Computer Training – The Instructor’s View

The instructor. They say teachers get no respect. That may or may not be true but without them this world would be a pretty stupid place to live. Computer instructors have a rough job. They need to strike a balance between drilling the point home and knowing when a different approach is needed.

Computers are very popular. Many people want to take up some form of computer instruction for the chance at a high paying job. The field of study itself isn’t really important because they all have one thing in common. They’re all very technical and with anything of a technical nature, there is always the possibility that the material is going to be over somebody’s head. As an instructor, how can you tell?

Most computer classes are small, especially in a technical school as most schools have limits to the number of students they’ll allow in one class. The same is not always true in a public school but this article is going to concentrate on the business school setting.

So what do you do as an instructor to spot the student who just isn’t getting it and what can you do to see that the chances of that happening are slim?

The most important thing for an instructor to do is first lay out the curriculum in such a way that there isn’t too much material covered in too short a time. This isn’t always possible as most computer courses are usually for a fixed period of time, such as 6 months to a year, but a good school will have a solid understanding of how much work can be realistically accomplished in that time.

After the course is laid out, the next step is to plan the lessons so that after each piece of technical knowledge is dispensed, a brief period follows where the instructor can evaluate the progress of each student. This can either be done in the form of an examination or hands on work. In most computer schools, exams usually aren’t taken, as most of the course is simply hands on knowledge of the material.

However, even before you get to that point, even while you are still just lecturing on the material there is one key thing that will tip you off to each student’s progress.

Take a good look at all their faces after you’ve completed your explanation of some topic and asked them if there are any questions. The students who just didn’t get it will have a rather blank stare. Their expression probably won’t have changed from the beginning of the session. That is the first sign that somebody isn’t getting it. If you, as an instructor suspect this, there is an easy way to verify it. Using a smoke screen of question and answer time, ask several students a few questions. In the middle of this, ask the student you suspect isn’t getting it a question. If you’re right, most likely he won’t know the answer. If this happens, stop.

Take the material that has just been covered and do a visual, hands on, presentation of it if possible. Explain it again, maybe in a different way. If the student understands, you will notice a definite change in the expression on his face.

By doing this, the instructor will be able to assess the knowledge level of the class and be able to gear the pacing and explanation of his lessons from there.

Being a good instructor is more than just knowing the material. It’s also being able to get a feel for where your students are at and how to get them over the hump when confronted with material that they just don’t understand.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to

Online College Courses make sure they are Legit

It wasn’t all that long ago that online learning, or distance education as it’s also known was just a supplemental way of taking more classes via an offline campus. As technology advances, and software and web page creation get better this market has grown into offering online college and high school courses as a very viable way of getting an education without ever having to leave home.

For the person who might not have been able to attend college after high school, or the adult who didn’t think it was required they now have a second chance. Even for those who have no form of transportation to or from the school, have children at home, hold down one or more jobs, or possibly even have a physical disability that keeps them from attending classes at a campus, online college courses give them the chance to learn.

People who choose to take advantage of online college courses use technology such as video and audio lectures, email, instant messaging, and chat rooms to attain the required information needed. Then there are online research and study sources they use to make up the remainder of the online college courses.

One fantastic thing about online college courses is that they are one hundred percent equal opportunity. Any person of any color, religion, race, location, or learning ability who has the mindset to study and willingness to learn is able to do so. Often times even an accredited and transferable course.

Before you apply, enroll, or pay any online college be sure to do some background checking. Some supposedly legitimate online college courses aren’t always what they appear to be after researching. There are a few online schools offering online courses that aren’t qualified to do so. They are not accredited. What does this mean? If you’re looking to take your online course load and use it as credited coursework towards for instance a degree, it must be accredited. This means that the school must meet the requirements of the accreditation body in your area. In the US it is the Department of Education, they watch over and regulate American colleges and universities.

You may read a websites claim that they are accredited, or possibly they display the official images and links to suggest they are. Even the way a website might be worded often suggests that they are accredited, when they are not. You’ll pay high fees, and sign all the required documents, but unfortunately all for nothing when it comes time to graduate, or transfer you bogus courses or degree.

With all of this being said, remember not every institution is bad. There are a lot of schools right across North America and Internationally that are legit, registered schools offering accredited degrees and courses. So when your searching consider legitimate offline schools that have an online presence and course offering. Also look for the accreditation information for distance learning education, if you don’t see it or cannot find it just ask. One stupid question up front is better then spending a lot of time on something that is worth nothing. Simply put protect yourself, it’s wonderful that you want to better your education but be sure you do it with a licensed school, and not just a scam out to take your money.

If you’re intersted in persuing your education with an online college or university take the time to visit our website at progressyoureducation.com/ Online Education. We can help you find the right school for your program.

The Master Oil List – Ambergris-Anointing

Ambergris: Use this oil with any other success oils for added effect, or just as a perfume.
Mix this with orris oil and add to bath water to attract members of the opposite sex to you.

American Voodoo: Add to any charms etc., for extra power. In rituals use to anoint all materials used.

Amun: When attempting to derive inspiration to create or to permeate a new start, Anoint oneself or personal candle and call to this ancient Egyptian deity for the help you need to encourage new beginnings.

Ancient Wisdom: Use for help when calling the spirits or spirit guides. Anoint a white candle and leave to burn during the night. (See also Proverbs; chapter 8, verse 11)

A New Life: For new starts, the divorced or separated, anoint a gold candle for excitement and well being in your life. This may also be used in your bath water to the same ends.

Angel: Use this when invoking Angels as an offering oil in a dish, Likewise Anoint a pink candle to either invoke angelic aid or to attract friends. To bring peace to the home use on a white candle. This oil may be added to rituals concerning love and friendship, or in conjunction with any like wise oils of that type.

Angel Delight: Not the popular cream desert, But a thanking and offering oil, used to gain help from the spirits by anointing a blue candle and burning, or alternately leave it out in an offering dish for thanks to the spirits, and let them drink deep of the aroma.

Angel from paradise: Used by pregnant mothers to ensure a healthy baby and trouble free pregnancy. Place a few drops in the bath water once a week throughout pregnancy.

Angelica: Used for contacting the angelic or calling them for help or support, love or strength, or use with the appropriate angel oil, either anoint self or corresponding colour candle.

Anger: Use this on yourself or others when anger is brewing, the quick fix solution is rub behind the ears and across the forehead and repeating psalm 36, or either rub on forehead and the back, then take a bath, anoint a white figure candle and recite psalm 23.

Anhk: See spirit oil.

Animal: Similar to tiger oil, for bringing out the animal in the shy and timid. Use in the bath water or as a perfume.

Animals: This has nothing to do with the previous entry, As this oil is concerned with the communication with animals, mundane or spirit. Anoint self to attract and communicate with normal animals, or anoint a blue candle while attempting any contacting of totem/animal spirits etc.

Anise/Aniseed: A popular oil used by Voodooists and clairvoyants for increased sight when scrying and divination. Use in bath water or anoint white candles. In its pure form to anoint and clean crystals and crystal balls, tarot cards/boxes. Professionals may even use it to asperge their premises with it. Can also be used to add extra power to spells or rituals requiring or asking for luck.
All in all, a very multi-purpose oil.

Anointing: A general all round anointing oil, used for dressing all manner or equipment and candles for any use you may have in mind.

Will is a self taught artist and craftsman, as well as a part time writer (When inspired!) he enjoys many strange and weird pastimes, including the paranormal and the occult! His strange tales, schemes and ideas have entertained many through the years. Read his blog grim-the-reaper.blogspot.com/ grim-the-reaper.blogspot.com/ or take a look at some samples of his online portfolio here urllogix.com/darkarts/ urllogix.com/darkarts/

Reaching Minorities in the Columbus Schools

Like all of the public schools in Ohio the Columbus Public Schools have a low graduation rate for its students. And like all of the public schools in this country the Columbus Schools have a racial gap that is disheartening and depressing. Two methods used by the Columbus Schools to help minority populations achieve are mentoring and smaller sized high schools.

I like both of these ideas because I think they address two of the core difficulties of minority achievement: income and role models. As parents in the Columbus Schools debate the inequities of magnet schools, charter schools, and who gets money for what, it’s easy to forget the underlying causes of low achievement.

Columbus Schools students raised in poverty are unlikely to have well-educated role models who can teach them what successful behavior looks like. Low income parents are usually less able to spend time in their children’s Columbus Schools, less able to help with homework, and less aware of the impact of reading. If the Columbus Schools are serious about helping minority students rise above their current situation, then the realities must be addressed.

The National Society of Black Engineers sponsors junior chapters in Columbus Schools middle schools that are intended to increase student’s interest in math and science. But the power of this type of program for low-income minority students goes way beyond an introduction to these subjects. For a Columbus Schools student who has grown up in the projects to realize that someone from that same background can lead a different type of life can be a revelation. Columbus Schools students, minorities or white, need to see people they can relate to in successful positions.

In fact, some successful Columbus Schools high school students are now mentoring middle school students. I find this so exciting. This is exactly the type of activity that will give low-income students the drive and hope to rise above their current station in life.

The other transformation in the Columbus Schools is the shift from large high schools to smaller schools with 500 students or less. One of the best parts about this is the potential for teachers and parents to create a learning community. Smaller Columbus Schools have higher attendance, lower drop-out rates, and less teen crime and pregnancy. A large reason for this is the more familiar environment between students, teachers and parents. One of the problems that have gone unaddressed in inner-city Columbus Schools for too long is the discomfort that low-income parents often feel in the academic world. Columbus Schools that reach out to parents, and offer parent education, are the ones most likely to propel their minority and low-income students to excellence.

Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information please visit schoolsk-12.com/Ohio/Columbus/index.html Columbus Public Schools

Nashville Schools Begin New Projects to Help Teachers and Parents

Nashville Schools’ Telephone Information Program

The Nashville Schools has started a new telephone information service that offers valuable information to parents. The Nashville Schools new telephone message service will offer information about such school related information as: schools that are closed due incidents of snow, tornadoes or any other issues; schools on lock-down during drop-off or pick-up times; any important parent meetings; an emergency situation at any of the Nashville Schools; and attendance information.

Parents seem to want an easy system for communication between themselves and the schools. The telephone system will be an automated call out system that will call parents. The calls will be no longer than forty-five seconds to show the value of the parents’ time. For school closings calls will be made about thirty minutes before the child is scheduled to be picked upped by their bus. Any calls that are about non-emergency information will be made before 8:00PM. For emergency situations calls will be made as soon as the information is available.

Nashville Schools’ new telephone system will be programmed with the best way to reach the parents which include home phones, business phones and/or cell phones. The Nashville Schools aims to provide information to the best possible way.

Nashville Schools Creates New Training Center with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education

The faculty and staff of the Nashville Schools will have a new training center for professional development. The new Martin Professional Development Center will be completed with a combination of private and public funds. The Nashville Schools’ Martin Professional Development Center is named for the work of Charlie Martin and the Martin Foundation.

This new facility will be located at the Eakin Elementary. The Eakin Elementary will be converted into the new training center. This Center will replace the existing Randall’s Learning Center which is over 80 years old. The new center is scheduled to open in October. The new center comes after months of work by the Nashville Alliance for Public Education to secure $3.5 million in renovation funds. These renovations will create a 10,000 square foot space that can be used for a variety of purposes. Nashville Schools’ Martin Professional Development Center renovation will include creation of a media facilities improved classrooms and the buildings’ façade will be replaced.

Private donations came from the Martin Foundation which has pledged $1.5 million to the project. Additional contributions from the Orrin H. Ingram Fund and the Turner Family Foundation provide another $1.5 million. Some other funds will be secured after the sale of the Randall’s Learning Center property. At the announcement for the Nashville Schools’ Martin Professional Development Center, Director of Nashville Schools Pedro E. Garcia, Ed.D., Mayor Bill Purcell and Nashville Schools’ Director of Professional Development Lenna Allen all spoke about how pleased they were with the project and the new Center. They later thanked the Nashville Alliance for Public Education, the Martin Foundation, the Ingram family and the Turner Family Foundation for their generous contributions and dedication to education.

Stacy Andell is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. Stacy has a nose for research and writes stimulating news and views on school issues. For more information please visit

The Emancipation Proclamation Lie

Why does the Immigration Department insist on asking the question who freed the slaves and saying it was Lincoln? Do you think Lincoln was in a position to free the slaves in the South? Perhaps he was but that was never settled in court and it was the matter of Civil War, in part. He did not free the slaves in the North where he actually was legally entitled to make such a Proclamation. This kind of management of public perception is almost considered wise by people when they learn that it is not true. They say things like ‘We need our heroes’.

If we need to lie about liars and racists or otherwise keep our heads in dark places and eat what mushrooms eat, how will we address the opportunities to stop fighting over the One Pie? How will we make more pies on other planets and who will own those planets or get the gene therapy to extend life to a potential of 900 years? Who thinks that sentient robots with human brain contents dumped therein (Stanford 1999) will be better workers and who will have jobs? Why work at any job that can be done by a robot? Has our education system been creating thinkers who can create the vast potential inherent in new technology and space colonization?

When General Fremont freed the slaves in Missouri he was upbraided by Lincoln and rather than telling lies about Lincoln freeing slaves I think the schools and Immigration Department should have people read the Lincoln-Douglas debates where he makes it clear that he is a racist. I know some people try to say Fremont did not free the slaves so I will give you a quote from people I agree with and a link to the information you might want to check into.

“’The property, real and personal, of all persons in the State of Missouri who shall take up arms against the United States, and who shall be directly proven to have taken active part with their enemies in the field, is declared to be confiscated to the public use, and their slaves, if they have any, are hereby declared free.’

It has been stated by some of the papers that in thus pronouncing the emancipation of the slaves of rebels General Fremont was only carrying out the Act known as the Confiscating Act passed by Congress at the extra session. An examination of that act will, however, show that its provisions do not warrant the step taken by the General.” (1)
sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war/1861/september/slave-proclamation.htm

Author of Diverse Druids

Columnist for The ES Press Magazine

Guest ‘expert’ at World-Mysteries.com World-Mysteries.com

PSAT Tutor NYC Helps You Prepare For College

Preparation for college can be a tough task, if you do not go about doing it in the right way. Just after passing high schools or for students who are in the final year of their high school, cracking the PSAT exam is the thing that is primary in their minds. After all, clearing the SAT and Past exams is the only way through which they can ensure that they gain access to a good college or university. Well preparing for PSAT exams is not only the duty of the child, but parents must also take an active part in this. PSAT tutor NYC is the best person who can help your child in preparing everything that they have to for SAT and PSAT exams.

There are many SAT and PSAT tutors in New York who help students that what to excel in their exams. To go to a good college or university in United States for higher studies you students must clear the SAT exams. Start early; this is the golden rule for successfully clearing the SAT exams. Whenever you get free time, try to research the study methods and find out what method will be suitable for you. Taking the PSAT exams will actually help you in preparing for the SAT exams. PSAT is nothing but preliminary SAT exams that will help your child in preparing for the future SAT exams.

Getting a private tutor to help your child do well in the PSAT exams, which in turn will help your child do well in the SAT exams, is a good option for you. Most of these tutors have themselves undertaken the test and know what exactly needs to be done to become successful in these exams. You must understand that every student does not have the same capacity for grasping things. PSAT tutors design study materials in such a way that they are able to make all students at ease with the entire examination process. Your child will never be caught off guard about any aspect related to the exam.

Unless you put your child in an exact exam situation it can be difficult to get the best out of them. Sitting for the PSAT exams takes care of this aspect and the tutor can easily find out where your child lacks and what can be done for improving his or her skills. If they are not successfully able to take the test for the first time, they can tale the test aging and again till they master this. Well this is the only means through which they can gain admission and entry to reputed colleges and universities, students have to make sure that they are very well prepared for this.

Do not go about blindly hiring a tutor you come across. After all, the future of your child depends on the selection of a good tutor PSAT and SAT tutor. So find a tutor who ahs a very good track record to help your child in preparing for one of the most important exams of his/her life.

Hugh Goldsmith is of the view that students must not dread the SAT exams or for that matter any other exams. He helps out students who want advice on any aspects related to exams. For more information on SAT Tutor NYC, PSAT Tutor NYC and SAT tutor New York visit prestigeprep.com prestigeprep.com