If you’ve been keeping up with my blog posts lately you’ll know I’ve come to adding a few news posts from around the web on this subject. I’ve got a couple more today that are new and updated, so let me know what you think of em…

8 Top Careers For Online Information Technology Degree Graduates …

Attend classes online from the comforts of home.<br><br>When you take online courses, you can expect to learn any of the following and more:<br><br>Hardware and software design Software development Troubleshooting Networking Data …

Online Nursing Programs- A New World Of Opportunity | Online …

Despite the fact that education programs online nursing offered by the Internet, it could mean my book progresses and additional software, such as class. Keep an eye on financial assistance programs and grants available through programs …

Degree | Masters Degree Online Courses – A Look Into The Course …

Masters Degree Online courses have gained quite popularity with the people because of the comfortable time schedules that it philosophises. There is a spectrum.

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

Technorati Tags: online classes software

Integrate Fun and Learning with Games
 by: Steve Hall

Children are always up for a good game. Well, who isn’t? Pretend that you are back in school. For the rest of the class period you have two choices as to how you can spend your time. Option #1 is to struggle through endless arithmetic and English worksheets without any feedback except for a stamp that says “Great Job!” Option #2 is to work on the same arithmetic and English content, but on a computer. Yes, you can play a computer game to learn your numbers and verbs. Which option would you choose? Which option would children most likely choose? Option #2 of course!

Using computer software in education is not a new concept. Computer games have been used as a learning tool for the past two decades because they help students with basic skills, logic, problem solving, and various other academic skills. The Oregon Trail was a popular computer game in the 1980’s. This game helped students to work on their planning and problem solving skills. If you have ever played that game you might have realized that it was difficult to complete the trail. Everyone in my wagon always died of Cholera.

Parents and educators that are unfamiliar with computer game technology may automatically dismiss the use of computer games for learning. They view computer games as nothing but “shoot ‘em up” and mind numbing entertainment. As avid computer gamers we all know that they are way off base. Just think of all the problem solving, logic, and planning that goes into working on a team in a computer game, playing a puzzle, or figuring out a code.

There are computer games that are specifically based around educational learning standards. These games explicitly include counting, grammar, etc. They range from learning software that has a battery of tests to mimic standardized testing to fun, interactive learning games such as Caillou Magic Playhouse. This game allows a child to learn about numbers, patterns, spelling, phonics, and many other skills.

One advantage of using computer games in education is that the student is learning whether they realize it or not. Many children sigh when it is time to work on multiplication, but if you bring out a computer game – poof! They suddenly want to go through their multiplication tables. The computer game presents the same academic material, but makes it fun by integrating colorful animations and cool sounds. Plus, computer games allow for instant feedback and gratification. We have become a society that runs on instant gratification. A computer game can provide this feedback and it can also provide a means of competition. You will be stretched to find a student that wants to “beat” their worksheet, but a child who wants to beat a computer game? You will find them everywhere you look.

Computer games are advertised as forms of entertainment, which they most certainly are, but they are learning avenues as well. Gamers of all ages are learning every time they play a game. For example, there are games that work on your business skills. Games like Lemonade Tycoon and Mall Tycoon are prime examples. You are learning the skills to succeed in a business through simulation. Simulation is how many professionals acquire the skills for their occupation. Even though you are in a computerized environment, you can still come across many different business situations.

Computer software is here to stay. Email will one day override handwritten communication and perhaps games will take over traditional education. Granted games most likely will not take over traditional education, but they should become part of the educational experience. A child is learning while playing a computer game. Their memory and reaction time increases. They are sharpening various parts of their brain. The key is to play a mixture of games that range from pure entertainment to ones that are specifically designed for educational skill sets.

If your child or student is having trouble with math, English or any academic subject, set them up with a computer game. Their interest in learning will soar. Computer games can bring any student that is hesitant about school to learning whether they realize it or not. Computer games make learning fun.

About The Author

Steve Hall is a member of the GrandMatrix team. They provide a broad range of games, puzzles, articles and reviews. Read more articles, download and play the latest PC games for free plus enjoy thousands of user submitted puzzles, quizzes and word games at: http://www.grandmatrix.com

Technorati Tags: interactive learning software

How about these right… I think you’ll find the following nuggets of wisdom particularly insightful. Leave your comments below. Check out the second one in particular…

Great FREE Software Downloads: The eLearning Coach

I don't mean to sound dated, but sometimes I use the type of software that installs on my hard drive rather than an online application. And every so often, some great software comes along that saves time and frustration and can be …

Create Your Top 10 Recommend Software List by Adward

People always like to ask public for suggestions online before choosing software applications, especially for the first time they get access to a new type never used before. Majority of new users are … Adward Chan, E-Learning software provider, a freelance who gets himself involved into the e-learning software including tutorials, guides and funs. Article Source: Link: http://www.articles-heaven.com/articles/?Create-Your-Top-10-Recommend-Software-List&articleid=50106 …

Adobe eLearning Suite v1.0 ESD (CORE/2010) online indir download …

Adobe eLearning Suite v1.0 ESD (CORE/2010) | 3.58 GbAdobe eLearning Suite – a complete set of tools for creating multi-functional learning content. New software.

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

Technorati Tags: online elearning software

Choosing the Right Content-Authoring Tool For Your e-Learning Needs
 by: Dana Fine

There are several hundred e-Learning tools out in the marketplace today. Selecting the proper course-authoring tool for developing your company’s online training content is no small undertaking. Today we are going to look at some solid strategies to help you select the course-authoring tool that is right for you and for your company’s e-Learning / Learning Management Systems initiative. First we will start with some basic concepts.

What is a Content-authoring Tool?

According to Wikipedia.org, “a content-authoring tool is a software application used to create multimedia content typically for delivery on the World Wide Web. Content-authoring tools may also create content in other file formats so the training can be delivered on a CD (compact disc) or in other formats for various different uses. The category of content-authoring tools includes HTML, Flash, and various types of e-Learning authoring tools.”

Course-authoring tools can create online courses, while content-authoring tools create subject specific online content. Subject Specific Online Content more than likely has less features and functionality than an online course created with a course-authoring tool, but, this depends upon the software used to create the content. In the e-Learning industry, we generally use the two phrases interchangeably, and in this article, I will do so also.

What is a Learning Management System?

Learning Management Systems (LMSs) are web-based software application platforms used to plan, implement, and assess learning processes related to online and offline training administration and performance management. LMSs provide an instructor a way in which to create and deliver content, monitor learners’ participation, and assess student performance. LMSs also provide learners with interactive features, such as threaded discussions, web conferencing, discussion forums, and other methods of communication.

Generally, a Learning Management System has its own online content-authoring tool as part of the overall system. There are content-authoring tools / systems out there in the market that call themselves “Learning Management Systems”, but really are just front-end and / or presentation-authoring tools, with little or almost no LMS functionality. A good Learning Management System should work with many types of content-authoring tools.

In fact, many companies may start out using one or two content-authoring tools along with their Learning Management System. As their e-Learning initiative grows and changes over time, they use different types of content-authoring tools to achieve the various effects needed. This is often due to business changes and the fact that in many corporate training scenarios, a Learning Management System or other larger, more complex enterprise software systems use content-authoring tools to develop the online training content that is managed.

What does SCORM/AICC compliant mean?

SCORM stands for Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model (SCORM), which is a set of specifications that, when applied to course content, produces small, reusable e-Learning objects. A result of the Department of Defense’s Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative, SCORM-compliant courseware elements are easily merged with other compliant elements to produce a highly modular repository of training materials.

AICC standards apply to the development, delivery, and evaluation of training courses that are delivered via technology. AICC stands for the Aviation Industry CBT [Computer-Based Training] Committee (AICC), which is an international association of technology-based training professionals that develops training guidelines for the aviation industry.

Many e-Learning content-authoring tools are SCORM/AICC compliant. A rule of thumb is, as long as the content-authoring tool is SCORM/AICC compliant (creates SCORM/AICC compliant courses) and the Learning Management System is SCORM/AICC compliant (works with SCORM/AICC courses), they will work together.

Factors to Consider When Evaluating Content-authoring Tools

Situational Parameters

Remember that not all tools are appropriate for all training delivery methods. It’s important to consider the context in which course-authoring tools will be used. As you gather information, keep in mind that as long as your online training is founded on good instructional design principles, the interactivity produced by the authoring tool you choose will strengthen the learner’s experience.

Training Objectives & Delivery Methods

What type of training are you providing? Is it a blended learning experience? Will some training be online and some in classrooms? This will help determine which course authoring tools and LMSs you can use. Will you provide training on a CD Rom? Are your learners certifying on a product, service, or procedure? Are you teaching someone to use a certain software program?

Media Needs

What types of media will you use? Does the content-authoring tool of your choice support those file types?

Resources and Ongoing Support

Do you have the resources to support the types of online training you wish to develop? Graphic designers? Appropriate subject matter experts? Voice talent? Video producers? Models? Production Designers? Outside user testing? Etc.

What about after the training is developed? Does the training need to be refreshed periodically, anywhere from in 6 months to a year or beyond? Will any tests associated with the training change on a regular basis? Will you have the right resources and support in place for any ongoing e-Learning content development needs?

Funds & Timing

How much is budgeted for the project? Will you have a team of people to develop the training? Should you outsource? What things are specific to the type of training you will be developing that may be compromised by outsourcing? How steep is the learning curve associated with the tools you are thinking of using for the project?

Interactivity

What level of interactivity is required for the training? Simulations and other dynamic learning activities are great to have, but are they really appropriate or needed for the type of online training you will be developing? Flash has become the standard tool used for many interactive learning activities. If your authoring tool works with Flash, how much more do you need?

Plug-ins

Some course-authoring tools may need plug-ins, but this has become much less of a problem in e-Learning today than it was just a few years ago. Obviously, if you are dealing with a group of learners who are not technically savvy, have older browsers (IE 4.0 or below; Netscape 4.0 or below), or mostly use slow dial up connections, plug-ins become a real liability in regards for delivering online courses.

Platforms

What platforms will the training be delivered on? Does the online training you develop have to work across a combination of platforms such as PC, MAC, UNIX or others? Does it have to work across a variety of operating systems and / or browsers?

Total Cost of Ownership

It’s always best to evaluate any software or systems acquisition by looking at the total cost of ownership (TCO). TCO is a financial metric designed to help assess direct and indirect costs related to the purchase of any capital investment, such as (but not limited to) computer software or hardware. In this case, the TCO would include the cost of the application, training, upgrades, maintenance, and any other costs associated with the company owning the product over its lifetime.

Conclusion

The course-authoring tool that best meets your needs will depend entirely upon your situation. In the long run, applying due diligence during the evaluation process will save you time and money.

About The Author

Dana Fine is a Senior Instructional Designer at SyberWorks, Inc. http://www.syberworks.com. SyberWorks is a custom e-Learning solutions company that specializes in Learning Management Systems, e-Learning solutions, and custom online course development. Dana is also a frequent contributor to the Online Training Content Journal http://www.boggse-learningchronicle.typepad.com/the_online_training_conte/.

Technorati Tags: online training software

Back with more news for you today. It’s amazing how much good information there is on this stuff out there if you know where to look. Three in particular that I found really valuable were…

Where can i do a BS in Software Engineering via distance learning …

Where can i do a BS in Software Engineering via distance learning ? I just do not want online university. . . . The pay level survey answers. . . . . Written by Admin on March 8th, 2010 with 1 comment. Read more articles on Distance …

[workshop] Social Software Engineering SSE – e-Learning Blog

The program of the 3rd. International Workshop on Social Software Engineering is now online. We are happy to announce a …

Innovative Techniques in Instruction Technology, E-learning, E …

Pattern-Based Usability Evaluation of E-Learning Systems/ D.Zub, E.Eessaar. 22. Computerized Education/ G.G. Kuleshov. 23. E-Education Over Homogenous Network/ E.Küren, A.Cellatoglu. 24. From Software Engineering to Enterprise …

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

Technorati Tags: distance learning software engineering

The Convenience Of Using Video Conferencing Software
 by: Mark Woodcock

Communicating face to face without being in the same location has become easy with the arrival of video conferencing technology and its related software. For business, it is the best way to interact with colleagues worldwide for meetings and conferences. For medical professionals, it provides an invaluable service in that patients can be treated long distance in real time by specialists without the time and hassle of travel. And now for the everyday person, video conferencing software has given opportunities for education and communication like never before.

A video conference is achieved with a set of interactive telecommunications tools that give 2 or more parties in different locations the opportunity to work together using 2-way video and audio at the same time. The history of video conferencing can be traced back to the beginning of television. Video conferencing pretty much began with the advent of the television, by using closed circuit televisions that were connected by means of cable. This tended to be expensive to carry out, and was not the most efficient over long distances for such functions as business meetings or distance learning.

In the 1980’s, digital telephony technology opened the doors to more efficient and effective transmission of audio and video over longer distances, with a guaranteed minimum bandwidth (approximately 128 Kbps). The technology remained expensive and therefore not highly sought after, especially for smaller businesses, until the 1990’s. The fast progress of the technology and its capabilities along with the burgeoning prevalence of the Internet helped to make video conferencing software and hardware more reasonably priced. In addition, these factors contributed to making the technology a more appealing and convenient way to communicate long distance.

For a basic video conferencing setup, there are certain pieces of hardware and software that are required. These include a video input for recording video, such as a webcam. There also needs to be a video output for displaying video images, such as a monitor or television set. An audio output device, such as a microphone, is required for recording sound. Audio output devices such as speakers are needed to playing the audio. And finally, there needs to be a method of data transmission from one location to the other. This can be accomplished via the Internet, or even a LAN (Local Area Network). The more bandwidth, the better.

For the general population, there are ways to take advantage of video conferencing. There are lower quality services available in the form of downloadable programs like Googletalk, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, among others. The downloadable software is usually free of charge, and if you have a webcam, a microphone, and broadband Internet access, you can be connected with friends and family sans the long distance phone bills. It is an ideal way for grandparents to witness the development of far away grandchildren, and for long distance friends to keep in touch.

Another use to video conferencing software is for educational purposes. Students can use the technology to participate in distance learning programs worldwide, without having to leave home to do it. This technology offers no limits to the possibilities of expanding your educational and cultural horizons, no matter where you are in the world. And yet another positive use for video conferencing software is in the field of medicine. The technology allows doctors and nurses to consult with patients and colleagues in real time and send and receive x-rays and other pertinent images quickly. In addition, health problems can be diagnosed by specialists from anywhere in the world, without the need to travel to do it.

Video conferencing software is not only for business meetings anymore. The Internet has provided a means of allowing the average citizen a way of taking advantage of this technology. In addition, the uses for video conferencing continue to develop all the time. In business, medicine, education, and personal computing, video conferencing software is a highly convenient and easy means of face-to-face communication.

About The Author

Mark Woodcock is a director of 3 Internet Companies, is a published author and has written many articles on a widespread number of topics. All his articles may be reproduced provided that an active link is included to http://www.audiovideo-web-conferencing.com.

Technorati Tags: distance education software

Have you heard of some piano teacher software that you can download and access online? Do you want to try such software on the web on your own that are highly recommended by piano teachers to all music teachers out there? If so, you better read on and learn how piano teacher software can change your teaching strategies and experiences in a classroom setting.

Music teaching resources have been available either via online or the traditional way of achieving professional growth such as through series of training, seminars and workshops. Online teaching resources have been useful tools in teaching music and other musical instruments effectively to learners of different ages and cultures for quite a few years now.

Piano teacher software may come in a wide variety of forms, structures and features. Reliable and useful software on piano lessons, piano teaching activities, and other related exercises in music education should be used and applied according to a specific topic or class.

Learning how to play the piano effectively and efficiently requires various learning sessions, multiple lessons on piano from reading music to playing a musical piece by ear. To adhere to these needs, music educators and music professionals think of a better way to do them. With this, piano teacher software offers a huge number of lessons coming from experienced musicians, professional music enthusiasts, and many more.

Why do you think piano teachers need such updated software from music teachers’ website? Well, the answer lies in the desire and passion of music teachers to improve their teaching strategies and to make their students highly motivated in learning their lessons.

The following are the reasons and benefits that piano teacher software can provide:

• Through this innovative software for piano teachers, students can learn to play the musical instrument at home – in their comfort zones. They will surely appreciate that they do not need to pay for high-priced and intimidating private lessons and tutorials.
• Lesson and lecture guides are installed and integrated into the software so as to enhance the skills and knowledge of the recipients. This interactive software includes instructional guides on terminologies related to music, scales, chords, fingering and a lot more.
• Basic playing techniques and other necessary information on learning how to read music and play an instrument.
• Leading programs and software for music teachers can be seen and downloadable in a variety of music teachers’ websites and resources. Specific piano teaching software can work and interact with an electronic keyboard or you can just put your computer unit near your piano as you practice.

Learning to play the piano requires time, effort, patience and discipline. However, there have been a lot of available resources, programs and software to help an interested learner to learn how to explore this musical instrument effectively and efficiently.

So, make your piano teaching technique a certified hit to your dear students and a very rewarding one. Find and download particular piano teacher software today and see how it can change your teaching and your students’ learning experiences.

200f

Music Teacher’s Helper can provide you piano teacher software and music teaching tips to help you manage your private music studio. – Earl Marsden

Earl Marsden started developing a passion for music at the early age of twelve. He first learned to play the guitar at thirteen, and from there he pursued the study other instruments including the violin, piano and flute. Currently, he devotes some of his spare time to writing articles about music teaching while managing his own music studio.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Earl_Marsden

Technorati Tags: online teaching software

Technorati Tags: online course software

Finding An Online Continuing Education Program

Continuing education online is a fast-developing market becoming more admissible in the work place – when you select a legitimate education program online.

1. Verify the college is “recognized” via the Council for website of Higher Education Accreditation. Accreditation is required for recognition by the employer and recognition by many other higher education establishments.

2. Make sure that the cost is right. You need to find out up-front – prior to paying an application fee how much tuition is as well as make sure you have a whole picture of all expenses comprising access fees, texts, and other required purchases. Bear in mind that lots of agencies provide strong tuition reimbursement opportunities. Though online education is more affordable than the comparable campus-based education, still this is not cheap, thus make sure to get the money’s worth and learn exactly what you enrol for.

3. Check the teachers. You should ask about the experience – academic or real-world – and be sure that they are worthy of teaching you on the field you are pursuing. Also, this is important they have the knowledge required to do the job. Most junior or associate college teachers have a Master’s degree at least in the subject they educate, plus the majority of college professors earn a PhD in their field of expertise. The online education teachers must have comparable education levels.

4. Make sure to get any required attention. Try and define a guideline for teacher-student portion. Different from classroom learning, this is possible to get an almost unrestricted number of students in the online class, though if the size of class is enormous, then you won’t get the same kind of time with your teachers as you might in a much smaller class.

By: Maria S

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Elizabeth Reed is an experienced researcher and essay writer. Elizabeth has been providing assistance to students with professional custom essays and 1000
incollege.Com/custom-term-paper" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">custom term paper for over 4 years. She is always ready to provide dissertation writing service and writing tips to students.

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Reference & Education Articles Via RSS!
Additional Articles From – Home | Reference & Education

Courses in 2D and 3D Animation Degree in India
Final Cut Pro Editing Training Institute in India
Online Phonics Lesson Plans: A Comprehensive Tool for Teaching English Phonics to Kids
Things to know about Elocution Competitions
VaR Historical Simulation Method
Sample Personal Statement Essay: Highlighting Lessons You’ve Learned in Your Admissions Essay
Writing a Graduate Admission Essay for Foreign Students
Examples of Personal Statements: Is It Worth the Time and Money to go to MBA School?
Tips from Free College Admission Essays
How much homework is too much homework?

Technorati Tags: educational online software

Is there any on-line homeschooling that provides u with a free lap top but i cant afford to pay ..?

i cant at all not even a dime i need a free school that provides a free laptop and a webcam and a mic to see and talk to the teachers online with the free laptop they sent me!!! if u know the site plz help me…. i droped out of school and need to get a online school…. there was to much drama in public schools….

Technorati Tags: online classroom software