Two focuses of my blog are General Education and Technology. While many people think that technology can waste a lot of time, it can also provide tremendous value, particularly in the realm of education. The following contributed post is entitled, How Games And Apps Can Turbocharge Your Education.
We all have to make sure that we are learning something new each day. If we don’t quite manage that, then it’s absolutely fine, but we should strive to do so anyway. If we sit still for too long, we will only go backward in terms of our intellect. The brain needs to be exercised all of the time and learning new things makes us happier. The good thing is that there are plenty of ways we can educate ourselves. In this post, we are going to be talking about digital systems and games – and how they can play a huge part.
The entire planet has more than embraced the digital world in 2023, and it’s a great way of educating young people and adults alike. You can learn so much using certain pieces of software and applications. Games can even educate you along the way. Here are just a few ways games can help this out:
The Way You Engage With The Environment
Video games and other kinds of digital applications have the unique ability to create engaging environments. When you dive into a particular game, you are immersing yourself in a world of challenges and things to discover. Some traditional learning methods can be tedious, but this world that is created for you can provide you with lots of different pieces of stimulation. You stay motivated throughout and you have lots of reasons to succeed. It might be a case of using lateral thinking or simply solving intricate puzzles – but you ultimately learn things in an exciting way.
Cognitive Skills Get A Boost
Games have the ability to boost everyone’s cognitive skills. It’s not just a case of having fun and completing certain tasks in order to win, you have to do things that require brainpower along the way. Your problem-solving skills and decision-making skills come into question as well as very basic abilities. You gain the ability to remember certain things and recall them when necessary. These can then be transferred to other areas of life that can serve you in the future.
Lots Of Different Interactive Scenarios
You can be thrown into all kinds of different interactive learning scenarios whenever you play games. There are even games that have the express purpose of teaching you historical facts or important tidbits. You may even wish to play a game in which you create a nation and learn about politics in a simulated political world. These kind of immersive approaches allow you to grasp all kinds of concepts.
Progressive Learning
As time moves on throughout the game, you progress more and more and things become more difficult. You have to use your brain more and more frequently. This might be a case of learning new things but it also might be a case of applying your cognitive skills more significantly. This can then mirror real-life learning experiences and allow you to, again, transfer these skills to more important areas of your life.
“Going to college is a highly personal decision no one can make for you. While your teachers and parents might want you to find a good school, it’s not necessary for success. Instead, consider the type of career you want and whether pursuing higher education is worth it.”
A key focus of my blog is General Education. College is often thought to be the magic bullet for success for everyone, but is this the case for everyone in every arena? The following guest post looks this further and is entitled, Is College Necessary for Everybody?
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When kids are in school, their parents and teachers tell them to work hard to get into college and get a good job. As a result, many people attend college after high school, while others go to college later in life to increase their earning potential. But is college necessary for everyone? You might not want to attend college if you don’t enjoy school. Meanwhile, you might not be able to afford college even if you love school. Luckily, you don’t have to go to college to be successful, but it can help. Whether you have a bachelor’s degree or GED, anyone can succeed and find a career they love.
Does College Predict Success?
Many people thank their college education for their ability to get a high-paying job that allows them to pay for basic living expenses. In addition, some degrees have a high return on investment. For example, nurses with master’s degrees typically earn more than those with associate’s degrees, making it well worth investing in a lengthier college program. However, many jobs don’t pay enough to make a college degree worth the expense, and there are several top-earning career fields you can enter without a degree.
Before you can determine whether college is crucial to your future career success, you should consider the type of career you want. For example, if you love pets and want to be a vet, you’ll need a degree. Meanwhile, if you prefer building things with your hands, you don’t need a woodworking degree to become a successful carpenter who owns their own business.
In general, going to college provides experiences to help you make connections you can use to further your career. However, a specialized degree isn’t necessary for most positions. For example, anyone can become a digital marketer with the right skill set, especially if they’re lucky enough to find job opportunities that offer training.
The Case Against College Degrees
A college degree is required for some careers, but not all. Therefore, the most important step is determining which type of career you want and the requirements for entering the job market. First, you should look at the general career path to determine if a degree might be required down the line. For example, you may be able to find an entry-level job where a degree isn’t necessary, but if you want to become a manager, you might need one.
Of course, anyone can be successful with or without a college degree. Therefore, you must determine the skills necessary for your chosen career path and find ways to excel in them.
The Case For College Degrees
While some people can become successful without a degree, attending college can improve your chances of success. College graduates typically earn more than those with a high school diploma, and education is increasingly important to employers. Knowing you graduated college can show employers that you’re goal-oriented even if you don’t have a relevant degree. Even if the type of field you studied doesn’t matter to an employer, they may still look for candidates with bachelor’s degrees.
In addition to increased earning potential, many people believe college is essential for the experience alone. For most people, college is the best time of their lives because they’re finally free to make their own decisions independently. Furthermore, many people learn how to become adults, meet new friends, harness a network for professional opportunities, and gain valuable work experience while studying at a university. In addition to the college experience itself, you can get more information about your chosen field, including certificates and internship opportunities you can’t get anywhere else.
If you should go to college depends on several factors, including the industry you’re entering and your definition of success.
Industry
Some industries require specialized degrees, while others don’t. For example, to become a psychologist, you’ll need a degree in psychology. Meanwhile, other careers prioritize relevant skills, such as technology and business. Meanwhile, those looking to enter creative fields may not need a degree; the hiring managers will look for relevant experience and a good portfolio.
Your Definition of Success
How you define success will determine whether college is necessary for you. For example, maybe you’re someone who defines success based on your happiness at work. Individuals doing what they love may earn less, but their overall happiness makes their jobs easier and more enjoyable. Meanwhile, you might define success as starting your own business without a degree or getting a specialized nursing degree to work with a particular type of patient. Whatever the case, you must know what success looks and feels like for you to determine whether you need a degree.
Other Options
College isn’t necessary for everyone, and there are other educational opportunities to help you advance your career.
Trade Schools
Trade schools can help you gain valuable experience in a particular field, such as automotive, plumbing, electrical, or aviation. You can also find medical trade schools offering programs for nursing, billing, and allied health jobs. Meanwhile, other options include culinary schools, tech schools, and beauty schools, depending on your interests.
Certifications
If you’ve already been in the workforce, you might not have the time to return to college. Certifications can be used in place of college degrees, especially if you already have relevant experience in a particular field. For example, you can get certifications in project management, digital marketing, website development and design, and teaching.
Experience
Sometimes real-life experience is more important to employers than a fancy degree. For example, if you can find a good job, you might be able to work your way up in a company and learn the skills you need to get a management position.
Should You Go To College?
Going to college is a highly personal decision no one can make for you. While your teachers and parents might want you to find a good school, it’s not necessary for success. Instead, consider the type of career you want and whether pursuing higher education is worth it.
Megan Isola
Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.
A key focus of my blog is General Education. The world has changed from what it used to be. One of the areas that has changed significantly is the education arena. The following guest post is entitled, Modern Learning: Different Ways To Get an Education.
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It can be easy to get stuck in a traditional learning mindset, but modern teaching methods have changed the face of education. In today’s world, there are different ways to get an education, and some even don’t require you to set foot in a classroom.
Here are the most popular modern learning methods you can rely on in your educational journey. By understanding the different styles, you can better decide which is the best option for you.
Online Learning Platforms
Virtual learning is becoming increasingly popular as it allows students to access their course materials anytime and anywhere with an internet connection. Especially after the pandemic, online classes have become one of the most sought-after learning setups in various countries. From online lectures and tutorials to virtual classrooms, online learning platforms give students greater control over their studies and allow them to learn at their own pace.
Online classes come with an array of additional benefits, such as cost savings, since most courses are offered at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional programs. They also provide students access to various global instructors and experts who may not be available locally. For instance, Western students can take classes from instructors based in Southeast Asia or vice versa. So, suppose you want to learn from countries with top-notch educational institutions, such as the Philippines. In that case, you can look for schools offering online distance learning in the Philippines. This way, you can access the best educational resources without leaving your home.
Homeschooling
A growing trend for those seeking an alternative education model for their children is homeschooling. This setup allows parents to customize their children’s curriculum according to their individual needs and interests and provides them with a flexible schedule that often works around family commitments or extracurricular activities. Homeschooled children also tend to benefit from one-on-one instruction from experienced teachers, allowing them more personalized attention than is usually available in a school setting.
The beauty of homeschooling is that it gives families the freedom and ability to craft an educational experience tailored specifically to each student’s needs without compromising the quality or effectiveness of instruction. This makes it ideal for those with children who have diverse learning styles and abilities.
For parents who are considering homeschooling, it is essential to research your state’s laws regarding homeschooling before registering for a program. Homeschooled students often have special requirements when it comes to college applications, so it is crucial to understand the local laws and regulations in advance.
Blended Learning
Also known as hybrid learning, blended learning combines traditional face-to-face instruction with technology-enabled resources such as online components and digital textbooks. This teaching method allows educators greater flexibility when it comes to creating lesson plans while giving students opportunities for collaborative online projects or activities that help expand upon topics discussed in class.
Blended learning also helps bridge the gap between adults’ knowledge gaps. Adults who missed out on technology during their school years can quickly catch up by using modern-day tools like video conferencing or eLearning modules. With the help of blended learning, instructors can create customized curriculums to meet the specific needs of their adult students.
Although many schools have adopted a blended learning model, it can also be beneficial for those who want to learn new skills or pick up hobbies on the side. Several online platforms, like Udemy and Coursera, offer courses with instruction from experts in various fields. With blended learning, you can enjoy the flexibility of online learning with personalized instruction from experienced professionals.
Social and Emotional Learning
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a teaching method that focuses on developing students’ ability to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions and interact with others.
SEL courses often incorporate activities that promote self-awareness, problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle stress. This type of instruction also allows students to build relationships with their peers, which can help them better navigate social situations.
SEL can be beneficial for both teachers and students. For educators, it allows them to create a more inclusive learning environment that better meets the needs of all students. For students, SEL can provide them with the tools they need to be successful in both academic and social settings.
By leveraging SEL, teachers can create a more welcoming and empowering educational setting that encourages learning, collaboration, and well-being.
Modern teaching methods provide educators and learners with new possibilities for education outside traditional schooling models. Today’s learners have limitless options when finding new ways to discover knowledge and further their education beyond traditional walls. With these exciting new tools readily available, there’s no reason why any learner should feel limited by outdated modes of instruction.
Two focuses of my blog are Career Discussions and General Education. No matter what field you are in, you always want to think about continuing your education and not stagnating as your value must continue to evolve with the years. The following guest post is entitled, Continuing Education to Boost Your Career: How Will You Benefit?
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Continuing your education is a great way to stay ahead of the competition in your field. With more knowledge and experience, you can ensure that you are the most prepared and knowledgeable person for the job. By furthering your education, you can build upon existing skills and gain new ones that will give you an advantage in any profession.
The Benefits to Reap
As mentioned, continuing your education can open up many opportunities to advance in your career. Here is a quick view of how continuing your education can benefit your career.
Gaining New Skills and Knowledge
A significant benefit of continuing education is gaining new skills and knowledge related to your current role or field. This knowledge can be used to create innovative solutions to problems, develop new strategies, and increase productivity. Additionally, new skills can help with career growth by providing more opportunities for advancement within an organization.
For example, if you are a social media manager, taking SEO or web analytics classes can help you better understand how to optimize content for search engines or measure ROI on campaigns. In this way, continuing education allows you to stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing job market.
Advancement Opportunities
Continuing education also provides opportunities for professional advancement within an organization as well as outside of it. By obtaining additional qualifications or certifications, employers may be more likely to consider you for higher positions than those who don’t have them.
This is especially true in highly competitive fields like healthcare and finance, where employers often prefer candidates with advanced degrees or certifications over those without them. Studying other topics related to your chosen field can open up opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be available.
Improved Confidence
Another great benefit of continuing education is improved confidence in yourself and your abilities. Learning new things gives us a sense of accomplishment which leads to greater self-confidence, which then carries into our professional and personal lives.
This increased confidence can make us more successful in our careers by allowing us to take on challenging tasks that we might not have been comfortable attempting before because we felt unprepared or unqualified for them.
Furthermore, increased confidence can make us more attractive candidates when applying for jobs since employers recognize individuals who demonstrate ambition and self-assurance as reliable workers who are likely to succeed at their roles.
Increased Earning Potential
Continuing your education can also help to increase your earning potential. Professionals with advanced degrees or certifications typically earn higher salaries than those without them since they are more qualified and experienced in their chosen fields. This means that investing in continuing education can pay dividends over time as you move up the career ladder.
In addition to higher salaries, continuing education can also result in bonuses and other perks that are often unavailable to those lacking the necessary qualifications or certifications. These additional benefits make investing in furthering your education even more worthwhile.
Making the Decision
Sadly, many professionals choose not to pursue further education for various reasons. One of the main reasons is that it can be costly and time-consuming. However, with more and more institutions offering online classes, certifications, and degrees at affordable prices, there is no excuse not to take advantage of continuing education opportunities.
For instance, did you know that the average cost of taking up a Master’s in Information Technology in the Philippines ranges from $7,000 to $15,000 only? That’s much more affordable than enrolling in a full-time degree program. Additionally, taking online classes can be done at your own pace and time, allowing you to keep up with your current job or other responsibilities.
Another main factor that prevents people from continuing their education is the fear of not succeeding. But it’s important to remember that learning new things and challenging yourself can help you become more successful in your current role or field. Plus, if you fail, you always have an opportunity to try again.
Overall, continuing education is an invaluable tool for advancing your career. Gaining new skills and knowledge, having more opportunities for advancement, and increasing confidence are only some of the numerous benefits of investing in your education. So if you’re looking to take your career to the next level, consider continuing your education – it can be a game-changer!
The Bottom Line
Continuing education is an invaluable tool that has numerous professional and personal benefits, including gaining new skills/knowledge, increasing chances of advancement/growth opportunities, improved confidence/self-esteem, etc. Whether taking a class at a local university or completing an online certification program from home.
There are countless ways to further one’s educational pursuits without leaving their current job or lifestyle! Investing time into promoting one’s educational pursuits could lead to a brighter future full of career success down the road! So why wait? Start exploring ways you can continue learning today!
Two focuses of my blog are Career Discussions and General Education. While it is a career that has arguably become overlooked, there may be no more important career than education. We’re coincidentally in an era where there is a need for individuals who are willing to work in this field. The following contributed post is entitled, Is Education Your Calling? Here’s How You Can Get Into It.
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There are many different paths that you can take if you want to get into education. Some people prefer a more hands-on approach with children, and others prefer to work with adults. Online resources such as Age of Learning and other similar services offer a more tech and business-based model. It’s entirely down to personal preference here, and where you think that your calling lies. However, if you’re not sure how you can get into education career wise, then it’s a good thing that you have come across this article. Keep reading down below where we’re going to be taking a look at three of the options.
The first choice that we’re going to look at is becoming a school teacher. Being a teacher is one of the most common career paths that you can take when it comes to getting into teaching, with both adults and children being an option. You can choose which subjects you teach based on your own education, and you never know, you might find a new passion for a different subject while you’re at it.
You’re going to need to get your teaching certificate before you are able to do this, and if you want to teach at college level then you’re going to need a higher level of education so keep that in mind.
Educational Tours
Another option that you can choose is educational tours. Now, this might not be something that people commonly think of, but these tours give people the information that they need so you’re sharing your knowledge! The only real difference is the fact that you are sharing your detailed knowledge of one place, or a group of places rather than a broad range of subjects. You could lead educational tours for adults, or educational tours for schools, or a mixture! It’s up to you, but this is a fantastic choice if you have a deep love for a specific place or site.
Teaching Assistant
The final thing that we’re going to be taking a look at is becoming a teaching assistant. If you don’t want to be the teacher, but you do want to work with people in education then this is a great choice. You act as a support for the teacher, being able to have conversations with the students, giving them ideas and helping them to achieve what they want to.
Teaching assistants are fantastic in the classroom as they mean that every child gets the help they need, even if the teacher is busy with another student at the time. It’s a fantastic opportunity, and if you do want to teach but you’re worried about gaining confidence in the classroom, it’s a fantastic place to start.
We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the ways that you can get into education if you believe that it is your calling. Education is a fantastic choice if you are a caring person, interested in sharing your knowledge with others. We wish you the very best of luck no matter which avenue you decide to take into education!
Two focuses of my blog are Career Discussions and General Education. Successfully education a population of people is contingent upon a number of factors. Teachers and administrators are not the only necessary ingredients contrary to popular belief. The following contributed post is entitled, 4 Types Of Specialists All Education Institutions Need (Apart From Teachers).
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When we think of schools and colleagues, our minds immediately go to the teachers that are delivering the lessons. Indeed, our teachers do a hard, and in many cases, an often thankless job. Yet, teachers are not the only type of staff that educational institutions need to thrive. Keep reading to discover the other essential personnel.
Psychology and counseling services
One of the most important types of staff in a school, besides teachers, are those that can prompt the mental and emotional well-being of the students. What that means is that educational psychologists, as well as counselors, are a vital part of any school team. Indeed, it is the educational psychologists that can help identify specific learning difficulties and ensure that students get the funding, help, and support they need for them.
While school counselors can provide a more comprehensive pastoral service, supporting students through difficulties in their lives such as grief, depression, and anxiety.
HR support
HR support
In addition to those that can care for the mental well-being of the students, schools will also need specialists in supporting their staff. This task often falls under the remit of the HR team along with a vast array of other responsibilities such as advertising jobs, writing job descriptions, the hiring and interview process, and the disciplinary process.
It is partially important that schools employ non-teaching staff to fill HR roles because the specialists of the two jobs are very different. That is just because you are a good teacher, it does not follow that you will be good at HR, and vice versa. To that end, if you want the human resources side of your educational institution to run as smoothly as possible, you need a team with the training and experience to make this happen.
Specialist IT support
Another highly valuable specialist in the field of education is the IT expert. After all, IT is a major part of every child’s and teacher’s educational experience, and so making sure that they have the software and hardware they need is something that no school can go without.
Indeed, it can be argued that IT support for schools is one of the most important services there is because without it educational institutions are laid open to a wide range of risks from security issues, to inefficient use of teacher and student time. To that end, any educational institution that uses IT must have dedicated and specialist support in place.
Accounting and financial support
Private or public schools need to keep a keen eye on their financial income and outgoings, just like any other organization. Of course, with the educational staff’s time already being taken up with planning lessons, assessment, and teaching, it makes much more sense to employ specialists for this role.
Those specialists can differ from institution to institution but are often known as bursars or accountants. Both of these will deal with incoming invoices, ordering supplies, and making sure the budget is balanced so teaching staff is free to complete their roles.
Two focuses of my blog are General Education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). While STEM Education is potentially the most important set of subjects at this time, they still must be taught in a special way, particularly in the form of a story. The following contributed post is entitled, Why Storytelling Matters In STEM Education.
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Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with people, particularly young people. When done well, storytelling can engage your audience and make them feel something. It can also help you connect with people from different backgrounds or teach important lessons.
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard that reading to your children is one of the best ways to encourage their love for reading. And of course, reading aloud plays an important role in helping children develop the skills necessary to enjoy reading. Storytelling plays a similar role in the world of STEM education. Scientists, engineers, and mathematicians may not typically think of themselves as traditional “storytellers,” but they can use the power of storytelling to connect with young people and inspire them to pursue careers in STEM. Here are just a few ways you can start telling stories to inspire young people in your life and make a bigger impact with any STEM educational program.
Storytelling is a natural human activity. People use stories to better understand the world and connect with others. When people tell stories, they use words, images, and other elements to create a narrative and make connections between people.
Scientists use storytelling as a way to communicate with the public. They can use simple stories as a way to explain scientific concepts in magazines, or they can create more complex stories to explain a hypothesis. Engineers use storytelling to explain how things work and how they impact the world around us. Scientists and engineers can also use storytelling to inspire the next generation of STEM educators, helping to cultivate a love of STEM in young people. From Popular Science to Nature, using the lessons from literary traditions can make any finding infinitely more compelling, especially to a young or lay public.
Use Videos and Screenshots
Videos and screenshots are excellent ways to connect with young people. You can use these to demonstrate how things work, how things are used in everyday life, and even how the subject is used in games or other media. It might sound corny, but there’s a reason TikTok dominates social media in youth circles.
Showcase Practical Uses of STEM
When people talk about STEM education, they often focus on the importance of facts and science. But what if you don’t have time to research facts, or what if you just don’t feel like doing the science experiment? This is when showcasing practical uses of the subject can be incredibly helpful.
This can be done in a number of different ways. You can share stories of engineers who have solved real-world problems. You can talk about engineers who have made inventions that have changed people’s lives. You can even do field trips that show how scientists are working to tackle issues in real-time. These types of experiences could inspire a traditional STEM career, but the combination with storytelling reveals their real power. The diversity of the fields can become clearer with exposure, giving a young person dreams of being a science journalist or a technology risk consultant.
STEM education is important. It can help students build skills that are valuable in the workplace, and it can inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. But stories are powerful tools for connecting with others, so it’s no surprise that STEM educators should use storytelling to engage their audiences. When you want to use storytelling to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM, you can use these tips and techniques.
I am pleased to announce two new topic areas for the Big Words Blog Site. They are “Letters to The Editor” and “Perspectives on Culture and Society”. The following discussion is the first of many submissions of its kind and was written with the intent of pointing readers and society towards constructive solutions. The authors are Dr. Joan E. Cephas, and Dr. Ralph G. Perrino whose bios and contact information are at the end of the piece.
The views expressed are those of the authors and not the platform itself. As these are potentially sensitive topics, please leave respectful comments if you wish to make your voice heard. Look for a podcast to start soon between the three of us on my Big Discussions76 YouTube channel, where we will discuss this topic and others. Finally please consider joining the Big Words LLC newsletter.
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Varying Perspectives on Current Issues
Our perspective on current issues sometimes differs from those who have come from a different social or economic background than our own. We certainly respect everyone’s view, regardless of their political persuasion. As educators, we believe that the role of a teacher is to orchestrate, administrate, and educate, not indoctrinate. Maybe most importantly, we have always believed (and practiced) that everyone’s view has some validity in the context of their lives.
The Power of Words
In that context, we would like to address the issue of the impact of our words in today’s civic and political discourse. In our divided environment, we continually hear the phrases, “defund the police”, “white privilege”, and “critical race theory”. These are phrases that only serve to divide, not unite, the nation. There is a solution. Simply changing the perspective and the verbiage associated with this issue would go a long way towards lowering the temperature of our public discourse.
Defunding The Police or Resource Reallocation?
“Defunding?” No. Reallocation of resources? Yes. The phrase “defund the police”, although divisive, has merit. Restating the phrase with the term “reallocation of police resources” would go far to lower the divisiveness and confusion that “defund the police” often brings to the discussion. When discussed outside of the anger in which this phrase is often used, there may be some validity to the idea.
Redirecting the role of police in the community amounts to a reallocation of resources, not “defunding” the police. This approach can take on a variety of other forms. Providing police officers with thorough and comprehensive training in the area of domestic disputes can go a long way toward helping them in potentially dangerous situations. Increasing the number of trained police resource officers in public schools is also an area that would assist in defusing violent situations in our schools. These officers develop relationships with students, families, and school personnel, and they can serve as the liaison between the school, families, and the community.
Community Policing, Affordable Housing, and Community Mental Health Services
Another area where this may apply is community policing. This may include police-sponsored programs such as sports teams, clubs, and other activities. Embedding this in a community would go far to create buy-in among adults and children and a sense of togetherness, rather than divisiveness. Policing of this type engenders trust and confidence. Parents and children generally support and are appreciative of these initiatives. Police become role models in this environment. It provides a venue for teaching and learning for the officers and the community. Maybe most important, the idea forms trusting relationships that would decrease misconceptions of law enforcement and communities.
Creating affordable housing that enables police, teachers, and other important role models to reside in a community would also go far to create a sense of unity and cooperation, not division, in that community. Local government can play a critical role in this area by working with landowners, developers, and others to develop economic incentives to embed affordable housing in communities where crime has historically been a problem.
Improving community mental health services can also provide an additional level of support for law enforcement. Sending a mental health professional without police support to a potential crime might place everyone at risk or harm, or even death. Mental health professionals are not trained or armed to protect themselves or the person in crises. They are, however, trained in de-escalation. Mental health professionals who are part of the overall policing process may add an additional level of support to often overtaxed police officers.
Repairing Fractured Police and Community Relationships
Important to this discussion is the fact that a long history of distrust between law enforcement and many minority communities will surely be a significant impediment. This will be no easy task. It will take leadership, perseverance, and patience to create a sense of trust and rapport between what has become often opposing sides of the issue. That said, simply changing the perspective and the verbiage associated with this issue would go a long way toward lowering the temperature of our public discourse.
Discourse Regarding White Privilege
White privilege. Now, there is a phrase that surely has divided the nation. There is little doubt that an economic chasm exists between White, Black, and Hispanic populations in America. Depending on which statistic one examines, the average White family in America has a total net worth six to ten times that of the average Black or Hispanic family. From a purely economic perspective, this disparity is, yes, systemic, persistent, and insidious.
This stems from generations of racial inequality and injustice perpetrated on minorities. This is not an easy thing for many Americans to accept, but it is an unfortunate reality. And, yes, systematic discrimination in the areas of housing, employment, and education has furthered this economic chasm. Overt and subtle discrimination has impacted minorities in America for generations. This needs to change. The problem is the term “White privilege” does not increase the level of awareness it is intended to achieve.
Instead, the phrase “White privilege” only serves to increase resentment. One side – minority citizens use this phrase to challenge the system and accuse the other side of historic wrongdoing. The other side – White citizens are offended by being accused of something for which they believe they were not responsible. It is often used to divide the have and have-nots. If the focus is on race, people will ignore the transgressions of the super wealthy who are predominantly White. These same people hold the power to make economic, social, and political decisions. Using the term White privilege pits the non-wealthy against each other. This allows the wealthy to do whatever is necessary to maintain their position of power and privilege. It is time to cease using the highly divisive term “White privilege” and call it what it is – economic and social inequality.
Age Appropriateness for Discussing Complex Topics
Critical race theory – yet another inflammatory, divisive, counter-productive catch phrase in today’s polarized political environment. The topic of race and ethnic relations has been a primary concern of behavioral scientists for generations. W.E.B. DuBois addressed this topic more than 100 years ago. Academics have studied the topic for generations. This generation of students is multi-racial, and they want to know accurate historical information. It is a legitimate staple of any Introduction to Sociology course on any American college campus.
This topic has historically been introduced at the high school level. Few would argue that, taught by qualified individuals, the topic of race and ethnic relations is an appropriate topic for upper-level high school or college students. Conversely, many are livid that their elementary and middle school children are being “brainwashed” and “indoctrinated” by teachers ill-equipped to manage this delicate topic in their classrooms.
Rather than singling out teachers, administrators, and school board members, we need to take a serious look at how and when this topic is introduced into the curricula of local school systems. Teaching elementary school children tolerance for others is an admirable goal. That should happen in the classroom, and it should be modeled at home before a student arrives in kindergarten.
Instilling guilt in an elementary student for the possible actions of his or her ancestors does little to heal the wrongs of the past. It serves only to confuse a young mind at a time when that very mind is malleable and ill prepared for such intensity. Surely, we can find a way to teach tolerance and history in school and at home without concealing the uncomfortable truth of historical racial injustice, while at the same time not placing the burden of the past on our children’s shoulders.
We must find a way to listen and speak to one another in a civil, calm, rational, informed tone if we are to improve the fabric of our civic culture. Simply changing the words we use to address controversial topics would go far toward reaching that goal.
About the Authors
Joan E. Cephas, Ed.D, LICSW, LCSW
Dr. Joan E. Cephas is a retired social worker and school psychologist from the District of Columbia Public Schools with 22 years of service. Dr. Cephas is the owner of Timing & Associates LLC, which offers mental health/counseling services, behavioral health services, child welfare and educational consultation, parent education, elderly care resources/referral services, critical incident support, and Employee Assistance Program services.
Dr. Cephas has over 30 years of providing child welfare, family, elderly, and mental health services/resources in public and private sectors. Her mission is to empower parents to be advocates for their children, promote academic excellence and success among youth, and to enhance wholeness for individuals, families, and the community. Dr. Cephas has a special interest in empowering African American youth males to become leaders in their home, school, and community. Comments and or questions can be sent to Dr. Cephas at dr.joancephas@gmail.com .
Ralph G. Perrino, MPA, MA, DA
Dr. Perrino was an educator and business owner in the Northern Virginia area. He taught sociology, political science, and business management at Northern Virginia Community College for thirty-five years. In that capacity, he saw many students in his classes who had either come to the community college because they failed in their first attempt at a four-year institution, or because they chose to defer college until after working or military service.
Many of the students Dr. Perrino taught had also been diagnosed with various learning disabilities that presented challenges and impediments to the learning process. It was for this reason that Dr. Perrino established Northern Virginia Tutoring Service. He recognized a need to provide practical advice and service to students and families who faced a myriad of challenges associated with the education process. Many parents and students benefited from consultations with Dr. Perrino and with the assistance of tutors from Northern Virginia Tutoring Service. Regarding the modern educational landscape, he states:
“The field of education is replete with issues that seem complex, confusing and, at times, intractable to many parents and students. The result is that many parents and students do not know where to find honest, factual information to guide them, or they make decisions without seeking authoritative resources of assistance.”
Dr. Perrino has long been committed to helping students and parents maneuver through these issues. He has always believed that contributing to the welfare of the community is an integral part of business ownership. That is reflected in his considerable involvement in community affairs in Arlington County, VA and Falls Church, VA. Comments and or questions can be sent to Dr. Perrino at nvtutoring@gmail.com .
Two key focuses of my blog are General Education and Technology. As with everything in our world, the landscape of education has changed significantly. Some of this was accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, but some of the changes were already in the pipeline. The following guest post is entitled, The Future of Education Is Here.
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Some people don’t have time to commute to school every day, while others might be too far away from schools, colleges, or universities. Distance learning gives these people more flexibility in scheduling classes around their work schedule or taking breaks when needed without worrying about missing anything in the classroom.
Additionally, distance learning provides an opportunity for individuals who might work in jobs or situations where they can’t leave and still receive a quality education. Distance learning also provides more flexibility and opportunities for students with special needs.
Many schools and universities will provide extra time on homework, tests, or classwork for students who need it. Using computers and other technology in distance learning can also help students with disabilities participate more fully in the class.
There are a lot of benefits to it, which are explored in more depth below:
1) Cost Savings
One of the biggest benefits for students is saving on tuition costs by taking some or all their classes online. For instance, if students enroll in online senior high school at AMA, they won’t have to spend money on transportation, uniforms, and miscellaneous fees.
2) Mobility
Students who take at least some of their classes via distance learning often have greater mobility, making it possible to study from various locations. This means that you can study from home, at the library, or any other place that has an internet connection.
Having the flexibility to study wherever you helps students because it can help them continue their education without taking time off. Plus, sometimes it can be very hard to focus when you’re at home, so studying elsewhere helps students stay more focused on their work.
3) Flexibility
In addition to saving on tuition costs, distance learning also offers flexibility with schedules and deadlines, ultimately making it easier for students to meet course requirements. The freedom to choose a time frame to study is an added benefit that can be a major time saver for students.
4) Variety
Distance learning provides students with a greater variety of course options to choose from, which can be more challenging and interesting than the traditional classroom setting. Plus, it’s possible to take classes from various institutions and attend courses that don’t require you to be on campus.
5) Efficiency
With no need to commute or fight for a seat in a crowded lecture hall, distance learners can save time and focus on their studies. This means an increase in efficiency and productivity when learning, both of which are crucial for students to succeed academically.
6) Independence
One of the most important benefits of distance learning is that it allows students to learn at their own pace and in their way. They are not limited by the structure of a traditional classroom, which can be restrictive. And since distance learning is more flexible, students will learn more about time management.
7) Connectivity
By using online tools, distance learners can connect with classmates and instructors from all over the globe, creating a global community of learners. This makes it easy to seek help or collaborate on projects, especially for those who have never done so before.
8) Collaboration
Distance learners can connect and collaborate with other students, instructors, experts, and professionals worldwide. They can form study groups, exchange lesson plans, and more. If this is something you are interested in, it’s helpful to check if the course you wish to take offers this option.
9) Compatibility
Most distance learning courses are designed to be compatible with various devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones. With this in mind, it’s possible to access course material no matter where you are or what technology you use.
10) Accreditation
Many distance learning courses are accredited by well-recognized organizations, which can help students when they apply for jobs or further their education. Additionally, some colleges and universities accept these credits as transfer credits, which means you can spend less money on extra coursework.
Distance learning is a method of education that involves using computers and other technology to create interactive courses. This type of learning allows students to study anywhere with an internet connection, regardless of whether they are at home or in another location.
There are many reasons why distance learning is a great option for students. Of course, it’s not the right choice for everyone, but it can offer many benefits for everyday learners and to those who cannot afford the costs of traditional schooling.
Two focuses of my blog are General Education and Technology. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the educational landscape was evolving. In its aftermath there may be even more distance learning as gathering is not as certain a thing as it was in the past. The following guest post is entitled, Evolution of Long Distance Education.
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Education has undergone a lot of changes from when it first started. Due to not being able to conduct student-gathered classes all the time which was caused by certain historic events like wars and plagues, there came a trend that moved towards long-distance education where teachers would remotely impart their knowledge through different forms of media.
Today, we know of how many educational institutions utilize video conferencing platforms to conduct online classes. But before this digital age, many other ways were created to fit the circumstances of different classes of people, different periods, and different existing technology. Here are some of the different forms of media that were utilized for long-distance education and how they are being used today.
Correspondence Education
Correspondence education was probably the very first attempt to deliver teaching services to students without face-to-face interaction. This involved an instructor writing down lessons and sets of instructions and sending these via mail to their students. The students would then mail back their homework as their class participation.
This method was mainly used as only an alternative when attending formal classes was either impossible or plain unaffordable. This kind of correspondence can slow down the education process since it can take a while before mails are sent and received, but students in this exchange were happy to wait for the sake of learning.
Correspondence education programs are still being practiced especially in the US where some universities offer courses that can be completed remotely. Although some still make use of postal services, many have transitioned to digitalized correspondence that shortens the waiting time in between the exchange.
Printed Materials
As it was used inside the classroom, printed texts were also sent out to students’ houses for home-based learning. Books and assignment sheets proved useful but were found to require the presence of an educator to help explain the printed information. The process of sending out printed educational materials is resurging during this pandemic, especially in many public schools with students who cannot avail the newer technology required for digital education.
Telephone Communication
Telephone communication was then used to aid students who weren’t physically able to attend classes. From their homes or inside hospital wards, students got to listen to their lessons while the teachers discussed them in school. An improved telephone device resembling a radio was placed inside the classroom which collects the audio of everything said in real-time and transmits it to the student on the other line, who can press a switch on their own device if they need to speak. The gadget inside the classroom has to be carried from room to room by a volunteer student when going to another class.
Today, the telephone has strayed far from education as there are more effective ways to deliver distance learning. But it has proven to be a necessity in business settings where making and taking calls for transactions have to be quick and efficient. The telephone system is used by businesses for outside calls as well as for contacting different departments inside the same building for convenience. Different strategies like the Xorcom reseller program for companies that provide communication solutions aim to maximize this internal communication in the corporate industry.
Broadcast-based Education
Televisions and radios were also used to deliver distance learning. Educational radio media, although used primarily for university broadcasting alongside traditional classroom settings, was extended to accommodate students far from school. Television, on the other hand, broadcasts live educational programs that employ different educators for different subjects. But both the TV and radio education had the disadvantage of being a one-sided learning process where the audience can only receive the information but not respond to it, at least immediately.
Educational radio and TV shows could only get feedback from their viewers after the broadcast has ended. This meant that active learning was limited by the capacity of the audience to view these shows.
But with technological innovations on the rise, television and radio education ultimately gave way to the prevalence of today’s virtual classrooms.
The Present: Virtual Classrooms
Almost everyone nowadays possesses or has access to computers. From personal laptops to smartphones, education is only a click away for students especially now when social distancing laws are limiting class gatherings. Combining all the good aspects of the previous kinds of media mentioned, our modern personal computers make it possible to receive a quality education from the comfort of our homes.
Of course, it has its drawbacks as well. But when face-to-face learning is not the best option, we can always count on the internet to reconnect students with their teachers.
Unexpected events can happen and disrupt our societal systems but we consistently find ways to resume our lives for the sake of progress. Education, being the main driving force behind the development of humanity, will always be a primary need that we will continue to uphold and improve as the years go by.
