Posted by admin on October 27th, 2009
Gone are the days where one can make that simple statement on a resume. The profiles and status updates on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter (and any other social network you can think of) are speaking to your character more than could any “hand-picked” reference you might dig up. It’s so easy to get lost in these social networks and forget the level of exposure they provide.
I found an interesting blog, Brand-Yourself.com, that outlined what to avoid posting and sharing on these social networks – especially when you’re in the market for a new career. Some of the points made in the blog are common sense. For example, stay away from hate speech, speaking of drug use and do not use foul language. But what about voicing your political/religious views … can that really come back to haunt you? Read more about “What you shouldn’t (and should) worry about with Social Media” on Brand-Yourself.com.
How careful are you with what you post and share on these social networks? Has your profile ever come back to haunt you?
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Posted by admin on October 19th, 2009
Like it or not being able to read and retain what you read is an essential skill when it comes to education. Most students, I am no exception; try to get away with the least amount of reading possible if they, in fact, read the necessary materials at all! So, when I came across this article written by Sam Zolin on tips to reading effectively I wanted to share.
Check out his article for more details on each tip, but here is a short summary:
Tip #1 – Start early
Start a few days in advance and do a little at a time.
Tip #2 – Skim
Skim the article/assignment to highlight the main points and take notes then go back and actually read the assignment.
Tip #3 – Vocabulary
Keep a dictionary handy while you’re reading.
Tip #4 – Notes
Take notes while you’re reading on a separate sheet of paper or type them up in a document. Helps to retain what you’ve read and when review time rolls around.
Tip #5 – Stop!
Learn when to take a break. Break up the reading and make it manageable.
Tip #6 – Study Buddies
Find a fellow classmate that which you can discuss the assignment.
Tip #7 – Practice, Practice, Practice!
Pick up a good book and read for pleasure every once in a while. When the topic is something you find interesting you’ll find yourself breezing through the book yet still understanding and remembering the plot. Practicing this way will help a lot when you have to dig into that next assignment.
Do you have any other tips or tricks to help with reading assignments? What has worked for you?
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Posted by admin on October 12th, 2009
What do you want to be when you grow up? What an innocent question, but in the final years of high school that simple question can develop some serious weight and bring with it stress and anxiety. How do you decide your career path when you’ve spent so little time in the workforce??
An article by Seka Ojdrovic on Suite101.com listed a few tips that can help take off some of the pressure when deciding on your future career. Some of the tools mentioned include talking to a counselor as well as tests that can use personality traits to help determine a career path that would fit in with your likes and dislikes.
An interesting tip mentioned was to walk into a bookstore without a plan and see which section piques your interest. The article used the example of someone being pulled towards cookbooks should consider a career in the culinary arts. Check out “Deciding on a Career Path as a College Student” and let us know your thoughts.
How did you pick your career of choice? What tools helped you decide?
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Posted by admin on September 28th, 2009
We want it and we want it now! It’s practically social media’s mantra. We want to be current and up-to-date in whatever we choose to be involved and social media gives us instant gratification. We can find out what each of our family and friends are doing a split second through Tweets, find out how our neighbors’ weekend was via their blog, or check out our co-workers MySpace or Facebook page to see the newest events and happenings in their lives. It’s all at our finger-tips and there’s SO MUCH out there that sometimes I feel like I’m in SOCIAL MEDIA OVERLOAD.
It’s definitely a great tool – without a doubt. You can get instant feedback on products and services you’re going to purchase and most of the reviews out there are trustworthy. If anything, you can gather TOO much information which can keep you from making a decision entirely! It’s no wonder that schools are beginning to utilize social networks and platforms more and more.
Think about it … it’s the perfect fit! In education you WANT conversations and discussions about the topics you’re learning – it helps with retention. Especially in instances where you may be learning online or at a distance, it creates a medium where you can communicate with other students and, hopefully, learn from one another too. It provides that necessary interaction – paramount in education. Even faculty and staff get involved because they can use it as a resource in their teaching methods and in their lessons.
How do you use social media? What social media tools are you currently using in your everyday life?
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Posted by admin on September 14th, 2009
Unemployment and layoffs are enough to paralyze those with few options available in today’s workforce. However, just as every cloud has a silver lining, many are accepting job-loss as an opportunity to move on to more fulfilling and secure careers.
Aware of the current demand for retraining programs, many colleges are offering programs aimed specifically for those stuck in positions of uncertainty within their current jobs that are looking to settle into a more hopeful career path. At the same time, many of those looking for new careers are able to finally get the training necessary to pursue their dream jobs; courses like graphic design and photography are incredibly popular. Colleges are making these programs even more accessible by adding business and technology-based courses into their listings to help make careers in these fields more attainable. While many of those in the process of changing careers are aware that they may not be able to earn as high of a paycheck, the promise of job-security and opportunity for advancement make the initial pay-cut worth it.
Due to the economic downtown, many schools are offering refresher courses in basic math, reading, and computer skills for those who have been out of school for years. Distance learning programs have also been catering to those looking to choose a new career path which gives many the option to work at their own pace and on their own time without having to worry about the struggles associated with attending classes at a traditional “brick-and-mortar” institution.
Going back to school is easier than ever, so why not take the opportunity to break into a career you’ve always wanted while feeling secure in that career at the same time?
Now, I pose this question to our readers – have you found your silver lining? If you’ve lost your job or have been laid-off … did changing careers/going back to school become higher on your to-do list?
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Posted by admin on September 8th, 2009
Younger students tend to be more familiar with the technology used in online instruction, but that doesn’t mean they’re more successful in virtual courses.
In a recent Inside Higher Ed article , online teacher Rob Weir argues that older students make better online learners:
“Younger students love the idea of online courses, but they are often the worst students - despite their greater facility with technology. Yahoo! runs ads for ‘Why online college is rocking,’ and that’s part of the problem. Online education is being sold as if it’s for everyone, when those finding real success are those who are self-motivated, highly organized, and in possession of well-developed study habits? Younger students approach online classes as if they’re just another ‘cool’ thing to do on the Web. Be prepared to badger them if you want them to get through your course.” Students with experience meeting deadlines are certainly at an advantage. But, I’d argue that most young students are beyond enrolling in a program because they think its ‘cool.’
Do you think age is a determinant in online learning success? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
To view Jamie’s article on About.com - click here
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Posted by admin on September 1st, 2009
Recession-proof careers are those that withstand the ups and downs of the economy and are rarely affected by whether or not people have a ton of disposable income (similar to many families in our current economy). There are few certainties to rely on in the job market, but two markets that always seem to thrive regardless are healthcare and education. Despite income level or the economy’s status people will always need doctors, nurses, therapist, dentists and other healthcare professionals. Education also comes to the forefront during tough economic times. With the current rate of unemployment more and more people are going back to school to either change careers or make them more marketable/valuable in their current position.
In times when people may not be able to afford to pay all (or even some) of their health insurance, making them less likely to be able to take proper health precautions, the healthcare industry is needed more than ever. Nurses are at an unprecedented demand right now, so as long as you have the proper training, finding a position should be no problem. As the number of people looking to secure a career rises, so does the number of teaching positions needed to be filled. Teachers, whether they are focused on elementary school students or graduate-level students, help provide the critical thinking skills necessary for securing the nation’s economic future. Both fields require dedication and persistence, but certainly pay off big in the end.
Has anyone made the jump to one of these two fields? What have your experiences been like? What are some other careers that may also thrive in times of economic hardship?
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Posted by admin on August 25th, 2009
Years ago, when I graduated high school, I never thought twice about the debt I would rack up while attending college. I signed away on forms at the beginning of each semester not really grasping what was going to hit me once I took off that cap and gown. Six months into the real world, I started paying off the nearly $18,000 in debt I had accrued since my freshman year and I was one of the lucky ones! My parents helped pay for my tuition otherwise I would have been sitting on over $30,000 worth of debt. It puts a knot in my stomach to think of when my children are ready to go to college.
Are these loans really the best idea for our children? They’re starting their adult life in debt thousands upon thousands of dollars. Especially in these economic times where jobs are scarce, how can they even be assured a job once they graduate?
Is there a better way? There’s something to be said for schools where you cannot use Financial Aid. The costs are upfront and you know what you’re getting into, financially speaking. And, most of them offer payment options to make the cost a little easier to digest. I think even some 4-year colleges and universities have monthly payment options although I’m not sure how "affordable" they really are.
What are your thoughts/feelings? Would you still choose to defer the debt if you had an affordable option?
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Posted by admin on August 19th, 2009
Students often begin the process of achieving an education and sometimes find, like myself, that even a single circumstance - whether it be a lack of funds or a personal roadblock or any number of other reasons - regrettably, can preempt their education. Ten years ago, I didn’t think I would return to get my degree (although, a small part of me kept that hope alive, obviously). Going to college is a lot of work, not just mentally but physically. So, I was thrilled to discover the online college option, since it offered another, completely different process which ran parallel with my original goal of graduating from college. Furthermore, it led straight to the Commencement Trail. I didn’t have to find my way back to my original path; I forged a new “online” path.
I’ve thought many times about going back to school to get my Masters degree, and I wouldn’t even consider such an undertaking without online options. My life is full right now, as a wife and mother, as household manager, as a writer and now I’m considering an additional work opportunity. Add to that, like so many other parents, the kids’ school commitments, church and community work, training our puppy ( which I threw in as metaphor for “other” obligations that take a lot more time and energy than I thought they would). Now, I could really push myself and attend school on campus, but why? When online options make it so much easier to go back to school and get a degree. Most people want to save time and energy; I, especially, want to save time and energy and quite frankly, I don’t want to push myself anymore. I want results, not an ulcer.
My online university experience was so fulfilling that I’m not certain that I would change anything in my pursuit of an advanced degree; rather, I would blueprint the process so that I could repeat the sequence, it was that effective. I would be tempted here to write, that in order to save time and money, I might consider a local program to get my Masters degree; however, in truth I would research Masters programs at FSU first and foremost. Out of sheer sentimentality, of course (see previous article “Seminole Pride”). Yet, along with being a sentimental gal, I’m also thorough and yes, entertain a pragmatic vein. So, I will look into other programs and weigh all the options, for research is our best tool for decision-making, and often the gateway to a new path that could lead to the next goal.
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Posted by admin on August 17th, 2009
Text messages, chat rooms, online forums, MySpace, Facebook … even WEBKINS. Its information over-load when you begin to think about everything out there on "social networking". Many people think of MySpace, LinkedIn, Facebook and other social communities like them when they hear the terms "social networking" but that barely encompasses this growing movement. But what place does it have in education? Can it help us better connect with our young and adult learners?
According to a study by the NSBA (National School Boards Association) over 50% of students use social networking tools to talk about education topics and schoolwork … that is an astounding number. Should schools begin incorporating social networking into their curriculums? Maybe all schools should develop their own social community, like MySpace, where their students can go and discuss appropriate topics, chat in real-time with instructors or other students about homework problems (monitored for cheating, of course), or simply connect with other students like themselves with the same hobbies and interests. For an online school, in specific, this would give the students a sense of community and belonging … creating a virtual campus they can call their own.
It’s amazing how quickly technology evolves and, in my opinion, education should evolve just as quickly. I would love to see social networking incorporated in small ways into schools’ curriculums. What are your thoughts? Would you like to see it included in your school district, college or university’s curriculum?
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