Author Archives: TechNut

Online learning (or e-learning) has now become a popular way of learning a wide range of disciplines. Online courses are available to anyone with adequate access to the Internet and the right motivation to follow their passions. The rise in the popularity of online course solutions cannot be explained without concluding that they actually provide advantages and values that traditional learning institutions do not provide. The benefits of online learning can be summarized into the three following findings:   

Students learn more

According to a study from IBM, students that pursue online courses learn five times more materials than students who follow traditional methods of face-to-face learning. A major advantage of the online learning is that students can determine the learning pace by themselves. Overall, students studying online are more motivated to work through the stages of an online course than they are in other classical forms of learning. The higher degree of freedom enabled by online education means that students can progress more rapidly in the stages covering the areas they feel most comfortable with while they can choose to pause more in other online chapters that require a more in-depth learning.     

It requires a low time investment

The substantial time the traditional face-to-face courses require has turned them into unwise solutions when compared with online courses. In the later learning solutions, students do not have to wait for other students to physically arrive at a certain point in order for them to start the learning process. Also, there is no need to travel in and around the town in order to be present for certain classes or to meet with class tutors. A report from Brandon Hall that considered online learning within companies concluded that this form of learning required about 40-60 percent less employee time than its traditional counterpart. Online courses are more time efficient also during the stages of material learning. Managing the required time to master the materials offered by the course is easier online than it is in a classroom setting since the decision on when to study rests in the hands of the students.

High retention rates

Traditional course providers have significant difficulties in retaining students throughout the entire length of the course. This has not been an issue with online learning. In fact, according to a finding from the Research Institute of America (as reported by Forbes), online courses have increased student retention rates by 25 to 60 percent. This is remarkable when compared with the retention rates of only 8 to 10 percent reported in offline learning or training. The reasons for high rates of retention in e-learning can be explained by the less cases of classes clashing with other engagements and more control on how students choose to study the selected materials.

Quality over quantity

Despite the previously mentioned benefits, online courses have still a lot to improve in terms of quality and human capital gains. Furthermore, the e-learning market is so plentiful with online courses offering that it makes it very competitive. The only way for online courses to remain attractive is to differentiate themselves from other offerings. In addition, online courses such as online certified scrum product owner training are opening up new and disruptive e-learning opportunities. Software giants such as IBM are also revolutionizing the field with courses such as IBM’s Big Data University. Yet, it is up to the aspiring students to decide on their own way of learning.    

We’ve all been there, the due date on that assignment is getting closer, and you’re still staring at a blank page. There’s no need to suffer the existential dread of looming deadlines on your own. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you’re struggling with a project, or even just trying to understand a certain concept. Instead try one of these 5 free ways to get some help with your assignments.

Form a Study Group

One of the most obvious ways to get some free help on your assignment is to form a study group with your class mates. Now days, with apps like Socratic, or online communities like Cramster, you can even study together from the comfort of your bedroom (no need to hang out in the library for your whole Saturday afternoon.) Having the additional perspective and input of your peers can help you see things you might have otherwise missed, and they can serve as a second pair of eyes for editing too. 

Ask an expert online

Sometimes you need help from someone who’s a full bottle on your topic. Luckily there are plenty of services that let you ask an expert for help online, so you don’t even have to close that word document. Websites such as Quora, Fluther and Stack Exchange all provide a great place to get both general and specific advice about any topic, but there are also websites specific to academic studies, like PrestoExperts, where you can submit your question to experts trained in a particular field like law or medicine.

Sign up for some On-Campus Tutoring or get a Mentor

On-Campus tutoring or mentoring are some great ways to get additional help and guidance on your assignments from your peers or professors. Joining a tutoring group or finding a mentor in your area of study can offer help across all your studies, not just one particular class or assignment. While on-campus tutoring or mentoring might be a little more formal in structure and expectations than an informal study group, you still reap a lot of the benefits of social learning.

Check out example assignments for inspiration

A little bit of extra inspiration can go a long what when you’re writing a paper or putting the finishing touches on a critique. There are plenty of websites, like academia.edu, where people post their essays and assignments for others to read over and draw from. There are also organizations and groups dedicated to providing sample essays on a wide range of topics. Just remember to paraphrase, not plagiarize, and avoid the use of custom essay writing services.

Ask your librarian for help

Many public and academic libraries now offer an online homework help or ask a librarian service. These platforms let you speak directly with a librarian, in real-time, to get direction and assistance on your assignment. A librarian can not only direct you to the best places for your research, they can also answer your referencing questions, something that will definitely come in handy once you finish writing everything down.

In any field, planning is the initial step when looking to identify a course of action that can lead to the realization of goals and objectives. For teachers, the development of an effective lesson plan, which is a detailed description of a teacher’s course of instruction for a particular lesson, is critical for the realization of learning objectives. Lesson plans not only communicate what is to be learned, but also outline how assessments will occur, helping the instructor to organize content, time, material, assistance, and instructional strategies for the classroom. This article discusses some important considerations in the creation of an effective lesson plan.

In general, a good lesson plan starts with the determination of the topic, from which the lesson objectives and desired results are derived. The topic must be specific – i.e. it should not just be “mathematics”, but rather a sub-discipline of mathematics like algebra help, arithmetic, and so on. Here, the objectives imply the skills and knowledge that learners are expected to gain from and use upon the conclusion of the lesson. Developing clear objectives is important for effective instruction as they guide the teacher in planning the instructional activities and strategies, including the resources and materials that will support learning. To communicate to learners what is expected of them during the lesson, objectives must be specific, measurable, outcome-based, and must be shared in an accessible manner.

A critical factor in developing an effective lesson plan is the consideration of student needs and interests, especially since research shows that students have varied learning styles. As the teacher plans the lesson, it is important to consider whom the students will respond to instruction and whether the students will engage with the material. As different students learn differently, consider how you can embed technology and learning tools to optimize student learning and helping them with their path to college. Perhaps they are better taught via group activities, instruction videos, or one-on-one tutoring.

Embedding technology is another important element of effective lesson planning. Whether you are teaching students algebra or how to write an essay from scratch. Technology, in one form or another has always been an integral component of the learning and teaching environment. Here technology forms part of the professional toolbox of the teacher, from which the teacher selects the resources to facilitate learning. When choosing the right technological applications, critical considerations include not only the different learning styles of the students but also the available resources and lesson duration. Effective teachers think critically about how much time they have available for introducing new material and technology, and about what resources they can access to help in introducing the material. For certain course material, it may be justified spending significant time up front, while others are better internalized through practice, and may not need prolonged introductions.

The important role played by technology in education affords teachers a chance to create lesson plans with learning experiences in mind. As such, it is important that technology is not just used for technology’s sake, but rather to appropriately embed technology by drawing upon and expertise. Recommendations include excluding information and activities that are not directly connected to schema construction and identifying the complexity of learning materials and experience of the learners. When designing the lesson plan, consider the age of the students, links to the curriculum, the instructional content and whether the technology is engaging and interactive. Weighing these considerations will ensure that the lesson plan meets not only the needs of the instructional material but also those of the students and the teacher.

Many often wonder why good speakers are not necessarily good writers. The fact is that we all have different gifts — there are those who are adept at extemporizing witty lines, others who are better at analyzing and collecting their thoughts, while others are better at technical skills like as Android development training.

Plenty of students struggle to write well. Before trying, many of them deem themselves incapable and resort to buying essays online. But the truth is hard to swallow: anyone can be a good writer if they learn and practice. Essentially, writing is about communicating ideas. Those who possess brilliant minds are caged and limited if they cannot find a way to express their ideas.

Writing is an essential part of one’s education, so here are tips on how to become a better academic writer:

Read more scholarly articles and books

Note that writing an academic paper and a fiction novel is vastly different. While reading novels can help build up vocabulary, its structure is different from academic writing. A structure, or outline, is a general idea that tells where the story or argument is going. A logical structure that contains a thesis, explanation of important concepts and supporting ideas is imperative to good academic writing.

Scholarly articles and academic books also serve as a standard that writers can try to achieve and evaluate their work against. From vocabulary, word choice, rhythm, to grammar and punctuation, there are plenty of examples that writers can take cues from.

Know the audience and purpose of writing

Writers in academia are likely dealing with experts (teachers and professors) and others who have read extensively about the same subject. It would be different from writing to a general audience who are not at all familiar with the topic. The readers may already have expectations in mind. Academic writers have to prove their expertise on the subject, but keeping the audience in mind helps them know what material to include and how to support the argument.

Purpose of writing is another thing writers have to keep in mind. Some assignments call for extensive research and information, while others expect more stories of personal experience. This helps writers to figure out their tone — whether it should be more serious and persuasive, or light and humorous.

Ideas and supporting points come first

Writing is a learning process for writers too. Authors frequently find revelations on the subject they’re researching after writing their ideas down, organizing and analyzing them. After refining and perfecting the structure so that the argument is logically sound, add citations from reputable sources to show in-depth research and knowledge on the subject matter.

It would be unwise to get hung up on the spelling, grammar, mechanics and citation formatting in the initial stages of writing. Many sentences will be altered in the process, paragraphs moved, and phrases done away with completely. Spelling, grammar and punctuation are indeed important in academic writing, but it would be best to leave them for last, when the ideas and supporting points have been finalized.

Practice purposefully

Keeping a blog or a diary and being actively involved in forums are good ways to practice writing on a daily basis. These exercises can help writers improve structure and wordings so the message is communicated clearly to the audience. Receiving feedback, reviewing and rewriting are also part of the practice process.

In the book Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise, author K. Anders Ericsson argues that to build new skills and abilities, one has to practice purposefully. That means having well-defined, specific goals, be focused. In proving his point, Ericsson takes the example of Benjamin Franklin, who created his own writing exercises to improve the structure and logic of his writing.

Read and reread

Writers tend to think they know exactly what they’ve written and end up skimming through before finalizing their essay or article. Reading this way can cause writers to miss information gaps, as well as punctuation and spelling errors. While they might seem minor, just one mistake could confuse or frustrate the reader.

The Writing Center at The University of North Carolina recommends that writers put themselves in the reader’s position. “Instead of reading your draft as if you wrote it and know what you meant, try reading it as if you have no previous knowledge of the material. Have you explained enough? Are the connections clear?”

Some ways of doing this include taking a break and reading the paper with a fresh mind, outlining (writing down the main points of each paragraph) and reading the paper aloud. Reading the paper out loud is also a good way to catch sentence-level errors. Be sure to leave enough time to reread and revise the writing before turning it in.

The IT industry is the fastest growing industry in the world, thanks to the new advances in technology which are constantly revolutionizing the way we do business. Today we are seeing more and more companies adding a CTO, CIO, or both, to their executive lineup and analysts are predicting massive job growth thanks to the explosion of IoT.

In an industry that changes as rapidly as IT, it can seem redundant to amass qualifications which may soon be out of date. Especially when the job itself involves so much hands-on training and trouble-shooting with new tech, from the moment it’s released.

There are some certifications, however, which are worth getting under your belt.

Project Management Certifications

In-demand certifications like PRINCE2, and PMP can help you advance your career within the tech industry. For example, the PRINCE2 Foundation Certification Training provides IT professionals with the skills they’ll need in project management roles. The best thing about these certificates is that they are transferable to any industry. PRINCE2 and PMP are the most respected project management qualifications in the world, ensuring that at the end of your training you have an internationally recognized certification you can take anywhere.

ITIL

Despite the bickering over which is more valuable in the industry, ITIS or DevOps, the ITIL cert still makes it into the top paying certifications for the industry.
ITIL is a qualification specifically for IT services management, and is essentially seen as the set of best practices for this industry. ITIL Certifications are offered in a modular approach, from the foundation course, all the way up to a Master level. But even the foundation course will equip you with the knowledge necessary to maintain smooth operations of all your daily services.

CISSP

While many people will say that security certs are useless, the trend of cybercrime is up and the recent Equifax hack proves that good knowledge of security protocols and best practices are essential to protecting company and consumer data.
CISSP has the benefits of being broad, and well recognized. While it isn’t necessary for an entry-level position, after you have a couple of years of experience under your belt in the industry, a CISSP cert can better position you to stand out amongst your peers and improve your chances of promotion.

AWS

When it comes to cloud computing, Amazon’s Web Services is the best cert you can have on your CV. Whether you’re a developer, an administrator or an analyst, AWS has become the gold standard for the cloud. A recent survey of IT professionals conducted in the US and Canada showed an AWS certification could boost your salary by 26%.

If you haven’t already earned some certs, it’s never too late to start padding out your resume! According to the previously mentioned survey, IT professionals hold at least 2 certifications. It just goes to show, staying educated is the best way to stay on top of your game.

Searching for that auspicious first job after graduating is a daunting task. Even if you’ve considered and calculated every problem point in your professional journey (have all potential career paths lined up, networked, got work experience while at university, and researched the current job market), most fresh graduates seldom get exactly what they envisioned for their primary salaried role. That being said, it’s oft the strategy of newbie workers to seize the first offer that comes their way, seeing it as a stepping stone towards great things. If you don’t want to tarnish your perception of work with a poor first impression, hold out and consider these items before you sign your life away:

Your day-to-day duties

Entry level roles – for the most part – are repetitive, mundane, and limited. It is a shock for most graduates to be reduced to the level of tasks entry jobs demand, but is a vital one. Understanding that your first job will feel underwhelming is crucial, but that shouldn’t mean you accept a role regardless of your duties. Before signing that scroll, read and re-read your job description; make notes of what you like and, if you’re brave, let the hiring manager know if there are any additional roles you’d like to see included – i.e., if you’re a digital marketer, filling out and designing a newsletter.

Location

Not all of us have the luxury of working close to home, but it’s something you should fight for if you’re concerned about wasting time and energy commuting. For graduates, location tends to be a transient state; most graduates live away from home with the aim of moving back in with their family after, while others float in a state of limbo preparing to move for a role they find. For both cases, it’s important to consider roles that make commuting as facile as possible. Research accommodation/living costs – different areas have different costs, even within the same city. Do you require a car to get to your office, or is there adequate public transport? Most companies have salaries that reflect the costs of living and working in their area, however, for entry level this may not be enough to comfortably live on.

Company type and size

There’s no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to company type and culture. Many graduates aspire to white-collar jobs in established, franchised companies, but forget the bountiful professional perks of working in a startup and SME. Each company type has pros and cons – it’s vital that you outline what you want out of a company before committing to any one type.

Personal development

Leading on from company types and their respective perks, finding a company that appreciates and can further your professional and personal development is key. You want to avoid entering into a position that will treat you as a glorified intern where you complete remedial work day in day out (think HR administrator with no HR software). Make sure your employer has internal or external training regimes in mind, and that your role teaches you about the industry or position you wish to fulfil in future.

Benefits

What benefits are available in your potential future company should be considered, particularly if there are benefits that accumulate as time goes on – i.e., pensions, or gratuity. What kind of health insurance are they offering (is there maternity insurance coverage?), are they quite tech-savvy (have they got cloud HR software rolling around) and are there opportunities throughout your careers to train, grow and, perhaps, change roles? While some companies may have less than appealing starter salaries, the rewards for staying with them and growing are numerous, so always consider their long-term potential.

Hours

The hours you will be expected to work vary massively from company to company. For individuals looking to balance their work/life schedule (Millennials and Centennials in particular) it’s important to double check on your hours and their flexibility. Does your office offer work from home alternatives? Will you be expected to complete overtime or handle shifts – and how will that impact your ability to get home (should you use public transport).

A Biology major can prepare students for a variety of health-related careers, but because the subject is extremely broad, the subject is applicable in a wide range of professions outside the health sector. Below is a list of options for Biology students:

Nutritionist

The epidemic of lifestyle-related diseases has prompted many to seek advice from nutritionists. With heart disease being the leading cause of death and obesity a growing issue in the country, the guide that nutritionists give to their patients toward behavior changes can be helpful as preventative measures or to simply improve one’s health. Biology graduates can apply the scientific knowledge of the human body and its environment as nutritionists in educating people about the food they eat and how it impacts their health, communities and ecosystems. Many nutritionists are self-employed, but certain positions require certifications and postgraduate study.

Genetic Counselor

Biology is an excellent major for those looking to pursue a career in genetic counseling. The practice is being increasingly sought after as more and more people become interested in looking into their ancestry and find out about their particular genetic health risks. Aside from providing factual information, the role of a genetic counselor is to give emotional support to individuals who have been diagnosed with a genetically-inherited illness, or who are at risk for developing a disease. Because of this, a strong background in psychology or counseling is preferred by graduate programs. Genetic counselors might also work with those who are planning a pregnancy and are concerned about their baby’s risk for birth defects.

Entomologist

Entomology is the study insects, their environments and their behaviors through observational, experimental, chemical and genetic techniques, but the importance of its research goes beyond the diverse group of animals on earth and is critical to human lives. Entomologists make great contributions to fields such as health, agriculture, chemistry, biology, and forensics. Finding cures to serious diseases spread by insects require understanding of insect biology, for example. And agricultural entomologists may develop new types of integrated pest management that uses some species to control others, reducing the need for pesticides or conventional roach killers.

Lawyer

Being a lawyer doesn’t sound like a likely path for science majors, but the scientific knowledge and reasoning from subjects like Biology are pertinent in some legal fields. Medical malpractice lawyers, for example, need to analyze medical interventions to judge whether health professionals have acted correctly and ethically. The same goes for litigation and criminal lawyers who need to gather evidence to test a hypothesis. Patent and intellectual property lawyers also need to understand the science behind biotechnological products, drugs and medical instruments in order to process applications for patents and defend client infringment. Biology majors who are particularly passionate about the environment can work as an environmental lawyer with their scientific understanding of how the ecosystem will be impacted by certain projects or policies.

Health Educator

Health educators develop health education programs that teach people how to maximize their wellness and promote healthy behaviors. Like biology majors, they write about scientific topics like nutrition, safe sex, substance and stress reduction. Biology graduates who are interested in working with people and have strong written communication skills can use their scientific knowledge from biology as health educators to digest information and research about public health concerns.

Conservation Scientist

Our natural resoures today are being used up at an alarming rate. The future lies in our willingness to invest in discovering newer and more efficient resources that will be sustainable in the long run. Biology graduates who enjoy applying their skills outside the classroom might be interested in becoming a conservation scientist who spend a lot of time in the field. Many of them work with government or environmental agencies managing the overall land quality of natural resources.

Studying in a foreign university or college heralds a life-changing experience. It’s an exciting adventure that will open up new possibilities and help you to grow as a smarter and more mature individual. Studying abroad is an elaborate process. There is a multitude of things that you must take care of to ensure a stress-free move. Here’s 9 things you need to know before you study abroad:

1. Get a comparative study on 5-6 universities

Don’t just focus on one university as it will only cut down your opportunities to study abroad. Proceed with a shortlist of at least 5-6 universities. Make sure the institutions host your desired course or stream. Read about their faculties and alumni. Get a thorough study on their rules and regulations regarding applying to college. If you meet the eligibility criteria in all the shortlisted university, you should send your application to all those institutions.

2. Check for a scholarship program

Studying abroad can be very expensive depending on your destination. You should check out the scholarship opportunities offered by your chosen university for foreign students. Your chosen university should promise a neutral and judicious scholarship where financially needy and meritorious students are given priority.

3. Arrange the required paperwork

Make sure you have all essential documents for travel, including your passport and visa. Check beforehand the eligibility criteria and required documents to pass the visa interview.

4. Consult a senior studying abroad

Do you have a senior studying in your chosen international university? You should request them to extend you information about the university and life overall there. He or she can offer you valuable advice on accommodation, living costs and standards, which will make your life much easier upon arrival.

5. Inform your doctor

Inform your family physician about your plans to study abroad. It’s especially important if you are currently under medication. Your doctor will suggest tips on taking care of your current health situation and overall wellness when you are staying alone abroad. He will also inform you about all necessary immunizations and vaccinations you need to take before boarding the flight.

6. Don’t skip medical insurance

You need to arrange medical insurance before studying abroad abroad. It will take care of all urgent medical expenses in your destination country, which is vital if things get serious.

7. Get the contact number of your country’s embassy

This is another crucial tip you should keep in mind while studying abroad. If an emergency strikes you should contact your national embassy.

8. Carry original documents, not just photocopies

You need to carry original documents (passport, visa etc.) with you as you board the. This is important in the case of an emergency.

9. Don’t carry valuables abroad

Do not bring overly valuable items abroad. Thieves and burglars are always on the lookout in certain countries. Flashy apparel and expensive items will only attract their attention.

All the best for your new journey.

Applying to college can be tedious. What differentiates a candidate that is accepted to one that is declined, is a great college application essay. The essay is the most complex component of the application process, and is what remains between you and admission to your dream colleges.

Here are some tips to write a great college application essay to stand out from the crowd:

1.     Plan your application

Think about how you would string your points together in a cohesive flow. At this point you can further organize your thoughts into an outline format that can help to gather your thoughts and the argument of the essay as a whole to convince the university admission office to accept you. It is important not to get into too much detail – writing keywords and phrases are the best solution. Highlight your strengths.

2.     Choose a topic that highlights your story

Share your personal story and thoughts in your personal statement. It is useful to take a creative approach and highlight areas that aren’t covered in other parts of the application, like your high school records. It may help to treat the college application like a job application, and writing your cover letter.

3.     Create a compelling introduction

Condense what you’re trying to say into a short introduction. Your first few sentences should be an ‘Elevator Pitch’ style summary of your essay. should be interested in it. Your introduction for your essay should sell the idea of it to a reader, leaving them wanting to read the essay in question.

4.     Be original

Top competitive colleges are looking for originality and quality. The application essay is an opportunity to impress an admissions officer with your determination and knowledge of your chosen subject. It should reflect your skills and ambitions, and highlight how your chosen program will help you achieve future goals. Don’t rely on phrases or ideas that people have used many times before. Statements like “I am passionate about helping people in poverty” are generic and should be avoided. If you are passionate about this, delve into why, or your own personal experience that brought you on this path. Whilst you want to maintain originality and showcase your own personal flair, avoid formal language as it can begin to sound monotonous.

5.     Proofread your application and ensure that it flows well

Check the order of your paragraphs and ensure that your strongest points and ensure that your paragraph order makes sense. Reread your essay and check to see if it makes sense. Make sure that sentence flow is smooth and add phrases to help connect thoughts or ideas. On the other hand, remove sentences that do not add value to your application – you want to demonstrate the ability to hold-back. Finally, check your application for grammar and spelling mistakes.

Although the college application process can seem challenging, good preparation will ensure you have the best chance at receiving an offer from your dream university. Good luck!

Teaching must be one of the stress-free professions. Teachers get to instill knowledge in their students, give advice to those who need it, and mold students to become useful people of the society. Moreover, they get to have holidays when school is out of session during times like spring break, long holidays, and summer. Unlike other jobs, teachers do not have to stay at work late or over the weekends if they do not have to. Thus the question, does the teaching profession deserve long holidays? Can they do anything to improve the curriculum and their teaching methods instead of taking long breaks when the students are not around?

Teachers deserve a break from school despite the flexible hours and other privileges that come with the job. Their job can be stressful, especially for schools that have a high teacher to student ratio. Teachers consistently hear the same things from their students: “can I add you on social media“, “can you help me with this maths problem” or that chemistry equation. In such cases, the teachers have to ensure that all their students obtain a quality education. The profession involves more than just learning. Teaching includes providing an advisory role to the students, molding them to meet their potential, and offer assistance to the students who need it. A teacher is a mentor to the student. The society expects a certain standard from teachers since they spend a lot of time with their children. Therefore, teachers deserve an extended holiday to relax and enjoy themselves outside their profession.

Lack of long holidays can lead to burn out. A teacher’s routine is similar term after term, year after year. They teach the same things to different students every year. Their job is more or less the same every school period. The long breaks give teachers a chance to recuperate. They need the breaks to relax after achieving their teaching objectives and meeting the curricular goals. They need time to themselves where they can focus on their hobbies and interests away from school.

The breaks are good since they get to come up with need teaching ideas away from the monotonous routines. Some schools use the holidays to conduct team building exercises, training, and revamping the curriculum and school routines. In a way, long holidays for teachers are beneficial to the teachers and students. The students obtain quality service after the teachers have taken time off. The teachers go back to school reenergized to face a new academic year or term. The breaks enable them to reconnect with the students and provide the best service.

Therefore, it is wrong to question whether teachers deserve long breaks. They deserve the holidays. Why should teachers remain in school when the students have closed? Stating that teachers should stay in school during the holidays after accomplishing the teaching objectives is unfair and pointless. The breaks benefit the teachers, students, and the society. The students get to learn from a well rested and rejuvenated faculty thus obtaining a quality education. Additionally, the breaks give the teachers a chance to invest in themselves. Long holidays is part of the job description thus should be embraced as such.