Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Journalism - Online Career Preparation

The world of journalism has advanced considerably from the days of the telegraph and newspaper, causing the need for more professionals in this field. In today's society journalism encompasses a wide range of mediums and subjects. Education in this industry is vast and students can gain a great education in journalism online. Many accredited online colleges and universities offer degree distinctions for individuals interested in this industry.

This highly competitive field is at its most basic definition the dissemination of information to the masses. Obtaining an online education in this field is convenient and successfully prepares students to enter their career. Gaining an education in this field will prepare graduates to work for:

  • Newsrooms
  • Radio Stations
  • Public Relations Offices
  • Television Stations
  • Online Media

All education in this field prepares students not only with the knowledge needed on how to write, but with the ability to adapt to change and use technology in variety of ways.

Prior to enrolling in a degree program students should decide what their career goals are and in what medium or mediums they want to work. Mediums are methods of delivery such as a newspaper or television. Prospective students have a wide range of options to choose from for concentrations they will focus on with a journalism degree program. Students can chose concentrations that include:

  • Broadcast Journalism
  • Newsprint
  • Advertising
  • Public Relations
  • New Media

With an education and experience a student will be able to cross over to different mediums if they want. This means that students who have a concentration in newsprint can work in the field of public relations because the knowledge gained in a degree program allows this transfer. Education requirements for being a journalist for a television station will be different than the education required to be a writer for a magazine or newspaper.

Online education will properly prepare students for their career choice by providing the necessary coursework and skills. A bachelor's degree program will give students education specific to the work they will do in their desired career as well as general education in:

  • Science
  • Math
  • Humanities

A broadcast major will learn the ins and outs of the television industry and radio industry. Newsprint majors will learn the ins and outs of writing geared towards all forms of dissemination. This means students will learn how to write for:

  • Advertising
  • Radio
  • Television
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Online Publications

Students can prepare for a career in journalism by enrolling in degree programs ranging anywhere from an associate's to a doctorates degree. Typically most employers require a bachelor's degree before they will hire an individual.

Dedicated students who want to prepare for leadership positions within different news organizations will find degree programs at the master's and doctorate level extremely efficient. In depth study will have students looking at major issues like:

  • Ethics
  • Corporate Responsibilities
  • Media and Culture Theory
  • Mass Communication History

Doctorate level education is highly beneficial to prepare students to transfer from working professionally as a journalist, to becoming professors and mentors; enabling them to teach the next generation of journalism.

Students interested in journalism can find an accredited degree program that fits their career goals. Use your passion of news, technology, and current events by becoming a journalist in the mass communication industry. Search out online colleges and universities that offer programs that fit your passions and goals within the industry and start your future today.

Journalism Schools - Career Study Options

Various career study options are available from accredited journalism schools and colleges to those looking to pursue a career. Students can train for the skills and knowledge needed to enter into the field prepared for work. Professionals in the field of journalism are trained to provide a variety of news to the public through a number of medias. Students can gain an education in this field by enrolling in an accredited degree program at several levels. Certificates, diplomas, and associates, bachelors, masters, and doctorates degrees are available.

Certificates and Diplomas

Accredited educational training programs offer students the option of earning a certificate or diploma in journalism. Students who choose to gain this level of education can train in areas like:

  • Media
  • English
  • Design
  • Photography
  • Digital TV

...and much more. Study in these areas will give students an understanding of story and media composition. By receiving training at these levels students can prepare for enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program.

Associate and Bachelor Degrees

Accredited schools and colleges allow students to receive the training needed for an associate or bachelors level degree. Associate level degrees can be obtained by completing two years of study in areas like:

  • Reporting
  • Editing
  • Telecommunications
  • Journalism Law

...and much more. Students who choose to gain an associates degree from an accredited educational program can look forward to careers as print journalists, media writers, and other related professions. With an accredited bachelors degree program student typically spend four years on their studies. Coursework will vary depending on the desired career but may consist of courses in graphic design, news writing, layout, photojournalism and many other related subjects. Students can find employment as news editors, reporters, and much more. By obtaining an education at an undergraduate degree level student will have the skills and knowledge needed to enter into the workforce prepared for an exciting career.

Master and Doctoral Degrees

There are a number of accredited schools and colleges that provide the opportunity for students to gain a master or doctoral level degree in journalism. Students can gain a masters degree by completing an additional two years of training. Coursework at this level could include:

  • Media Management
  • Digital Video Production
  • Advanced Editing
  • History of Journalism

...and much more. Once a masters degree is obtained students can enter into careers working as investigative reporters, editors, magazine publishers, and more. With an accredited master degree in this field students will be prepared to further education at the doctoral level if desired. Doctoral degrees or PhD's can be obtained with an additional four years of study. Students can also study in media production, operations, publication design, journalism policy and other relevant courses. With an accredited doctoral degree students can enter the workforce as professors, news reporters, news anchors, broadcast journalists, and much more. With a graduate degree in this field students can start the career of their dreams.

Accredited journalism schools provide the opportunity to gain the quality education students need. Accrediting agencies like the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications ( http://www.aejmc.com/ ) are approved to provide full accreditation to qualifying programs. Start by enrolling in the journalism career training program of your choice today.

Journalism Schools - Pursuing an Accredited Education

When looking to enroll in an educational program to receive training in journalism, you will find that there are a number of accredited schools and colleges to choose from. You have the option of pursuing an accredited education through journalism schools to help prepare you for an exciting career. Schooling can be completed at various levels and allows you to choose an area of specialized study to meet your career goals. You can learn more about the options available to you by researching available programs and enrolling today.

Associate of Applied Science

Enrollment in an accredited associate degree training program will allow you to earn an accredited Associate of Applied Science degree or A.S. You can train for this level of education by completing two years of study. Coursework will vary but may include subjects like editing, printing, research methods and much more. By gaining an accredited education at the associate degree level you can expect to be prepared for numerous careers. You can seek employment as a:

  • Reporter
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Freelance Writer

...and many other professions. Training can also be completed at the bachelor degree level if you are looking to further your education.

Bachelor of Science

Pursuing an accredited bachelor degree in journalism can be done by enrolling in a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) training program. Studies will require you to complete four years of training in order to receive your degree. Coursework may consist of studies in advertising design, professional writing, news and many other related courses. Training in these areas will prepare you to enter into the workforce in careers such as:

  • Reporter
  • Program Director
  • Journalist

...and much more. Enrollment in an accredited bachelor degree training program will prepare you for the successful career you desire. You can further your training by enrolling in a master degree program in journalism.

Master of Arts

When looking to pursue a career in journalism you have the option of obtaining a master degree. Enrollment in an accredited Master of Arts (M.A.) degree training program can be completed with an additional two years of study. Specific topics of study may include courses in mass communications, journalism law, media management and much more. Specialized training at this level will prepare you for the career you wish to obtain when you enter into the workforce. You can earn an accredited master degree to help you pursue the career of your dreams.

When enrolling in an educational training program, school, or college you should ensure that they carry full accreditation. This will help you to know if the education you will receive will be of the best quality and prepare you for the career you desire. Accreditation is provided by agencies like the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication ( http://www2.ku.edu/~acejmc/ ) to qualifying journalism schools and college that offer training. Research various programs to find the one that meets your individual education needs and career goals and enroll today.

Online Journalism Career Training and Education Options

When looking to pursue an education in journalism, students should make sure they enroll in an accredited training program. There are numerous online schools and colleges that offer training options in this field. Students can study for their desired profession in journalism from the comfort of their own home. Career training options allow students to earn a variety of accredited degrees in a number of specialized areas. There are a number of things to know prior to enrolling in an accredited online educational training program.

Online training in the field of journalism can be completed at a variety of educational degree levels. Students will have the opportunity to pursue degrees that include a:

  • Associate - Associate of Applied Science
  • Bachelor - Bachelor of Science
  • Master - Master of Arts

...degrees in journalism. Students can earn an accredited degree by enrolling in the program that best fits their education needs and career goals. Completion of a degree program will require students to choose their specific area of study. Online career training can be completed in various areas by students who wish to obtain an education in this exciting field. Students can enroll in:

  • Freelance
  • Print Journalism
  • Broadcast Journalism

With an education in these areas students will be able to learn the skills and knowledge they need to have a successful career. The type of career will depend on the level of degree chosen.

Careers will vary based on the specific area and level of education desired by each individual student. Online learning will provide a variety of options for prospective students. Students can look forward to entering into professions working with:

  • Newspapers
  • Television
  • Marketing
  • Publishing

...and more. Careers can include employment as:

  • Freelance Writers
  • Reporters
  • News Analysts
  • Program Directors
  • Public Relations Specialists

...and much more. With any of these careers, students will be able to be successful by gaining knowledge through the various coursework provided.

Students can expect to study a variety of topics that relate to their desired career and level of degree. Coursework may consist of professional writing, editing, news, printing, layout and design, journalism law, research methods, and many other related subjects. Students can learn mass communications, broadcast journalism, and more. Training in these areas will prepare students to enter the workforce and seek employment in their desired area by allowing them to study marketing, photography, digital video, and other related topics. Accredited online degree training in journalism will open a world of opportunities.

By enrolling in an accredited online school or college, students can pursue the career training they need to have a successful career in journalism. Online schools and colleges that carry full accreditation are approved to provide the best quality education available to students. Agencies like the Distance Education and Training Council (http://www.detc.org/) can fully accredit qualifying online journalism training programs. Students should research various online programs to find the one that best meets their educational goals and needs. By requesting more information students can begin the path to the career of their dreams.

Special Education

Special education refers to unconventional education services designed to cater to the needs of individuals suffering from physical and mental drawbacks such as physical handicaps, sensory (visual and hearing) impairments, intellectual capacity (mental retardation and autism), learning disabilities (reading and writing skills), speech impairment and those with behavior disorders. It seeks to address problems of the individual, as well as provide effective solutions through a set of formulated instructions, service aids and supports, learning techniques and transitions services.

The goal of special education is to address the needs of these special individuals (children, youth and adults) and ensure that they gain equal access to quality education regardless of their condition. In effect, it encourages them to keep up with the challenges of normal education and help improve their chances for success in life.

Specialized method of education

The primary focus of this special type of education is to provide support and learning techniques to the individual. Children are properly educated in the most learning-conducive environment to help them discover their in-depth skills and abilities hidden behind the disabilities they might have.

But not everyone can employ this educational service. As such, before the person can avail of it, different levels of evaluations must take place. The processes can vary, though the primary stages include referral, parental consent, child evaluation and review and recommendation of appropriate institutionalized methods.

An afterthought...

In today's society there are more than 6 million children and youth estimated to be suffering from disabilities, and the demand for special education has grown by leaps and bounds. By properly dealing with the issues and problems concerned and finding solutions, special education can give them the chance to stand up and be on equal footing with their peers, drawing out their true potentials as key movers and prime contributors to society regardless of their physical and mental difficulties.

Music Journal Article Reflection

This article talks about how singing can be taught just like spelling and math can be taught...you don't 'have' to have a talent for it. It discusses different reasons that children might need help with their singing, such as lack of experience / exposure, lack of confidence, physiological reasons such as auditory processing difficulties, hearing impairment or some other physical problems.

The main techniques discussed in the article are posture, breathing, warm-ups, and vocal exploration. One thing I learned from this article is that often 'untrained' adults want to use a pitch that is more comfortable for them rather than what is appropriate for the students. I experienced this desire myself while student teaching in a kindergarten class in January 2007. I was teaching an Animated Alphabet lesson. The recorded version of the song the children were to learn/ sing was so high, I could not sing with it. I sang it for them first (so we could go over the hand motions they were learning), then I played it for them doing the hand motions. That way they had a choice, since I could NOT sing along with the CD.

Another consideration I never really thought about was the importance of hydration to vocal music. I know for a fact my kindergarteners went straight to music from gym class. I have no idea if they were given ample opportunity to drink water before trying to sing. It is something I will now think about when I am a classroom teacher.

I really liked the part about vocal exploration where it was talking about using stories with repetitive lines such as "The Gingerbread Boy," or "The Little Red Hen" to work on modulation of pitch, volume, speed, etc. of voice. Also, the author talks about using "cat conversations" to help learn about the different inflections based on whether making a statement or asking a question. This is a 'pretend conversation' where you and the children meow and you discuss whether a 'statement' is made or a 'question' is asked. How do you know the difference, when there are no words like, 'who,' 'what,' when,' 'how,' etc.? This would be a great thing for a mini-lesson in a language arts class.

To me, the most important point of this article is that children learn to sing by singing (practice-practice-practice). This is true in many areas of education. To build a concept, you need to practice. As it says in the article, "The more opportunity children have to sing, the better they will sing. The better they sing, the more they will enjoy singing and music-making of many kinds. This can result in richer and more emotionally satisfying experiences throughout their lives."

The Educational Benefits of Website Blogging

Blogs all over the world are being used for very different reasons, from social commentary to making money. Blogging thus has become a vital source of business, information and social interaction. It has also begun to be used within the teaching system, enabling interaction on educational issues outside the normal classroom experience.

The blogging community is vast and varied, making it the perfect way to speak out and discuss topics you are interested in. Discuss particular political issues, hobbies, social debates and information particular to your course. Like online educational journals, blogs can be used for sources of information for you interest or course, with the added bonus that you can directly interact with author and other bloggers to debate and discuss the issue.

Blogging is becoming particularly valuable to shaping the way we learn in an educational setting. The debate element encourages outside of the box thinking and enables a student to articulate themselves in a debate. It is particularly useful for the shier student, who shies away from speaking out load in class, as it allows them to still interact, get across their opinion and debate the topic without feeling uncomfortable.

So what are the main pros of using a blog in an educational setting? It encourages class mates to share, discuss ideas and debate an idea. It essentially allows people to develop their own opinion and enables them to express themselves with not many limitations. It's a great way for an individual to develop their sense of self, their beliefs and opinions, which is vital to confidence and self-esteem levels and in turn educational performance. Not only this, a blog allows for a great amount of autonomy, allowing the person to keep any information private.

Furthermore, a blog also creates a community in itself, enabling the sharing of information and the creation of friendships. It is a great way to boost teacher-student and student-student relationships by breaking down some of the barriers in the normal classroom setting.

There are a few cons of using a blog in an educational setting as the information may be at times unreliable or biased, simply because it is based on opinion rather than fact. This can be a problem as sometimes educational blogs are seen to be factual in nature, which in often more than not true due to the very medium. Regulation can also be another issue, as rude or undesirable comments may appear time to time. This problem does mean you often have to regulate comments, which can be somewhat time consuming.

Special Education and the Use of Integral Theory

Do you know what integral theory is when it comes to psychology? Have you ever seen one of those giant boxes with the "X" inside, with four separate quadrants? Well, there are psychological tests which you can take which ask you a number of questions, after you have completed all those questions it tallies up the results and tells you where you fall within the boundaries of personality type, political persuasion, personal interests, or abilities.

Now then, not long ago I talked to an instructor involved in special education. It seems they have done research using integral theory and found that they were able to place special education kids into specific individual curriculum based on where they ended up in the box, after assessing the student and answering a bunch of questions. They have had tremendous success with this. Unfortunately, not all the special education classrooms around the country are using these methods when trying to determine the most appropriate education for a special needs, Autistic, or slow learning students.

The other day we were discussing this at our think tank, and it seems that these techniques and methods should be used more often. Why do you ask? Well, because the Autistic spectrum is quite large and very wide. The challenges of special needs kids are so vast that even one-on-one education is not always enough. By using integral theory to properly assess each individual student, the teachers are better able to help the children along and make terrific inroads in their learning.

When it comes to education it's important that we do what works, and just like anything else it's important to assess our strengths and weaknesses. Each child learns a little bit differently, and there is a very large range between all of the students in a special-needs classroom. There's no sense in making it harder than it already is, and by knowing where each child is coming from, and how they will learn best, it is quite possible to achieve spectacular results in a very short amount of time. Indeed, that is what my acquaintance has shown in her research, in the actual classroom setting.

If you are a special education or special needs instructor or teacher, perhaps you should look into this as well. There have been some great research papers written on this in many of the educational journals, but best of all it's working in the real world, where it really matters with real children. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Obtaining an Online Journalism Education

When looking to pursue a career in journalism you can gain the necessary education by enrolling in an accredited online educational training program. Training to work in the filed of journalism will give you the opportunity to enter into an exciting career. Education is possible through online schools and colleges, and will allow for leisurely study from the comfort of your own home. Obtaining a variety of degrees can be done by completing the required educational requirements in a number of specialized areas.

*Freelance Writing

Gaining an accredited online education in freelance writing can be done through a variety of schools and colleges. You can prepare for the career you wish to enter by completing all required coursework and training in this area. Coursework may include nonfiction, professional writing, fiction, marketing and sales, business writing, and much more. Coursework will help prepare you for an associate level degree in this career field. With an accredited online education you will be able to seek employment in a number of areas. Training will provide you with the skills needed to work for:

  • advertising agencies
  • magazines
  • newspapers
  • publishing companies

...and much more. Obtaining an accredited online education in this area of the field will open up a number of exciting career options for you to pursue.

*Journalism

You can pursue an accredited education in journalism by enrolling in an online school or colleges. Training can be completed at various levels including associate, bachelor, and master degree levels. You can prepare for your desired career by choosing to online degree program you need to enter into the career you long for. Training can include a variety of subjects that will reflect your desired career. Coursework may cover subjects such as news editing, reporting, media writing, article writing, proofreading, and many other related courses. Studies in these areas will give you the knowledge and skills you need to enter into your desired career. Career possibilities can include working as:

  • newscasters
  • editor
  • public relations specialist
  • magazine reporter

...and a number of other professionals. When you choose to pursue an accredited online education in this field you can expect to obtain the quality education you need for a successful career.

By choosing to pursue a career in journalism you will be able to seek employment directly after graduation and work in technical writing, editing, reporting, and much more. Higher educational training will also help you prepare for work in media communications and other related areas that incorporate journalism techniques into careers. You can start by finding a program that meets your needs and enroll today.

By obtaining an accredited journalism degree from an online educational training program you can receive the best quality education available. Entering into the field can give you the career you dream of. Agencies like the Distance Education and Training Council ( http://www.detc.org/ ) are approved to provide full accreditation to qualifying online programs. You can make sure your desired education and career will be of quality when you ensure that the school or college you choose is fully accredited. You can start by researching programs and finding the one that best fits your individual career goals and enrolling today.

Journalism Training

Journalism training provides instruction on the gathering, processing, and delivering news. Journalism education can be found in vocational, trade, and technical schools and in community colleges in your area. Journalism training may prepare you for an entry-level position with a local newspaper or broadcasting for local radio and television stations. If you are really lucky, your training may provide opportunities to apprentice with a local newspaper or magazine production team.

Diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees in Journalism can be earned from vocational schools and trade schools, and even online journalism schools. The skills developed in these training programs can provide you with experience in searching out news stories, interpreting information, and writing and reporting stories. Courses in Journalism can also give you insights into the ethics of broadcasting, news reporting and news management. You will also have opportunities to gain insights into local government and politics, as well as local legal cases, and public policy issues.

In addition, Journalism training can provide instruction in photojournalism, newspaper layout and design, and new media (web) journalism for those interested in other aspects of journalism and media production.

Journalism Training provides a wonderful opportunity for those with a passion for information and mass communications to develop their skills and apply their interests to everyday world situations.

If you would like to learn more about Journalism Training [http://www.schoolsgalore.com/categories/3/journalism_training.html] and Journalism Schools, you can find more in-depth information and resources 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.

College Education Can Prepare Students for a Brave, New World in Journalism

The journalism profession was thrust into the spotlight in recent days. A homeless man may have gotten his big break in the radio industry, while a popular columnist and on-air personality in revealed that he was gay.

Ted Williams, a 53-year-old homeless man from Ohio, achieved overnight fame when a YouTube video of him boasting his rich vocal skills went viral. Within a few days, he has appeared on national television and has fielded several job offers, including a full-time gig with the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.

On Thursday, longtime Boston Herald sports reporter Steve Buckley announced that he was gay in a column. Buckley, who also regularly appears on Boston's WEEI sports radio station, is one of the first well-known sports journalists to come out of the closet.

The recent news stories show just how diverse the journalism world is, and proves that talent - not socioeconomic background or lifestyle choices - can lead to a promising career. Thousands of students at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. are pursuing education in TV, print, radio and online journalism. Some schools offer concentrations in these fields, while many large institutions own their own newspapers, radio and television stations, which allow students to gain experience outside of college classes.

The journalism industry has drastically changed in recent years, as the emergence of social media and online news sources has hit more traditional mediums such as the newspaper and radio. In his commencement speech at the University of Michigan last spring, President Barack Obama said that is important - now more than ever - that future journalists uphold the ethics that they acquired throughout their college education.

"Today's 24-7 echo chamber amplifies the most inflammatory soundbites louder and faster than ever before," Obama said, quoted by The Huffington Post. "This development can be both good and bad for democracy. For if we choose only to expose ourselves to opinions and viewpoints that are in line with our own, studies suggest that we will become more polarized and set in our ways. And that will only reinforce and even deepen the political divides in this country."

Students who are skilled in these fields may consider pursuing freelancing opportunities or internships, which could help defray education costs. At some schools, internships and certain work experiences count toward college credits.

Distance Education Journals

Distance education journals give a summary of effectiveness of distance education, delivery options, best technology, and key players in distance education. They give information about strategies for teaching from a distance. It revolves around how teaching from a distance is different and guidelines on teaching skills. These journals give information about the use of computers in distance education, and along with that there is detailed information about the pros and cons of distance education.

They contain articles on development of students as a learner, and also describe ways to improve distant learning. Sometimes students who have successfully earned degrees also write these articles. These journals discuss common research questions such as, distance education and traditional education. People read these journals because they are interested in finding out why distance students are successful, and the importance of interactions, along with the cost and benefits.

They also have information pertaining to tuition fees for distance education programs. These fees can vary widely, depending on the school, program, and degree that the student is enrolling for. Online programs formulate tuition costs on the number of classes students take.

The privilege of earning a degree online can expand people's opportunities, for professional advancement and a higher salary. This can also enable people to enter a new career field altogether. Distance education makes it possible for everyone to study, at an educational institution that may not be accessible to students due to regional, physical, or time constraints. Distance programs mainly use the Internet, email, and online discussion technologies, to deliver course content and promote student-teacher interaction. This journal can also include details of universities that provide, distance education and the prospectus for the same. Interested candidates can also apply for free online prospectus.

Moreover, newsletters and publications give complete information, on distance learning that is inclusive of fees, universities, and courses that are offered online and materials used. For more details, information is available online and they give details, about all the different aspects of distance learning.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Nursing Continuing Education For the 21st Century

One need only to scan a newspaper or read a weekly magazine to be astounded by the number of stories about new medical breakthroughs, disease processes, emerging threats of disease, or innovations in medical and health care technology. The World Health Organization warns us to prepare for a potential worldwide Bird Flu epidemic, terrorists threaten us with chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, and new protocols for ACLS are released. How is a working nurse to keep up?

Nursing education provides the basic building blocks of medical, scientific, and nursing knowledge, but competence in the nursing profession requires an ongoing process of continuing education. Continuing education for nurses is necessary for the nurse to remain up to date with the latest practice issues and it is necessary for patients safety as well. Some states have made continuing education for nurses mandatory and require a certain number of course credit hours be attained before license renewal, or require certain mandatory course subjects, while other states leave it to the nursing professional themselves to accept a personal responsibility for their own continued learning. Regardless of whether nursing continuing education courses are mandatory in ones state or not, all nurses who describe themselves as professionals need to be willing and ready to implement change in their own practice by realizing that competence in any profession requires periodic updating.

Methods of obtaining nursing continuing education hours and the pros and cons of each:

1. Professional Journals: Most professional nursing journals offer an article for continuing education credit. Some offer a partial credit hour or one credit hour to readers who fill out a post test after reading the article and mail it in. While some journals offer the credit for free, others charge $10 or more and in addition to the inconvenience of needing to tear out a post test form and mail it in the nurse has no official record of having taken and passed the course. Obtaining continuing education hours through professional journals is costly and inefficient in that the cost of the journal itself must be taken into consideration along with the cost of the course if there is one, and the time and expense of mailing in addition to the lack of official record of completion and lack of central maintenance of all credits accumulated by the nurse. Additionally, nurses who rely on professional journals for their CEU hours are typically only exposed to courses related to their own specialty rather than a broader range of topics that they actually need to be exposed to in today's ever evolving health care climate.

2. Seminars: Professional development programs and seminars that offer accredited continuing education hours for nurses are frequently offered at various locations in every state, in some foreign countries, and even on cruises. Employers frequently pay the registration fees for nurses to attend local seminars of short duration such as one day, but nurses still have to sacrifice their precious day off to attend them or lose time from work to do so. In addition nurses who attend seminars away from home have to pay their own travel expenses, hotel bills, and costs of meals. Needless to say cruises and foreign travel are an appealing avenue, but obtaining one's continuing education by that method is not something every working nurse can afford to do.

3. Online Nursing Certificate Programs: The internet provides nurses access to extremely affordable and high quality accredited continuing education programs and professional certificate courses covering a plethora of professional nursing topics. Online nursing certificate courses are the gateway to nursing continuing education for the 21st century! Nurses who take advantage of online nursing courses are not restricted by geographical barriers, financial hardships, or the inconvenience of taking time from work or family in order to attend courses. Online nursing education courses are readily available for both mandatory state required subjects, courses in ones own nursing specialty, and courses that all nurses regardless of practice specialty need to be familiar with. Online nursing programs give nurses easy access to a much broader choice of subject matters than they ever had before when restricted primarily to journals or seminars. In addition to those benefits, substantial as they are, online nursing courses are inexpensive, up to date with changing trends, can be taken from the comfort of ones own home.

In order to stay up=to-date professionally and to safeguard the wellbeing of the public, nurses need to continue their education over the course of their career through a variety of means including taking nursing certificate courses. The most convenient and most cost effective method of nursing continuing education is by taking online nursing courses. Online nursing education courses are readily available, flexible, offer online tracking, and provide nurses with the broad scope of subjects they need to familiarize themselves with in order to keep up to date in today's ever changing health care climate. One useful place for nurses to obtain more detailed information about the types of online nursing education programs that are available is RnDegree.net's Nursing Education Guide at http://rndegrees.net. Online nursing education programs are indeed the best choice for nursing continuing education for the 21st century!

Tips on How to Survive Nursing School

Nursing school is both exciting and challenging. There will be many times also when it becomes very stressful and you start wondering how to survive nursing school. Here are some suggestions to help you go through it.

How to survive nursing school tests

Every student has his or her own studying techniques. Whatever your style is, be sure to devote enough time to prepare yourself for the test. Cramming is never a good idea as it only increases your stress level and will most likely result in poor retention of information. Stay away from distractions. Get out of the house or your dorm and find a quiet place to study. Get a good rest before the exam day. Read and follow directions on the test carefully. Approach your instructor quietly if you need clarification on any questions.

How to survive nursing school with the help of others

Get a study partner or form a study group. With the ton of information that you need to learn, working with fellow students for a test, project or assignment will be very helpful. You can share notes and quiz each other. You can coach a friend on a subject he or she is having difficulty with and vice versa. If you are serious about your studies, then make sure you select study partners who share your commitment.

How to survive nursing school using various resources

Nursing books, journals and articles are some of the tools you will need in nursing school as you study diverse subjects. There are many required reading in class but you can also supplement this with your own research and study. Resources for nursing students abound on the Web where you can get comprehensive information on nursing studies and other study aids.

You can also join online forums for nursing students not only to get study tips but also to interact socially with other students. Meeting new friends and belonging in a community are certainly one of the best ways to handle the stress of studies.

How to survive nursing school when you have a job or a family

Be organized. You have to learn how to set your priorities and determine when to do what. Plan your activities carefully taking into account your job or family. For instance, you can set your study time when the kids are sleeping or at school, so you can focus on them when they are around.

The Early Childhood Student Portfolio

The Student Portfolio

There's a lot of truth to be found in the saying, "A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words." It's especially worth a thousand words when parents, who have little insight into who their child is at school, come to hear about their child's progress, or maybe even more importantly, their child's lack of progress. It's especially worth a thousand words when parents have a child with disabilities or special needs.

So how can we, as teachers, capture and document the meaningful tell-tale work a child has produced. What "pictures" can we organize in a meaningful way that will tell a child's story?

A child's portfolios is really assembled by the child. Everything in the portfolio refers to the child through the child's thoughts and activities. It also includes anecdotes, comments and observations from teachers, and if possible other appropriate school staff. The portfolio uses documents produced by the child during the current academic year. These documents often include sample writing, artistic work, photographs recording work which can't be kept (such as block building or a costume designed by the child), and in today's classroom we can even save videos and audios either produced by the child or featuring the child's work or behavior.

The portfolio is known by many names: the Memory Book, My Activity Book, My School Journal, My Diary, or My School Year. The child's physical and mental act of organizing his portfolio is an important learning process involving planning and creating. It can be a different world out there for a child to take nothing and begin to build something on the pages of this personal record. This year-long process details how the child has organized, or not organized, his thoughts and interests. It details the amount of attention the child is able to devote to the project. Its mere appearance tells of mental and physical coordination. And perhaps more importantly, it gives teachers and parents an idea of how the child views himself among his peers and within his world.

The first step to utilizing this important teaching tool is to introduce the idea to the class. During a group time the teacher can tell students how recording our own personal history helps us grow into stronger students. It helps us set goals. It helps us remember: when we couldn't do something but now we can, how we felt when we tried to do something that didn't work out, or who were the people we celebrated with when we accomplished something important. It reminds us of a favorite book and why we loved it so. It can be magical because it can save almost everything about us. Our portfolio can be a personal secret or it can be shared with everyone. The designer gets to decide.

The second step to help children understand how to develop a portfolio is to explain methods of organization. It's also important to say how the way the portfolio is organized will help the reader to know the child. One important element of the portfolios is the dating of the included material. Early dated block building photos compared with later dated photos can show how much the child has been able to organize space and understand basic structures.

Writing samples can give immediate insight into language development as well as eye-hand coordination. These clues can assist a teacher in suggesting specific books to further the child's interests. Writing samples can indicate vocabulary development and general understanding of syntax.

Including artwork of any type can show the child's artistic style and his attention to details observed. Even sculpture, through the use of photography, can become part of the record. Musical works can be recorded on CD and inserted into the portfolio.

Records and pictures of science projects and math projects can show teachers and parents a child's understanding and interest in these areas. For some teachers and parents, it didn't happen if it isn't recorded. If it happened there is probably a way to record it in the portfolio. Will the portfolio be placed in chronological order or will it be placed by subject matter?

Teacher anecdotes, comments, and observations can be worked into the portfolio in a few ways. There may be opportunities to insert explanatory notes throughout the journal to help parents or other teachers have a more rounded understanding of what the entry is referring to. There may be a child created index to direct readers to specific pages: art projects pages 3,5,6,10 etc.

The developing portfolio will become a valuable teacher's ally during conference times throughout the year. As the child grows so does the portfolio. Helping a parent see and understand a child's learning pattern through the child's own efforts is a very personal thing to do and its impact on parents is palpable. Some parents will comment, "I never knew my child could do this." and others may say, "I didn't know she liked math and is so good at it." The portfolio is also an effective sharing tool if a child is struggling in an area. The documentation can provide a way for teachers and parents to develop a realistic plan to help the child to the next step.

Classroom Technology to Support Teaching

When you were going through your teacher training, did you ever wish you could be a fly on the wall in an experienced teacher's classroom so you could see exactly how he/she handled things? You always change the classroom dynamics by introducing a novelty in the form of an observer, so actually visiting a class for real has its disadvantages as well as its advantages. But by using classroom technology, you can be an observer in someone else's class.

Of course, this innovative use of classroom technology doesn't just apply to beginner teachers and trainee teachers. Even more experienced teachers need to upskill and learn new techniques of doing things in class. Again, watching someone else who has done the hard work of developing the new technique is a great way to learn - after all, you probably know how your pupils pick up concepts and techniques by watching them demonstrated on video (if you haven't learned this, you really need to upskill!).

This new development is possible, thanks to a new secure website being set up by a group of Californian educators. This innovation, created by LessonLab, consists of a collection of exemplary lessons by experienced teachers in a real class. Of course, with classroom technology being so common these days, the presence of a Webcam in the classroom is no novelty and the children in the class act like they normally act. The lessons are presented on a split screen, so the viewers can chat online while they watch, and receive answers from an education coach.

Many companies and publishers are interested in this new development. You are probably familiar with books and encyclopedias that are designed to be used in tandem with that most familiar form of classroom technology: the internet. These "internet linked" encyclopedias have now been extended to textbooks, and publishers such as Scholastic Inc. and Pearsons are beginning to produce textbooks linked with exemplary lessons and demonstrations.

You have probably already learned about the different learning styles and how to cater to them in your classroom. And these techniques also have to be remembered by those who teach the teachers. Teachers have their own learning styles, too, and up until now, reading educational journals (and websites and online articles like this one) and listening to presentations at training days have been the main ways of learning about new tools and techniques. Now the visual learners at the front of the classroom are being catered for, as well as the visual learners sitting in the desks.

You may be tempted, when you hear about these exemplary lessons, to just let your class watch the demonstration lesson linked with the textbook so you can both learn at the same time. Don't do this. All videos and all classroom technology has to be used correctly to be effective. Mistakes you don't even know you're making can be impacting your lesson.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Distance Education Journals

Distance education journals give a summary of effectiveness of distance education, delivery options, best technology, and key players in distance education. They give information about strategies for teaching from a distance. It revolves around how teaching from a distance is different and guidelines on teaching skills. These journals give information about the use of computers in distance education, and along with that there is detailed information about the pros and cons of distance education.

They contain articles on development of students as a learner, and also describe ways to improve distant learning. Sometimes students who have successfully earned degrees also write these articles. These journals discuss common research questions such as, distance education and traditional education. People read these journals because they are interested in finding out why distance students are successful, and the importance of interactions, along with the cost and benefits.

They also have information pertaining to tuition fees for distance education programs. These fees can vary widely, depending on the school, program, and degree that the student is enrolling for. Online programs formulate tuition costs on the number of classes students take.

The privilege of earning a degree online can expand people's opportunities, for professional advancement and a higher salary. This can also enable people to enter a new career field altogether. Distance education makes it possible for everyone to study, at an educational institution that may not be accessible to students due to regional, physical, or time constraints. Distance programs mainly use the Internet, email, and online discussion technologies, to deliver course content and promote student-teacher interaction. This journal can also include details of universities that provide, distance education and the prospectus for the same. Interested candidates can also apply for free online prospectus.

Moreover, newsletters and publications give complete information, on distance learning that is inclusive of fees, universities, and courses that are offered online and materials used. For more details, information is available online and they give details, about all the different aspects of distance learning.

Asset Management Journal Guide

Diligently managed assets of a business organization can make a lot of difference in its profit percentages. Judicious control over all tangible and intangible assets of a company makes sure that there are no leaking funds in the organization and all assets are utilized at maximum capacity. An inefficient management of resources and incorrect information about the objects in a commercial establishment may lead to drainage of finances and in turn adversely affect company's performance.

Realizing the importance of asset management in any company's performance has led to newer advanced strategies in this field of trade. Entire business management consists of host of issues comprising of cost management, capital budgeting, expense accounting, financial planning and reporting and many other similar topics. Asset management constitutes a large percentage of managing concerns in an organization. Apart from administering tangible goods, raw materials, finished products, vehicles, buildings and many other such items modern businesses also need to manage their intellectual assets.

Asset management is a comprehensive term and usually requires professional handling of the situation. There are many commercial asset-managing firms that offer services for administering various resources of the company. Many software are presently available in market that enable efficient managing of a companies assets. Traditional asset management meant dealing mostly with fixed assets in their every stage of life cycle. Entire infrastructure related to factory establishment comes under asset management.

Monitoring the whereabouts of assets, ensuring the availability of all resources required in an industry whether easily available or scarce is an integral part of managing assets for that company. Finalizing purchasing requests, valuation, depreciation, asset receipts, maintenance, warranties, user data and other related physical attributes of an asset form a major role of an asset manager.

Optimal judgment about methodology applied for managing assets of different enterprises differs according to their unique characteristics. No one procedure that has been successful for one concern can guarantee similar affluent results for another enterprise with different objectives.

Professional asset managers are also required to fix emergency problems arising due to unanticipated reduction in production capacity or a major break down in plants machinery, etc. the training received by them during their learning and skills learnt through experience facilitates a asset manager to handle every job diligently. Regular maintenance of assets ensures an adequate potential of asset manager while, recovering quickly from unpredicted adverse situation test the actual capability of asset management in a company.

The asset manager is liable to provide information about vast enquires related to it. The actual cost at procurement, vendor's details, the department and the particular team that is using it, the physical location, depreciation and any other data related should always be available at any point of time. All this helps in efficient running of a business enterprise. Decisions as when new machinery needs to be purchased or the firm could carry on with just repairing old machinery and judgment about whether the concern should buy an asset or should lease it depends on information provided by the asset manger of the company.

Journal Of Special Education

Reading written journals on special education can help, for the articles can give you an in-depth insight to the true nature of teaching special children and what is involved. You will read about things you need to know as a teacher, parent, or specialist handling children with special needs. This is because the journals are written by scholars, recognized individuals and key persons in the field.

The Journal of Special Education is a written periodical that tackles the subject of special education. In it, you can find comprehensive discussions, reviews and commentaries, sample interventions in dealing with special children, outlined procedures concerning special students and timely research and in-depth analysis on matters concerning special education.

You do not need to buy published journals on special education just to get your hands on one, for there are available sources and links online that contain reliable research and discussions. Sample articles that you can find in online journals are practical applications and strategic teaching methods that you can use to educate special children formulated theories that address key issues on teaching children and individuals with special needs, source of advocacy or integrated network listing of disability and educational information, comprehensive guide on teaching individuals with special needs and selected reviews and data that can guide you in determining the needs of your students.

These are only some sample contents that you can obtain in electronic journals regarding special education. Whatever resource you use, the ideas and concepts gathered, plus the solutions presented, can help you become sensitive to the needs of your students and be quick in responding to them.