Category: EdTech Futures

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Payroll Software with Check Printing: Streamlining Business Operations

In the fast-paced world of business, efficiency and accuracy in payroll processing are not just appreciated but essential. Payroll software with check printing capabilities is on the forefront of streamlining these business operations. Such software simplifies the process of calculating wages, withholding taxes, and other deductions while ensuring that employees are paid punctually.

The integration of check printing within payroll software provides several key benefits. Firstly, it saves time and reduces errors by automating what was once a manual process. This is crucial for businesses as it minimizes the risk of human error which can lead to issues with employees and regulatory bodies over incorrect payments or reporting.

Another critical advantage of using payroll software with check printing is the increased security it offers. Traditional methods of check writing expose businesses to risks such as fraud or theft. However, modern payroll systems often include security features like encrypted data storage, password-protected access, and secure check printing that guard against such vulnerabilities.

Moreover, this type of software typically supports customization allowing checks to be printed with company logos, and signatures, and includes relevant information required for both employer records and employee ease of understanding. Companies can also keep better track of their finances since all payment records are centrally stored within the software, which can be easily accessed for audits or financial analysis.

Keeping up with regulatory changes can be an administrative burden for businesses. Payroll software with built-in check printing often comes equipped with features that update in line with new tax laws or compliance requirements, making it easier for businesses to adapt without having to make significant changes to their existing processes.

For organizations seeking to increase their operational efficiencies, investing in payroll software with check printing capabilities is a constructive step forward. It allows them to allocate more time and resources to growth-focused activities rather than getting bogged down by routine administrative tasks.

In conclusion, as businesses grow and their operations become more complex, the need for efficient payroll processing becomes imperative. Payroll software with check printing functionality addresses this requirement head-on by offering a reliable, secure, and time-saving solution that businesses can depend on for accurate employee remuneration.

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The 7 Secrets Of High-Performing Employees

High-performing employees are the backbone of any successful organization. Their ability to excel consistently in a competitive environment brings numerous benefits to their companies. Here are the seven secrets that set high-performing employees apart:

1. Proactive Learning: High performers actively seek new knowledge and skills, staying ahead of industry trends and continually expanding their expertise. They are lifelong learners who embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

2. Effective Time Management: These employees have mastered the art of prioritizing tasks and managing their time effectively. They often use tools and techniques to organize their workday, ensuring they meet deadlines while maintaining a high-quality standard in their output.

3. Excellent Communication Skills: Communication is key in any workspace, and high performers know how to clearly convey ideas, actively listen to others, and engage in constructive dialogue. They recognize that effective communication fosters teamwork and leads to better collaboration.

4. Goal-Oriented Focus: Setting clear goals is fundamental for success, and high-performing employees are adept at establishing and adhering to them. They know how to break down long-term objectives into manageable tasks, tracking progress and making adjustments as needed.

5. Emotional Intelligence: High performers understand the value of emotional intelligence in the workplace. They are self-aware, can manage their emotions efficiently, have empathy for others, and navigate social complexities with grace – building strong relationships along the way.

6. Resilience Under Pressure: The ability to remain calm under pressure is a standout trait of top employees. They cope with stress constructively, using it as a catalyst for innovation rather than letting it overwhelm them.

7. Adaptability: The corporate world is ever-evolving, thus adaptability is vital. High performers are agile; they can adjust quickly to changing circumstances without losing momentum or productivity.

Embracing these seven secrets can lead to significant improvements in individual performance which, when multiplied across a workforce, can drive an organization toward outstanding success.

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7 Unique Challenges NGOs Face And Tips To Use Nonprofit Training Software ToResolve Them

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in promoting social change, providing relief, and supporting development around the world. Despite their essential contributions to society, NGOs often encounter unique challenges that can hinder their effectiveness and sustainability. However, nonprofit training software emerges as a powerful tool to help overcome these hurdles. In this article, we will explore seven such challenges and how nonprofits can use training software to address them.

1. Limited Resources

NGOs frequently operate with limited financial and human resources which can constrain capacity-building efforts. Utilizing nonprofit training software allows NGOs to stretch their resources further by providing cost-effective online training modules that staff can access at any time. This mitigates the need for expensive in-person training sessions and reduces the associated logistical costs.

2. Volunteer Management

Volunteers are the backbone of many NGOs, but managing and training them can be complex due to high turnover rates and diverse skill levels. Nonprofit training software helps tackle this by offering standardized training that ensures all volunteers receive the same high-quality preparation, regardless of when they join.

3. Keeping Up with Compliance

Regulatory compliance is critical, yet keeping up-to-date with laws and regulations can be challenging for NGOs. Training software helps by providing updated content on relevant laws that can be disseminated quickly among staff, ensuring everyone is informed and compliant with current standards.

4. Fundraising Techniques

Fundraising is vital but highly competitive. Training platforms assist NGOs in cultivating advanced fundraising skills among their staff through specialized courses on grant writing, stakeholder engagement, and digital fundraising strategies.

5. Measuring Impact

Demonstrating impact is crucial for maintaining donor support but measuring it can be difficult. Nonprofit training software can offer analytics tools and courses on best practices for collecting data and evaluating programs so that NGOs can evidence their progress effectively.

6. Diversity and Inclusion

Promoting an inclusive environment within NGOs is essential but requires ongoing learning and awareness from team members. Online training platforms provide diversity and inclusion modules that help educate staff about cultural competence, unconscious bias, and creating inclusive spaces.

7. Adapting to Technology

As technology advances rapidly, staying current with new tools is essential yet often daunting for NPOs. Training software helps bridge the digital divide by offering tech-focused education modules that equip NGO workers with knowledge of the latest digital tools and how to utilize them effectively.

By embracing nonprofit training software, NGOs can efficiently address these unique challenges while empowering their teams with the knowledge they need to drive forward their mission more effectively than ever before.

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Content Providers for Performance Support Tools (PSTs) – Off-the Shelf Training/ Online Library Industry

Performance Support Tools (PSTs) are revolutionizing the way organizations deliver training and support to their employees. These tools enable users to access just-in-time information and guidance at the point of need, thereby enhancing productivity and efficiency. An essential element in the effectiveness of PSTs is the quality and relevability of content they deliver. This is where content providers specializing in off-the-shelf training and online libraries come into play.

In recent years, there’s been a significant growth in the online library industry focused on providing ready-to-use educational and support materials for various sectors, including IT, healthcare, finance, and customer service. Unlike traditional bespoke training development, off-the-shelf solutions offer a plethora of benefits, including immediate availability, lower costs, and a wide range of topics covered.

Content providers such as Skillsoft, Lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning), and Udemy for Business have emerged as leaders in this sector. They offer extensive libraries of courses and resources that can easily integrate with various PST platforms. These libraries cover an array of subjects from soft skills like leadership and communication to technical skills such as coding or cybersecurity.

Another main advantage of such content providers is that they continually update their material to ensure relevance in an ever-changing work environment. The rise of technology and the need for digital literacy mean that content must be current to maintain its usefulness.

Furthermore, these online libraries are designed with learner engagement in mind. Most include interactive elements like quizzes, simulations, and videos that make learning more engaging for users. This is especially important when considering that adult learners often require more than just text-based instructions to grasp complex concepts.

The integration between PSTs and content providers is also facilitated by technological advancements. Many PSTs are built with APIs or standards like xAPI (Experience API), allowing seamless integration with external content libraries. This ensures a user-friendly experience where learners can access external resources directly through their PST interface without needing to navigate away to other systems.

It’s worth noting that while off-the-shelf content provides numerous advantages, it may not always be suitable for every organization’s unique requirements. Sometimes a hybrid approach combining bespoke content with curated off-the-shelf resources works best to address specific learning objectives effectively.

In conclusion, content providers for performance support tools have made it easier than ever for businesses to empower their workforce with necessary skills and knowledge without time-consuming course creation processes. As industries continue to evolve rapidly due to technological advancements, these online libraries will play a critical role in the future of workplace learning and performance support.

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Best Document Cameras for Teachers In Every Price Range

As remote learning and mixed-format classrooms become increasingly common, document cameras have emerged as essential tools for teachers. High-quality document cameras can make it easier for educators to communicate with their students, display materials, and teach lessons effectively. With various price ranges available, teachers from all financial backgrounds can find a document camera that suits their needs. Let’s explore the best document cameras for every price range.

Budget-friendly: Under $100

1. IPEVO VZ-R HDMI/USB Dual Mode 8MP Document Camera: This lightweight and compact document camera boasts an 8-megapixel camera and full USB/HDMI capabilities. The IPEVO VZ-R is an excellent budget option that provides quality visuals without breaking the bank.

2. ELP DC80 5MP USB Document Camera: Featuring a flexible neck design, the ELP DC80 5MP USB Document Camera allows for easy positioning during lessons. Its 5-megapixel camera produces clear images, making it a great option for those on a tight budget.

Mid-range: $100-$300

1. ELP DC160 13MP HDMI Document Camera: The ELP DC160 is a versatile mid-range option that offers a 13-megapixel camera and HDMI connection capabilities. Its gooseneck design provides flexibility and ease of use while its crisp image quality is perfect for teachers looking to enhance their distance learning experience.

2. AVer U50 USB FlexArm Document Camera: The AVer U50 is an excellent choice in the mid-range category, featuring full HD resolution, built-in LED lights, and auto-focus capabilities. This user-friendly model also incorporates a microphone input for easy annotation during lessons.

High-end: Above $300

1. Lumens DC125 Ladibug 30fps HD Lightweight Document Camera: The Lumens DC125 Ladibug offers exceptional image quality, with full 1080p HD resolution at 30 frames per second. With a user-friendly interface and one-touch auto-tune, this high-end document camera is perfect for teachers who want the best possible performance.

2. Elmo MO-1 Visual Presenter: The Elmo MO-1 Visual Presenter is a sleek and compact option, boasting full 1080p HD resolution, and an extensive range of features. With Wi-Fi capabilities, in addition to USB and HDMI connections, the MO-1 offers excellent versatility for teachers in need of a high-quality document camera.

Ultimately, the best document camera for teachers will vary depending on individual needs, classroom requirements, and budget constraints. However, with options available at every price range – from budget-friendly to high-end models – it’s easier than ever to find a document camera that will enhance your teaching experience.

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What Are the Attributes of a Future-Ready Tech Coach?

The future-ready initiative strives to increase access to digital learning for American learners. Its principles are a great boon for tech coaches, who are already aligned with the mission and approach of future-ready instruction.

In fact, the initiative has a variety of resources specifically designed to help tech coaches improve learning outcomes. One key principle is the concept of personalized learning. Although many tech coaches are very familiar with this concept, there is still room to personalize many instructional materials on school campuses. The tech coach is conceptually positioned to help classroom educators learn about and implement education technology tools that make it feasible for them to meet the learning needs of each learner. 

The wise tech coach can help educators understand that personalization might require some substantive set-up time but will reduce the educator’s workload—not to mention improved student learning. Tech coaches can help educators navigate what can seem like an overwhelming task of providing instruction designed for the unique needs of each learner.

A future-ready tech coach understands the crucial importance of equity, not just in education in general, but also in the adoption of education technology. Tech coaches will want to ensure that educators have access to mobile hot spots to ensure that learners without access to broadband at home can complete assignments. Most learners may be embarrassed to announce their lack of access, so the tech coach will need to work with educators to ensure that every learner’s needs are met.

A future-ready tech coach is also aware of the limits of education technology. The knowledge of the dangers of excess screen time means that tech coaches may sometimes need to coach educators away from education technology, no matter how counterintuitive that seems. But the tech coach is conceptually positioned to know what a learner is experiencing in all of her classes and make suggestions that permit a balanced—instead of overwhelming—use of education technology.

Creating future-ready learners requires not just layering new education technology on top of what a school is already doing but also a fundamental reinvention of instructional practices. The future-ready tech leader can guide educators through this transition and provide the coaching needed to ensure that all learners benefit from education technology tools.

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Exploring the Future of M-learning

M-learning is slowly becoming one of the most popular forms of contemporary-day education. There are various reasons for this, including its convenience and increased adaptability. 

However, educators and learners have just scraped the surface when it comes to the potential of this style of learning. In this piece, we will discuss and explore the future of m-learning and everything it offers. 

Innovative Apps and Tools

There are hundreds of innovative apps and tools that learners and educators can use to supplement m-learning. It is projected that this number will multiply tenfold soon, as m-learning is becoming increasingly popular. 

Improved Tech and M-learning Devices

To study via m-learning, learners need to have access to reliable and convenient devices. Most learners use laptops, tablets, or smartphones to complete their schoolwork.

However, tech is improving every single year. We have just come into the fourth industrial revolution, meaning that we are in uncharted territory regarding the improvements and advancements of tech. For this reason, the future of m-learning will likely involve new, innovative devices that can be used to make learning online much more accessible. 

Shared Learning Resources

One of the many significant advantages of m-learning is that resources can be shared easily with peers and other learners. In fact, with tools like Pedagogue, learners worldwide can learn from each other, content creators and other educators. 

The future of m-learning is likely to revolve around sharing resources. Learners often feel alone in their studies without the help of educators or their friends. This dilemma can be avoided by communicating and collaborating with learners from all over the world.

Augmented Reality

M-learning will allow a learner to overlay something virtual into something real. For example, learners can use apps such as Glasses and Wikitude to provide information about locations. It is believed that most other apps and tools will be developed to expand this aspect of m-learning.

Conclusion

M-learning is becoming a popular form of education. It is believed that thousands of innovative apps and tools will be developed soon, supplementing this learning style. 

More so, as tech improves, learners will have access to a wide range of new devices that can be used to make their studies easier and more convenient. M-learning will revolve around learners worldwide, sharing learning resources via apps and tools. 

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5 Ed Tech Trends Redefine the Connected Campus

Tech is a wonderful tool that allows us to streamline and revolutionize different aspects of our lives and society. Every day we read about some new invention or gadget that enables us to complete some task more efficiently. So, it was only a matter of time before society’s educational sphere became affected.

Now we hear of fantastic new ways to spread education and information far and wide. We hear of concepts like remote teaching and the connected campus, the latter of which we will be discussing in this article. Here are five different technological trends in education that have helped revolutionize the connected campus.

Redefining Libraries

University libraries are hubs of information where learners can gather and share ideas and study in groups.

However, tech has made information so readily available that the place of libraries has somewhat faded. In response, most campus libraries have shifted their focus to sharing their information stocks through online resources and making their physical amenities more comfortable. 

You are likely to find couches and cafés that cater to study groups currently accessing the information provided to them by the library digitally.

Broader Range

Communication is another significant facet in tech, and it has helped expand the reach of universities and colleges. Now off-campus learners can expect to receive similar attention as on-campus learners thanks to online communication benefits.

Most universities cater to learners who cannot always come on-campus for the universities’ lessons and resources. Using online communities provide online equivalents to the on-campus resources. You can read more about how off-campus learners can stay connected here.

How to Make Your Voice Heard

For most, college and university are where you define who you are as a person. As a young adult surrounded by many different strangers, you can develop yourself to be the person you want to be.

With all the new tech being integrated into campus life, it also enables alternative ways to go about campus life and navigate the tricky social aspects. Those who are introverts need not deal with confrontation anxiety, thanks to online forums. 

You technically never need to contact another person when working online, which isn’t wholly recommended but it is an option.

Use Apps

Apps are a great invention. It allows us to make dedicated programs for specific uses, meaning we can now use apps to better understand different subjects through things such as educational games or interactive informational apps.

Mobile apps are beneficial for helping learners and universities connect and improve all aspects of their university life as learners will then have access to these resources at almost all times.

Capitalize on Research

Although universities were perhaps once seen as the hubs for knowledge and learning, the internet has mostly superseded this role as the primary source of information. This has made a unique opportunity for universities to incorporate online resources as additional teaching aids, and incorporate this new medium into their learning schemes.

This allows learners to have different avenues to take, most often opting to take different approaches as opposed to doubling down on retention and research. 

Conclusion

Tech has helped redefine how campus life operates, it has helped streamline many processes and open up new avenues for learners. The availability is unparalleled, and it will help open up universities for more in the future. 

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Can Robotics Teach Problem Solving to Students?

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential to success at university and in later life. However, the traditional classroom model has done a poor job of imparting these skills to students. The way children have learned in the classroom for generations has focused on lectures and worksheets. Past generations would depend on group sports, clubs and teenage jobs to impart these vital skills onto students.

However, new ideas suggest that robotics may hold the key to teaching problem-solving skills to students. Using robots to teach real-world skills may be a strange concept, but is it worth exploring? We think so and here’s why.

How Robotics Influences Problem Solving

The inclusion of robotics coursework in school requires students to understand fundamental problems and how to overcome them. This is done through brainstorming in a group setting or trial and error for individuals. Applying the concepts of math and science to real life applications is an important concept for students.

Much like in real life situations, students are taught to use their explorative mind. Instead of memorizing theorems, and answers they are encouraged to find new ways to solve the same equations. Additionally, the incorporation of team exercises helps children understand how enlisting others can lead to resolutions.

In real world application, problems are often solved through a combination of approaches. No one formula will be universally helpful. For that reason, it’s imperative for students to master the skill of problem-solving to succeed in higher education and their career paths.

Results of Studies

According to a June 2017 article on Roboterra, robotics courses serve many practical purposes in education. From engaging students in active learning to promoting problem-solving skills. Students are instructed how to analyze data and design trials to work towards a goal. Additionally, group exercises require students to value cooperative thinking and learn how to present their ideas to peers.

The views represented in that article are supported by findings of a 2012 study on the effects of robotics on students’ problem-solving skills. The study showed that before undertaking the course, only 40% of students would work on a difficult problem until resolution. Meanwhile, over 75% of students would work until a problem was solved after completing a robotics course.

A December 2015 report published by Taylor & Francis Online, explored the efficacy of teaching problem solving before programming in Robotics. The study group found the course rated highly for student satisfaction, over 92%. It was suggested that further exploration of problem-solving skills would garner better results. Thus cementing the idea that Robotics and problem solving are co-dependent of each other.

Incorporating Robotics into Your Curriculum

Accepting the idea that robotics can help teach problem-solving to students is one thing. However, how do we utilize that information? The key is developing a curriculum which encourages children to think creatively and come up with unique solutions.

The first key to this model of teaching is formulating your expectations. Students need to understand that there can be more than one correct answer to any given task. It’s paramount to encourage students to experiment with ideas. If one fails, they need to be instructed how to extrapolate information from that failure to steer them towards future success.

The next idea to incorporate into your method is how you determine success. Students should be graded on their application of theory, teamwork, communication of ideas, and the development of their solutions. This isn’t a course where the robot’s functionality will harm your students’ grades.

Another consideration is that students will be unfamiliar with robots. Starting small with building projects and models will allow them to gain comfort with the problem-solving portion of the course. Once you have covered the foundations, you can move to simple robots.

The last tenant to employ in your classrooms is group review. After each project, examine the progress, discuss the process, and brainstorm possible solutions for issues. This suggests to students that the task is not over and was not a failure.

Overall, to succeed in life children must be willing to try multiple solutions to one problem. The use of robotics in school can elevate understanding of problem-solving techniques and eliminate the fear of failure for students.

Have you used robotics in k-12 education? What is the best beginner robotics lesson you’ve had? We want to hear your experiences!

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