Although Google Wave is only available in beta form, you can request an application to try it out yourself directly from their site. For more information about Google Wave, check out this article.

President Bush signed the “No Child Left Behind” Act into law during his presidency with the hopes of bringing all of our children up to, at the least, a proficient level in their studies. Unfortunately, without a budget to really back this type of undertaking it became somewhat of a joke to professionals and teachers in the education industry. Unfortunately, the plan backfired and with such pressures on the schools to achieve certain levels, teachers have begun “teaching to the test” instead of taking the time to make sure students grasp the knowledge their being given and know how to actually apply it in a real-life setting.

And, recently, the Obama Administration has urged everyone to go beyond their high school diploma to achieve their associates or bachelors degree. His plan includes more funding for early-learning programs as well as an item to address the current affordability of higher education and how to make it more accessible to everyone.

So, what are your thoughts? Are we struggling in the world market because of our current educational system? Should students start going year-round as in other industrialized countries? What are your thoughts on the state standardized tests that are being given to gauge our children’s’ success in school?

Using the virtual world gives students access to medical experts from all over the world that they may not have had access to in a traditional classroom setting. It also allows access to volunteers who act as patients that the students can diagnose using various diagnostic tests without accruing the costs associated with such an effort in a real medical setting.

Should a virtual world be used to train the individuals who care for us and our families? What happens when these individuals are thrown into a real-life situation? Sometimes it’s easier to diagnose and treat a problem from a distance when you know that your mistake won’t necessarily cost someone their life. Could this potentially be detrimental to the medical profession?

I can definitely see this being a fantastic resource in that it will connect world-famous specialists with medical students from all over the world. They can tap into the minds of these specialists and learn about their techniques and thought processes which can only enhance their own skill-set. BUT, I’m still a little skeptical. What do you think?

Choosing an online high school is a challenge. Parents need to find a virtual program that offers an accredited diploma and provides academic support for students, all without breaking the bank. Asking the right questions will help you find the online high school that best meets your needs. Here are some important credentials when reviewing your potential school:

1. Accreditation. An online high school that is regionally accredited, like Penn Foster’s high school program, will have the widest acceptance.
2. Curriculum. Your online high school should have a time-tested curriculum that meets your child’s academic needs.
3. Quality of instructors. Be wary of online high schools that hire teachers without a college diploma or teaching experience. Teachers should be credentialed, know how to work with teenagers, and be comfortable with computers.
4. School’s history. Online schools come and go. Choosing a school that has been around for longer, like Penn Foster High School, can help you avoid the trouble of trying to transfer schools at a later date.
5. Graduate percentage. You can learn a lot by an online high school’s graduation track record. If a large percentage of students drop out, you may want to reconsider.
6. Additional help for struggling students. If your child is struggling, you need to know that help is available.

Are you or your child thinking of enrolling in a virtual high school? What benefits/drawbacks do you see with online high schools?

Sources:

http://distancelearninginmo.blogspot.com/ http://distancelearn.about.com/od/virtualhighschools/a/OnlineHighQ.htm

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?

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?

t 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?

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?

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?

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?

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