Monday 30 September 2013

Innovative Learning Tools giving education a new perspective



Why education every time has to come in terms with books, chalks and blackboards? Why educators cannot imagine teaching their students without taking help of brick and mortar classrooms? Why it is necessary to pay lump sums for enrolling in a professional course? Answers to these questions have been clearly given by the growing trend in technology. Let’s find out how!!
Reports and responses brought in by technology in the world of education have been so convincing over the past years that a lot of schools, colleges and universities have now taken firm resolutions to replace tradition with technology.

According to a recent survey, it was found:

  • At least 1 out of 5 undergraduates enrol in at least one distance learning course.
  • A lot of high, middle and even elementary school teachers have started using distance learning apps in classrooms
  • Modern educators are now planning to use new tools and software applications that can help online learners pursue their respective courses with more convenience and effectiveness

Now, here are 6 educational tools and platforms that not only help distance learners study enthusiastically but also make educators realise the worth and pleasure of teaching. Have a look:

Blackboard 

No, it’s not the one which you typically find in brick and mortar classrooms. Rather, it’s an amazing platform for education that however operates almost like the traditional one. This modernised tool brings diverse ways for both students and teachers so that they can collaborate with one another with ease. What’s best about Blackboard is that it acts as a one-stop solution for administrators instead of piecing together different tools for communication.

FaceTime -

This is indeed a happening tool for both teachers and students who can now build connections through not only voice but also by using videos. So, the necessity of attending classes and sitting face to face with instructors will certainly not be essential for the new age learners.

Canvas – 

It’s an open source solution that can initiate online collaboration. In fact, Canvas has been designed in such a manner that one can easily operate it without facing any single complication. It is best known to integrate tools which people are already aware of. Accessing YouTube or Google Docs for instance will leave you delighted with Canvas.

Google Plus Hangouts

If you are looking for amazing online video chat solutions, Google Plus Hangouts is your answer. Students, teachers and even third party experts will be able to initiate video conferencing in groups. In fact, it can be used for live broadcasts in packed auditoriums.

Schoology

Being an amazing tool for distance learning, Schoology emphasises on the monitoring of students. So, you can say that it has been ideally designed for educators who can analyse and educate kids in a more efficient manner.

Adobe Connect – 

What more you can expect from this software application that lets companies organise meetings online? Educators here can provide real-time quizzes, tweak presentations, breakout sessions and facilitate interactions. Employees who are having plans to study online will also benefit from such a happening software application.



So, you see that it’s not at all necessary to walk into classrooms and thereafter attend classes for long hours, especially after the initiation of such outstanding learning tools and applications. In fact, the majority of these tools and programmes are available online and you can even download them for free. In other words, you are saving time and money which you would have otherwise wasted at the bookstores, isn’t it? Think about it!!

Wednesday 18 September 2013

Education & Innovation go Hand in Hand – Some Tips for Students & Professionals



Don’t you think that the term ‘learning’ shouldn’t be solely applicable for students? Don’t you think that this term should also be taken into consideration for working professionals? New age educators, students and even researchers are aware of the fact that technology is moving with such a rapid pace that education one day will take all its roots out of the four walls of brick and mortar classrooms and would end up only in mobiles, tablets and kindles.

Well, it’s also true that keeping pace with each and every technological innovation is not possible in today’s world. With time, new mobile apps, social networking sites and educational tools are being created with the intention to assure more convenience and letting people fulfil academic as well as professional goals.

Hone your own skill by utilising the right app



Time of course is an essential factor that deprives an individual from knowing all the functions of each and every new app. So, what can be done is that one can at least hone one’s skills and knowledge on the area of expertise and utilise all those resources he/she possesses. Here is a short instance:

Suppose, if you are looking for a new job in the field of digital media space, possessing extensive knowledge and skills in numerous social networks and analytics programmes will usually be your job requirements. Now if you do not possess these necessary knowledge and skills, getting such jobs will of course seem impossible. In other words, you must update yourself by collecting or installing such apps that can respond well to your academic needs and wants.

Access educational resources to learn extensively & effectively

People who desire working in creative fields often access such educational resources through which they engage themselves in a wide range of activities. In fact, there are people who take keen interest in building mobile apps, deciphering analytics reports, coding websites, creating 3D graphics with Photoshop etc. from free educational resources available online. So, the question is, “why waste time and money by quitting work and joining full-time schools unnecessarily, and why not opt for online learning?”

Are you a student? 3 tips for you:



·        Be wise and patient – Don’t run around here and there asking people what should be done. First, figure out what you want to learn and accordingly collect the resources online so that you can get a fair idea on the topic you want to explore for career development.

·        Explore apps – New educational tools are being created every now and then and this is making new age learners curious as how to make use of these tools to build a bright and prosperous career. So, try to find out what new learning tools can help you study efficiently. In fact, keep an eye on Google News regularly which will keep you updated.

·        Build your presence online This is a good way to proceed and prosper. Believe it or not, the majority of schools do not take pains to give you extra knowledge apart from what your course curriculum gives you. So, create your own profile in social networking sites and let others know about your interests. It really works wonders.

Are you a working professional? 3 tips for you:





·        Continue learning – No matter how long you work, never stop learning. On doing so, you can gain more knowledge which in turn might help you boost your career prospects. In fact, the more knowledge you gain, the more confident you become.

·        Study onlineTime in today’s world is a huge factor that creates obstructions from letting individuals study while working. So, the best and convenient way is to study online. Today, a lot of online learning institutions have been set up offering a wide range of courses for working professionals. So, if you are working and have plans for higher studies, taking up an online course will be a great option.

·        Manage time Time management is no doubt a big issue today for working professionals as well as students. However, this is no less a skill mastering which will help you balance your professional and personal life with ease and perfection.


So, whether you are student or a working professional, keeping these suggestions in mind would always be helpful. Even if you are having your own business and you still feel the necessity of earning a degree from a recognised business school, enrol in an online business school that can assist you in earning a quick business degree so that you gain necessary knowledge and skills to enhance your business standards.