign for it. Organisations still have to reply to a written letter by law. Go to http://www.parkingletters.co.uk/ click on "Useful Links" and you will see links and information on a number of organisations who provide invaluable help in this area. WHAT WOULD I LIKE TO SEE? The Present Customers to respond to bad service with their feet. Don't go back. If it's a chain store, don't visit that branch; better still, the whole chain. If we can't be bothered to take action, they don't need to respond. The Future? -A website database where a customer enters the place of business, the person who served them, their own name and a contact no. -A list of the good and bad accessible to all. -Management of respective business presented with a daily/weekly/monthly list of complaints to resolve. Their response monitored. -Highlight bad/good Company of the week/month. -Arrange boycott of bad company/branch through their respective local press. Promote good company/branch. BIG BUSINESS BEWARE, WE THE CONSUMER HAVE HAD ENOUGH!!
About The Author
This article has been brought to you by Mark Robinson, the owner and leading correspondence specialist at http://www.parkingletters.co.uk/ If you have any comments or suggestions concerning this article, please use the contact form on our website above. Alternatively you may email Mark at parking@marincor.plus.com. Customer Service Is Dead In Britain!
A Working Man's View So What? Who cares? What is Customer Service? What are the repercussions? What does it represent? Who are the culprits? What can be done about it? Dear Reader, I've had enough. After being brought to the point of anger where profanity would've been my next utterance, I've decided to 'vent my spleen' in this article, highlighting the cause & effect the breakdown of quality customer service is having on our society. I'm sure if you've ever had a bad experience with customer service, you will appreciate some of the points and suggestions I make in this article. Before I begin, let us first establish what is 'good' & 'bad' customer service. WHAT IS GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE? To be greeted politely with eye contact & a pleasant countenance; To be spoken to with a clear, even, tone. Always ready to listen than assume; Always prepared to provide assistance. Ensuring the customer is never kept waiting unnecessarily. Ensuring your attitude is geared to assistance & understanding; Providing unknown but helpful advice to the customer; Delivering/responding on time. WHAT IS BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE? Intolerably long queues/idle staff; Calls not answered within 2 minutes. To be put on hold for more than 3-5 minutes; Following call-scripts instead of listening to the customer's problem; Late or no arrival of delivery with no explanation; Unexplained & unwarranted blocks on credit/debit cards; Unjustified high service charges or penalties by financial institutions; Misinformation causing expense to customer; Poor workmanship; Sour, cynical, unhelpful attitudes; Overcharging/hidden charges; Withholding useful/valuable information; Inadequately trained staff. WHO ARE THE MAIN CULPRITS? Mainly Banks, Supermarkets, Home Shopping Centres, Mobile Phone Companies, Mechanics, Fast Food outlets, Service engineers - plumbers, gas fitters etc. Virtually any large institution is, but not exclusively, a culprit of bad service. WHO CARES? We are in a time where a majority of people are in debt and we are in debt to the very major institutions that provide poor service. If I'm going to spend my hard earned money with you and possibly add to my debt, the very least I can expect is to get what I pay for without fuss, rudeness and with value for money. It's as if these institutions think "you or someone else is going to spend your money with us anyway, so why should we bother about customer service? - You'll be back!" Banks, Home Shopping Centres et al We all lead busy lives where time is of the essence, yet the queues in Banks etc. get longer & longer. It is not unusual now for someone to spend 45 minutes of their lunch hour waiting to be served in a bank. There have been numerous times when I've had to ask a member of staff to open another till to alleviate the queuing - why couldn't they do this of their own accord? Why did it need me to point out the obvious? This is indicative of the attitude business has towards their customers. By the way, you are legitimately allowed to ask a member of staff or management at any venue or outlet to open another till & start serving customers if it's obvious the queues are too much for the member/members of staff currently serving. WHY ARE THEY GETTING AWAY WITH THIS? We are in a time where government is increasingly forcing us to 'accept our lot' in life; 'SHUT UP, BE HAPPY'! (To prove my point I could expand here into 'Game Theory', 'Negative Freedom' and our budding totalitarian state, but I'll leave that for a future article!). Add to this the 'sheep' & 'don't make waves' mentality of the British and you have a nation that is ripe for arrogant, sloppy business practices. >If we can't be bothered to take action, they don't need to respond. The irony is that under the present political climate it is assumed by government and the captains of industry that what we buy is a true representation of our wants & needs and therefore a true representation of democracy. Yet we fail to see the power that belief gives us, the consumer. No matter how much small print and word trickery is invested into an organisation's Terms & Conditions, we are still protected under Consumer Law which has been strengthened considerably over the past decade. HOW DID THESE PRACTICES SEEP INTO OUR NATION? I would like to suggest a number of possible factors: One factor is the Americanisation of Britain - our government taking existing American policies and tailoring them to suit the British economy - that was started under the Thatcher era, and continued with fervour under the Blair government. Anyone who's visited the West Coast of America frequently like I have will know that 'service with a smile' is not a standard approach, be it from a public servant or an average serving citizen. The "Time Is Money" principle is applied with fervour. A second factor is the practice of globalisation. We are in a world where foreign companies can own any company in any country, even if it's considered to be a major culturally important institution of that country. Successive British governments from the Thatcher era onwards have made it clear that anyone willing to invest is welcome & ensure our virtually non-existent union laws make this country a viable prospect. Add to this the fact that a company residing in Britain may have a telephony service in India and a production factory in South-East Asia, and you can see how loyalty to an ideal can be become a passing thought. A third factor is technology. The advent of automated lines, email & text communications, in addition to internet shopping, is creating a nation where person-to-person communication is rarely practised, therefore there is less patience when performing the art of speech. Pitch, Inflection, Courtesy, Tone, Understanding, Rate & Enunciability are fast becoming a quaint approach to communicating. A fourth factor is immigration. With a large influx of people from all over the globe, the importance of good customer service in this nation needs to be highlighted when you have people from Australia to Zaire whom haven't been raised with the British shopkeeper mentality & may have been brought up to believe that getting the job done is good enough. It isn't. A fifth factor is staff consideration - which may range from poor pay to poor working practices to poor working environment. Good pay is not enough to motivate staff; almost every employee survey carried out on job satisfaction puts pay 3rd as the most important requirement for an employee. Giving an employee a sense of worth goes a long way to a happy workforce - although this needs to come from the employee as well; if money is the only motivation to work and nothing else, make sure you never deal with customers. Go and work on a production line somewhere - we don't have to deal with your lack of ambition or self-worth. Taking pride in whatever you do goes a long way to affecting your approach to a task. HOW WOULD THIS AFFECT CUSTOMER SERVICE IN BRITAIN? Policies can direct and shape a culture. Policies shape the decisions of what products will or will not be available; how they will be available; how much they cost. These in turn will shape our buying and shopping habits. This in turn will help to shape attitudes and practices throughout society. Modern day communications have made vast savings for big business; the trade off of unhappy customers as a result seems to be worthwhile in their eyes. Britains reputation and culture was built on its customer service. The nation continues to trade on that reputation from being the first called to provide UN relief to being the first contacted to train police forces of the developing nations. The British workforce used to think it a grave slight on their character if they were accused of bad service. Now, in the event of a complaint, the manager pretends indignation in front of the customer and ridicules their 'pettiness' behind their back. "The Customer Is Always Right" is from a bygone age. WHAT ARE THE REPERCUSSIONS? The repercussions are already being felt. The increase in these no-win, no-fee companies is a testament to that. The second stage is the unpleasant aspect of public servants being attacked, verbally or otherwise. Indeed, were the figures for physical assault on public servants and shop assistants to be measured over the past 20 years, I'm guessing they would show a sharp increase. The third stage - which has already begun - is when customers start taking individual action in small claims courts when they are not happy with the conclusion of a complaint to a Customer Services Dept. Increased, continuous litigation on big business cannot be a good thing for a company in terms of cost and man hours. WHAT CAN BUSINESSES DO? Branch Services -Any organisation that makes sure customers are not queuing for more than 5 minutes per customer will see their volume of visits triple. -Make sure there are never more than 5 customers per till person. -Make sure that whatever your staffs is doing - no matter how important & time sensitive they think it is - as soon as a long queue has developed, get them on the tills or assisting to clear the queue. -Even if customers are still queuing for some time, they will appreciate the attempt and the importance you place on their custom. -If there are processes & procedures that have to be performed throughout a business day, there should be a flexible contingency method that enables the staff member to help clear long queues then get back to their procedural matters or conclude them in a quiet period. -Any branch of any business that takes the above stance will see their volume of customers increase. Telephony Services -Ensure the option to talk to an actual person is on the 1st list of menu options offered. -Teach your staff to actually listen to the problem. -Teach your staff not to be menu-driven when giving support. -Ensure the Reduction of waiting times is a constant priority. -Design the menu options you offer from the customer's point of view. WHAT CAN CUSTOMERS DO? Vote with your feet! & COMPLAIN! COMPLAIN! COMPLAIN! When making a telephone call, have a piece of paper and pen ready. Always seek the name & job title of the person you're speaking to and write it down. Ask to speak to/see the manager or senior member to make a verbal complaint. If that fails, seek the name of their customer services manager - they have to give to you. Seek the address of the customer services department for complaints - it may be different than their standard customer service dept. Find out the email address of the person or department you need to speak to. Write to the relevant person. In these instances the pen is truly mightier than the sword. Send letters recorded delivery. Someone has to sign for it. Organisations still have to reply to a written letter by law. Go to http://www.parkingletters.co.uk/ click on "Useful Links" and you will see links and information on a number of organisations who provide invaluable help in this area. WHAT WOULD I LIKE TO SEE? The Present Customers to respond to bad service with their feet. Don't go back. If it's a chain store, don't visit that branch; better still, the whole chain. If we can't be bothered to take action, they don't need to respond. The Future? -A website database where a customer enters the place of business, the person who served them, their own name and a contact no. -A list of the good and bad accessible to all. -Management of respective business presented with a daily/weekly/monthly list of complaints to resolve. Their response monitored. -Highlight bad/good Company of the week/month. -Arrange boycott of bad company/branch through their respective local press. Promote good company/branch. BIG BUSINESS BEWARE, WE THE CONSUMER HAVE HAD ENOUGH!!
About The Author
This article has been brought to you by Mark Robinson, the owner and leading correspondence specialist at http://www.parkingletters.co.uk/ If you have any comments or suggestions concerning this article, please use the contact form on our website above. Alternatively you may email Mark at parking@marincor.plus.com. Customer Service Is Dead In Britain!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Online schools clicking with students
Online schools clicking with students
Flexibility, technology key to e-learning
By Greg BotelhoCNN
Friday, August 13, 2004 Posted: 9:35 AM EDT (1335 GMT)
(CNN) -- With your pajamas snug, your feet clad in bunny slippers, and a tub of ice cream on the desk, your computer glows in front of you. The clock reads 2 a.m.
In other words, time for class.
This isn't a dream, but a reality for hundreds of thousands of students. Although brick-and-mortar institutions still dominate the educational landscape, a new form of schooling -- called online or e-learning -- has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years.
The Peak Group, an education technology research and consulting firm, expects that more than 1 million students will take advantage of "virtual schools" this school year. Another research firm, Eduventures, predicted the online distance learning market will grow more than 38 percent in 2004, taking in $5.1 billion in revenue.
"In the last five years, the acceleration has been amazing," said Billie Wahlstrom, a vice provost on technology issues at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. "If you look at these things longitudinally, the curve is moving to the vertical."
The movement has taken hold particularly in higher education, where 90 percent of four-year public schools and more than half of four-year private schools offer some form of online education, according to the United States Distance Learning Association.
"The question that you have to ask is not who is offering distance learning, but who isn't," said USDLA Executive Director John G. Flores.
Learning anytime, anywhere
For Janet Farmer, class runs from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., or whenever else she finds time away from working her full-time job at Hewlett-Packard and raising her three children.
"There's absolutely no way that I'd sacrifice my children's emotional and mental well-being to participate in a traditional educational setting," said Farmer, who is eight courses shy of earning a bachelor's degree in business/management at the University of Phoenix, which bills itself as the nation's largest private university.
"It's not for everyone. You have to be determined to do it; you have to do it because it's important to you."
Farmer studies with international and elderly students, troops, even fishermen logging on from offshore. A statistical analysis of the school's approximately 110,000 online students -- just more than half its total student body -- shows a profile much like her: working, married women in their 30s or 40s, who are reimbursed by employers and looking to boost their career prospects.
"If it doesn't lead to a particular position or help them do a current job, it's not necessarily worthy of the time," said University of Phoenix President Laura Palmer Noone. "The major issue is not money, it's time. The biggest difficulties are when life gets in the way."
Prospective students have endless opportunities to learn online, whether it is for career or personal reasons. The Web abounds with credentialed degree programs featuring courses on a wide variety of subjects, such as criminal justice, psychology, nursing and education.
Many such programs have both brick-and-mortar and virtual campuses. The University of Phoenix, with 151 learning centers in 31 states, heads a list of "for-profit" schools focused on e-learning.
"The for-profits that are increasing their market share are market-driven and not caught up in the bureaucracy you see at many nonprofit universities," Flores said. "They have the means and wherewithal to be a very formidable alternative ... As a result, they raise the bar."
"Historically, higher education has taken a one-size-fits-all mentality: That if you want to get a degree, you must leave town, stop working, live in a dorm," Noone said. "But we are way past that. We have to be engaged in lifelong learning, especially if our society is to compete globally."
Embracing the medium
Online instructors say they embrace technology not just to reach those who otherwise may not be able to take classes, but also to engage students.
Historically, higher education has taken a one-size-fits-all mentality: That if you want to get a degree, you must leave town, stop working, live in a dorm. But we are way past that.
-- University of Phoenix President Laura Palmer Noone
That sentiment and an appreciation for reality shows like MTV's "The Real World" spurred University of Massachusetts Professor Jim Theroux to experiment with his business classes for undergraduate and MBA students.
After years teaching "case studies" -- real and embellished examples of business problems -- he planted a writer inside a company to sift through reports, interview employees and set up chats and videoconferences as students tackled a new, real-time problem each week.
"Most distance learning classes are just regular classes put on the Web," said Theroux, referring to professors who post syllabi, discussion questions, images and more online. "But this could not have been done before the Web."
The approach gave students an inside look at a company in a way no other class did, said Keith Richardson, who attended one such class and later assisted Theroux in another.
"Students appreciated the connectivity of getting to know the players," he said. "We began to feel as if we were a part of the company, and the solution to their problems."
Administrators say they must juggle the desire to embrace new technology with the need to keep costs down, especially given the precarious nature of state and federal aid.
"We have to really stay alert as to what's available, but we can't make premature decisions," Wahlstrom said. "We're not after getting what's cool, although it's a nice bonus."
K-12 options
Graduate and college students aren't the only ones using online learning.
Nationwide, about 25 percent of K-12 public schools offer some form of e-learning for students and teachers, according to Education Week. And Eduventures says the market for such curriculum materials should grow 10 percent this year.
Although some programs allow students to earn a high school diploma entirely online, in most cases students take cyber classes to supplement or complement their education.
An online assignment for art history at the Florida Virtual School combines diagrams, photos and instruction.
"Students come to us to fill gaps [and] meet needs not met in their own schools, because the school doesn't have the course they need, there's a scheduling conflict or they need to make up a credit," said Florida Virtual School CEO Julie Young, noting that more than 97 percent of her cyber school's students take one or two classes.
The Bush administration has endorsed such virtual schools as a legitimate way for school districts to satisfy one key aspect of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires giving students options if their school is deemed underperforming.
E-learning supporters laud the method as an opportunity for people of all races, ethnicities, ages and nationalities to attend quality classes. Minorities make up 30 percent of Florida Virtual School's enrollment, for instance, and 39 percent of the University of Phoenix's students are "nonwhite," according to data provided by both schools.
"That's the best part: Age and those other things don't matter," said University of Minnesota e-student Patricia Welde, who noted that 11 of her 12 online classes involved group projects. "You work with all types of people, [and] you're all there to learn."
"You are not bounded by time or geography," Noone said. "People aren't going to judge you by anything but the quality of your ideas. It's highly democratic."
Room for everyone
Some educators criticize virtual schools, especially "for-profits," saying they drain resources and students from schools embedded in their communities.
"You'll see the nonprofits raising their eyebrows -- it's them versus us -- but I think there is room for everyone to be successful," Flores said. "Students will want to go away to college and have that experience no matter what."
And it isn't easy for virtual programs, either, Noone said. Many schools "rushed in," hoping e-learning programs would reap revenues without the expenses of maintaining a brick-and-mortar institution.
"But to build infrastructure and support students is expensive," she said.
Students also invest time and efforts in online classes, which may be harder than traditional ones, said Jane Hancock of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' continuing education program.
"The student has the advantage of flexibility, but that's not necessarily easier than coming to a classroom," said Hancock, program director for distance learning. "You must be more responsible for your own studies, and disciplined."
With high school, and likely university, enrollments expected to rise in the coming years, Noone predicted "huge growth potential across the entire higher education spectrum."
"It's important for students to realize that lots of options are available," she said. "And it's the quality of the academic experience that will make a program successful. The students we deal with are far too sophisticated to be simply buying a piece of paper for a degree."
http://www.cnn.com/2004/EDUCATION/08/13/b2s.elearning/index.html
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
FamilyEducation.com, Online Publisher of Parenting Advice and Family Guidance, Appoints New Editorial Director
FamilyEducation.com, Online Publisher of Parenting Advice and Family Guidance, Appoints New Editorial Director
Parenting Advice and Family Web Site Offers Practical Guidance, Learning-Based Activities and Games for Children
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FamilyEducation (www.FamilyEducation.com), a leading resource on the Internet for parents, announced today that Meghan Gocke is the Web site's new editorial director. Formerly FamilyEducation's managing editor, Gocke brings nearly 10 years of online editorial experience to her new position.
With Meghan's deep understanding of online publishing for parents and her proven publishing success, FamilyEducation will continue to grow and thrive as the first place parents turn to for family information," said Jess Brallier, publisher. "She has a strong vision of how to reach parents online with practical guidance and resources that help them raise happy, healthy children."
Prior to joining FamilyEducation, Gocke served as associate editor of Time Inc.'s parenting Web sites, ParentTime.com and Parenting.com. She will be based in FamilyEducation's Boston office.
The first family and parenting advice site on the Internet, FamilyEducation launched more than a decade ago and today is the Internet's most visited site for parents who are involved, committed and responsive to their families' needs. In 2007, FamilyEducation's audience continues to grow, with page views for April increasing nearly 100 percent over last year.
FamilyEducation offers tips on raising a child; strategies for getting involved in children's learning; fun and entertaining activities for babies and toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children; online learning-based educational games, as well as family-friendly advice on everything from dieting tips for parents, such as healthy breakfast ideas and teen nutrition, to picking the right family pet.
About FamilyEducation
FamilyEducation (www.FamilyEducation.com) is the leading online publisher of practical parenting guidance, expert family advice, printables, skill-building exercises and activities for children. FamilyEducation.com is dedicated to educating parents and parents-to-be so they can raise healthy, educated and well-rounded children.
FamilyEducation is a business of Pearson Education, the world's largest integrated education company, which in turn is part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO - News), the international media company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
Contact:L. Wolfe Communications
Lisa Wolfe, 773-325-9935
lwolfe@lwolfe.com
Source: FamilyEducation
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070522/20070522005259.html?.v=1
Parenting Advice and Family Web Site Offers Practical Guidance, Learning-Based Activities and Games for Children
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FamilyEducation (www.FamilyEducation.com), a leading resource on the Internet for parents, announced today that Meghan Gocke is the Web site's new editorial director. Formerly FamilyEducation's managing editor, Gocke brings nearly 10 years of online editorial experience to her new position.
With Meghan's deep understanding of online publishing for parents and her proven publishing success, FamilyEducation will continue to grow and thrive as the first place parents turn to for family information," said Jess Brallier, publisher. "She has a strong vision of how to reach parents online with practical guidance and resources that help them raise happy, healthy children."
Prior to joining FamilyEducation, Gocke served as associate editor of Time Inc.'s parenting Web sites, ParentTime.com and Parenting.com. She will be based in FamilyEducation's Boston office.
The first family and parenting advice site on the Internet, FamilyEducation launched more than a decade ago and today is the Internet's most visited site for parents who are involved, committed and responsive to their families' needs. In 2007, FamilyEducation's audience continues to grow, with page views for April increasing nearly 100 percent over last year.
FamilyEducation offers tips on raising a child; strategies for getting involved in children's learning; fun and entertaining activities for babies and toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children; online learning-based educational games, as well as family-friendly advice on everything from dieting tips for parents, such as healthy breakfast ideas and teen nutrition, to picking the right family pet.
About FamilyEducation
FamilyEducation (www.FamilyEducation.com) is the leading online publisher of practical parenting guidance, expert family advice, printables, skill-building exercises and activities for children. FamilyEducation.com is dedicated to educating parents and parents-to-be so they can raise healthy, educated and well-rounded children.
FamilyEducation is a business of Pearson Education, the world's largest integrated education company, which in turn is part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO - News), the international media company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.
Contact:L. Wolfe Communications
Lisa Wolfe, 773-325-9935
lwolfe@lwolfe.com
Source: FamilyEducation
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070522/20070522005259.html?.v=1
422 Group Expands Online Forms Capability
422 Group Expands Online Forms Capability
New Features Provide Colleges with More Flexible Data Collection Options and Ways to Easily Integrate Forms Data into Existing Campus Systems
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--422 Group, an Atlanta-based technology company focused on relationship management within higher education has expanded its relationship management capabilities to include more robust online data collection forms. The forms provide additional user management tools, additional item configuration options, flexible data export packages and e-commerce capability.
"Collecting student data through your Web site is an essential part of the relationship-building process," said Doug Wofford, President & CEO of 422 Group. "Our new forms can easily be embedded into a college site to support recruitment, admission and course registration processes."
Online forms from 422 Group now include user authentication, application fee processing, options for full or partial data transfer, a forms-administrator dashboard, automated e-mail confirmation messaging, and data exports formatted for systems from PeopleSoft®, Sungard® and the College Board. Additionally, College Board Recruitment PLUS(TM) clients hosted by 422 Group will also enjoy the benefit of automated data transfer of completed admission applications directly into Recruitment PLUS.
"Our forms provide a valuable way to enhance interaction with visitors to your college's Web site," notes Keith Beindorf, 422 Group's vice president for products and services. "Schools need to know who's visiting their site and for what reason so they can follow-up in a timely manner. When prospects are ready to apply online, admission officers need to monitor who's starting an application, who's completing an application and what's happening in between. Our forms management tools can help with this and allow schools to interact with students along the way in a thoughtful, proactive manner."
About 422 Group
422 Group LLC is a Microsoft Certified technology and professional services company that helps colleges and universities manage relationships more effectively. 422 Group professionals are among the most experienced product development people associated with higher education relationship management today. Over the past twenty-five years they've worked with organizations such as the College Board, PeopleSoft® and Sequitur Corporation to develop enterprise-level CRM systems, business intelligence tools and market research services for more than 500 institutions in the U.S. and abroad.
Contact:422 Group
Jeff Arnold, 770-255-0700
FX: 770-454-0139
jarnold@422group.com
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070521/20070521006059.html?.v=1
New Features Provide Colleges with More Flexible Data Collection Options and Ways to Easily Integrate Forms Data into Existing Campus Systems
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--422 Group, an Atlanta-based technology company focused on relationship management within higher education has expanded its relationship management capabilities to include more robust online data collection forms. The forms provide additional user management tools, additional item configuration options, flexible data export packages and e-commerce capability.
"Collecting student data through your Web site is an essential part of the relationship-building process," said Doug Wofford, President & CEO of 422 Group. "Our new forms can easily be embedded into a college site to support recruitment, admission and course registration processes."
Online forms from 422 Group now include user authentication, application fee processing, options for full or partial data transfer, a forms-administrator dashboard, automated e-mail confirmation messaging, and data exports formatted for systems from PeopleSoft®, Sungard® and the College Board. Additionally, College Board Recruitment PLUS(TM) clients hosted by 422 Group will also enjoy the benefit of automated data transfer of completed admission applications directly into Recruitment PLUS.
"Our forms provide a valuable way to enhance interaction with visitors to your college's Web site," notes Keith Beindorf, 422 Group's vice president for products and services. "Schools need to know who's visiting their site and for what reason so they can follow-up in a timely manner. When prospects are ready to apply online, admission officers need to monitor who's starting an application, who's completing an application and what's happening in between. Our forms management tools can help with this and allow schools to interact with students along the way in a thoughtful, proactive manner."
About 422 Group
422 Group LLC is a Microsoft Certified technology and professional services company that helps colleges and universities manage relationships more effectively. 422 Group professionals are among the most experienced product development people associated with higher education relationship management today. Over the past twenty-five years they've worked with organizations such as the College Board, PeopleSoft® and Sequitur Corporation to develop enterprise-level CRM systems, business intelligence tools and market research services for more than 500 institutions in the U.S. and abroad.
Contact:422 Group
Jeff Arnold, 770-255-0700
FX: 770-454-0139
jarnold@422group.com
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070521/20070521006059.html?.v=1
Online Education Program Helps Heart Patients
Online Education Program Helps Heart Patients
FRIDAY, May 18 (HealthDay News) -- An online heart disease-education program can help patients learn more about their treatment options, a U.S. study finds.
Researchers surveyed almost 3,000 people with one of five heart conditions: coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), high cholesterol, or hypertension.
People who used the
American Heart Association' name=c1> SEARCHNews News Photos Images Web' name=c3> American Heart Association's online education program called Heart Profilers had better knowledge of treatment options and were more likely to ask their doctors about their care than patients who didn't use the online program, the study said.
"Patients who used the Heart Profilers, particularly those with HF and AF, reported a greater understanding of their heart medications than other heart patients who used other Internet resources," senior author Dr. Ileana Pina, professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, said in a prepared statement.
"Patient education and empowerment are key pathways in reducing complications of cardiovascular disease. The Heart Profilers tool empowers patients to take control and manage their condition by providing personalized information in lay language, so patients have a complete picture of their condition and treatments relative to their diagnosis profile," Pina said.
After filling out a questionnaire, users of Heart Profilers received a free, confidential, personalized treatment options report. Using information from peer-reviewed, scientifically-based literature, the report outlines success rates of the various treatment options, potential side effects of medications, and questions patients should ask their doctors.
The study was presented last week at the American Heart Association's Scientific Forum on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in Washington, D.C.
More information
Here's where you can find Heart Profilers.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20070518/hl_hsn/onlineeducationprogramhelpsheartpatients
FRIDAY, May 18 (HealthDay News) -- An online heart disease-education program can help patients learn more about their treatment options, a U.S. study finds.
Researchers surveyed almost 3,000 people with one of five heart conditions: coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), high cholesterol, or hypertension.
People who used the
American Heart Association' name=c1> SEARCHNews News Photos Images Web' name=c3> American Heart Association's online education program called Heart Profilers had better knowledge of treatment options and were more likely to ask their doctors about their care than patients who didn't use the online program, the study said.
"Patients who used the Heart Profilers, particularly those with HF and AF, reported a greater understanding of their heart medications than other heart patients who used other Internet resources," senior author Dr. Ileana Pina, professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, said in a prepared statement.
"Patient education and empowerment are key pathways in reducing complications of cardiovascular disease. The Heart Profilers tool empowers patients to take control and manage their condition by providing personalized information in lay language, so patients have a complete picture of their condition and treatments relative to their diagnosis profile," Pina said.
After filling out a questionnaire, users of Heart Profilers received a free, confidential, personalized treatment options report. Using information from peer-reviewed, scientifically-based literature, the report outlines success rates of the various treatment options, potential side effects of medications, and questions patients should ask their doctors.
The study was presented last week at the American Heart Association's Scientific Forum on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in Washington, D.C.
More information
Here's where you can find Heart Profilers.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20070518/hl_hsn/onlineeducationprogramhelpsheartpatients
realhealth.TV Partners with University of Michigan Health System for Online Health Education
realhealth.TV Partners with University of Michigan Health System for Online Health Education
Press Release
Source: realhealth.TV
realhealth.TV Partners with University of Michigan Health System for Online Health EducationMonday May 21, 2:07 pm ET
Physicians to Provide Online Video Content
NEW YORK & ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--realhealth.TV (www.realhealth.tv), an Internet TV channel dedicated to a new form of consumer health education that showcases real people sharing their health stories, has partnered with University of Michigan Health System. Physicians from the organization will be featured in online videos providing consumer health education on selected health topics, including anterior cruciate ligament injuries and fibromyalgia.
"The University of Michigan Health System has been recognized by several leading institutions and publications for its high quality of care, innovative research and specialty physicians," said Dennis Lynch, founder of realhealth.TV. "The addition of this reputable organization to our line-up of top tier hospitals further adds to the copious amount of content that we are offering Internet users."
To watch a sample of a University of Michigan Health System physician providing commentary, visit: http://www.realhealth.tv/site.html?goto=9&vid=154&vo=1
"Though our website currently features consumer-targeted health information via print articles and podcasts, realhealth.TV gave us the opportunity to help educate in a more interactive way using these online videos," said Andi McDonnell, Lead Public Relations Representative, University of Michigan Health System. "This unique platform gives our physicians an additional outlet to teach people about health-related issues."
The University of Michigan Health System was not paid, nor did they pay to participate in this partnership.
Previously announced partnerships for hospitals to provide educational content to realhealth.TV include Duke University Medical Center, UCLA Healthcare, Vanderbilt Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Colorado Hospital, Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State University Medical Center.
About University of Michigan Health System
Excellence in patient care, medical education and research is what defines the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS). People come to the University of Michigan Health System from all around the world for treatment. UMHS specializes in caring for men, women and children in all specialty areas. UMHS is ranked among the top medical institutions and medical schools in the U.S. every year.
About realhealth.TV
realhealth.TV is a community, Internet TV channel, showcasing real people sharing their health stories. realhealth.TV features short, high-quality videos, both professionally produced and user submitted, that explore the diversity of stories that fall under "health." Broken up into two categories - "healthy living and lifestyles" and "conditions and procedures" - realhealth.TV starts with the patient's story first, then offers expert commentary by top doctors in the country on selected health topics.
Contact:For realhealth.TV:
Shelley Kapitulik / Larry Greenberg, 212-725-2295
shelley@trylonsmr.com / larry@trylonsmr.com
or
For University of Michigan Health System:
Andi McDonnell, 734-764-2220
andreakm@umich.edu
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070521/20070521006178.html?.v=1
Press Release
Source: realhealth.TV
realhealth.TV Partners with University of Michigan Health System for Online Health EducationMonday May 21, 2:07 pm ET
Physicians to Provide Online Video Content
NEW YORK & ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--realhealth.TV (www.realhealth.tv), an Internet TV channel dedicated to a new form of consumer health education that showcases real people sharing their health stories, has partnered with University of Michigan Health System. Physicians from the organization will be featured in online videos providing consumer health education on selected health topics, including anterior cruciate ligament injuries and fibromyalgia.
"The University of Michigan Health System has been recognized by several leading institutions and publications for its high quality of care, innovative research and specialty physicians," said Dennis Lynch, founder of realhealth.TV. "The addition of this reputable organization to our line-up of top tier hospitals further adds to the copious amount of content that we are offering Internet users."
To watch a sample of a University of Michigan Health System physician providing commentary, visit: http://www.realhealth.tv/site.html?goto=9&vid=154&vo=1
"Though our website currently features consumer-targeted health information via print articles and podcasts, realhealth.TV gave us the opportunity to help educate in a more interactive way using these online videos," said Andi McDonnell, Lead Public Relations Representative, University of Michigan Health System. "This unique platform gives our physicians an additional outlet to teach people about health-related issues."
The University of Michigan Health System was not paid, nor did they pay to participate in this partnership.
Previously announced partnerships for hospitals to provide educational content to realhealth.TV include Duke University Medical Center, UCLA Healthcare, Vanderbilt Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Colorado Hospital, Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State University Medical Center.
About University of Michigan Health System
Excellence in patient care, medical education and research is what defines the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS). People come to the University of Michigan Health System from all around the world for treatment. UMHS specializes in caring for men, women and children in all specialty areas. UMHS is ranked among the top medical institutions and medical schools in the U.S. every year.
About realhealth.TV
realhealth.TV is a community, Internet TV channel, showcasing real people sharing their health stories. realhealth.TV features short, high-quality videos, both professionally produced and user submitted, that explore the diversity of stories that fall under "health." Broken up into two categories - "healthy living and lifestyles" and "conditions and procedures" - realhealth.TV starts with the patient's story first, then offers expert commentary by top doctors in the country on selected health topics.
Contact:For realhealth.TV:
Shelley Kapitulik / Larry Greenberg, 212-725-2295
shelley@trylonsmr.com / larry@trylonsmr.com
or
For University of Michigan Health System:
Andi McDonnell, 734-764-2220
andreakm@umich.edu
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070521/20070521006178.html?.v=1
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Computer Technology Schools Lead to Lucrative Careers
Computer Technology Schools Lead to Lucrative Careers
Computer Technology Schools offer a comprehensive education that can lead to a successful and lucrative career. If computers are your passion, you can't go wrong. Some computer technology schools claim to place 95 percent of their graduates in careers within six months of graduation.
Schools in some areas are able to form a partnership with local industry and focus on providing technical skills and experience for student success with hands-on training through internships. You can’t beat that for solid tech training. These fortunate students graduate with an exceptional readiness for making an immediate contribution to their new employer.
Curriculums in computer tech schools more often than not will lead to associate and bachelor degree in Computer Science. The courses are designed to prepare students for opportunities in technical support, networking systems and technology, network systems administration, computer forensics, computer and electronics engineering, computer programming, computer drafting and design, multimedia and Web development, software applications, Web technology, and information systems security.
People who work in the field computer technology are specialists. They provide the day-to-day maintenance, support, administration, and protection of computer systems and computer networking that is necessary to company survival. They plan, coordinate, and implement standards that ensure secure and efficient company operations. Computer technicians are responsible for proper use of systems; they design, install, and support organizational electronic systems; they maintain computer software and hardware and software; and they monitor systems to ensure that systems meet company requirements.
Computer tech schools will impart an understanding of Windows and Linux operating systems, as well as the hardware that drives the Internet, routers and switches, network software, applications used by servers, and various network connections. Students can expect to be exposed to different network file servers, printers, CD-ROMs, multi-media devices, and networking devices, such as various hubs and wireless NICs and access points.
So, if you are interested in the workings and functions of computers, a good Computer Technology School or Online Computer Technology School will provide you with the right education. You can prepare for a bright and rewarding future in the world of technology by enrolling today in one of the many fine schools found on our website.
DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.
Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved by SchoolsGalore.com, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc.
Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.
Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Computer Schools and Online Computer Schools, as well as Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bustamante
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Online Education with the University of Phoenix
Online Education with the University of Phoenix
By Dale Lawrence
University of Phoenix Online Focuses on Team Learning
Unlike some other schools, the University of Phoenix Online focuses on Team Learning. For all classes, team assignments can make up to 20% of the student’s total grade. Consequently, students get more than they bargained for when pursuing an education at Phoenix’s online university (UoP online).
Online Education for those Working Full-Time
UoP online believes that distance learning shouldn’t be a solely individual or isolated effort. In an effort to help their students do better in their careers, UoP online believes that its students should get more practice working effectively as a virtual team. Besides submitting individual short answers and papers, students must also work as a part of a team, usually on a single course long project where the work on one week builds on the week done previously.
UoP online targets mature adults who have been in the work force for at least five years. The majority of UoP online students have been career oriented for some time. By designing their online classes so that they don’t require meetings at set times, UoP online helps busy individuals advance their educations. But don’t get the wrong idea; UoP online is not set up like other distance learning programs, say a correspondence course, where you set your own timeline. UoP requires you to be online at least four times a week to participate and you need to post assignments on a weekly schedule.
Effective team work is an integral part to a successful career. Many an interview has revolved around a person’s “team spirit.” Even online jobs require collaboration to a certain degree. UoP’s stance on online team learning might educate you on more than what you signed up for, too.
University of Phoenix offers degree programs in the following fields:
• Accounting • Health Care
• Administration • Human Services
• Business • Information Systems
• Counseling • Management
• Criminal Justice • Marketing
• eBusiness • Nursing
• Education • Technology Management
• Finance
Online college courses lead to salary increase
Take online college courses that you can work around your schedule. Why go back to school? How about for more money? Studies show that the more education a person has, the more that person will make over coworkers who do the same thing but are less educated.
The more education you have, the more you get paid
Another reason you should consider distance learning courses is that it can help you change careers. If you’re sick of your current job and want another career, quit dreaming and starting working toward your goals. Recognizing the need to accommodate “non-traditional” students, more colleges are setting up online courses to help educate students via online campuses. They aren’t stopping with courses either. Many colleges offer complete degree programs that you can get entirely online.
When considering what online program you will enroll in, look at the following factors:
• Costs
• Accreditation. For example, the only state that will let you sit for the bar if you get an online law degree is California.
• Program requirements. What courses do you have to take to graduate? How many classes can you CLEP out of or get credit for courses you’ve taken elsewhere?
• Distance learning tools. What does the school use for its virtual classroom? Not all schools use the same online tools.
• What kind of financial aid is available to you?
Online programs are constantly being improved so if you looked into them a few years ago, you owe it to yourself to learn what educators have been up to in the meantime.
Change your career, change your life and get a new job.
A resource-based site to help you with education, interviews, resumes and job searches.
To read more articles in my site, please visit...
http://www.get-a-new-job.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dale_Lawrence
By Dale Lawrence
University of Phoenix Online Focuses on Team Learning
Unlike some other schools, the University of Phoenix Online focuses on Team Learning. For all classes, team assignments can make up to 20% of the student’s total grade. Consequently, students get more than they bargained for when pursuing an education at Phoenix’s online university (UoP online).
Online Education for those Working Full-Time
UoP online believes that distance learning shouldn’t be a solely individual or isolated effort. In an effort to help their students do better in their careers, UoP online believes that its students should get more practice working effectively as a virtual team. Besides submitting individual short answers and papers, students must also work as a part of a team, usually on a single course long project where the work on one week builds on the week done previously.
UoP online targets mature adults who have been in the work force for at least five years. The majority of UoP online students have been career oriented for some time. By designing their online classes so that they don’t require meetings at set times, UoP online helps busy individuals advance their educations. But don’t get the wrong idea; UoP online is not set up like other distance learning programs, say a correspondence course, where you set your own timeline. UoP requires you to be online at least four times a week to participate and you need to post assignments on a weekly schedule.
Effective team work is an integral part to a successful career. Many an interview has revolved around a person’s “team spirit.” Even online jobs require collaboration to a certain degree. UoP’s stance on online team learning might educate you on more than what you signed up for, too.
University of Phoenix offers degree programs in the following fields:
• Accounting • Health Care
• Administration • Human Services
• Business • Information Systems
• Counseling • Management
• Criminal Justice • Marketing
• eBusiness • Nursing
• Education • Technology Management
• Finance
Online college courses lead to salary increase
Take online college courses that you can work around your schedule. Why go back to school? How about for more money? Studies show that the more education a person has, the more that person will make over coworkers who do the same thing but are less educated.
The more education you have, the more you get paid
Another reason you should consider distance learning courses is that it can help you change careers. If you’re sick of your current job and want another career, quit dreaming and starting working toward your goals. Recognizing the need to accommodate “non-traditional” students, more colleges are setting up online courses to help educate students via online campuses. They aren’t stopping with courses either. Many colleges offer complete degree programs that you can get entirely online.
When considering what online program you will enroll in, look at the following factors:
• Costs
• Accreditation. For example, the only state that will let you sit for the bar if you get an online law degree is California.
• Program requirements. What courses do you have to take to graduate? How many classes can you CLEP out of or get credit for courses you’ve taken elsewhere?
• Distance learning tools. What does the school use for its virtual classroom? Not all schools use the same online tools.
• What kind of financial aid is available to you?
Online programs are constantly being improved so if you looked into them a few years ago, you owe it to yourself to learn what educators have been up to in the meantime.
Change your career, change your life and get a new job.
A resource-based site to help you with education, interviews, resumes and job searches.
To read more articles in my site, please visit...
http://www.get-a-new-job.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dale_Lawrence
Online Education: GED vs. Fake High School Diploma
Online Education: GED vs. Fake High School Diploma
By Leonard Williams
For today's student, distance learning is a worthwhile and affordable way to work toward a GED, usually the most official way for an adult to demonstrate the skills of a high school graduate. But there are a growing number of companies and schools who aren't really in the business of education. Instead, they're in the education business -- their main business is selling quick and easy programs or simple online tests, complete with worthless transcripts and fake diplomas.
There are exceptions. But as a rule most transcripts and diplomas ordered or obtained from online high schools are useless. Unfortunately, students and adult learners are often and easily misled by diploma factories or diploma mills. Many of these companies and 'schools' appear to be professional businesses or accredited educational institutions. So, when selecting online education, it's smart to be cautious. Make sure the online learning solution is a real solution, and will help you achieve your goals.
First, it pays to understand how diploma factories work. Many adult learners fall victim to diploma scams, usually paying $200 to $800 in tuition, testing, transcript or diploma fees. But because the school or program isn’t accredited, the diploma has no value. When it comes to employers, job training programs, tech schools, community colleges and universities, bogus diplomas are useless. And often, new 'graduates' don't learn that a diploma has no value until they're told by an employer or a college admissions department.
In most cases, the GED -- the term for General Education Development credential -- is the official 'diploma' that's meaningful for adults who never completed their high school education. For today's 34 to 38 million adults in the US who never graduated from high school, passing the GED test is a pass key to both career and educational opportunities. That's because approximately 95 percent of employers and even more US colleges and universities accept the GED.
When choosing an education program, a student's best bet is a GED solution, whether enrolling in a local GED class or using a self-guided online GED program. If online learning or distance learning is the solution you need, look for a program that includes all the components necessary to prepare for the GED test.
Here are some guidelines for choosing a quality learning solutions provider and avoiding bogus schools or fake diploma scams:
GED guidelines are established by the American Council on Education. Under the agency's rules, the test covers science, social studies, language arts reading and writing, and math -- including algebra, geometry and data analysis. Find a program that includes all testing areas; avoid any solution or school that doesn’t include all test areas or information about test areas and the ACE's requirements.
GED practice tests are available online. These tests are a good way for a student to determine skill strengths and weaknesses and to understand how the test works. But the actual GED test cannot be taken online! The test is only given at official test sites. So avoid any company that claims to offer the official GED test or a quick version online.
Read the fine print, before you pay -- make sure you understand what the company or school is offering and determine if it's worth the price. Is it a worthwhile learning process or just a fake diploma? Will it help you progress in your career or education? Ask for advice if you're not sure.
Look for outside information about companies or schools. Discover what other teachers, students and adult learners have experienced. Contact a department of education. Explore GED and education message boards, online forums or learning communities. Are there complaints, or reports of success?
Be very cautious in dealing with any company or online high school that offers a diploma or transcript after passing a quick online test. The GED test is hard! The exam is a timed 7.5-hour test.
Consider education as an important investment -- an investment you make in yourself and your future. Make sure your investment is a good one, and gives you a return that's worthwhile. The GED credential might be harder to get than a $250 diploma, but you can sure count on it to take you to where you want to go.
For more information about the GED online, visit http://www.passGED.com. While products are offered, the website provides plenty of free study, test tips and testing resources, with links to other quality resource and information providers.
Leonard Williams, an e-learning instructor with http://www.passGED.com, is also a curriculum specialist who focuses on research and development, implementation and assessment of best-practice learning solutions for adult learners and people with educational challenges. Leonard's email is LeonardWilliams@passGED.com. He invites feedback and questions from GED students and instructors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leonard_Williams
By Leonard Williams
For today's student, distance learning is a worthwhile and affordable way to work toward a GED, usually the most official way for an adult to demonstrate the skills of a high school graduate. But there are a growing number of companies and schools who aren't really in the business of education. Instead, they're in the education business -- their main business is selling quick and easy programs or simple online tests, complete with worthless transcripts and fake diplomas.
There are exceptions. But as a rule most transcripts and diplomas ordered or obtained from online high schools are useless. Unfortunately, students and adult learners are often and easily misled by diploma factories or diploma mills. Many of these companies and 'schools' appear to be professional businesses or accredited educational institutions. So, when selecting online education, it's smart to be cautious. Make sure the online learning solution is a real solution, and will help you achieve your goals.
First, it pays to understand how diploma factories work. Many adult learners fall victim to diploma scams, usually paying $200 to $800 in tuition, testing, transcript or diploma fees. But because the school or program isn’t accredited, the diploma has no value. When it comes to employers, job training programs, tech schools, community colleges and universities, bogus diplomas are useless. And often, new 'graduates' don't learn that a diploma has no value until they're told by an employer or a college admissions department.
In most cases, the GED -- the term for General Education Development credential -- is the official 'diploma' that's meaningful for adults who never completed their high school education. For today's 34 to 38 million adults in the US who never graduated from high school, passing the GED test is a pass key to both career and educational opportunities. That's because approximately 95 percent of employers and even more US colleges and universities accept the GED.
When choosing an education program, a student's best bet is a GED solution, whether enrolling in a local GED class or using a self-guided online GED program. If online learning or distance learning is the solution you need, look for a program that includes all the components necessary to prepare for the GED test.
Here are some guidelines for choosing a quality learning solutions provider and avoiding bogus schools or fake diploma scams:
GED guidelines are established by the American Council on Education. Under the agency's rules, the test covers science, social studies, language arts reading and writing, and math -- including algebra, geometry and data analysis. Find a program that includes all testing areas; avoid any solution or school that doesn’t include all test areas or information about test areas and the ACE's requirements.
GED practice tests are available online. These tests are a good way for a student to determine skill strengths and weaknesses and to understand how the test works. But the actual GED test cannot be taken online! The test is only given at official test sites. So avoid any company that claims to offer the official GED test or a quick version online.
Read the fine print, before you pay -- make sure you understand what the company or school is offering and determine if it's worth the price. Is it a worthwhile learning process or just a fake diploma? Will it help you progress in your career or education? Ask for advice if you're not sure.
Look for outside information about companies or schools. Discover what other teachers, students and adult learners have experienced. Contact a department of education. Explore GED and education message boards, online forums or learning communities. Are there complaints, or reports of success?
Be very cautious in dealing with any company or online high school that offers a diploma or transcript after passing a quick online test. The GED test is hard! The exam is a timed 7.5-hour test.
Consider education as an important investment -- an investment you make in yourself and your future. Make sure your investment is a good one, and gives you a return that's worthwhile. The GED credential might be harder to get than a $250 diploma, but you can sure count on it to take you to where you want to go.
For more information about the GED online, visit http://www.passGED.com. While products are offered, the website provides plenty of free study, test tips and testing resources, with links to other quality resource and information providers.
Leonard Williams, an e-learning instructor with http://www.passGED.com, is also a curriculum specialist who focuses on research and development, implementation and assessment of best-practice learning solutions for adult learners and people with educational challenges. Leonard's email is LeonardWilliams@passGED.com. He invites feedback and questions from GED students and instructors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leonard_Williams
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
