Category: Featured

Posted on

The Future Of Education: 5 eLearning Trends To Keep An Eye On In

As we look ahead, the landscape of education continues to evolve at a rapid pace, shaping the way we learn and teach. The integration of technology in education has expanded our horizons and changed the traditional classroom dynamic. As eLearning becomes increasingly prominent, here are five key trends that are poised to influence the future of education.

1. Personalized Learning Experiences

Advancements in artificial intelligence and data analytics are making it possible for eLearning platforms to offer personalized educational paths. This trend focuses on tailoring content to meet individual learning styles, speeds, and interests, ensuring that each learner is engaged and can grasp concepts more efficiently.

2. Microlearning Modules

Microlearning involves delivering content in small, specific bursts that are easier to digest and retain. This modular approach allows learners to focus on one concept at a time and fit education into their busy schedules without feeling overwhelmed. This trend is particularly popular for professional development and upskilling.

3. Gamification

Gamification continues to be a significant trend, with game elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards being incorporated into educational content to increase motivation and make learning more interactive and enjoyable. By transforming the education process into a game-like environment, students are more likely to engage with the material.

4. Immersive Technology

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are set to redefine experiential learning by providing immersive environments that simulate real-life situations. From practicing medical procedures in VR to exploring historical sites with AR, these technologies are making learning more interactive and impactful.

5. Lifelong Learning Platforms

With an ever-changing job market that demands continuous skill development, eLearning platforms are increasingly catering to lifelong learners. These platforms provide courses designed not just for academic students but also for professionals seeking to keep their skills relevant in an evolving workforce.

In conclusion, these five eLearning trends underscore a shift towards more customized, flexible, and interactive educational experiences. As technology continues to develop, the potential for innovation in education is boundless, promising a future where learning is accessible to all and continuously adapts to meet the demands of the modern world.

Posted on

Where will my article be featured?

In the digital age, writers have a plethora of platforms and outlets to consider when dreaming of places to feature their articles. From traditional print publications to online blogs, the options are abundant and sometimes overwhelming. So, where exactly might an author’s article be featured?

Firstly, it’s essential to understand that the publication of an article often depends on its subject matter, quality, and audience appeal. Once these are pinpointed, a writer can narrow down potential spots to get featured.

Print publications such as newspapers, magazines, and journals are timeless mediums for articles. Academic pieces often find a home in scholarly journals, while more mainstream topics might be suited for magazines or weekly papers.

Online publication options are vast. Websites and blogs hungry for content might pick up engaging articles. Media outlets with online branches also provide another avenue for feature pieces, where they might attract a larger readership than in their print counterpart.

Opinions and editorials may find a place on platforms such as Medium or in op-ed sections of news websites. These avenues allow writers to express their thoughts on various topics and reach an audience interested in diverse viewpoints.

Moreover, niche websites cater to specific interests – from technology and business to hobbies and lifestyle. Writers can target these specialized sites if their articles align with the website’s content strategy.

Self-publishing on one’s own blog or website gives writers full control over their content. This direct-to-reader approach allows building a personal brand but requires effort in marketing to draw attention to the article.

Corporate blogs are another underlooked option. Companies often seek industry-related content to bolster their authority and engage with customers.

In conclusion, the potential spots for an article to be featured are boundless in the modern landscape of publishing – from renowned magazines to independent blogs and beyond.

Posted on

The Future Of Work Is Hybrid: Defining Your Hybrid Working Strategy

In the dynamic landscape of modern employment, the concept of a hybrid working strategy has emerged as a beacon of flexibility, balance, and innovation. The shift toward this work model has been significantly accelerated by the disruptive force of the global pandemic. Companies and employees alike are now at a crossroads, looking to blend remote work’s benefits with traditional office engagement’s value. This article delves into defining and implementing a successful hybrid working strategy for the future.

A hybrid work model is characterized by its adaptability; it seamlessly incorporates a mix of in-office and remote work. This approach recognizes that while in-person collaboration fosters community and spontaneous interactions, remote work offers independence and can enhance productivity.

Defining your hybrid working strategy begins with understanding its core components:

1. Flexibility: Companies must develop policies that allow employees to choose where and when they work, within certain bounds. This flexibility can improve job satisfaction, reduce burnout, and potentially lead to higher retention rates.

2. Technology: A robust technological infrastructure is essential for effective hybrid working. Investing in collaboration tools, secure networks, and support systems ensures that employees can work efficiently from any location.

3. Communication: Clear communication channels are crucial in a hybrid model to ensure everyone stays informed regardless of where they are working. Regular check-ins, virtual meetings, and collaborative platforms can bridge physical gaps between team members.

4. Culture: Preserving company culture in a decentralized environment requires intentional effort. Initiatives like virtual team-building exercises and occasional in-person retreats can maintain the sense of camaraderie crucial for organizational cohesion.

5. Leadership: Successfully leading a hybrid workforce involves modeling flexibility, being open to feedback, and ensuring equitable treatment for all staff members. Leadership must champion this new approach and provide guidance during its implementation.

Once these components are understood, the process of developing a hybrid strategy can commence:

– Assess Roles: Not all jobs are suited for flexible arrangements; determine which roles can be performed remotely without diminishing quality or service.

– Set Expectations: Clearly define what is expected from employees in terms of availability, deliverables, and communication standards.

– Provide Training: Equip your staff with the skills required for effective remote work, including time management, digital literacy, and self-motivation techniques.

– Measure Outcomes: Establish metrics to evaluate productivity and employee well-being to continually refine the hybrid strategy as needed.

In defining your company’s hybrid working strategy, you’re not simply adjusting to a ‘new normal’ but proactively crafting an advanced work environment that prioritizes both performance and personalwell-being. This balanced approach acknowledges that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution; instead, it provides a framework that can be customized to meet diverse needs.

The future promises rich possibilities for evolving work models where flexibility reigns supreme. By carefully constructing your organization’s hybrid working playbook now, you position yourself at the forefront of this progressive wave – fully ready to embrace the diverse array of human potential in the workplace.

Posted on

Get The Top Featured Placement In Our Newsletter

Getting the top featured placement in a newsletter is an attractive opportunity for businesses looking to increase visibility and boost their marketing efforts. Securing that prime spot can lead to greater engagement with subscribers and potential customers, resulting in increased brand awareness and, potentially, higher sales conversions.

To achieve the top featured placement, it is essential for advertisers and content creators to understand the newsletter’s audience and tailor their message accordingly. This involves creating engaging, relevant, and valuable content that resonates with the subscribers. High-quality graphics and a clear call-to-action can also enhance the appeal of the feature, encouraging readers to take the desired action, such as visiting a website or making a purchase.

Furthermore, building a relationship with the newsletter publisher can be beneficial in securing premium placement. As with any facet of business, networking and nurturing professional relationships can pave the way towards achieving your marketing goals. It’s also crucial to negotiate terms that are favorable yet fair for both parties involved.

In addition to creating stellar content and fostering publisher relationships, it’s important to consider timing when aiming for a top feature. Aligning your featured content with relevant events or seasons can greatly increase its impact on the audience.

Overall, securing the top featured placement requires a strategy that combines understanding your audience with relationship building and timely, high-impact content. With these elements in place, businesses stand a solid chance of achieving prominent visibility in their targeted newsletters.

Posted on

Get A Featured Placement In Our Newsletter

Getting featured in a popular newsletter can be a significant boost for your brand, product, or service due to the targeted and engaged audience that newsletters typically hold. Here are some strategies on how to secure a coveted spot:

1. Understand the Audience: Firstly, you need to know the newsletter’s audience and ensure that your offer aligns with their interests. This will increase your chances of being featured because the content will be relevant to the readers.

2. Build a Relationship: Networking is key. Start by subscribing to the newsletter, engaging with its content, and building a rapport with the editor. Genuine relationships can lead to opportunities that may not be publicly listed.

3. Craft Your Pitch: Your pitch should be concise, compelling, and clearly outline what makes your content valuable to their readership. Highlight exclusivity or any special offers you can provide to the newsletter’s audience.

4. Provide Quality Content: If you’re providing content for the feature, ensure that it’s high-quality, informative, and useful to the readers. Good content can lead to more features in the future.

5. Offer Mutual Benefits: Demonstrate how featuring your product could also benefit the newsletter. This might include offering an affiliate deal or sharing the feature with your own audience.

6. Follow Submission Guidelines: If the newsletter has submission guidelines for features, follow them closely. This shows respect for their process and increases your chances of a successful application.

7. Patience and Persistence: Sometimes getting featured takes time and multiple attempts—don’t give up if you don’t succeed immediately.

Remember that newsletters are looking for valuable content that helps them maintain or grow their subscriber base; if you can demonstrate how your feature will do that, you’re on the right track!

Posted on

20 Strategies to Use Right Now for Teaching Middle School

Educational Data Systems

Middle school is all about the moment, and when you’ve got a toolkit of strategies to use, you’ll be ready for anything.

These twenty strategies will get you started.

Instruction

  1. Keep a supply of Post-it notes handy. Use them to create impromptu bar graphs, create a “parking lot” for questions, or as notes on which to write answers for an “exit ticket.”
  2. Be yourself. Kids will love you if you show that you’re human.
  3. Share your excitement. If you’re passionate about what you’re teaching, your students will be excited, too.
  4. Allow for choice. Ask your students to do the even problems or the odd ones. Let them pick the writing topic or determine whether to create a slideshow or a video.
  5. Rely on routine, but add novelty. Middle-schoolers still need predictable routines, but they also love surprises. Rewards, stories, and small treats fit the bill.
  6. Plan your lessons, but always have one perfect lesson to fall back on when things don’t go right.
  7. Take advantage of the middle school student’s need to socialize by encouraging 60-second conversations with an “elbow partner.” Ask an open-ended question related to the lesson and let them discuss it.
  8. Read aloud to your students. Middle school students still like being read to. Try a poem, a quick anecdote or an expository paragraph. Model the way you want them to experience the text.
  9. Teach using multiple modalities. Middle school students tend to be kinesthetic and tactile learners, so create activities that get kids moving.
  10. Use games to review before a test.
  11. Allow students to add doodles and drawing to their notes. These pictures help the visual learner retain information.
  12. Be random. Add a surprise picture to a slideshow you use in your instruction. Kids enjoy seeing sports figures, celebrities, and even animals doing crazy things.
  13. Give feedback. Not every assignment may require a grade, but students need to know you’re evaluating their work, or they’ll quit doing it.

Classroom Management

  1. Have one reliable attention-getter, and use it consistently. Try cues like “If you can hear the sound of my voice clap once” or count backward to silence from five (5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . Shh!)
  2. Provide the plan. Middle school students like to do things on their own, but they need to see the steps you want them to take. Show each phase of a project or give specific directions for an assignment.
  3. Allow for laughter. Life is funny. So is middle school. Find and enjoy the humor, as long as you don’t let anyone laugh at another person.
  4. Get kids moving. Students at this age need to move as much as they need to socialize. Have everyone stand up/sit down when answering questions.
  5. Find positives and share them. Please take a few minutes each day to call parents and let them know something good about their child.
  6. Soften the lights, especially the day before holiday break or during inclement weather. By avoiding the use of fluorescent lighting in your classroom, you’ll help students feel less agitated.
  7. Enforce your rules consistently. Model the behavior you want from your students. If they aren’t supposed to yell in the classroom, you shouldn’t be doing it, either.

With these tips, both your students and you will enjoy class and get more out of the lessons.

Posted on

Empathy-building ideas for your classroom

It’s not always easy to see someone else’s perspective. Anyone who tries to see from another viewpoint has to take into consideration another person’s past experiences and current emotions.

Understanding what another person is going through requires empathy, which is a learned characteristic.

Recognize types of empathy

Psychologists recognize two kinds of empathy, affective and cognitive.

  • Shared emotional response: Laughter, tears, and high-fives are forms of empathetic shared response. When one person experiences an emotion and elicits a response to that emotion, and another person mimics the same shared response, they have exhibited affective empathy. The experience is often visceral and spontaneous.
  • Perspective taking: Cognitive empathy takes place when a person can imagine what it’s like to be in the shoes of another person. When someone else laughs, cries, or celebrates, an empathetic person who takes their perspective understands why the other person is experiencing those emotions.

Here’s how to develop empathy in your students:

Teach students how to interpret facial expressions

Young children often have a difficult time with empathy. Children who do not learn how to read faces accurately may be less likely to learn how to show empathy as they grow older. They do not understand that particular emotions may cause physiological changes. For example, emotions can cause changes in heart rate, pupil size, and even body temperature.

To teach students how to read faces, show pictures of faces expressing different emotions. Discuss the similarities and differences. Then ask students to make the same faces and notice how the faces make them feel.

Use project-based learning

Sterile assignments with little to no real-world relevance will not encourage empathy. It’s difficult to feel a connection with a random name or event used in a worksheet.

Journalism advisor Michael Hernandez has discovered that real empathy develops from authentic learning experiences, like those in project-based learning. That’s why he took his student to Cambodia. He designed the trip to hone their journalism skills and teach social justice. As a result, students developed greater empathy for those around them.

You don’t have to take your students overseas to develop empathy. Look for opportunities in your own community.

Teach point of view

A new perspective can be what your students need to develop empathy. Not everyone in the world thinks the same, nor do they have the same feelings in similar situations.

To show your students how people see things differently, teach point of view. Diverse perspectives can be found in narratives, poems, and songs. They appear in literature and art. You’ll find them in other content areas as well, including mathematics, social studies, and science.

Model the empathetic behavior you want to see

One of the best ways to teach empathy is to be empathetic. By modeling your concern and compassion for others, you are showing your students what it’s like to be empathetic. That means having positive regard for others in and out of the classroom. Discuss the feelings of characters in the stories you read together, find common ground, and provide a safe environment for expressing differences.

Children who develop empathy are more likely to develop strong relationships with others. They adapt more easily in a variety of social situations, and they are more likely to be problem-solvers.

Empathy is a skill our students cannot do without.

Posted on

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!

I don’t see were you transition from the introduction to the body of the article.

 

Posted on

Should Your Child Repeat Kindergarten?

By the end of their first year of formal schooling, your child should have a solid grasp on a few key concepts. Unfortunately, many parents aren’t always aware of what those benchmarks are at the end of the year. Some children could benefit from having another year to better develop some of these social and academic markers.

If you have some hesitation regarding whether your child is truly ready for the next stage of schooling, you will want to know these kindergarten-specific milestones.

Independence

Most children already have an increasing grasp on independence as they enter into formal schooling. If your child struggled with independence at the beginning of kindergarten, it’s time to reevaluate whether or not he has really improved. Your child should easily be able to dress themselves and go to the bathroom without an adult’s help.

Perhaps more significantly, a young child going into the first grade should be able to have some separation from their parents or caregivers. A child who still cries incessantly and refuses to be comforted following parental separation probably isn’t emotionally ready for the next step. An extra year to develop this skill could prove helpful.

Improved Social Skills

They may not have made lifelong friends at this stage, but a child heading into the first grade should be making headway on key social skills. Sharing and taking turns are both critical as children advance in grade level, but less common things should be taken into account also. For example, does your child recognize and respond to feelings in other individuals?

As the kindergarten year comes to a close, try spending time in your child’s classroom to evaluate their social skills. Speak with their teacher if volunteering isn’t an option for you. Make sure that they’ve made significant gains when it comes to making friends and socializing. If socialization is a struggle for your child, holding them back for another year may be a good idea.

Following Directions

By the end of kindergarten, your child should be able to move from following simple one-step directions to obeying two-step instructions. Their communication skills should also be growing as your child learns the proper way to hold a conversation with teachers and peers. Consistent confusion when it comes to following two-step directions should be a sign that retention is necessary. Similarly, muddled conversations are also a telltale sign that your child could benefit from an extra year in kindergarten.

Letter, Number, Shape, and Color Recognition

Everyone will ultimately learn at a different pace in these beginning stages of education. However, there are some fairly firm guidelines about what kindergarteners should know by the end of the year. Your child should recognize letters (both capital and lowercase), know letter sounds, and be able to count to ten or higher. Other core skills include recognizing shapes and colors.

Spelling and reading skills may begin to develop during kindergarten. Writing their name should be considered an essential skill, even if they still struggle with sight words.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Some children naturally have more athletic ability than others. At a basic level, all children leaving kindergarten should have some basic fine and gross motor skills though. Essential fine motor skills include the ability to hold a crayon or pencil properly and to cut with scissors. Pasting and gluing should also be possible for your child.

When it comes to physical education, your child doesn’t need to be the fastest runner or the strongest athlete. They should be able to hop up and down on one foot to demonstrate some basic balance and coordination. Running and jumping are good indicators of how well gross motor skills are developing. If either area seems lacking compared to peers, you may want to consider holding your child back a year.

Kindergarten retention isn’t an uncommon practice. All children will develop at their own rate with some being more advanced than others. Giving your child an extra year to catch up to their peers will give them a better chance at success socially and academically. First grade can wait an extra year until your child has better building blocks for the future.

 

Posted on

Should Your Child Repeat Kindergarten?

By the end of their first year of formal schooling, your child should have a solid grasp on a few key concepts. Unfortunately, many parents aren’t always aware of what those benchmarks are at the end of the year. Some children could benefit from having another year to better develop some of these social and academic markers.

If you have some hesitation regarding whether your child is truly ready for the next stage of schooling, you will want to know these kindergarten-specific milestones.

Independence

Most children already have an increasing grasp on independence as they enter into formal schooling. If your child struggled with independence at the beginning of kindergarten, it’s time to reevaluate whether or not he has really improved. Your child should easily be able to dress themselves and go to the bathroom without an adult’s help.

Perhaps more significantly, a young child going into the first grade should be able to have some separation from their parents or caregivers. A child who still cries incessantly and refuses to be comforted following parental separation probably isn’t emotionally ready for the next step. An extra year to develop this skill could prove helpful.

Improved Social Skills

They may not have made lifelong friends at this stage, but a child heading into the first grade should be making headway on key social skills. Sharing and taking turns are both critical as children advance in grade level, but less common things should be taken into account also. For example, does your child recognize and respond to feelings in other individuals?

As the kindergarten year comes to a close, try spending time in your child’s classroom to evaluate their social skills. Speak with their teacher if volunteering isn’t an option for you. Make sure that they’ve made significant gains when it comes to making friends and socializing. If socialization is a struggle for your child, holding them back for another year may be a good idea.

Following Directions

By the end of kindergarten, your child should be able to move from following simple one-step directions to obeying two-step instructions. Their communication skills should also be growing as your child learns the proper way to hold a conversation with teachers and peers. Consistent confusion when it comes to following two-step directions should be a sign that retention is necessary. Similarly, muddled conversations are also a telltale sign that your child could benefit from an extra year in kindergarten.

Letter, Number, Shape, and Color Recognition

Everyone will ultimately learn at a different pace in these beginning stages of education. However, there are some fairly firm guidelines about what kindergarteners should know by the end of the year. Your child should recognize letters (both capital and lowercase), know letter sounds, and be able to count to ten or higher. Other core skills include recognizing shapes and colors.

Spelling and reading skills may begin to develop during kindergarten. Writing their name should be considered an essential skill, even if they still struggle with sight words.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Some children naturally have more athletic ability than others. At a basic level, all children leaving kindergarten should have some basic fine and gross motor skills though. Essential fine motor skills include the ability to hold a crayon or pencil properly and to cut with scissors. Pasting and gluing should also be possible for your child.

When it comes to physical education, your child doesn’t need to be the fastest runner or the strongest athlete. They should be able to hop up and down on one foot to demonstrate some basic balance and coordination. Running and jumping are good indicators of how well gross motor skills are developing. If either area seems lacking compared to peers, you may want to consider holding your child back a year.

Kindergarten retention isn’t an uncommon practice. All children will develop at their own rate with some being more advanced than others. Giving your child an extra year to catch up to their peers will give them a better chance at success socially and academically. First grade can wait an extra year until your child has better building blocks for the future.