Staying Organized While Taking Online Classes

If you are taking several different classes online it can be difficult to keep each one straight. One of the best ways to make sure that you keep everything organized is to give each class its own binder, folder and other materials. This way, there is no confusion when it comes time to look for the class syllabus or the latest assignment that is due.

Start out with one binder per class that you are taking online. You don’t have to purchase the huge, 2 inch binders. If you don’t already have one, purchase a three hole punch. Every paper that you print off, make a copy of or even receive by email is going to be placed in the binder. If the class needs tabs for each part you can add those as well. When it is time to work on an assignment, complete a project or even do some reading for one class, make sure that the binder is out on the desk or table. If you are taking notes, be sure that they are going in the binder as well.

When you are done with one class’s work for the day, put the binder away and move on to the next one. While it may seem like a lot of upfront cost remember that as you switch over to new classes you can reuse the same binders. You probably don’t want to throw any of the class materials away (especially if there is a chance that you are going to need it for future classes). Make a file folder when the class is complete and place all class materials in it. At this point no matter what information you need, whether it be for a current or past class, you know just where to find it. There is no reason to lose or misplace anything.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , ,

Forming A Virtual Study Group

When you commit to taking classes online you give up on some of the benefits of more traditional schooling. You can miss out on the idea of class discussion, hearing other people’s questions and struggles and even face to face contact with a teacher or peers. However there are way to make up for these interactions. You can form a virtual study group that can give you a chance to work with other people that are learning the same information and pool together your knowledge to achieve a better understanding of the materials.

If you are going to form a virtual study group, there is going to be a little extra work on your part. But if you are taking all of the same classes with the same people it might becomes easier as you continue your schooling. Begin by letting everyone know what you are planning. You can email them or if you have a way to post messages to the class you can do that too. Let everything know that you want to be able to interact with people in class. You may end up meeting in a chat room, corresponding by instant message or even just sending emails back and forth.

When you find that classmates are interested figure out a time that will work best for everyone. This might be one of the most challenging tasks as most of you may be taking online classes because you don’t have a lot of extra time for other things. Do the best you can to set something up. You may need to download something to your computer (like add messaging software – which is usually free).

Because you are all adults you don’t necessarily need a moderator. If you were the person that put it together everyone may want you to open things up and get them started the first time. Use this to your advantage.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , ,

Ordering Books for Less

If you are taking classes online you may not have a set bookstore where you can shop for your textbooks. If that is the case, there are a number of different places that you can go online to purchase textbooks. The difficult part is finding the right books at the right price. As soon as you find out the books that you are going to need, begin searching for the titles online.

Decide whether or not you want to purchase used textbooks. While these won’t be in mint condition when you receive them in the mail, they will have all of the information that you need for the class. Most of the time people who sell used textbooks will let you know if the cover is ripped, if there are highlighter marks inside or even in the book is in good condition. As a side note, remember where you purchased the books from so that if you want to you can sell yours when the class is over.

Purchasing a new textbook isn’t going to save you as much money, but there are still ways to get a discounted price. Find a website that compares textbook prices. You should be able to see a list of websites, their textbook price and even the cost for shipping. Again, these may be sites that you want to keep in mind if you choose to sell your textbooks at the end of classes.

If there are other people that you know that are taking some of the same classes are you are the two of you can share a book. Or, if you are in the same program as someone in your area or nearby you may be able to work out a deal to exchange the books as you take different classes. When it comes to paying for schooling things add up quickly. You can chose to save some money when you attempt to order used textbooks or discounted textbooks online.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: ,

Charter Schools and Their Benefits

In recent years, Charter schools have been a source of heated debate. The charter school movement roots go back to the 1970s, but it did not truly get hold of the American consciousness until the 1990s when states, beginning with Minnesota and California, began passing charter legislation. Charter schools are in essence an educational movement that encourages changing existing educational standards and creating new schools with independent charters or guidelines that they must meet in order to maintain existence.

Typical public schools are only held accountable for maintaining the standards of the local school district. Charter schools are held responsible to the mandates stated in their charter plan which outlines the charter schools’ principles, structure and how they are accountable for the students’ academic progress. Many proponents of charter schools state that this accountability and responsibility for the results of the academic welfare of the student is an innovation which specifically challenges the segregation that still exists in our public education system.

Another added benefit of successful charter schools is increased property value around many charter schools across the nation due to community interest in education. One of the most important aspects of property value is the standard of schools around the property. While charter schools have open enrollment policies, many areas where charter schools have been established has increased property values. One such example is one of the oldest charter schools in the country. The Charter School of San Diego can trace its roots to 1986. San Diego property management claims that the addition of the school significantly raised property value for the community.

Today, there are almost 3,000 charter schools. For advocates, they are used as a tool to increase choice in education for students, parents, educators and policy makers. For opponents, they are a waste of taxpayer funds. Regardless of anyone’s opinion on the matter, this topic is sure to be a hotly debated concept for decades to come.

Filed Under: school Tagged With: , ,

Setting Up a Calendar for Online Classes

Organization is key when it comes to taking any type of classes online. A calendar can be one of the best tools to make sure that you know what is going on at all times and can plan to meet every due date. If you are taking multiple classes getting all the information on one page can help you set priorities and use your time wisely.

Find a calendar. You need one that has enough room for your to write down things like assignment names and testing dates. While you may be tempted to add this to your personal calendar remember that you may become overwhelmed just looking at all you have going on in a week or month. Keep these things separate. If you don’t already have a calendar you can always print one online for free. Usually these can be customized to the shape and size and how much room each date will have.

Start with the information from one class and add it to the calendar. If there are assignments or projects due, make sure they are on the calendar clearly and legibly. Next add all tests and quizzes for the month. Many online classes last between six and twelve weeks. If this is the case, you can staple two or three months together to get the overall picture.

A highlighter can be a great tool when paired with the calendar. You can choose a different color for each class and begin to highlight assignments. You ma end up with a rainbow of colors at the end, but at least you have some idea of all that needs to be accomplished and when. Some people find that marking tests and quizzes in another color (separate from the rest) can ensure that those dates are noticed and it reminds them to study before the big day. Each person should look to find the system that works best for them.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , , , ,

Making Time for School Work

When you take classes online, time management may be something that you struggle with. Because there is no set class time and no teacher to hold students accountable, some people struggle. Independent study has so many benefits and makes school possible for so many people that just may not have the available time to go to a school and sit through a class. However, it is important to make sure that you set aside time specifically for school work.

Even though there is no “class” that you are going to be attending regularly, you need to set up a time that is going to be “class time.” Choose a time of day that you are going to read the textbook, work on the lessons, or even watch some of the seminars online. This time is not negotiable. Turn the cell phone off, don’t answer emails or instant messaging. Just work on your classes. Remember, if you were sitting in a room listening to a teacher lecture, you wouldn’t be able to play games or check out your latest social network post, so don’t do it at home during school time.

Let others know about the time that you are setting aside. If you live with friends or family, they may not realize what it takes to get a degree online. They don’t realize that you need to work on school at specified times to make sure that you are getting your work done. Talk to them about it. Explain that you have set aside time for school. They would not be able to come in and ask you to please help them find the remote while you were in the middle of class at school and so they shouldn’t do it at home either. You can always help them when you are finished. You don’t want to waste you money by not completing the school work assigned, so set some time apart just for school.

Filed Under: Education, school Tagged With: , , ,

Communicating with a Teacher for Online Classes

One of the most difficult parts of taking classes online is the lack of interaction between student and teacher. There are, for the most part, no face to face meetings or discussions about the class or the material. In order to communicate it is necessary to speak with an instruction online through email or other postings on the class web-page. While this is nontraditional, it does have its benefits.

When you email a teacher with a question or comment, the computer saves the email that you sent as well as the email that you receive back. In this way you have a complete documentation of all of the conversations between you are your teacher. You can ask for specific information or answers and have them stored in case you want to go back and reread them or reference them again for another assignment. Make sure to save all of these interactions until the course is completed and you have received your grade.

If you were going to a traditional school you would have to wait for office hours to talk to someone about an issue that you are having with a class or assignment. Now, if you are up studying in the middle of the night and run into an issue, you can just send off an email and work on something else. You have done your part and you can just wait for a response. This makes communication easy and convenient for you no matter what time you choose to complete assignments.

Because there is some lag time between sending an email and getting s response you don’t want to save anything until the last minute. It is important to ask questions early and before you run into a problem. If you even think that you are going to need an extension or clarification on some of the directions, send the email right away to make sure that you get the answer in time.

Filed Under: Education, school Tagged With: , , ,

The Science of Attachment Theory

Attachment theory has become an important way of understanding human social development in the early stages. The theory emphasizes the importance of social attachment for infants, usually to the parents, and how that attachment affects adult relationships later in life. Scientists have classified people into four different attachment patterns.

Secure: This is the ideal attachment pattern. The infant’s needs are met, and he or she has the confidence to explore the world.

Ambivalent: Caregiver is inconsistent in meeting the infant’s needs. These people will have more difficulty trusting people later in life.

Avoidant: Caregiver fails to respond to the child’s needs. These people develop high levels of independence, to the point of being unfulfilled by social interaction. Pascal Vrticka, of the University of Geneva, looked at brain patterns and found that people with avoidant attachment showed less activity than others in the reward centers when interacting socially.

Disorganized: Associated with abused children. These people have low self-esteem, and, although they desire them, they are uncomfortable in close relationships.

A University of Minnesota study recorded attachment patterns of 42-month-old children and then predicted which ones would get their high school diplomas—with an accuracy rate of 77 percent.

Though some of these attachment patterns are more healthy than others, any attachment is better than no attachment.

A scientist named Henry Harlow studied the behavior of baby rhesus monkeys who were isolated from their mothers in an effort to protect them from disease. These babies became very attached to soft monkey dolls placed in their cages as surrogate mothers, but when they encountered other monkeys they became violently fearful, gnawing at themselves and pulling at their fur until bloody. Their lack of early attachment made them incapable of interacting with other monkeys for the rest of their lives.

This study shows just how strong the need for attachment in primates, like ourselves, can be.

Filed Under: Science Tagged With: , ,

Birds Falling From The Sky: Scientifically Debunking The Apocalypse

Ever since 5,000 red-winged blackbirds fell out of the Arkansas sky at the start of this year, the media has been abuzz with more stories of mass animal death. The story has been a favorite of those who want to proclaim that the world is ending, or to say that it is all part of some giant conspiracy.

The most recent mass bird death, of 200 starlings in Yankton, South Dakota, came with something unusual: an explanation. The United States Department of Agriculture admitted to having trapped and poisoned the birds, in an effort to stop their defecating in a nearby Nebraska farm’s feed meal. The birds were endangering the health of the farm animals as well as the people who work there, and, down the line, the people who would later come into contact with the farm’s products. The USDA admitted to having poisoned an estimated 2,000 birds, but so far only 10 percent of that number have been found.

This news calls into question the fervor surrounding the other bird deaths. Is the United States government responsible for more deaths that we don’t know about? Are all of the explanations this simple? And is it really that big of a deal?

Experts say that these mass bird deaths happen more often than we think, and we are only just now hearing about them because of an apocalyptic media trend. There are many things that can kill large quantities of birds. Here are a few.

Poison: Pesticides like the one used in Nebraska, though not always actually intended to kill birds, kill 72 million birds a year in the United States.

Flying into things: One of the popular explanations for the recent mysterious deaths, this is actually a major hazard for birds living and flying in an increasingly urban environment.

Cats: They may not be mysterious mass killers, but cats kill hundreds of millions of birds every year.

Filed Under: General Tagged With:

How Does It Work?

As technology becomes more and more advanced, the science behind it can be baffling to some of us. This post is here to tell you how some of these things work.

Touch screens: Touch screens are actually picking up on an electrical current in your hand. That’s why you can use some touch-screen devices with the aid of a stylus, but you can’t change the song on your iPod while you are wearing gloves. One of those things conducts the electrical current and the other one blocks it.

Speakers: How does music come out of there? Speakers turn electricity into sound using magnets. Inside the speaker there is a permanent magnet and a coil that becomes and electromagnet when it picks up an electrical signal from, say, your iPod. The electromagnet attracts and repels the permanent magnet according to the electrical signal, vibrating the outer cone of the speaker, usually made of paper or fabric. This vibration creates the sound we hear.

Noise-canceling headphones: Noise-canceling headphones work by canceling out sound waves that they pick up around them. They are built with microphones on the outside, so they can pick up the sound outside and reverse it. The reversed sound is played over the headphone speakers and it effectively cancels out the noise around you, so that the speakers can then play music that is uninterrupted by crying babies and honking horns.

Global Positioning Systems: Ever wonder how the GPS lady knows exactly where to tell you to go? Your GPS device is communicating with three different satellites via radio waves. The GPS picks up signals from the satellites, which tell it the satellite’s position and the time that the signal was sent. By comparing this time to the time on the device’s internal clock, it can determine speed of travel. Then, by comparing intersections of three satellites, it can use geometry to figure out where you are.

Filed Under: General Tagged With:
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »