Education – Page 2 – The Big Words Blog Site

Positive Solutions to Vexing Divisions in Society

“We would like to address the issue of the impact of our words in today’s civic and political discourse.”

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.

* * *

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 .

The Future of Education Is Here

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.

* * *

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.

Evolution of Long Distance Education

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.

* * *

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.

Robotics: A Powerful Educational Tool

Three focuses of my blog are General Education, STEM and Technology. As the world becomes more and more automated, there will be an increasing need for individuals to be trained in robotics and associated technologies. There are also benefits to robotics as an educational tool. The following guest post is entitled, Robotics: A Powerful Educational Tool.

* * *

The field of robotics has numerous applications in various industries, usually in manufacturing different products in high volumes. Robots are ideal in these fast-paced environments as they can work for long hours without the risk of injury or exhaustion.

Robotics has also seen its impressive share of innovation through the years. Today, robots have the capability of sight. These robot vision systems increase precision and accuracy, helping improve the quality of products in many industries.

Aside from speeding up production processes, robots assist humans in other areas such as engineering and healthcare. Robotics also enriches the learning of students through their uses in the classroom setting. It provides a unique avenue of knowledge for learners of all kinds.

These are a few examples of how educators have adopted robotics as a tool for education.

Making Inclusive Education a Reality

Students in the STEM track are not the only ones who benefit from robotics. Students with special needs receive the necessary support for their different learning requirements.

An example of this is how robotics have been helping students in the autism spectrum develop their social skills. Some learners with autism can be uncomfortable in situations in which they have to interact with unfamiliar people.

Robotic solutions startup LuxAI responded to the need for innovative learning tools for children with neurodevelopmental disorders with the creation of QTRobot, an educational robot with play-based activities for social and cognitive development. These kinds of technologies make learning more encouraging and accessible for learners with disabilities.

Students with medical conditions that keep them from leaving home also benefit from having telepresence robots that enable them to do in-school activities. These robots are built to show a student’s presence in the classroom, with a tall vertical body with a screen on top to show the student’s face.

Simplifying Programming for Students

As robots increasingly play a larger role in daily living, students have much to gain from learning how to program. Robots are an interesting way to ease students into the art of programming, as these activities make learning about these technical and mechanical processes more enjoyable.

Of course, learning programming through the traditional classroom method is important. Bringing robotics in provides students with a practical application to help them put into practice what they learn in class.

Young learners can also more easily be introduced into the world of coding through robots. Many in the market teach kids aged three years old and above simple algorithms through puzzles and interactive storytelling. Robotics company Edison even has free lesson plans available online for use with their child-friendly robots, making coding education easier for many students.

Introducing robotics to children demystifies programming at an early age, thus encouraging more students to pursue STEM for higher education.

Sharpening and Broadening Students’ Skill Sets

More and more companies are automating to bolster their production and keep up with rising demands. However, industrial robots are complicated and often dangerous tools that trained professionals must only use. The rate at which organizations worldwide are adopting robots, and artificial intelligence necessitates more laborers who are knowledgeable in this field.

As robots take the place of humans in assembly lines, more human capital will be needed to operate and maintain these machines. Managing robots requires creativity and critical thinking skills, which are unique to humans, making humans an integral part of large-scale automation.

Giving Students Practical Experience Through Simulation

There are many ways in which students gain ample practical experience through educational simulators.

For example, students at the high school level often begin taking driving lessons. Driving simulators give driving students a realistic driving experience within a safe and controlled environment.

These simulators mimic the look and feel of driving an actual car, which helps students become better acquainted with the controls of a vehicle. The replication of real-life traffic situations also allows them to be prepared to face challenges that might come up on the road once they gain their driver’s licenses.

Simulators are also immensely helpful for medical students who will have to deal with various sensitive operations as doctors. These allow future doctors to gain training on how to perform surgeries safely and with precision. Simulations of different scenarios help them make proper decisions to ensure future patients’ safety while also preparing them for possible emergencies.

With its many applications in different fields, especially in education, robotics is a highly beneficial teaching tool for students of all levels. The sooner they are adopted in the classroom setting, the more enriched students’ learning will become.

What Is The Future Of Education?

Two focuses of my blog are General Education and Technology. The year of 2020 forced technology to the forefront in terms of education. In all likelihood, this trend is going to continue. The following sponsored post is entitled, What Is The Future Of Education?

* * *

Advancements in technology and science are rapidly increasing. The speed at which these advancements are being made means that it may be difficult for the workforce to keep up. Compounded by this is the fact that there is a wealth of information at our fingertips. Knowledge and skills are becoming much more accessible at an unforeseen scale. What does all this mean for the future of education? There is no doubt that the internet and technology are changing the scope of education, and understanding what that means for yourself and society as a whole plays a critical role in how you think about curating a positive and progressive future.

The Inclusion of Technology

As with most industries in present day society, education and technology have already started integrating. This conversation has become especially pertinent after the coronavirus pandemic quarantined millions of students around the world. The inclusion of technology is critical for education, and building an infrastructure that maintains quality education at home is no easy task. Students and educators are becoming more aware of the pitfalls of educating online. Armed with this knowledge, now is the perfect time to integrate educational design projects that can ease the transition back to school and provide valuable feedback on the ways in which technology for educational purposes and the infrastructure used to maintain it, can be improved.

A Shift In Teaching Styles

As more people study education, it becomes glaringly obvious that the way people learn can vary widely. Understanding and catering towards different learning styles has been the focus of educators for years. As technology improves and becomes more deeply integrated into our daily lives, there is a chance that much wider variability between education and learning styles can be catered to. Structuring classrooms in a way that students work at their own pace and with educational materials that focus on variable skills is becoming more and more accessible, and will likely shift the way information is dispersed and learned.

How To Gain A Career In Special Education Teaching

Two of the focuses of my blog are Career Discussions and General Education. In important part of the education sector is Special Education. There will always be a need for Special Education teachers and their valuable skills. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Gain A Career In Special Education Teaching.

* * *

Image Credit Pixabay.com License CC0

Special education teachers play an essential role in the education system. They help and support children with a wide variety of different mental and physical needs to ensure that they get the maximum benefit from their education.

Special education teachers support children with differing needs including dyslexia, hearing and visual impairments, autism, and emotional disturbance. It can be a very challenging role, however, if you are interested in this career, it can also be very rewarding in many respects.

This type of teacher can often be found in the classroom supporting children on a one-to-one basis, however, they may sometimes teach whole classes.

In this article, we’ll discuss the role of a special education teacher and how you can get a career in this area.

What Skills Are Required

First and foremost, when looking for a career as a special educator you will need to demonstrate excellent communication skills. This is so that educators are able to interact effectively with students, parents, and other educators. Being able to communicate with students with very specific needs is essential. That means that they must be patient listeners who are able to get the message across as required.

In addition to communication skills, you will also need good IT skills and the ability to keep accurate records of each and every student’s progress. Technology will also come into play when it comes to helping students access the technology required within their education as well as any study support aids that they may need.

You will need to have a good understanding of the specific special needs of the students that you are teaching. Knowing specifically how to communicate in a positive way can be learned, but having the patience to deliver education in this way takes the right personal skills.

For teachers working with hearing impaired, they will need to know how to communicate using sign language.

Above all else, special education teachers need to have a positive and encouraging demeanor. They need to be creative thinkers with flexibility and the ability to motivate and inspire all of their students while helping build confidence and encourage learning. They also need to be resilient. There may be times when teaching special needs students can be challenging.

What Training Will Be Required

The type of qualifications will vary depending on where you are applying to become a special education teacher. In the United States, special educators are required to hold a license in addition to their qualifications.

You will need to at least have a bachelor’s level degree in special education in order to be considered for licensing. You may need a master’s degree in some areas.

In addition to a degree, you may need a qualification such as Dyslexia Professional Development and Dyslexia Training or other specific additional courses relating to a certain aspect of special needs education. This might be additional training delivering education to visually impaired students, or managing and teaching students with behavioral issues.

Because there are always developments in this field, training is often ongoing and you may be encouraged to keep engaging in your personal and professional development throughout your career. This may mean regular training days, or it could mean taking a part-time course alongside your work.

What Are The Alternative Career Options?

If the classroom setting is not for you, there are other options for helping others while making use of the skills and qualifications that you might have gained for working in the special education sector.

Because the special educator role can be very mentally and physically demanding, it is not uncommon for people to change lanes in their careers as they progress so that they can continue putting their hard-earned skills to good use in a different setting.

The types of jobs that are available with this skillset might include management level roles in special educational needs schools, recreational therapists, or occupational therapist.

A recreational therapist will have obtained a degree in recreational therapy or something very similar. This type of therapist will work with people who have cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities. As part of their job roles, they will assess those that they work with and create and implement training plans and programs. They may use activities such as art, music, sport, and theater in beneficial and therapeutic ways.

An occupational therapist will have obtained a master’s level qualification in a related subject. Occupational therapists will treat those who are disabled or injured through the use of various different types of therapy.

How the Future of Education May Develop Online

Two of the focuses of my blog are General Education and Technology. While the Coronavirus/Covid-19 Pandemic/Crisis has created tremendous uncertainty for human health and our ways of life in general, it has also called into question the long-term education landscape. It’s been speculated that education will now move towards an increased digital paradigm. The following guest post is entitled, How the Future of Education May Develop Online.

* * *

We have reached an age where advanced technology has become so deeply rooted in our daily lives and plays a major part in many of the core aspects of society. From recreation to work, everything is an amalgamation of celluloid, pixels, and wires. Another sector that has been steadily seeing its new face in technology is education.

These days, not only is tech integrated into lessons and curriculums, but it has also become a mode of learning in itself and a platform for teaching. From kindergarten to senior high school to post-graduate studies, online study has become the norm for millions of students in the new generation. This may beg the question, “is online schooling the future of education?”

The Virtual Shift

Learning toward different levels of education is available online, and some courses cater to shorter curriculums and specific topics alone. That is because, with the digital system, students have access to a vast library of different media and resources at their fingertips while being able to communicate with teachers and other students remotely.

Being able to share work in real-time and have hands-on activities also hasn’t been removed. Streaming platforms and cloud office applications have removed this limitation from students, no matter where they are as long as they have internet access. Even for those who aren’t in fully online schooling programs, data revealed that physical institutions are holding more and more online classes to cater to distance students. The same study even showed that over half of the students who still study on-campus also have at least one distance class they are taking.

As student sentiment gears toward the virtual space, institutions are also starting to put in resources toward making this work because it can be more cost-efficient and resolves a lot of the issues that come with having to go on-site. Operationally, this is beneficial as location no longer hinders potential enrollees and employees from joining a school. Both instructors and students can work remotely and no longer have to deal with commute issues, making the shift an attractive one in terms of finance and logistics.

Access Online

A major factor that is making online studying more lucrative is its accessibility. Different teaching and learning styles are catered to, and the flexibility in time allows people who have other obligations to be able to pursue an education.

One of the biggest things that also make it accessible is in terms of finances. Because the costs are different, you can often find an institution that offers online courses for a more affordable tuition fee. For this reason, different levels of financial status can still look into reliable schooling that is credited.

It can cater to those who live far, with barriers are removed and culture shock is lessened. For these reasons, it continues to grow each year as more and more individuals flock to the new educational sphere that they can pursue comfortably. With the recent health crisis in full boom, the world has mostly adopted this system and has seen its merits as people must continue to learn and go about their work from home. With all of those factors essentially making everybody shift to digital means, the future may just be up on a screen.

Science And Investment Opportunities

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). For those individuals with a mind and aptitude for investing, there are lots of opportunities in the sciences. The following contributed post is entitled, Science And Investment Opportunities.

* * *

Science And Investment Opportunities

There are many people around the world that are looking for places to invest their money. Whether it’s a charitable cause, or an investment opportunity that hopefully will bring big Returns. So when it comes to investment and the Sciences, where can we invest our money for either life and will changing reasons, or for a return on investment? It can be a minefield, and it’s important to know that the advice and and and information that you may receive when doing your research, is not everything, you have to really consider all of the alternatives and make the right investment choice for you. So where can we mix science and Investment? The first thing to think about is how much money you are looking to invest in the first place and once you know no this you will know where to start.

Photo by William Iven on Unsplash

Education
Education is, of course, the basis for any improvement. Improvement of the way we live, and the way we look after our planet, and this is an important aspect of investment. Investing money into the education of younger people, and for the Education of people who may not otherwise have access, means that we are likely to move forward in the future. Giving access to education to many people means that one or two who are going to make changes in the world are able to do so. The way in which we can move forward and educate the population is a fantastic opportunity. But it relies on investment. Whether that’s from personal, or business investments, it makes no difference as long as as.the funds get to the right places.

Research
Research in science is, of course, essential, researching new ways in which you can treat illnesses, such as cancer, and researching alternatives two fossil fuels, for example, can make a huge difference to the planet. The only way we have reached the current medical advances, and spectacular technology we that we have no, is through research. But we need the funding to be able to drive this sort of research. And many of us benefit from these advances. So whether you’re investing gold bullion via ABC refinery, or investing your time, there is is no end to the benefits of research in science. It can take decades to reach a breakthrough, and this, of course, equates to a lot of money. But to actually advanced and evolved, we all have to make investments into this industry.

Climate Change
Climate change is a big talking point all around the world at the moment. And 99% of scientists agree that unless changes are made then the human race is going to suffer from the effects of climate change. This, of course, means that we need to have more investment opportunities, the right people, and the right research being done on alternatives and ways in which we can improve the planet. Humans are no longer and wittingly causing damage to the earth, so it is important that we invest as much as we can into reversing the effects of this damage.

What Kind Of Masters Is For You?

Three of the focuses of my blog are Career Discussions, General Education and Professional/Skills. Many careers require education beyond the bachelor’s level. As such, many individuals pursue Masters degrees. Choosing the right degree is important as it will affect your career long-term. The following contributed post is entitled, What Kind Of Masters Is For You?

* * *

When you’re looking at finishing college, or you’re thinking of further your education, you may find that you’re considering getting your master’s. However, the most important question of all, is often what should you study? Sometimes, it’s easy to work out – you may find that you want to follow your major. But it isn’t all that easy. Sometimes, you need some inspiration. Here are some great options to contend with.

Business

To start with, you may find that you could consider getting your Master’s in Business Administration. An MBA can be really handy for a lot of people that want to either move into the business field or get a professional career in the future. Whether this is right after a bachelors or not.

Education

Another really great idea is education. Sometimes, you just want to think about the way that you can further your intellectual career or shape a future generation. If you’re passionate about one topic in particular, then this could be the route for you.

Political Management

Then, we also have political management. This could be a really great master’s field for a number of candidates. There can be a huge benefit to a number of different industries and professionals, not just politics itself. These can include social media manager, attorney, intelligence analyst, public affairs specialist, marketing specialist, and communications director.

For more information on the master’s in political management, just take a look at the infographic below.

Infographic Design By George Washington University

Creating the Perfect Educational Environment

The first principle of my blog is Creating Ecosystems of Success and a key focus is General Education. There are a lot of moving parts to the actual learning process. A major part is environment. Creating the optimal educational environment for students can be the key them excelling or faltering. The following contributed post is entitled, Creating the Perfect Educational Environment.

* * *

https://unsplash.com/photos/WE_Kv_ZB1l0

When you think about the classroom, everyone has pretty much the same image. There is the teacher’s desk, a whiteboard, coat hangers, and desks. All of these are important, but some might consider some more so than others.

There’s no such thing as a hierarchy of importance when it comes to education, though. Whether it’s kids venturing into academia for the first time or adults searching to improve their skills, everything matters as much as everything else. However, some things are often neglected or even downright ignored, but this is no way to create the perfect educational environment.

A Place to Sit and Think

An indisputable essential for the perfect classroom environment is having educational furniture that means students can sit and think in comfort. There are many ways to do this, from desks to tables to beanbags, but whatever it is, your students should be able to get on with their projects without discomfort.

Lousy posture can hinder productivity and affect concentration, while awkward seating arrangements make it near-impossible to fulfill potential. It’s a simple thing, but it’s also crucial to help create a positive school experience.

An Encouraging Atmosphere

You should also strive to create an encouraging atmosphere that celebrates achievements and helps pick people up when they’re down. Classrooms of the past may have chastised those for getting answers wrong, but this is something you must avoid.

From teachers to other students and parents or significant others, a culture of support is vital for ensuring everyone feels safe within the classroom, and once they get home. By creating this support network, you give everyone the chance to succeed and enjoy their time at the school.

A Willingness to Adapt

All teachers understand that sometimes things do not go to plan, so a willingness to adapt is an outstanding quality to have if you want to create the perfect educational environment. Things change, activities don’t go as planned, and all your preparation goes entirely out of the window.

It’s easy to panic when this occurs, but while you may be screaming on the inside, you’ve got to keep cool on the outside. Stay calm, and move onto the next thing if possible. It always helps to have a contingency plan just in case you encounter difficulties.

A Space Not For Learning

A space where students both old and young can embrace the creative side of education is another way to foster a superb environment. This allows them to take a break from the rigors of memorizing and critical thinking while still working on skills that are essential for real life.

You can make the space somewhere for musical instruments, painting, or even interpretive dance. It gives the students a chance to try something new and also prevents burnout from sitting down working throughout the day. Once they come back, you’ll find them more energized and ready to get back to learning.

The Perfect Place to Learn

Students should enjoy your lessons, so doing everything you can to make their time there as enjoyable as possible will only have positive effects and positive outcomes during their educational odyssey.