Online Education Guide : A great learning resource

Fiske Guide to Colleges 2008

2008-01-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

For more than 20 years, this leading guide to more than 300 colleges and universities has been an indispensable source of information for college-bound students and their parents. Hip, honest and straightforward, the Fiske Guide to Colleges delivers an insider's look at the academic climates and the social and extracurricular scenes at the best and most interesting schools in the U.S., plus Canada and Great Britain.

Includes:
-- Fiske's exclusive academic, social and quality-of-life ratings
-- The 40+ schools that deliver the best education at the most reasonable costs
-- Lists of each school's strongest majors and programs
-- Candid tips from each school's current students
-- A self-quiz to help understand which college is right for a student
-- Vital information on how to apply
-- Overlap listings to help students expand their options
-- Selectivity statistics and SAT and ACT ranges

From the Back Cover
Most readable and informative of all college guides.
-USA Today
For more than 20 years, this leading guide to more than 300 colleges and universities has been an indispensable source of information for college-bound students and their parents. Hip, honest and straightforward, the Fiske Guide to Colleges
delivers an insiders look at the academic climates and the social and extracurricular scenes at the best and most interesting schools in the United States, plus Canada and Great Britain.
In addition to the candid essays on each school, you will find:
A self-quiz to help you understand what you are really looking for in a college
Lists of the strongest majors and programs at each college
Vital information on how to apply, including admissions and financial aid deadlines, required tests and each schools essay questions
Overlap listings to help you expand your options
Selectivity statistics and SAT/ACT scores
Indexes that break down schools by price and state
A list of schools with strong programs for learning disabled students
Plus all the basics, including email addresses and university websites
Plus a special section highlighting the 45 public and private Best Buy schools-colleges that provide the best educational value
The guide the San Francisco Chronicle called the bible.
Edward B. Fiske served for 17 years as Education Editor of the New York Times, during which time he realized that college-bound students and their families needed better information on which to base their educational choices. He wrote the Fiske Guide to Colleges to help them. He is also the author, with Bruce G. Hammond, of the Fiske Guide to Getting into the Right College.

This book gives you pretty good info on most of America's good colleges(some are not on there because they "weren't good enough") the infos are pretty good, since they obtain most of them through interviews with each college's students. One thing i don't get though,on page 537,for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the Quality of Life rating was "HHH" instead of stars...wonder if it is a typo.

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fifth Edition

2008-01-27T11:12:00.000-08:00

This book offers updated information on reporting statistics, writing withour bias, preparing manuscripts with a word processor for electronic production, and publishing research in accordance with ethical principles. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Style manual for writers, editors, students, educators, and professionals across all fields. Provides clear guidance on grammar, the mechanics of writing, and APA style. Includes examples, new guidelines and advice, and more. Previous edition: c1994. Softcover, wire-spiral edition is also available. Hardcover edition due later.

My professors have been recommending the purchase of this book since my first class in grad school. I have been cheating & checking it out of the public library instead. I bit the bullet & purchased this book because it is a must have for writing "A" APA papers. Thus, if you are in grad school I highly suggest this book to ensure your citations & formats are correct.

How to Select the Right College

2007-10-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

By Debolah Pointer

Getting into college, and choosing the right college to apply to, is not a mystery. But it does seem overwhelming unless you have a plan that gives you a road-map and strategy to choose the right colleges to apply to.

But how do you do that? There are almost four thousand colleges to apply to. How do you narrow your college search down to just three or ten colleges? Since you know that you want to go to college, how do you find the right one, the college that is the perfect fit for you?

Every year there are students who do not get accepted into any college. That’s because they did not know how to find the right colleges to apply to. They did not have a sound plan or strategy when they made their college application list. One student I know only applied to one college. When that college said no, the student had to scramble to get accepted somewhere. So how do you make your list?

Choosing the right college is a big decision for your entire family. Education is a lifetime investment of time, money and effort. This is a tough and important decision.

First, you must ask yourself some important questions. If you don’t ask yourself these questions now, you may be asking yourself the same questions as a freshman looking at finding a college to transfer to. Don’t apply to a college simply because your best friend applied there or it’s a prestigious school. Choose wisely. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Location - Where do I want to go to college? Do I want to go far from home or stay close? Large campus or a small campus, city or small town?

• Type of Institution - What kind of college do I want to attend? Two year community college or four year institution.

• Housing - Where do I want to live? On campus, off campus, at home, single room or double?

• Enrollment – Do I want large classes or small classes? Am I comfortable in a student body of thousands or just hundreds?

• Student Body - Do I want to go to a coed school or a same sex college?

• Academics - Majors or course offerings. Does the college offer my major? Or if I don’t know what I want to major in, does the college have a strong liberal arts curriculum that offers me lots of majors to look at?

• Campus Life – Sports, intramural sports, clubs, band, theater. Are athletic and recreational facilities available?

• Costs -Can my family afford the cost of the college? What percentage of students receive financial aid? Does the college offer scholarships? Am I eligible for federal or state based financial aid?

• Criteria – What criteria does the college use in making their admission decisions?

After you have complied your list of schools that meet the criteria you have selected, you can narrow your list even further by ranking your list. Which colleges are your reach colleges-(those that you may have a hard time to get into) reasonably attainable colleges (those that you have a reasonable chance of getting accepted to and (3) sure-shot colleges (those that you know you’ll be admitted to). Make sure that your list has all three categories.

You may have more than one favorite college. But if you take the time now to carefully consider your choices, you’ll be happy wherever you go. You will be comfortable with your decisions because you asked yourself the right questions when you applied.
Deborah Battle Pointer is co-founder and co-executive producer of the Peabody award winning television show Def Poetry. She is the former Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Cornell University, former Director of Engineering at Columbia University School of Engineering and and former Director of Financial Aid at Columbia College, Columbia University.
Article Source : http://ezinearticles.com

Use Online Education To Make You Money

2007-08-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

How Does Success University Use Online Education To Make You Money

By Dina Fedorova
If you are looking for an online education, the most visited website available today is Success University. Success University is the world's first online learning company devoted exclusively to personal development and entrepreneurialism. The Internet is making it possible for people from all walks of life to make money online if they are willing to work.

One problem ordinary people have is they do not have the personal skills or the technical skills to use the Internet to make money. Success University helps solve both of these problems. Here are a few ways they do that.

- They have spent several hundred thousand dollars developing audio and video courses to help you improve your life in various ways such as learning how to deal with the different challenges as they come up on a daily basis and how to understand your inner self. Also you can learn to develop the positive attitude that allows you to control how others feel about you. Finally, learn how your sub-conscious can play a role in your success and many more personal development learning courses.

- Another way you can get an online education with Success University is by developing the skills it will take to run a successful Internet home business. Things like goal setting, how to advertise your online business, the fastest way to build a network marketing down line, how to do pay per click advertising and other business building tips are covered.

- Success University offers some of the top tools to help you make money online as well. You will get several websites that you can refer prospects to depending on the level of the relationship you have with them. You might send a friend to one website and market your business online to complete strangers with a different. SU has a lead capture system in place that automatically follows up with potential business partners

for you. This provides you with the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of your prospect so that you can follow up directly as well.

- One of the reasons for the phenomenal growth of Success University in such a short time is the business model they have established their company on. As an Internet network marketing company they make it possible for anyone in the world to make money. Their compensation plan is based on a binary plan which helps ordinary people begin to make money quickly, which is a key to the high retention rate they are experiencing in the normally volatile mlm industry.

If you are looking for the best way to make money on the Internet you are going to want to give Success University a hard look. Millionaires are being created in a very short time with this business. By using the success system they have in place to improve yourself and make money at the same time you are able to help people and get paid, which is truly a win-win situation for everyone.
For more information please visit : successuniversity.com

Online Degree Education- Accelerate your Career

2007-08-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a bachelor or master degree? but do you feel its difficult to do it now? Don't worry there are lot of good online degree education providers,good degree from well known universities.If you have dreamed of going back to a university and get an advanced degree, you can now achieve it through online education also known as distance learning. You can take courses at the convenience of your home or office. Online education programs are flexible in that, you can work at your own pace. You have an extensive choice of courses and several universities to help you secure your degree along with your work or career.

Lots of Universities is providing online education programs. You can take any degree you want from any university you like. The importance of online education program is that, if you are a working person, you can get you degree and simultaneously you can continue your work also. No need of taking leaves from your company to get you degree. If you feel your age is above to go to a college and you are in need of a degree then in these situation online degree is more useful. No need of going to colleges and all you can study online and will get your degree. If you are in office or home no problem you can take your course.

Now a day you have wide choices of course and universities. So don’t bother about your degree just get a online degree now itself from your place whether that is office or your home.

It would seem as though the most appropriate time for a young person to consider career options is when they are embarking on the journey of choosing a college to attend.

For some their career options are something they have been considering for the better part of high school. They may have taken several high school level courses that will work well towards their goal of achieving admission in a certain school. Many young people don’t consider many career options because they have a very clear idea of their lives’ path before they even enter high school.

For others career options are something they are still struggling with even as they begin the college experience. They have an idea of what interests them but trying to decide on a specific major is a daunting task. Many of these young people will explore several different career options before deciding on something that really has grabbed their interest.

Before entering college many schools have services available to the students that help them with career options. This can be in the form of a career fair where different career paths are detailed. Adults may come in to talk about their chosen career options and where those have led them. This can be a wonderful way for younger people to become familiar with the education requirements and commitment necessary to pursue a particular career choice.

It’s very important for young people to be aware of all of the potential career options available to them. Many schools have guidance counselors on staff who can discuss with the child their particular aspirations. The counselor also has knowledge of the admission requirements for different studies and can advise the child on what they will need to study in high school to better their chances while in college.

Considering career options is not just for the younger set. Many established workers consider a career change at some point in their life.

Their occupation might be slowing becoming obsolete of they are losing interest in the thing they were once very passionate about. Reaching a point where you begin to think about other career options can be the turning point in one’s life.

Many universities and colleges offer evening courses for students who are employed during the day. If you are considering other career options it’s good to know that if you do require schooling that you’ll have the chance to pursue that while still earning a living.

Life is remarkably less stressful if you have a job that you enjoy. Carefully considering the career options that are most appealing to you is the first step to ensuring you’ll go to work each day enjoying the experience.

It’s never too late to consider a new career path. There are career counselors available who work with adults to develop a goal that is attainable for them. It’s rewarding when you discover a new life passion and work hard to achieve that goal. Many people in their 40s, 50s and even older are heading back to school because they’ve decided the career options they’ve already achieved just aren’t enough. Article Source: http://wowarticles.com

The Shocking Truth About How To...

2007-01-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

The Shocking Truth About How To University Online
By Wirat Munpan
In today's world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate. While I was gathering facts for this article, I was quite surprised to find some of the issues I thought were settled are actually still being openly discussed.

DeVry University Online provides the flexibility you need to complete your degree whenever and wherever it 2019s convenient for you. Your request will be submitted and the information from Kaplan University Online will be sent to you via mail within a few days. DeVry University Online provides the flexibility you need to complete your degree whenever and wherever it's convenient for you. Attend South University online classes and you will never have to adjust your schedule to accommodate a class time. Colorado Technical University online provides the alumni services and comprehensive career services helping students and graduates to find jobs and further their careers. Colorado Technical University Online courses are presented in a rich multimedia format that enables students to interact as often as they like. With DeVry University Online, you can earn a bachelor's degree from the convenience of your home or office by completing your coursework entirely online. Distance learning university online education degrees at bachelors, masters and doctorate levels. Product Management University Online is a simple, economical and convenient way to improve your product management and product marketing execution with simple step-by-step techniques.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and University Online experts is time. If you'll invest a little more time in reading, you'll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to University Online.

Product Management University Online is a simple, economical and convenient way to improve your product management and product marketing execution with simple step-by-step techniques. DeVry University Online provides the flexibility you need to complete your degree whenever and wherever it 2019s convenient for you. DeVry University Online provides the flexibility you need to complete your degree whenever and wherever it's convenient for you. With DeVry University Online, you can earn a bachelor's degree from the convenience of your home or office by completing your coursework entirely online. Colorado Technical University online provides the alumni services and comprehensive career services helping students and graduates to find jobs and further their careers. Distance learning university online education degrees at bachelors, masters and doctorate levels. Attend South University online classes and you will never have to adjust your schedule to accommodate a class time. Your request will be submitted and the information from Kaplan University Online will be sent to you via mail within a few days.

If you've picked some pointers about University Online that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won't really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don't use it. http://www.accredited-university-online.com/
Wirat Muenpan Is The Webmaster of Accredited University Online Proven Techniques Help You Accredited Online University - Guaranteed! www.accredited-university-online.com

How to Get into a Top UK University Even...

2007-01-05T17:49:00.000-08:00

How to Get into a Top UK University Even If You Don't Have the Right Qualifications
By Tony Radford
How to Get into a Top UK University Even If You Don't Have the Right Qualifications

If you have a strong desire to study at a UK university, but do not have the necessary qualifications, this short article describes the perfect route for you.

The Way In

Many universities provide a training course called a Foundation Year. The Foundation Year provides essential preparation for a chosen course of study and also covers areas such as IT skills, maths and numeracy, academic and studying methods and communication skills.

Some Foundation Year courses provide English language preparation, to ensure your English is up to the required academic standard. Most Foundation Year programmes have a minimum language skill requirement, although many universities provide English language training.

A Foundation Course provides you with all the basic skills you need to gain access to a UK University course. Many Foundation Courses even guarantee you a place on the degree course you are aiming for, provided of course that you achieve the required standards in the Foundation Year.

You should definitely consider a Foundation Year if you do not have the necessary qualifications to gain entry to a degree course.

Typical Entry Requirements

Foundation Year entry requirement vary from university to university, so you must find out what is required at the university you are considering. However, there are some basic requirements:

* Most Foundation Year courses require you to be at least 18 years old.

* You must be able to prove that you have completed Secondary education in your home country.

* English - The English language requirement is likely to be at least IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 525. Some Universities provide English courses.

* Maths - You should have the equivalent of at least a Grade D in Mathematics at GCSE level.

* You must of course have a strong desire to succeed in your chosen area of study and any evidence of your desire will be very helpful in your application.

* Some 'life experience' may be required for certain courses.

What Can You Study?

Foundation Year courses are available in an very wide range of disciplines including:

- Business, Marketing, Accountancy
- Law
- Social Science, Humanities, Arts
- Hospitality, Consumer Technology, Leisure
- Science and Engineering
- Information Technology, Computing
- Food and Health
- Joint Honours Programmes

A Foundation Year is often organised into course units, designed to prepare you for your intended course. Some units are mandatory, others optional, many will be specified by the degree course you are preparing for.

Foundation Year Mentoring

Some Universities offer a Foundation Year mentoring scheme. A mentor is a volunteer who offers confidential help and guidance based on their experience. The mentor relationship can be very helpful.

How Do You Apply ?

First you should decide which degree you wish to study at University.

Then you should identify the University or universities offering a Foundation Year course that is the appropriate preparation for degree you have chosen. The

Then you need to apply for a place on the Foundation Year through the University & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). This is the university applications processing organisation in the UK and all applications for university places, including Foundation Year, go through UCAS www.ucas.ac.uk

Summary

A Foundation Year is all about giving you the chance to gain a place in a English University. For many it is a second chance – the chance to develop, the change to get a degree, the chance to get on that first rung of the ladder to success.
Manchester Metropolitan University offers a very successful and substantial Foundation Year programme and welcomes applications to courses from overseas students. Click UK University here for full information, a newsletter and application details.

The New Wave Of Online Education

2006-12-28T18:27:00.000-08:00

Success University - The New Wave Of Online Education
By Leonard Bartholomew
Many of us have spent our lives and fortunes chasing after the dream. That dream seems elusive at times and we wonder if we made the right decisions and are we meeting our goals. We dream of not having to worry about money. That is the bottom line. We are taught at a very young age that to reach that dream we need a good education. We choose a career and go into debt to get it if we are not so fortunate as some. We gauge our success by the amount of our paycheck, noticing that a lot of it goes back out in the form of benefits, retirement, and taxes. The rest goes into paying for housing, food, cars, and family expenses if you have one. Not a lot left over, huh? Having spent thirty years climbing the mountain of dreams, you realize that your dream has turned into a dud. Something is missing and you are not sure what it is. If you do not have the time or the resources to investigate this problem, go online to Success University where you can find the answers to life, money and love in your spare time.

The news is out, Stone Evans from the Plug In Profit Site is telling everyone that joining Success University is going to be part of his program in the near future. That means that either he is going to lose quite a few affiliates because of the extra expense, or he is going to make a wind-fall profit because everyone joining this program. His history would suggest the second option. With a two dollar entry fee, anyone would join in a cause that they believe in. Where does this belief come from and where can you find it? Have you ever been to a motivational seminar where either you or your company spent over a thousand dollars for you to attend?

Success University offers the chance to view online seminars for a fraction of the cost. You no longer have to stay in a hotel or travel to enjoy the benefits of this kind of training. The only disadvantage is that you miss out on the interactive aspects of going to a seminar. You don't get to ask any questions. That is ok, there is plenty more to benefit from.

The online education courses Success University Offers are quick and easy to complete. The program is achievement based and requires fifty one credits for scholar certification. Fifty percent of these credits need to be in the form of achievement courses, the other fifty percent can come in the form of electives. It is designed to suit your personality and needs. Each module has a quiz at the end of it, so paying
attention is important.

The ciriculum is varied and includes topics on health, leadership, salesmanship, network marketing, and motivation. Wait a minute, no math, history, english, or social studies? Success University is not a traditional educational institution. It is the new wave of online education that teaches you how to think positively, how to live well, and yes how to make money online while you learn. It is an affiliate program.

It is an affiliate program with some big gun instructors and with multiple years of experience in the practice of success skills in their fields. You do not see these kinds of instructors in the traditional college or university classroom. They are internet pioneers. For one of the greatest examples of the kind of resources available at Success University, look up Brian Tracy in Google. He is legitamate, powerful and all over the internet.

Success University is affordable considering what it would cost to see these professionals by going to their seminars. The training you will receive will be unlike anything you have experienced in the traditional classroom. What you will learn can be applied to almost any job, career or even life's situations. It is the missing aspect in anyone's educational dream, The spark that says "I have a future".
Leonard Bartholomew, B.S. Computer Science, Put the spark back into your education online at Success University

Why are more adults turning towards...

2006-12-25T00:35:00.000-08:00

Why are more adults turning towards online education?
By Harris Jhosta
Over the last few years, online education has become a very popular concept. There are literally thousands of adults who have chosen to improve their lives by turning to online education. With this recent surge in popularity, many individuals are asking why so many adults are choosing to earn a college degree over the internet. Although the concept may seem strange at first, after understanding more about what online education really is and all the benefits it has to offer, it is easy to understand why so many adults are choosing online education.

To begin with, one of the most obvious benefits provided by online education is flexibility. When attending a traditional college, you are forced to go to class on the schedule that is created by the college. This makes it impossible for many adults to attend a traditional university. Whether it is an obligation such as a full-time job or taking care of a family, a traditional university is not very conducive to a busy schedule. However, a program of online study does not have the same drawbacks that a traditional university does. Online education allows you to obtain a college degrees on your own terms and schedule. Instead of needing to go to class three times a week, you can study on your timeframe. Whether you prefer to do your class work early in the morning or late at night, you have the freedom to create your own study schedule. This is one of the several benefits that makes online education a very popular option for adults.

The flexibility provided by online education is not the only thing that makes it a popular choice for many adults. Online education is also very popular among adults because of the financial benefits it can provide. Traditionally, the cost of education at a regular college or university is extremely expensive. The reason for this high cost includes factors such as paying for utilities and other maintenance related expenses. However, when paying for an online course, the costs associated with traditional education are not present. Because you are not actually receiving your education in a classroom, you are not responsible for paying for the upkeep of any facilities. This makes online accredited degrees a much more economical choice. Although online education does not require as much of a financial investment, this in no one means that the education you are receiving is any less valuable or rewarding than that provided by traditional universities.

In addition to the benefits discussed above, there is another factor that makes online education a popular choice among many adults. Online education provides adults many choices in what program of study they will follow. Regardless of what you are interested in, it is almost guaranteed that there is an online education program which fits your interests. The amount of programs available online provide a significant advantage over traditional forms of education. Before the advent of education, many people had to settle for the programs of study that were offered by institutions which were close by. If you wanted to study something unique or very specialized, the only way you could accomplish this was by physically moving to a new location which was closer to an institution that offered this program of study. However, thanks to the internet, this is no longer an issue.

A significant number of adults have turned to online education for various reasons, and there are several factors which make this a very positive decision. In addition to being economical, flexible and broad, an online degree is a guaranteed way to improve your position in the workforce. Whether you are looking for a promotion or hoping to be interviewed for higher paying job, by choosing to earn an degree through the internet, you will be joining many other adults who have also made the choice to improve their lives through online education.
Harris Jhosta is holding the market experience of IT industry and immense business solutions for about 2 decades now. His vast experience in the related field gave him the acclamation and renown ship in many sectors of business. Harris has also been involved in providing educational services in form of various seminars and lectures, in many well renowned universities. Presently carrying a research on the evolution of business performance by the advent of Information Technology Ciphers in the state university of California.

The Seattle University Example

2006-11-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

The Seattle University Example
By Andrew Bleak
Literacy on information technology is a must these days. Actually, it is almost already a presumption that everyone has at least the basic knowledge on computers and computer applications. In employment, most companies look for people who are vastly knowledgeable in information technology. In schools also, students are expected to possess intermediate functional literacy related to information technology. This is especially true if a student is planning to study through online education. Having a college course online emphasizes that one must already be adept in a number of computer applications, especially internet application.

However, there are instances wherein students' knowledge on information technology is still not enough for them to survive the rigors of college life. There are times when what students know are already outdated and would not stand anymore in a highly competitive university. These students very well have the other competencies to meet the demands of college education, but some are really lagging behind when it comes to information technology. These students must not be denied of the chance to enter in a prestigious university nor be faulted for what they lack. What should be done is to help them find ways through which they can accelerate and cope accordingly. The renowned Seattle University does just that.

With its vision of being the Northwest's leading independent university, Seattle University gives much emphasis on academic excellence and service to humanity. The university realizes this vision by constantly updating its educational system with the latest trends in teaching and academic management. In its Information Technology program, Seattle University realizes its mission by providing up-to-date training courses on information technology. The training courses being offered are especially intended for the university's students and faculty members who may be in need of an information technology training.

Seattle University's Information Technology Division designs frameworks and implements projects to equip its academic community of the skills they truly need. Through its programs, the students are expected to perform better in learning their lessons. The faculty and the staff, on the other hand, are expected to do better in teaching and running the affairs of the institution. The Information Technology Division achieves this by constantly coming up with innovations on the university telecommunication, desktop services, network infrastructure, administration, web management services, and of course, computer training.

The Information Technology Division offers a number of online computer training courses. The choices vary and covers both basic and advance information technology training needs. For beginners, there is a computer management available. The computer management training course specializes in learning how to use personal computer using different operating systems like Microsoft and Macintosh. For secondary training level, there is a course on how to use the Microsoft Office. To be more responsive to relative training needs, the Information Technology training program offers individual training courses on each of Microsoft Office's program. Individual lessons on Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and MicrsosoftPowerPoint are very much available. For more advanced training needs, there are online lessons on the use of Adobe Acrobat and web tools such as Microsoft FrontPage, HTML and Internet, and Macromedia Dreamweaver MX. These training courses are especially intended but not exclusive to Seattle University community. Others can actually avail of these free online training courses provided that they use the materials for learning purposes only. For non-Seattle University parties who are interested to these offerings, you may visit www.seattleu.edu/it/ for the terms of condition that shall apply to you.

These training courses are excellent responses to the most pressing information technology needs among many people. The Microsoft applications are basic computer tools each students must have a competency with. Most of the time, these Microsoft applications are the ones being used for projects, assignments, reports, and other major academic requirements. Also, the training courses on the different web tools are very important. These web tools are the basic elements of deeper, more complex web applications that the academic community will need to use sooner or later. The online manuals are very easy to follow. Hard-to-understand topics, concepts, and ideas are explained in a way that is easily comprehensible to lay people. The training manuals are very effective in making computer applications easier to utilize and appreciate.

This effort of Seattle University deserves high commendation from its academic community and the rest of America's education system. Moves like this set a formidable example for other learning institutions to emulate. Let us hope to see more efforts like this and be a witness to the greater empowerment of the people through information technology education.
For more valuable information on college course online and computer course, please visit www.coursenotes.com

The Importance of a Computer Education

2006-11-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

The Importance of a Computer Education
By Morgan Hamilton
Holy cow, the computer industry has just about taken over the world. Could we have ever imagined back in the 80s that computers would play such a huge role in our lives? I mean, we use them for darn near everything these days. From managing our finances, to buying clothes, to communicating with each other. That's why computer education is becoming absolutely vital so that we may function effectively in modern-day society. If you're not taking advantage of them at work, then you're probably surfing the Internet at home. These amazing innovations most certainly aren't going anywhere anytime soon; therefore it is absolutely critical that computer education is available at all levels.

Did you get any kind of a computer education in high school? I suppose that depends on how old you are. I have to say the Internet was just coming about when I was graduating. It was right around college when I first started to really get into computers and technology has just skyrocketed from there. I soon realized that I would need computers for pretty much any career path I chose. So I grabbed on to as many computer classes as I could handle. I learned all about Microsoft Office, hardware, software, viruses, creating presentations, graphs, and more. These rudimentary abilities are an absolute necessity in today's job place. I noticed after graduation that every job I was interested in required some computer education and skills. Of course someone more attuned to computer skills than others. I was really happy that I took the time and effort to acquire the skills I needed.

If you take the

time to think about the amount of time you interact with computers on a daily basis, you will probably be stunned. Pretty much all of us, regardless of our present occupation, deal with computers all the time. Many of us have even take advantage of online conveniences, which is incredibly convenient and a great time saver. Home computer and our Internet connections have become as necessary as the very food we eat. If you lack basic computer education and wish to get a better hold on modern technology and the future that lies ahead, it's time to take action. It couldn't be easier to get a computer education now anywhere from online to your local community college. This way you will have a better understanding of how the incomparable systems work. You're not all that confident with your Internet skills, you can always find a friend or family member to assist you.
Morgan Hamilton offers his findings and insights regarding the world of health and beauty. You can get interesting and informative information by visiting Computer Education

How to Get into a Top UK University

2006-11-03T02:30:00.000-08:00

How to Get into a Top UK University Even If You Don't Have the Right Qualifications
By Tony Radford

How to Get into a Top UK University Even If You Don't Have the Right Qualifications

If you have a strong desire to study at a UK university, but do not have the necessary qualifications, this short article describes the perfect route for you.

The Way In

Many universities provide a training course called a Foundation Year. The Foundation Year provides essential preparation for a chosen course of study and also covers areas such as IT skills, maths and numeracy, academic and studying methods and communication skills.

Some Foundation Year courses provide English language preparation, to ensure your English is up to the required academic standard. Most Foundation Year programmes have a minimum language skill requirement, although many universities provide English language training.

A Foundation Course provides you with all the basic skills you need to gain access to a UK University course. Many Foundation Courses even guarantee you a place on the degree course you are aiming for, provided of course that you achieve the required standards in the Foundation Year.

You should definitely consider a Foundation Year if you do not have the necessary qualifications to gain entry to a degree course.

Typical Entry Requirements

Foundation Year entry requirement vary from university to university, so you must find out what is required at the university you are considering. However, there are some basic requirements:

* Most Foundation Year courses require you to be at least 18 years old.

* You must be able to prove that you have completed Secondary education in your home country.

* English - The English language requirement is likely to be at least IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 525. Some Universities provide English courses.

* Maths - You should have the equivalent of at least a Grade D in Mathematics at GCSE level.

* You

must of course have a strong desire to succeed in your chosen area of study and any evidence of your desire will be very helpful in your application.

* Some 'life experience' may be required for certain courses.

What Can You Study?

Foundation Year courses are available in an very wide range of disciplines including:

- Business, Marketing, Accountancy
- Law
- Social Science, Humanities, Arts
- Hospitality, Consumer Technology, Leisure
- Science and Engineering
- Information Technology, Computing
- Food and Health
- Joint Honours Programmes

A Foundation Year is often organised into course units, designed to prepare you for your intended course. Some units are mandatory, others optional, many will be specified by the degree course you are preparing for.

Foundation Year Mentoring

Some Universities offer a Foundation Year mentoring scheme. A mentor is a volunteer who offers confidential help and guidance based on their experience. The mentor relationship can be very helpful.

How Do You Apply ?

First you should decide which degree you wish to study at University.

Then you should identify the University or universities offering a Foundation Year course that is the appropriate preparation for degree you have chosen. The

Then you need to apply for a place on the Foundation Year through the University & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). This is the university applications processing organisation in the UK and all applications for university places, including Foundation Year, go through UCAS www.ucas.ac.uk

Summary

A Foundation Year is all about giving you the chance to gain a place in a English University. For many it is a second chance – the chance to develop, the change to get a degree, the chance to get on that first rung of the ladder to success.
Manchester Metropolitan University offers a very successful and substantial Foundation Year programme and welcomes applications to courses from overseas students. Click UK University here for full information, a newsletter and application details.

Graduate School Statement Samples

2006-11-01T23:16:00.000-08:00

Why Graduate School? Essay

My freshman year at Harvard, I was sitting in a Postcolonial African Literature class when Professor Ngugi wa Thiong'o (the influential Kenyan author) succeeded in attracting me to the study of African literature through nothing more than a single sentence. He argued that, when a civilization adopts reading and writing as the chief form of social communication, it frees itself to forget its own values, because those values no longer have to be part of a lived reality in order to have significance. I was immediately fascinated by the idea that the written word can alter individual lives, affect one's identity, and perhaps even shape national identity.

Professor Ngugi's proposal forced me to think in a radically new way: I was finally confronted with the notion of literature not as an agent of vital change, but as a potential instrument of stasis and social stagnancy. I began to question the basic assumptions with which I had, until then, approached the field. How does "literature" function away from the written page, in the lives of individuals and societies? What is the significance of the written word in a society where the construction of history is not necessarily recorded or even linear?

I soon discovered that the general scope of comparative literature fell short of my expectations because it didn't allow students to question the inherent integrity or subjectivity of their discourse. We were being told to approach Asian, African, European, and American texts with the same analytical tools, ignoring the fact that, within each culture, literature may function in a different capacity, and with a completely different sense of urgency. Seeking out ways in which literature tangibly impacted societies, I began to explore other fields, including history, philosophy, anthropology, language, and performance studies.

The interdisciplinary nature of my work is best illustrated by my senior thesis ("Time Out of Joint: Issues of Temporality in the Songs of Okot p'Bitek"). In addition to my literary interpretations, the thesis drew heavily on both the Ugandan author's own cultural treatises and other anthropological, psychological, and philosophical texts. By using tools from other disciplines, I was able to interpret the literary works while developing insight into the Ugandan society and popular psychology that gave birth to the horrific Idi Amin regime. In addition, I was able to further understand how people interacted with the works and incorporated (or failed to incorporate) them into their individual, social, and political realities.

On a more practical level, writing the thesis also confirmed my suspicion that I would like to pursue an academic career. When I finished my undergraduate career, I felt that a couple of years of professional work would give me a better perspective of graduate school. I decided to secure a position which would grant me experiences far removed from the academic world, yet which would also permit me to continue developing the research and writing skills I needed to tackle the challenges of graduate school. I have fulfilled this goal by working as a content developer at a Silicon Alley web start-up for two years. The experience has been both enjoyable and invaluable -- to the point where colleagues glance at me with a puzzled look when I tell them I am leaving the job to return to school. In fact, my willingness to leave such a dynamic, high-paying job to pursue my passion for literature only reflects my keen determination to continue along the academic path.

Through a Masters program, I plan to further explore the issues I confronted during my undergraduate years by integrating the study of social, cultural, and linguistic anthropology into the realm of literature. I believe that, by adopting tools used in such disciplines, methods of inquiry can be formulated that allow for the interpretation of works that are both technically sound and sociologically insightful. Thus far, my studies have concentrated largely on African and Caribbean literatures, and I am particularly interested in studying these geographic areas in more specific historical and cultural contexts. I also seek to increase my knowledge of African languages, which will allow me to study the lingering cultural impact of colonialism in modern-day African literature. Eventually, I would like to secure an academic post in a Comparative Literature department, devoting myself to both research and teaching at the college level.

I believe the Modern Thought and Literature program at NAME is uniquely equipped to guide me toward these objectives. While searching for a graduate school that would accommodate my interdisciplinary approach, I was thrilled to find a program that approaches world literature with a cross-disciplinary focus, recognizing that the written word has the potential to be an entry point for social and cultural inquiry.

The level of scholarly research produced by the department also attracts me. Akhil Gupta's "Culture, Power, Place", for instance, was one of my first and most influential experiences with the field of cultural anthropology. Professor Gupta's analysis of the local, national, and foreign realms, achieved through a discussion of post-colonial displacement and mixed identifications, has led me to believe that -- given the complexity of modern societies -- comparative literature's focus on borders (national and linguistic) has been excessively arbitrary. Even more significant is the accurate rendering of individually-lived realities that may then be synthesized with other experiences. I believe that I could greatly benefit from Professor Gupta's teaching and guidance in applying these ideas to the literary arena, and I believe that his work is representative of the rigorous yet creative approach I would pursue upon joining the department.

Why Qualified? Essay

Ever since my first psychology lecture, I have been fascinated by the nature of human memory. Indeed, human memory is one of the most tenacious and enigmatic problems ever faced by philosophers and psychologists. The discussion of memory dates back to the early Greeks when Plato and Aristotle originally likened it to a "wax tablet." In 1890, pioneer William James adopted the metaphorical framework and equated memory to a "house" to which thirty years later Sigmund Freud chimed that memory was closer to "rooms in a house." In 1968, Atkinson and Shrifren retained the metaphorical framework but referred to memory as "stores". The fact that the controversy surrounding human memory has been marked more by analogy than definition suggests, however, that memory is a far more complex phenomenon than has been uncovered thus far. I intend to spend the rest of my professional life researching the nature of human memory and solving the riddle posed yet cunningly dodged by generations of philosophers and psychologists.

When I first came to psychology, however, I wanted to be a clinical psychologist. Only upon enrolling in Dr. Helga Noice's Cognitive Psychology course, did I discover the excitement of doing research. The course required us to test our own autobiographical memory by conducting an experiment similar to the one run in 1986 by W. Wagenaar. Over the course of the term, I recorded events from my personal life on event cards and set them aside without reviewing them. After studying the effect serial position on the recollection of autobiographical memories, I hypothesized that events that, when I sat down at the end of therm to recall those same events I had described on the event cards, that events that had occurred later in the term would be recalled with greater frequency than events that had occurred earlier. Although the experiment was of simple design and predictable results, I found the processes incredibly exciting. Autobiographical memory in particular fascinated me because I realized how crucial, yet fragile, memory is. Why was my memory of even ten weeks so imperfect? What factors contributed to that imperfection? Could such factors be controlled?

I had ignited my passion for experimental psychology. Suddenly, I had many pressing questions about memory that I wanted to research. Under the guidance of Dr. Noice, I continued to study human memory. I worked closely with Dr. Noice on several research experiments involving expert memory, specifically the memory of professional actors. Dr. Noice would select a scene from a play and then a professional actor would score it for beats, that is, go through the scene grouping sections of dialogue together according to the intent of the character. Some actors use this method to learn dialogue rather than rote memorization. After they were finished, I would type up the scene and the cued recall test. Next, I would moderate the experimental sessions by scoring the actor's cued recall for accuracy and then helping with the statistical analysis. My work culminated with my paper, "Teaching Students to Remember Complex Material Through the Use of Professional Actors' Learning Strategies." My paper accompanied a poster presentation at the Third Annual Tri-State Undergraduate Psychology Conference. In addition, I presented a related paper entitled "Type of Learning Strategy and Verbatim Retention of Complex Material" at the ILLOWA (Illinois-Iowa) Conference the following year. Again, I was involved in all aspects of the experiment, from typing the protocol and administering it to the subjects to analyzing the data and finally presenting my results.

The opportunity to perform this research was invaluable, particularly as I began taking independent research seminars in my senior year. For the seminars, I was required to write an extensive review of the literature and then design a research proposal on any topic of my choice. Although I had participated in all aspects of research previously, this was my first opportunity to select my own topic. I was immediately certain that I wanted to explore at human memory. But I spent a long time considering what aspect of memory I found most intriguing and possible to tackle within the confines of the research seminar. I had always been interested in the legal implications of memory, so I to investigate eyewitness memory.

In retrospect, my choice was also informed by my recollection about an experiment I had read about several years earlier. In the experiment, subjects read about Helen Keller. Later they were given a recall test. Still later they were given an additional test to determine the source of their knowledge about Helen Keller. The authors discovered that subjects could not determine the source of their knowledge, that is, they could not distinguish whether specific details of their knowledge about Helen Keller came from the information provided by the experimenters or if the details came from another source at an earlier time. Once their new knowledge about Helen Keller had been assimilated into their previous knowledge about Helen Keller, there was no way to separate the information according to the source it came from.

I wondered what the implications of that conclusion would be for eyewitnesses. I wondered if an eyewitness account could be corrupted by misleading post-event information. My research proposal was entitled "The Rate of Memory Trace Decay and its Effect on Eyewitness Accuracy." While I was not able to complete the experiment in its entirety, I was excited by the fact that I created a possible research protocol. Immediately, I knew I wanted to pursue the field of experimental psychology. My success in course work and my passion for research demonstrated to me that I had both the interest and ability to enter this challenging and rewording field.

I have dedicated my undergraduate years to preparing myself for graduate work in experimental psychology. Once receive my doctorate, I intend to pursue research on human memory while teaching psychology to undergraduates at a small, liberal arts college, similar to the one I attended. It was, after all, my undergraduate research experience that gave me the opportunity to come to psychology with an interest in counseling people, but to leave with a passion for investigating the nature of human thinking. Undergraduates at smaller liberal arts colleges are often left out of research, which makes my desire to provide such experiences that much stronger. In the years ahead, I look forward to teaching as well as continuing my research. In the company of such greats as Aristotle, James, and Freud, I endeavor to leave behind my own contribution on the nature of human memory.

Why Qualified? Essay Two

"To be nobody but yourself--in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else--means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting." When I first read this passage by E.E. Cummings, I realized I have been fighting the same battle my whole life. When choosing the direction for my future, I have often accepted jobs based on a compromise between my own dreams and what others thought my dreams should be. This, of course, has led to an unfulfilling career.

Looking back, I always knew that I wanted to work in public service; but I also knew my staunchly conservative father would not be pleased. To him, the government is too big, too intrusive and too wasteful. I see things differently. And yet, his approval means a lot to me and his opinion has certainly influenced my the direction of my career. But I have finally come to understand that I must pursue my own path. After careful deliberation, I am confident that public service is, without a doubt, the right career for me.

Ever since my childhood I have detected in myself a certain compassion and innate desire to help others. I was the kid that dragged in every stray cat or dog I came across--and I still do. When I was eight years old, I rescued a rat from my sister's psychology lab and brought her home. I even coaxed my father into taking Alice--I called her Alice--to the vet when she became ill. But aside from my humanitarian kindness to animals, as a child I learned first-hand about America's need to reform and improve medical care. I spent years of my childhood on crutches and in hospitals because of a tumor that hindered the growth of my leg. Without adequate health insurance and proper care, I might still be on crutches, but I was fortunate. Today, as a public servant, I still desire to help others who are not so fortunate. Providing health care to 44 million uninsured Americans, while keeping insurance affordable, is one of the most difficult challenges facing policymakers. I want to work in state or local government to resolve this health care crisis and ensure that the disadvantaged get the care they need and deserve.

In order to succeed in my endeavors toward public service, I now realize that a master's degree in public policy is essential. But when I graduated from college in 1990, I didn't know how to continue my education, only that I should. For a while, I considered such options as law school or international relations, but I always returned to my desire to impact public life. My career in public policy began as a legislative assistant at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a non-profit educational organization that couples voices from the state legislature and the private sector to work on salient policy issues. My enthusiasm for ALEC's mission was evident, as I quickly moved up from legislative assistant to the director of two task forces. As manager of ALEC's task force on federalism and its tax and fiscal policy task force, I explored these issues thoroughly, never quite satiating my appetite for more information and knowledge. I found my integral role in the legislative process to be the most valuable and worthwhile experience I've had in my career to date.

Following ALEC, I took a position as a junior lobbyist for the Automotive Parts and Accessories Association (APAA). As a lobbyist, I voiced the APAA's concern over regulatory and environmental issues affecting the automotive aftermarket. Although I was able to help small automotive parts manufacturers battle the "Big Three" automakers, I quickly realized that being an advocate for the automotive aftermarket was not my calling in life. I wanted to promote policies which had the potential to improve life for the greater public, for I could not see myself spending a lifetime working within an isolated industry.

With that frame of mind, I accepted employment as a policy analyst in the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) research department in Washington, D.C. Helping small business owners is a cause close to my heart. For nearly 30 years, my family has owned a barbecue restaurant in the Washington, D.C. area. I've worked in the business at several different times, since the age of 14. Because of my involvement in my family's business, I understand the unique problems facing small business owners. At the NFIB, I valued my contributions because I know small businesses have a huge economic impact on our country and they are unquestionably an important constituency. Nevertheless, I felt uncomfortable working for a special interest group--even for one I deeply cared about.

From my experiences at the APAA and the NFIB, I have learned how I want to shape my future. My goals are now clear: I want to develop and advocate policy decisions that will benefit society as a whole, not just a few influential special interest groups. I want to uncover the objective truth of issues and tackle them in the best interests of the nation, not distort the facts for the benefit of a small group. I know I am able to look beyond partisan politics to solve problems for this country. Because of these unbending desires to reveal truth and to remain committed to fair and equal advancement for all citizens, I think of myself as an ideal candidate for public service.

Additionally, I consider my active interest in politics to aid my pursuit of a career in public policy. I've always found my interest in politics exceptional, ever since my college roommates used to tease me for faithfully watching C-SPAN. However, my faith in the political process began to wane as I witnessed sensible public policy proposals torn apart by partisan conflict. I saw advocacy groups distort facts, and provide extreme, over-blown examples, jeopardizing prudent policy decisions. I observed how powerful elected officials, ensnared in their own partisan rancor, would block fair and balanced legislation which offered the most practical solution for their constituents. But I also encountered many thoughtful and wise people who devote their lives to public service. These devoted individuals inspired me. Like them, I want to be actively involved in the design and delivery of essential government services that improve the lives of the citizens in our society today. I am positive that by avoiding partisanship and urging the private industry, the public sector and non-profit groups to collaborate, many difficult problems can be resolved.

In order to be an effective public servant, I recognize the indispensability of an advanced degree. I've gained a lot of "real world" experience, but I need more training in the fundamentals of economics and statistics, as well as direction in sharpening my analytical and quantitative skills. I also want to devote time to studying the ethical dimensions of policy decisions. In graduate school, I'll have the opportunity to truly understand and appreciate the competing interests surrounding so many complex issues like health care reform, environmental protection and economic policy.

I've chosen Duke's public policy program for several reasons. Duke's program stands out because there is an emphasis on quantitative and analytical skills, which are so critical to policy analysis. As I mentioned, I feel that if I can strengthen my ability to approach problems logically and systematically, I will have succeeded in sharpening skills I consider necessary to succeed in the public realm. And possibly even more importantly, Duke's program bridges the gap between abstract principles and reality. This interdisciplinary approach is essential for responding to today's policy problems. I am excited by the possibility of combining the MPP program with the Health Policy Certificate Program. I am particularly interested in studying the problem of reforming state health to reduce the number of uninsured, and I believe Duke's curriculum will offer me a chance to do just that. From my own research into Duke, I feel confident in my knowledge of the public policy program and its potential to teach me. And after meeting with Helen Ladd, the Director of Graduate Studies, I'm even more convinced that Duke's program is right for me.

On the road "to be nobody but" myself, I've encountered twists and turns, and some detours--it is unquestionably the hardest battle I could fight. However, in the process, I've accumulated a tremendous amount of valuable experience and knowledge. My diversity of experience is my biggest asset. Because I can relate a Duke education to concrete examples from my own past, it is the perfect time for me to join the public policy program. I know that my past can be used to prepare myself for the promises of the future. At Duke, I hope to synthesize the two and truly learn what it means to become myself.

Why Unique? Essay One

Perhaps the most important influence that has shaped the person I am today is my upbringing in a traditional family-oriented Persian and Zoroastrian culture. My family has been an important source of support in all of the decisions I have made, and Zoroastrianism's three basic tenets-good words, good deeds, and good thoughts-have been my guiding principles in life. Not only do I try to do things for others, but I always push myself to be the best that I can be in all aspects of my life. I saw early the doors and opportunities that a good education can open up; thus, I particularly tried hard to do well in school.

Another important experience that has had a large influence on me the past few years has been college. Going from high school to college was a significant change. College required a major overhaul of my time-management techniques as the number of things to do mushroomed. In high school, I was in the honors program, with the same cohort of students in all my classes. Thus, I was exposed little to people very different from myself. College, on the other hand, is full of diversity. I have people of all backgrounds and abilities in my classes, and I have been fortunate enough to meet quite a few of them. This experience has made me more tolerant of differences. Furthermore, a variety of classes such as the Humanities Core Course, in which we specifically studied differences in race, gender, and belief systems, have liberalized my world view.

My undergraduate research has occupied a large portion of my time in college. Along with this experience have come knowledge and skills that could never be gained in the classroom. I have gained a better appreciation for the medical discoverers and discoveries of the past and the years of frustration endured and satisfaction enjoyed by scientists. I have also learned to deal better with the disappointments and frustrations that result when things do not always go as one expects them to. My research experience was also important to me in that it broadened my view of the medical field. Research permitted me to meet a few medical doctors who have clinical practices and yet are able to conduct research at the university. This has made me seriously consider combining research with a clinical practice in my own career.

From my earliest memories, I can always remember being interested in meteorology. I believe that this interest sparked my love for the outdoors, while my interest in medicine molded my desire for healthy living. As a result of these two influences, I try to follow an active exercise routine taking place mostly in the outdoors. I enjoy running and mountain biking in the local hills and mountains, along with hiking and backpacking. All of these activities have made me concerned about the environment and my place in it.

Why Unique? Essay Two

My longtime fascination with politics and international affairs is reflected in my participation, starting in high school, in activities such as student council, school board meetings, Vietnam war protests, the McCarthy campaign, and the grape boycott. As each new cause came along, I was always ready to go to Washington or the state capital to wave a sign or chant slogans. Although I look back on these activities today with some chagrin, I realize they did help me to develop, at an early age, a sense of concern for social and political issues and a genuine desire to play a role.

As an undergraduate, I was more interested in social than academic development. During my last two years, I became involved with drugs and alcohol and devoted little time to my studies, doing only as much as was necessary to maintain a B average. After graduation my drug use became progressively worse; without the motivation or ability to look for a career job, I worked for a time in a factory and then, for three years, as a cab driver in New York City.

In 1980 I finally ''hit bottom'' and became willing to accept help. I joined both Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, and for the next several years the primary business of my life was recovery. Although I had several ''slips'' in the beginning, I have now enjoyed nearly seven years of complete freedom from drug and alcohol use. I mention my bout with addiction because I think it is important in answering two issues that presumably will be of concern to the admissions committee: my lackluster undergraduate record and the fact that I have waited until the age of 34 to begin preparing academically for a career in public policy. It would be an oversimplification to call addiction the cause for either of these things; rather I would say it was the most obvious manifestation of an underlying immaturity that characterized my post adolescent years. More importantly, the discipline of recovery has had a significant impact on my overall emotional growth.

During the last years of my addiction I was completely oblivious to the world around me. Until 1983 I didn't even realize that there had been a revolution in Nicaragua or that one was going on in El Salvador. Then I rejoined the Quaker Meeting, in which I had been raised as a child, and quickly gravitated to its Peace and Social Order Committee. They were just then initiating a project to help refugees from Central America, and I joined enthusiastically in the work. I began reading about Central America and, later, teaching myself Spanish. I got to know refugees who were victims of poverty and oppression, became more grateful for my own economic and educational advantages, and developed a strong desire to give something back by working to provide opportunities to those who have not been so lucky.

In 1986 I went to Nicaragua to pick coffee for two weeks. This trip changed my whole outlook on both the United States and the underdeveloped world. The combination of living for two weeks amid poverty and engaging in long political discussions with my fellow coffee pickers, including several well-educated professionals who held views significantly to the left of mine, profoundly shook my world view. I came back humbled, aware of how little I knew about the world and eager to learn more. I began raiding the public library for everything I could find on the Third World and started subscribing to a wide variety of periodicals, from scholarly journals such as Foreign Affairs and Asian Survey to obscure newsletters such as Through Our Eyes (published by U.S. citizens living in Nicaragua).

Over the intervening two years, my interest has gradually focused on economics. I have come to realize that economic development (including equitable distribution of wealth) is the key to peace and social justice, both at home and in the Third World. I didn't study economics in college and have found it difficult to understand the economic issues that are at the heart of many policy decisions. At the same time, though, I am fascinated by the subject. Given my belief that basic economic needs are among the most fundamental of human rights, how can society best go about providing for them? Although I call myself an idealist, I'm convinced that true idealism must be pragmatic. I am not impressed, for example, by simplistic formulations that require people to be better than they are. As a Quaker I believe that the means are inseparable from the end; as an American I believe that democracy and freedom of expression are essential elements of a just society, though I'm not wedded to the idea that our version of democracy is the only legitimate one.

Although I have carved out a comfortable niche in my present job, with a responsible position and a good salary, I have become increasingly dissatisfied with the prospect of a career in business applications programming. More and more of my time and energy is now being absorbed by community activities. After getting my master's in public administration, I would like to work in the area of economic development in the Third World, particularly Latin America. The setting might be a private (possibly church-based) development agency, the UN, the OAS, one of the multilateral development banks, or a government agency. What I need from graduate school is the academic foundation for such a career. What I offer in return is a perspective that comes from significant involvement in policy issues at the grass roots level, where they originate and ultimately must be resolved.

Computer Education

2006-11-01T18:19:00.000-08:00

The Importance of a Computer Education
By Morgan Hamilton
Holy cow, the computer industry has just about taken over the world. Could we have ever imagined back in the 80s that computers would play such a huge role in our lives? I mean, we use them for darn near everything these days. From managing our finances, to buying clothes, to communicating with each other. That's why computer education is becoming absolutely vital so that we may function effectively in modern-day society. If you're not taking advantage of them at work, then you're probably surfing the Internet at home. These amazing innovations most certainly aren't going anywhere anytime soon; therefore it is absolutely critical that computer education is available at all levels.

Did you get any kind of a computer education in high school? I suppose that depends on how old you are. I have to say the Internet was just coming about when I was graduating. It was right around college when I first started to really get into computers and technology has just skyrocketed from there. I soon realized that I would need computers for pretty much any career path I chose. So I grabbed on to as many computer classes as I could handle. I learned all about Microsoft Office, hardware, software, viruses, creating presentations, graphs, and more. These rudimentary abilities are an absolute necessity in today's job place. I noticed after graduation that every job I was interested in required some computer education and skills. Of course someone more attuned to computer skills than others. I was really happy that I took the time and effort to acquire the skills I needed.

If you take the time to think about the amount of time you interact with computers on a daily basis, you will probably be stunned. Pretty much all of us, regardless of our present occupation, deal with computers all the time. Many of us have even take advantage of online conveniences, which is incredibly convenient and a great time saver. Home computer and our Internet connections have become as necessary as the very food we eat. If you lack basic computer education and wish to get a better hold on modern technology and the future that lies ahead, it's time to take action. It couldn't be easier to get a computer education now anywhere from online to your local community college. This way you will have a better understanding of how the incomparable systems work. You're not all that confident with your Internet skills, you can always find a friend or family member to assist you.
Morgan Hamilton offers his findings and insights regarding the world of health and beauty. You can get interesting and informative information by visiting Computer Education

Education program

2006-10-30T19:29:00.000-08:00

Professional Continuing Education Is Important In Many Fields
By Abigail Franks
As the world continues to get more complex, careers are becoming more specialized and require continuing education credits to remain in good standing. This is especially true in the medical fields although many professions and professional organizations also demand their members to continue to develop the skills necessary for today's changing environments.

Almost any field of study that takes a great deal of study to become a recognized member will require continuing education. From engineering, medical nurses and doctors, respiratory therapists, quality managers and many others all are expected to maintain a level of education consistent with the field of knowledge. The reason behind this is to have professionals who have not only maintained but also developed and learned new techniques and skill sets. This is critical in much of the more complex business world.

Quality engineers and managers focus on competence and techniques that not only allow for the lowest cost products to be developed but also understand the trade-offs between cost and quality.

CPA's or certified public accountants, need to keep up with the latest laws and be up to date with many of the sometimes arcane accounting principles. Teachers and nursing are two other fields that also require continuing education to remain active in the profession.

Although a good education in many of the professional fields can provide a solid understanding of the industry no matter if it be financial, medical, industrial, or scientific. Ongoing competence in any of these fields however requires an ongoing process of continuing education. Continuing education is necessary for the professional to

remain up to date with the latest techniques and knowledge base in the field of study.

Typically continuing education translates into a certain number of course credit hours for the professional every so many years. These additional education credits are sometimes mandatory when renewing government controlled certifications like a teaching certificate. Although some groups do not make the ongoing educational process mandatory, almost all provide an opportunity to obtain the educational credits through sponsored classes, seminars, and online "CBT" or computer based training.

In order to stay professional and remain in good standing wit many of the recognized professional organizations ongoing continuing education is critical for a professional career. The small investment in additional training can go a long way to keeping skills fresh and increasing the competence level of any professional.
Abigail Franks writes on many subjects having to do with home, family, and health. For more information on continuing education visit the site at www.educationtoday.org

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to education that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

American education services Article

2006-10-29T19:54:00.000-08:00

Difference between Online Education VS. Traditional Education
By Harris Jhosta
These days, the internet has grown into a veritable wealth of information for college seekers. Everything from applying for financial aid to taking a course can be accomplished online. Now, a student can even obtain online degrees from one of many schools offering online education as a viable alternative to a traditional classroom education. How different are these two methods of teaching, and do either prove better for the student? There’s an abundance of information regarding online education, and distance education is becoming increasingly popular for students everywhere.

First and foremost, there are some obvious benefits in obtaining life experience online degrees. For example, juggling a job, school and a home can be very difficult as far as commuting to the classroom every day. With online education, you eliminate the need to attend classes, and instead access your coursework from an internet website. This presents an obvious benefit to the overworked college student because his commute is basically slashed in half. What’s more, many distance education programs allow students to complete the coursework any time during the day, while still adhering to overall deadlines. This allows for flexibility that a traditional classroom setting can ordinarily not provide.

However, is an online education truly comparable to the type of education a student would receive in an actual classroom? Many professionals in the field say yes, and certainly students seeking online degrees can confirm this response. Not only does online learning provide a stimulating environment for students, but it promotes even interaction among every student because everyone has a say in classroom discussions. What’s more, online education programs allow each student to learn with the methods that work best for them. Plus, many employers respect online degrees as much as a traditional college degree, so there’s really no difference in the amount of education or respect a student will receive when attending an online college.

While traditional colleges will never be eliminated, there’s definitely been an increase in the amount of students attending online colleges in recent years. Many people choose to follow the

online education route for the diversity of material they can find, or because the teachers are more approachable via the internet than they would be in a classroom setting. Students definitely need discipline and self-motivation to succeed in obtaining online degrees, but there’s still the same level of help and support from teachers and students online that there would be in a classroom. What’s more, internet college students are learning skills that will be beneficial to them in the workforce and beyond because of the way technology is evolving today.

Online degrees are becoming an increasingly popular way to obtain a college education and many students are turning to online education because of the quality of material, convenience and the level of flexibility inherent in distance education programs. Because there’s no distinct differences between an online education and a traditional education, students are assured they are receiving the same kind of education that they would in a brick and mortar setting. There are definite benefits to online degree programs, and students with discipline and motivation can and will succeed greatly in online education programs.
Harris Jhosta is holding the market experience of IT industry and immense business solutions for about 2 decades now. His vast experience in the related field gave him the acclamation and renownship in many sectors of business. Harris has also been involved in providing educational services in form of various seminars and lectures, in many well renowned universties. Presently carrying a research on the evolution of business performance by the advent of Information Technology Ciphers in the state university of California.

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Degree Education Online

2006-10-24T23:51:00.000-07:00

Study in Germany – the Best Education Bargain in the World
By Sam Vogel

More and more college-bound students from the U.S. and around the world are traveling to Germany to study, some for a semester or a year, but others to pursue a two- or four-year degree at one of the country’s many prestigious universities.
The reason? Part of it is pure quality – the university system created in Germany after World War II has a well-earned reputation for excellence – but another, more pragmatic reason is cost. Students who in the United States would be facing over $50,000 in student loans after four years of college can attend a public German university for an average of $700 a semester, plus between $50 and $150 in registration fees. Tuition itself in the public universities is free; the $700 covers the cost of arranged lodging and other official expenses. Even adding food, transportation, and other daily costs to that, the German university is an incredible bargain. And to sweeten the offer, the German government offers scholarships to help defray the costs of fees, lodging, and any number of other daily expenses associated with study in Germany.

Engineering students in particular are making a beeline for Germany, choosing to pursue a degree at one of Germany’s excellent technical universities, while other students decide to experience the country’s rich cultural history while earning a degree in humanities at one of the centuries’ old traditional establishments. Many courses of study leading to a wide range of career paths are available to foreign students at more than 300 colleges and trade schools. Some students limit themselves to a single semester or a year in Germany, largely for the experience of living abroad, but more and more students are deciding to stay and earn an undergraduate or advanced post-graduate degree.

Learning the language

While some courses at German universities are taught in English, the vast majority of instruction takes place in German, and the federal government requires foreign students to pass a DSH exam to prove their proficiency in the German language before being accepted for university study. The government licenses a number of private German language schools to provide intensive instruction in German; students live in German towns, sometimes with German families, and shop, travel, and attend movies, concerts and restaurants in a total
immersion experience that serves to develop remarkable skill in speaking and reading the language in an amazingly short period of time. Scholarships are also available from the German federal government for these courses.

Beyond Cost Savings and Course Work – the Ultimate Value of German University Study

The current climate of commercial and political globalization offers an advantage to students with fluency in a second language, and particularly to those who have a deep familiarity with another culture; graduates who boast a degree or even a semester at a foreign university will probably be looked upon with high interest by recruiters for large corporations. But beyond that kind of pragmatism, living in a foreign country and studying elbow-to-elbow with students from Europe, the U.S., Japan, China, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and other geographically and culturally diverse corners of the world offers students a unique opportunity to develop diverse friendships and an understanding of other cultures and world views. And perhaps this opportunity to connect on a meaningful level with individuals from other, often profoundly different, cultures is the most important benefit, in this complicated and troubled world, of study abroad.
Sam Vogel writes about German language and Study in Germany

Online Education Article

2006-10-24T21:47:00.000-07:00

Professional Continuing Education Is Important In Many Fields

By Abigail Franks

As the world continues to get more complex, careers are becoming more specialized and require continuing education credits to remain in good standing. This is especially true in the medical fields although many professions and professional organizations also demand their members to continue to develop the skills necessary for today's changing environments.

Almost any field of study that takes a great deal of study to become a recognized member will require continuing education. From engineering, medical nurses and doctors, respiratory therapists, quality managers and many others all are expected to maintain a level of
education consistent with the field of knowledge. The reason behind this is to have professionals who have not only maintained but also developed and learned new techniques and skill sets. This is critical in much of the more complex business world.

Quality engineers and managers focus on competence and techniques that not only allow for the lowest cost products to be developed but also understand the trade-offs between cost and quality.CPA's or certified public accountants, need to keep up with the latest laws and be up to date with many of the sometimes arcane accounting principles. Teachers and nursing are two other fields that also require continuing education to remain active in the profession.

Although a good education in many of the professional fields can provide a solid understanding of the industry no matter if it be financial, medical, industrial, or scientific. Ongoing competence in any of these fields however requires an ongoing process of continuing education. Continuing education is necessary for the professional to remain up to date with the latest techniques and knowledge base in the field of study.

Typically continuing education translates into a certain number of course credit hours for the professional every so many years. These additional education credits are sometimes mandatory when renewing government controlled certifications like a teaching certificate. Although some groups do not make the ongoing educational process mandatory, almost all provide an opportunity to obtain the educational credits through sponsored classes, seminars, and online "CBT" or computer based training.

In order to stay professional and remain in good standing wit many of the recognized professional organizations ongoing continuing education is critical for a professional career. The small investment in additional training can go a long way to keeping skills fresh and increasing the competence level of any professional.Abigail Franks writes on many subjects having to do with home, family, and health. For more information on continuing education visit the site at http://www.educationtoday.org/