Methodologies of Online Education

There were many myths and misconceived notions about online education until recent past. Some people believed that online learning is a good option only for students who have a good track record. It was also believed that only those students having access to computers and modern means of communication would benefit from online education. However, with time such notions are giving way to an open acceptance where people have started accepting online education as a viable alterative for conventional education.

Not all online education options have a similar methodology and approach. There are various modes of online education available and it would be better if you have an understanding of different methodologies in use by online education providers so that you can select the course with the methodology that suits you the best. Here we are discussing the learning methodologies for online education:

Online Education Methodologies- Different Options

Live: This methodology is also known as synchronous mode of learning. In this mode of online education, there is instant communication between the students and teachers and at times even among different students. Herein all the participants get access to information simultaneously. Virtual classroom using the facility of video or audio conferencing and real-time chat are some examples of this mode of online education.

This learning methodology has its advantages and disadvantages. This mode is more akin to the conventional education except for the fact that the students don't have to travel to the classrooms. The biggest advantage of synchronous method of online education is that it allows instant feedback for the student's performance and allows active interaction among the students and teachers. Thus the students can get the training and education that is tailored suit their needs. Moreover, live education also facilitates the setting up of learning communities and groups for a better interaction among the learners.

This method has the disadvantage that the students cannot plan their schedule and they are bound by the pre-set schedule.

Asynchronous: Asynchronous mode of online education is popularly termed as store and forward education. In this method, the communication between the student and teacher is not instant. Self-paced courses are the examples of asynchronous online education where the students communicate with the teachers and amongst themselves by exchanging emails and posting messages on online bulletin boards and discussing groups. This is the more popular mode of online education because it offers more convenience and flexibility to the students and they can decide the pace and schedule for their education and training.

Despite of the advantages, this mode of online education has its disadvantages too. The students in this mode of learning, lack discipline and motivation and generally tend to develop a lackluster attitude towards education.

The mixed mode of learning in online education combines the advantages of both the modes and it is a combination of personal lectures or face-to-face interaction learning through online activities.

Educational Toy

Toys that have some educational value are very popular right now. An educational toy can teach kids many necessary skills. Kids can learn anything from cooperation to cause and effect to memory building by using educational toys. Though educational toys are a popular trend, they are not a new invention. The idea of learning through play has been around for centuries and is one that remains popular today.

For many years, toys have been used both for fun and for education. Very early toys had the purpose of both entertaining kids and preparing them for adulthood. Things like blocks would teach kids to cooperate and develop fine motor skills. Whereas games like tag and swimming built up strength so that kids could better do their chores and other strength activities.

Since ancient times, kids have played with simple playthings made from natural objects. They might play with rocks, grass, wood scraps or just games with each other to keep themselves busy. Sticks or rocks could represent soldiers or castles. Or a trinket could be fashioned from them. Historically, parents would create playthings for their kids like dolls, play guns, or rocking horses.

In the late 19th century, companies began making toys from new materials in mass. Many were made from plastic and metal as well as the traditional wood. Rather than playing with home made toys, kids started buying them from a store.

Many classic toys have survived to modern times. Favorites like rocking horses, play guns, and dolls are still widely popular today. But as culture has changed, so have trends in playthings. Rocking horses and play guns are no longer as necessary in preparing kids for adulthood. Our daily lives are more centered around technology and analytical skills rather than hunting or physical ability. Popular modern developmental toys reflect that.

The concept of teaching through play is still relevant today. Modern educational toys teach lessons that relate to modern society and the lessons that kids need to know today. Any toy can teach kids about the world they live in. But educational toys teach more specific skills that are important to their development.

Toys that are educational can teach kids about every area of life. They teach through play and develop intellectual, emotional, and physical skills. When kids play with learning toys, they improve a specific skill set.

Online Schools - Popular Degree Programs

There are many popular degree programs that are offered through online schools. You can choose to pursue an education in a number of areas by choosing an accredited educational program and completing the enrollment process. Online schools allow you to study at home in order to prepare for the future you desire. You can begin by learning about popular areas of study to help you choose the career path that is best for you.

Accredited online schools offer training in different areas in order to allow you the opportunity to gain the education and career that will fit your lifestyle. There are opportunities for online learning in popular areas of study such as:

• Accounting
• Business
• Court Reporting
• Health Care

...as well as other fields. Choosing a field to pursue a career in can help you narrow down the options. There are numerous possibilities to choose from that can allow you to seek a professional career.

Online schools and learning programs can help you become the professional you long to be by providing the quality training you deserve. There are a number of career options that you can study for through distance learning. Possibilities can include working as a:

• dental assistant
• accountant
• court reporter
• health care professional
• counselor
• business professional
• administrative professional

...and more. Once you choose the career that you would like to pursue you can decide on the level of training that you will be completing. Popular degree programs offer training at a number of levels through online schools and colleges

When looking to pursue an education from an online school, you should make sure they are accredited and offer training for the career you choose. You will have the opportunity to study at a variety of degree levels through distance learning. Options can range from an associate to a doctoral degree level. Accredited studies can be completed in as little as two years, and can take as long as eight years. The type of career you choose to obtain will help decide the levels of training that are available for completion. The path that is followed through online education will also help determine the coursework that will need to be studied in order for you to obtain your desired degree and occupation.

Accredited online schools and colleges provide course topics that are relative to the career you are looking to enter. You can train in psychology, security, communications, and more. Once you have decided to obtain a higher education in one of the popular areas of study, you can train in counseling, broadcasting, journalism, and more. Begin the journey by researching programs and creating an educational plan.

By choosing to enroll in an online school you will have many opportunities to obtain the education you need to enter into an exciting occupation. You should make sure the school or college you choose is fully accredited by an agency such as the Distance Education and Training Council  to ensure that proper training will be received. You can research different programs to learn more about the specialized area of study that interests you and enrollment options.

Online Business Schools - A Popular Online Study

Various business schools offer online career training for those with an interest in pursuing a career. Students can look into pursuing a variety of careers by contacting different programs. Online business schools offer a popular online study for those who would like to pursue a professional occupation. There are specific areas of study to choose from as well as degree levels that can help students be on their way to the future they long for.

Careers

There are a variety of career possibilities for those that would like to seek professional employment in business. Accredited online business schools and colleges can help students train to enter popular careers as entrepreneurs, business administrators, conflict managers, small business owners, and more. After the decision has been made as to which career will be pursued, students can choose the intensity of education that they will need to obtain. This will also provide them with additional information regarding the specific areas of study that they will train in.

Educational Training

Obtaining an education online for an occupation in business may be completed at different degree levels. Those looking to obtain training can choose the degree level that will help them obtain the educational training to enter the occupation of their choice. Accredited online studies can be completed at popular levels such as the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. Undergraduate degree programs can last two to four years in length and will prepare students for various professions. Obtaining a graduate degree through an accredited online business school or college can require that an additional two or four years of study be completed. Depending on the desired career and the level of training, students can choose a specific area of study. This can include areas such as six sigma technology, leadership, global business, business administration, and more. The path that is selected will provide coursework that is relative to the students desires.

Training

Accredited online business colleges are able to give students the educational training that they will need in order to pursue successful careers. Training and coursework will vary based on the online school of enrollment and the path each individual student chooses. Coursework may cover popular topics such as online training in accounting and finance, marketing, financial management, business strategies, and other topics. Choosing to complete training in this field may also provide the chance to study online in management, trade controls, communication, negotiating, and more. After the completion of coursework, students will receive their degree and be able to look for employment. Online training will teach them to work with businesses providing various services in order to help them run smoothly.

Business schools that offer online training can allow you to complete training at your own leisure and from just about anywhere. These are a few of the reasons that obtaining an education in business through distance learning is becoming more popular. A number of online schools also provide the chance for you to obtain a Masters of business administration (MBA) which is a highly desired degree for both professionals and their employers. By choosing to complete training in this field, you can be on your way to the popular career you dream of.

Prior to choosing a career training path, students should look into different schools and enroll in one that offers and accredited education in the area of their choice. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business  provides full accreditation to online business schools and degree programs that are capable of providing students with quality career training. Students can complete research in order to find the higher education program that is right for them and choose a path to follow. Begin the journey to an exciting new profession by enrolling in a program today.

Education Software For Children and Adults

Education software is available on an incredible number of topics for children and also for adults. There are software programs for children from infants to teenagers in reading, math, geography, foreign languages, art, music and many other topics. Children's education software allows them to learn through interactive play on the computer.
For adults, software can be found for achieving many educational goals, including adult literacy, foreign languages, and learning to play a musical instrument.
Children's Software Featuring Popular Movie and TV Characters
Some popular animated characters in children's movies and television shows are in education software made by various companies. Winnie the Pooh, for example, stars in Disney's preschool software that teaches the alphabet, numbers, colors, and sorting. Disney/Pixar has software for grades 1 and 2 that features Buzz Lightyear, the popular character of the movie Toy Story. Blue, the dog in the television show Blue's Clues, is featured in several preschool and kindergarten software programs that are produced by two companies: Humongous and Infogrames.
Software Featuring Popular Children's Book Characters
Clifford the Big Red Dog, a well known character in children's books, is featured in software produced by Scholastic Books. The Magic School Bus, a popular science cartoon book, is featured in science software produced by Microsoft. The ever-popular book Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seus is featured in The Learning Company's software for reading, rhyming, and skills.
Other Creative Children's Software
There is also software that is very engaging and educational, although it does not have popular characters from books and the media. The On Track line of software produced by School Zone Interactive offers numerous reading and math products for children. Lego Media has educational software for preschool and kindergarten that feature lego people and buildings. Jumpstart software, which is produced by a company known as Knowledge, is designed for every grade of elementary school. Knowledge also introduces children aged 5 to 7 to music in software called Adiboo: Discover Music, Melody & Rhyme. Topics Entertainment is one of the few software companies that offer programs for older children, such as Math and Science Excelerator for children aged 8 to 11. An excellent software program for introducing children to foreign languages is: "KidSpeak Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese," made by Transparent Language.
Adult Education Software
There are many companies selling a wide variety of software programs for adults. The most well known adult software for foreign languages is made by Rosetta Stone. The Education Activities Software company offers a series called Reading in the Workplace, with versions for jobs such as clerical, health care, electronics, and food service. The EAS math software includes programs for algebra, integers, geometry and also a program on Math for Everyday Living. The science software has topics such as: Photosynthesis; Genetics and Heredity; and the Human Body. Many companies offer software to help people study for the GED test, which is equivalent to a high school diploma. There are many software programs that teach people how to play a musical instrument. Piano instruction software, for example, is sold by Adventus, eMedia, Alfred Publishing, and Selectsoft.

Online University Education Gaining In Popularity

Online university education is growing in popularity. More and more students are turning to higher education online to complete their secondary education and to earn their college degrees. There are several reasons that online university studies are gaining in popularity.
One reason that online university education is gaining in popularity is the advancement in technology. Not only has technology advanced but it has become more user-friendly. Several decades ago a person had to have a business degree in order to be able to do anything that was computer related. Additionally, the majority of homes did not have computers. In fact, the thought of a public computer being in Internet cafes, public libraries and community centers was not even anything anyone would consider. With technology becoming so advanced and computers so common place, more people can now access the Internet to obtain an online university education.
Availability of online university education programs has made it more popular as well. Initially, only some universities were offering a select number of courses from their traditional university on the Internet for students. This of course began to increase. Before you know it, many universities are now offering complete degrees on the Internet without students ever needing to step inside a physical classroom. With so many types of degree programs, majors and even courses to improve your current career without receiving a degree there is a rise in the number of students that are turning to online university education to meet their goals.
Many companies realize the importance of their employees receiving further education and training to help them be successful within the business. As a result, companies are offering tuition assistance and even some are completely paying for employees to return to school to obtain higher education. Employees are still working full time while attending educational courses to help improve their lives and their careers. The structure and setting of online university education classes has grown in popularity for full time workers because they can combine a career and student life more easily than traditional colleges. Companies are willing to pay for the online courses as long as they are from an accredited learning institution. This enables full time workers more freedom in the selection of schools to attend to improve their knowledge and advance in their chosen careers. You can read more at
In the past, many people were intimidated by the thought of using a computer. It was overwhelming to think about posting on message boards, sending emails, attaching files and even using a word processing program. Today, many of the regular middle schools and high schools are offering computer application training that is required for students to advance to the next grade. Adults are learning how to use basic computer functions in the work place. You don't have to be an administrative assistance to learn how to use computers at work because so many work positions are training employees to use the computer. For example, many cashiers have computer registers instead of the previous traditional registers. Because so many people are not intimidated by computers, more people feel comfortable in the thought of participating in courses on the Internet. The logical result is that online university education is increasing in popularity.

Most Popular Degrees at University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is one of the most popular online universities available to students today. Founded in 1976, the university is the largest private university in North America with more than 200 locations plus their availability of online university degrees. It boasts a number of popular degrees available in associates, bachelors and advanced degrees.
With more than 400,000 current students and almost 100 online degrees, it may be overwhelming to determine which degree is best suited for you. If you are considering enrollment at the university, it may be beneficial to learn what other Phoenix students are studying.
Most Popular Degrees at University of Phoenix
Business & Management - At University of Phoenix's School of Business you'll learn from industry leaders about the fundamentals and best practices of the business world. Their education methodology includes simulations, case studies and virtual organizations. Some of the most popular business degrees within the School of Business include:
Accounting
Communications
Finance
Marketing
Operations/Supply
Green Programs
Hospitality & Tourism
Information Systems
Retail Management
Sports Management
Criminal Justice & Security - Degree programs offered from the College of Criminal Justice and Security provide students with an in-depth knowledge of criminal justice as well as security best practices. The faculty educates students on the most recent digital advancements and prevention strategies. The most popular online university degrees within the College of Criminal Justice and Security are:
Criminal Justice Administration
Organizational Security
Criminal Justice
Justice and Security
Information Technology - A degree from University of Phoenix's College of Information Systems and Technology provides you with more than the principles of information technology. Their programs venture far beyond reading textbooks with hands-on experience and real-life scenarios. Some of the most popular degrees offered at The University of Phoenix include:
Information Systems Security
IT Support
Networking
Software Engineering
Web Design
Education - With more than 25 years of education experience, the College of Education has programs designed to serve the needs of aspiring teachers, those looking to move into administration, and those interested in adult learning theory. Their courses are taught by educators and administrators and are regularly being updated with input from current teachers. Two of the most popular online university degrees at the College of Education are:
Elementary Education
Special Education
Health Care - The College of Natural Sciences offers challenging programs to help you develop critical, independent thinking as well as problem-solving skills. They blend new and traditional scientific theory and knowledge to create a solid basis of natural sciences. Two of the most popular degrees within the College of Natural Sciences are:
Long-term Care
Health Administration
Master's Degrees - University of Phoenix offers master's degree programs in a variety of fields designed to help you stay competitive in your career. Their online university degrees give you the flexibility to continue working while pursuing your degree and allow you to take only one class at a time if need be. Some of the most popular master's degrees offered include:
MBA
Information Systems
Special Education
Health Care Administration
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education

Online Education - Today's Buzzword

Students world over are whole-heartedly accepting online education. The advantages of online education have made it the popular mode of education among the students of all age groups in all parts of the world. This growing popularity of online education has led to the emergence of a large number of educational institutions offering online education for a wide range of subjects. The growth of educational institutions offering relearning facilities has been significantly high in the US, Europe and the developed nations of the world.
Online Education- Changing Perception
In the past people perceived online education as an unserious and unscrupulous way of laying hands of a fast degree and getting good grades without much effort and hard work. People also had doubts about the reputation of education institutes offering online education. However, the times have changes significantly and today the majority of educational institutions offering online education are well established. Most of the world's leading education institutions have commenced online programs, which vindicate the validity of online education. Most of the online courses offer in-depth learning to the students in their respective educational modules.
Factors Contributing To The Growth of Online Education
Online education is becoming popular because most of the educational institutions offering online courses ensure qualitative learning. Talented professors and subject matter experts are at the helm of affairs at almost all accredited universities and colleges offering online courses and online degree programs. The students can be assured of good results in such courses.
Here are some factors that have contributed to the fast paced growth of online education:
· Flexible schedule
The biggest advantage of online education is that the students can do effective utilization of their time, which is the most precious resource. People participating in online education have the freedom of maintaining a flexible schedule, which helps them tremendously and it has come as a boon for the people who are working and want to continue their education.
· Student-Centered Learning
The students in online education have an advantage because they are in charge of their learning experience. The students can prioritize their schedule and complete the assignments as per their comfort levels and convenience. This is possible because the teachers in online mode of education are not teaching you all the time. As an online student, you have the liberty to select the mode of learning.
· Fair Playing Field
Online education is growing in popularity because it offers a level playing field to all the students. When you are learning online, your performance is the only criterion that affects the decision-making and your gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, and other considerations do not cloud the decision making process. This is one of the major factors contributing to the growth of online education.
All these advantages of online education may prompt you to join e learning. However, before you take the plunge and enroll in an online course, please make sure that you are familiar with the methodology of online education.

Online Education - Education In Vogue

Time management is the key to success in today's fast paced world. How one manages his or her time determines the success quotient and this is the reason why online education id gaining immense popularity. Since online education offers unmatched flexibility and the students and learners can manage time in line with their other priorities, it is becoming a very popular mode of education in almost all parts of the world. The growing popularity of online education has resulted in the establishment of several online educational institutions offering online degree courses and other learning opportunities.
Some people harbored the misconception that the advantages of online education are restricted only for those students and learners who had an established record of past accomplishments. This also led to the belief that online education helps only those who have access to modern means of communication as computer and Internet. However, as the awareness about various modes of online education is increasing the misconceptions related to online education are giving way to more acceptability to online education and training.
Changing perception
It is a talk of the past when people considered online mode of education as a quick way of obtaining a degree or getting good grades. In the past, the reputed educational institutions were not offering online education. However, with the increasing popularity of online education, the majority of institutions offering online courses are well-established institutes and they have a rich experience to provide such education. It is worth mentioning, that a large number of world's leading educational institutions are offering online education courses on a wide range of subjects.
Growth drivers
Today, most of the accredited online education courses have talented teachers and professors of repute in their respective specialization. This ensures qualitative learning. The students signing up with online education courses, can be assured of guaranteed results. Moreover, online education is more interesting and more competitive when compared to the traditional teaching methodologies.
Employers' viewpoint
Undoubtedly, many employers were and some of them are still having doubts about the value of online education. However, with change in perception and emerging popularity, a large number of employers have realized their worth. Now the employers consider the online degrees from accredited and well-established online educational institutes of repute. Moreover, the increasing number of people who enroll for online education has changed the employers' perception and now they readily consider the benefits of online education.
Some research reports point out that technology oriented industries such as, communication, computers, media and marketing have started to accept the candidates having online degree courses from accredited and reputed institutions.

Massage Therapy Schools for Alternative Education

It's a snap to find massage therapy schools in the US and Canada because training to be a massage therapist has become one of the most popular educational choices today. In fact, there are so many good massage courses in North America, you might have a little difficulty sorting them out. So, let's take this a step at a time.

First of all, you can find massage classes located in natural healing schools, as well as community colleges, vocational schools, medical schools, and massage clinics. So, where can you find the best accredited massage therapy schools? That really depends on what type of massage practice you intend to enter. Did you know that there are more than 200 distinctly different massage techniques you can learn? No wonder it can be so confusing!

Perhaps you are already a natural healer in a field such as acupuncture or chiropractic. If so, you probably already use many massage techniques in your daily practice. In a case like this, you will want to seek supplemental massage courses to update and perfect your technique to provide your patients with relief from painful conditions or to reduce stress. Most of the established massage therapy schools are very proud of their continuing education classes, and they will employ practicing massage therapists to impart new and relevant information about massage therapy.

If you are just starting out, you might want to personally experience several different styles of massage and then look into a trial massage apprenticeship. Visit a massage clinic and experience the soothing benefits of a luxury massage, aromatherapy massage, or foot reflexology. Maybe stop by a sports venue and talk to the resident sports medicine specialist about sports massage. Or, talk to massage therapists at a local hospital or clinic to see what is involved in medical massage. The point is to determine what type of massage career you prefer, and then focus your search on the type of training that specific massage therapy schools provide. Planning ahead like this can really help you achieve your dreams.

Where do you intend to practice massage? Keep in mind, massage practices can be highly regulated in some states, requiring massage certification, a license, and sometimes regular continuing massage education; while other regions have few or no massage regulations. Better look into the requirements before you even get started. Check with local and national massage therapy organizations for good advice, or just contact schools for massage therapy that seem to meet your goals, and talk it over with the admissions department.

Opportunities for Obtaining an Education and Career in Engineering

Students have numerous opportunities available to them when gaining an education in engineering. The industry is concerned with taking scientific and mathematical components and applying them to the design and development of products. Students should begin their educational training by exploring the options available at accredited universities across the United States.

Training is challenging but students walk away with the skills to apply mathematics and science to solving a variety of technical problems. Curriculums are dedicated to teaching students the processes required to create, design, and produce products and structures. Education is offered at all degree levels and students can choose from various specializations that prepare them for their professional goals.

Students that enter degree programs learn specific implementation procedures that have been used in realistic situations. Procedures will look different according to the concentration chosen but all programs focus on teaching students design practices and cost management, which work together to solve monetary issues. For example, a biomedical engineer uses a particular system and research-based approach to design new prosthetic limbs. Available concentration areas include:

• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering

These options only show a limited selection of the possible career field's students can enter after completing degree programs. Students typically begin their education at the bachelor's degree level because most entry-level careers require employees to have obtained a four-year degree in their specialty.

Civil engineering is seen everyday in bridges, public infrastructures, roads, and more. Education covers multiple practices in order to accomplish the engineering aspects that go into designing and constructing products. Programs provide students with the skills to calculate the stress on buildings, monitor hazardous wastes, evaluate structural designs, and estimate the composition of soils. Engineering physics, economics, hydraulics, and technical communications are some main courses that are completed within a program.

Students interested in working to protect the Earth may want to consider working through degree programs in environmental engineering. All areas of hazardous waste disposal are explored. Training is based on the Environmental Protection Agency's regulations, which include producing systems that correctly and safely store hazardous materials. Courses teach students disposal practices, Earth science standards, and engineering principles that prepare them to become professionals. Subjects include hazardous materials such as acid rain, polluted water, and gas. Students become vital members of firms that act on a company's behalf to correct problems associated with these different components.

Mechanical engineering is another popular educational training option. Training teaches students to design mechanical systems and machines. The practices used to analyze and create mechanical aspects of numerous machines are heavily studied inside a degree program. Electric circuits, differential equations, planning systems, and computer graphics are all course subjects that train students for several careers. Upon graduation students can enter careers in agriculture, tool design, and machine design.

The engineering field is broad making it a viable option for a plethora of students that are interested in careers that combine mathematics, science, and technical areas. Students should research the options to find programs available to them that match their future career aspirations, and carry full accreditation from an agency like the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology . Step inside an engineering degree program and begin learning to become a successful engineer.

How Educational Toys Can Be Beneficial to Children

When your tiny tot grows in to a preschooler, you will find it very difficult to keep them busy. They will get easily bored of doing the same things over and over again and may even get hooked to watching television. Parents of today don't have enough time for their kids-that's a fact-and sending them out to play with the other children isn't always safe either. At such a time, investing in educational toys could be a great solution.
Educational toys are manufactured keeping in mind the various characteristics of kids in a particular age group. These toys are designed to keep kids engaged in paying for several hours. Along with entertaining the kids, educational toys can also provide children with some basic education that they will require in their school. As a parent, you just have to introduce your kids to such educational toys. These educational toys will improve your kids' fine motor skills and make them think logically.
Mentioned below are some of the very popular educational toys used all over the world, and how they can benefit your children.
• Building Blocks and Puzzles - You can select puzzles that are suitable for your kids' age group. Jigsaw puzzles are very good for your kids, as these puzzles make your kids think analytically. Building blocks are quite imaginative toys too. Your kids can make anything out of their imagination.
• Playing Computer Games - There are several video games that your kids can play in their spare time. There are various interesting and informative computer games that you should allow your kids to play. This will also teach your kids how to use the computer as well. It will be like preparing your kids to become computer-friendly.
• Chess - If you want your kids to become good in subjects like science and math, then introduce them to playing chess. Your kids will develop the skill of reasoning which is very important for their future.
• Board Games - You can teach your kids' some board games that they can play with their siblings or friends. These board games will bring the healthy competitive spirit in your kids. They will learn to accept success and failure in a better manner.
• Word Games - You can improve your kids' language by bring word games for them. There are several of them available right now, apart from the quintessential Scrabble.
As a parent, you certainly want your kids to be good at everything. Introducing your kids to educational toys will definitely be a good start for them. If you really want to unleash the potential of your child, choosing the right educational toy is of vital significance.

A Rewarding Career Awaits You in Education Jobs

As an education graduate, there are many job opportunities waiting for you. Schools and training centers are everywhere and they need the services of professionals just like you. However, you need to possess a degree in education in order to apply. In some countries, you need to pass their licensure examinations in order to teach. Once you've accomplished all requirements, you can land a job as a teacher in the following:

Early Childhood/Preschool
Do you enjoy toddlers? Do you love hanging out with little children? Being a preschool teacher offers lots of fun, excitement, and challenges. Here you get to spend a few hours everyday teaching kids how to draw, sing, dance, and many more. Most institutions require preschool teachers to hold an Early Childhood diploma or have relevant training in the field.

Primary and Intermediate
Being with older children is also rewarding. During these school years, students are introduced to the different subject areas to signal the beginning of their formal education. As a teacher, you'll be tasked to teach subjects like English, Science, Math, History, and many more.

High School
If teaching teenagers is what you're after, then being a high school teacher is just what you need. Aside from teaching the regular subjects, you may be assigned to serve as club adviser in student organizations like the school choir, glee club, school publication, and many others.

College
If you possess a Master's or Doctorate degree, teaching in college is your best option. You can teach in your specialized area or handle basic courses. The good thing about being a college professor is you have a more flexible schedule and lighter load compared to those teaching in the lower levels.

Special Education
One of the most highly paid education jobs is in the field of special education. If you've graduated with a degree in special education or have undergone training in teaching special or gifted children, you can apply in such education jobs. Special education teachers are paid higher and are very in demand abroad.

In case you don't want to work in the traditional school setting, you have the option to teach at the comfort of your own home. Being an online teacher or tutor proves to be one of the most popular education jobs today. Many foreign, non-English speakers are now using the web to learn a new language. You can either join a group of tutors or find your own students in the internet.

As a teacher, you can also expand your horizons and advance you career. After a few years in teaching, you can apply for administrative or supervisory education positions. You can work as a school principal, head of a particular department, or spearhead educational programs and reforms sponsored by the government or private sectors.

Working in the Education Sector

If you are smart and looking for a career that allows you to give back, than working in the education sector may be the right move for you. It can be a rewarding career choice and there are a variety of different education jobs to choose from. Several individuals have enjoyed their careers as educational leaders.

Teachers

The first position that comes to mind in the education sector is a teacher. Teaching is probably the most popular education job. Many people seek out teaching jobs because they offer flexibility. In addition, these individuals are often more gifted when it comes to training and coaching.

Faculty

In addition to teachers, there are a variety of different faculty positions available in the education field. A career as a faculty member is a rewarding choice. It allows you to influence the lives on many. Although you may not be directly involved with students, you will get to have a say on the policies that are created in the schools. This will indirectly affect many, and it will also be far reaching.

Staff

In addition to the members of the faculty, there are staff members that keep the school running. Without these people a school could not survive. Consider the value of a guidance counselor, a librarian, and a football coach. In addition, the support staff is extremely beneficial to the overall operations of the school. They get things done.

Many Levels

In addition to the different types of jobs available, there are many levels to the academic world. A person could teach kindergarten or they could choose to pursue a career as a professor. While one may require more work and time than the other, both are still great options. It depends on how much you want to invest into your career and where you see yourself in the future.

Research Opportunities

Those individuals that do pursue education careers at a higher level will have an opportunity to work with intelligent individuals. One of their jobs will be to continually research their specialty. Research opportunities on a college level could lead to books and more. The sky is the limit. It depends on what you want to make out of your career and what your goals are

Global Education

If we could represent the demographics of the world into a village of 100 people, what would it look like? If we gave that global village access to 161 billion gigabytes of data, what would they do with it? If six billion gigabytes of data were shared in email in 2006, what would it contain? Most important of all, how is this incredible rate of exponential change be reflected in the education of children today? Where is the education really coming from, in schools, at home or on-line?

A Global Village of 100 People

If we could reduce the world's population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all existing human ratios remaining the same, the demographics would look something like this:

60 Asian

14 African

12 European

8 Latin American

5 US American and Canadian

Out of those 100 people:

51 would be male

49 would be female

The Standards of Living:

5 people (US citizens) would control 32% or the total wealth

80 would live in substandard housing

24 would not have any electricity

50 would be malnourished and 1 starving

33 would be without access to a safe water supply

67 are unable to read

7 people would have access to the Internet

1 would have a college education

Information Data Explosion in the Global Village

161 billion gigabytes of digital information was created, captured and replicated worldwide in 2006

More than one billion MP3 files were shared over the Internet in 2006

Almost 100 billion digital images were captured and shared using cell phone cameras

More than 500 billion digital images will be captured by 2010

Six billion gigabytes of data were emailed from one person to another in 2006 (excluding spam)

The number of emails grew three times faster than the number of people emailing from 1998 to 2006

Source: IDC & EMC Corp / The Expanding Digital Universe: A Forecast of Worldwide Information Growth Through 2010

What does this mean to Education?

A better question should be, "How should this be impacting are attention to education for children today?"

Did you know that 34 babies will be born in the next 8 seconds, 5 in India, 4 in China and 1 in the US. What will the world be like for them?

In 2006 there were over 1.3 million college graduates in the US, 3.1 million college graduates in India and 3.3 million college graduates in China.

How many of the college graduates in India speak English? 100%

In the next ten years it is predicted that China will be the number one English speaking country in the world.

The rate of change and development is increasing at an exponential pace. In ten years there will be courses and technology and topics that have not been invented yet. Social and cultural barriers are colliding, collapsing, merging and conflicting as rapidly as the access to real time communications, and far faster than political procedural doctrine can respond. How will the next generation use computers that are faster than the human brain, or capable of storing more data than the collective minds of the world population? How will the next generation be prepared for access to such knowledge in a changing world?

Tax Savvy Ways to Save For Your Child's Education

No matter how young your child may be, now is the time to start saving for their education.  Here are a few excellent ways to start saving now.
One of the best ways to save money when it is time to withdraw funds for your child's education is with a Coverdell Education Savings Account.  You can contribute up to $2000 annually until your child reaches eighteen years of age.  The deposits are not pre-tax, but the funds are not taxable upon withdrawal as long as they are used for education.
529 College Savings Plans are among the most popular educational savings programs.  There are two different types of 529 plans available.  The 529 College Savings Plan allows you different options for investing and your investment returns are not taxed as long as the money is used for education expenses.  The second 529 plan is the 529 Prepaid Tuition Plan.  It works sort of like prepaid fuel oil purchases.  You pay tuition based on the current cost and the plan allows you to hold that cost until your child begins attending college.
If you invest in special Savings Bonds for Education early enough, they can prove to be a good option for saving toward your child's education.  The program allows you to invest in bonds that can be withdrawn tax free if used for educational purposes.  You can, however, cash out the bonds in the event of some financial crisis, but you'll have to pay the taxes on the withdrawal since you are not using the funds for education.
If you have an older child and you are concerned about their college education because you have no savings in place, there are deductions, tax credits, and exemptions for which your child may qualify before and after enrollment.  For example, The American Opportunity Tax Credit has been improved and extended.  There is also the classroom expenses deduction, higher education tuition and fees deductions, as well as the lifetime learning credit.
It is important, if at all possible, to get a head start on your child's higher education costs.  Tuition and fees are reaching dramatic highs and as your children grow older, these cost promise only to rise.  One of the most important financial investments you can make as a parent is in the future education of your children.  Research and plan as far in advance as you possibly can in order to take advantage of the best programs available for your child's education.
Perhaps you should begin preparing for those education costs now, by consulting a financial planner.  A financial planner can give you top-notch recommendations on how to invest now, in order to guarantee your child's educational future.

The education of your child is very important expenses for you and sooner you start planning for it, better. There are many plans and schemes available there in the market. What are they? Which one will be just right for you? Chintamani Abhyankar provides useful tips and advice.