2012 Mayan Mysteries

Author: Ernie Fitzpatrick

No one knows for sure how the Mayans developed their calendar and had such incredible insights into the galaxy and universe. There are some simple techniques that could lead them to some conclusions without telescopes or computers; however, there are other things that they knew that only some connection with the divine could know.

What did they know, when did they know it, and most importantly HOW did they know?

The Mayans knew the ecliptic path of the constellations, the timing of solstices, equinoxes, and zenith passage of the sun, solar sun spot cycles, the exact length of a solar year, length of precession, wobble and tilt of the earth, and so much more than our scientific community has only recently discovered.

Who of you that are reading this even know what the above paragraph is saying? :-)

Many have theorized that with crossed sticks, line of sight reasoning, and five hundred pus years of observation that "some things" could be deduced. But, how could they know abut the earth's position in the galaxy? Explain that one with sticks and stuff. N line of sight from the earth can reveal such information.

So, was it what they were smoking? Was it the peyote cactus, the smoked mushrooms, and the other hallucinogenic plants that were in abundance? How were their shamans able to conduct psychic surgery and other healing rites? Were their ceremonial trances somehow open portals to the divine causeway? Did they have an understanding of divine cosmic energy that we've yet to discover?

We may never know the answers and then again, we may in the next few years as some of the 400 Mayan elders begin to release hithertofore unknown books that have remain hidden: only to be released before 12.212012. We can blow off such indigenous tribes as the Mayans but they are only ONE of the dozens of historical cultures that have given us warnings about December 21, 2012, or the period around that date.

The Mayan mysteries will remain as such for at least a few more years, or maybe months!

About the Author:

As a spiritual-futurist, I have a BA degree majoring in history. One cannot know the future without knowing the past which holds clues to what is on the horizon. The world is in such a rapid expansion of knowledge that we are close to entering a tipping point that will forever change earth as we know it.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 2012 Mayan Mysteries

How To Find The Best Deal On Student Health Insurance

Author: Sandra Cohen

Being a student provides you with many options in medical plans. You can stay on your parents' plan, take advantage of the COBRA healthcare program, or you can pay for short-term or long-term coverage yourself. Being young and healthy, you may feel that cheap student health insurance is unnecessary, but you couldn't be more wrong.

Why You Should Invest In Health Insurance

The bottom line is all about health and money. It may be easy to dismiss the possibility of requiring medical services, but accidents and illnesses do happen. A trip to the emergency room averages $3,300. As a college student with limited resources, this could be financially devastating, especially if your injury keeps you from working for any period of time. Cheap health insurance can save you more than you think.

Studies have shown that those without a medical plan are 40% more likely to be hospitalized for avoidable conditions than are those who have invested in cheap medical insurance. The reason is simple. If you have a medical insurance and see a doctor regularly, conditions are diagnosed in early stages and are easier to treat. Delaying treatment of even the most trivial injuries or illnesses can be a fatal decision.

Evaluate Your Medical Plan Options

Your first healthcare option, if you are aged 19 to 25 and enrolled in school, is to stay on your parents' medical plan. It is important that you and your parents verify through the insurance agent that you are covered. If you are not in school or if you are over the age of 25, you may need to use COBRA to maintain coverage on your parents' plan. COBRA, or the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, may permit you to continue receiving benefits under your parents' medical plan so long as certain conditions are met. In both of these cases, cheap health insurance is easy.

Many colleges and universities offer health insurance to students. If you are unable to continue under your parents' plan, this is a good place to look for short-term health insurance coverage. Many college students wrongfully assume that they will automatically receive medical benefits under a group medical plan once they join the work force. Even if medical benefits are offered, they generally do not become active until after you have worked for a specified period of time, usually 90 days. It is to your advantage to invest in short-term, cheap health insurance until you are fully covered under a medical plan elsewhere.

Making The Best Possible Health Insurance Decision

Many independent health insurance providers offer both short and long-term health insurance policies. Different plans have different advantages and disadvantages, such as which doctors you can visit, whether or not you need a referral to see a specialist and the amount of your copayment. You can significantly reduce your premiums by opting for a high deductible. You must pay this amount before the insurance benefits begin. Be sure to consider several 'what if' situations to determine the best health insurance and deductible for your personal situation.

Whether you are able to stay on your parents' policy or not, their insurance agent can be a wealth of information and it doesn't cost anything to ask questions about your options. Failing to get cheap health insurance can cost you a lot more than money.

About the Author:

Christine O'Kelly is a contributor writer for Health Insurance Finders. She conducts in depth research on topics such as Individual health insurance, Student health insurance, Group health insurance and Medicare Supplemental Insurance. Health Insurance Finders is committed to help the consumer find the most appropriate medical insurance plan that best fit their needs.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How To Find The Best Deal On Student Health Insurance

Students and the Economy Today

Author: Tom Tessin

Over the past few years many downfalls has beset college students slowing down the process and even causing a lot of drop outs. One of the major things that our young people have had to face is the problems in the Middle East. Many of our young people were ask and they elected to go abroad and help during the crisis that we have been having in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of these young people have lost their lives while others have been faced with total disabilities that prevented them from going to college when they returned home.



The cost of tuition to attend college has been a major deterrent that stopped many young people from going to college. Unfortunately, the job market has been very bad which prevents our younger people from going to college. Many lay-offs and downsizing in major corporations of executives has made many of our young people wonder if they want to go to college to become accountants, architects, account executives etc. Is it any wonder with all the major problems that the ones who now hold the position that younger people find they do no longer want to go in the business world?



Many other positions are opening which makes it better for those who want to attend college. The field of medicines is one that has many openings while some of the fields in business are phasing out which makes many changes in the courses that colleges are now offering. President Obama's stimulus package has promised that college students will not be forgotten with his intentions to help the student as well as the colleges to get back on their feet it is a matter of time before we can really tell what will happen.



College students feel the crunch of our failing economy with the cost of attending school without as much help as they have had in the past. Now that the promise of more grants from the government many students are taking a new interest in some of those careers that are offered by the local community colleges as well as Universities. New students are very interested in finding a career that will last and with the help that is offered they feel that it is possible. Many college students who have felt the crunch in the past now feel that they are on the road to recovery with the aid of the government.



As the economy goes on, it just works in cycle and sooner or later, you'll find that the banks are willing to lend again, colleges will drop prices and everyone around you will be hiring once again. This is just how our world works. If it makes you feel any better, many experts believe that we will never see a time like this again in our lifetime and it could only happen every few hundred years. As America learns from their mistakes, so do we. The economy will hurt us for now but let's hope it gets better.

About the Author:
Are you a student looking to build credit? If so, find more of my work and find applications all at FINDcollegecards.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/students-and-the-economy-today-828031.html

A Basic Wine Education

Author: Joey Pebble

Wine is an ancient alcoholic beverage which has been consumed by humans for as much as the last 8000 years. It is most often made from various types of fermented grape juice, although you can make wine by fermenting other foods such as fruits, barley, ginger, and rice. These wines are distinguished from the grape beverage by their names which are derived from the substance used; for example barley wine, or strawberry wine.

Grapes earn the distinction of becoming "just wine" due to the fact that their chemical balance naturally allows them to ferment without the addition of acids, sugars, or enzymes.

Non grape wines earn the "wine" label due more to the fact that they have a higher alcohol content than beer, rather than due to the manufacturing process which is used to produce them.

Wine is made when crushed grapes are fermented using yeast. The yeast eats the sugar in the grapes and converts it into alcohol. The type of yeast used, as well as the type of grape fermented, will depend on the style and brand of wine that is being manufactured. Various ingredients can result in strikingly different wine tastes.

Etymologically the word wine is derived from a number of proto-european sources including the proto-germnanic word "winam" and the proto-indo European word "win-o". The direct root for the word, the Latin "vinum" is probably a derivation of one of these older words, although there are sources which cite similar labels for the beverage across the Eurasian landscape.

Wine is thought to have originated around roughly 6000 BC near modern day Georgia and Iran. It is estimated that it reached the European mainland somewhere around Greece by the year 4500 BC. At that point it became very important in ancient Greek and classical cultures, and began to spread throughout the world.

About the Author:

This article was written by style philosopher Joey Pebble. If you are looking for an attractive, elegant, and affordable way to show off your distinct tastes, then consider a set of natural stone beverage coasters. They are elegant, refined, and sophisticated, as well as being functionally absorbent to protect your prized possessions.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wines-and-spirits-articles/a-basic-wine-education-799720.html

Writing Fiction In The Present Tense

Author: David Bowman

Most fiction authors write in the past tense. They tell readers what happened. This is as if the author says, "I see the events in my mind, and I’m writing about what I saw." Very few fictional books are written in the present tense.

One reason for this is that writing in the present tense provides serious challenges to the author: maintaining perspective, introducing prior events, and filtering the stream of consciousness.

Below, we discuss these challenges and provide an example of present-tense writing done well.

1. Maintaining Perspective:
Well-written scenes have only one perspective. As readers, our focus is on one character, and the scene is described through that character’s experiences. Usually, the focus will be on the protagonist. We perceive the scene through that character. However, that scene can be described again from another character’s experience. This is possible because the scene is written in the past tense. We already know that it has happened.

When writing in the present tense, the events have an immediacy that makes this difficult. We read about what is happening at the moment, not about what already happened. This limits the author’s ability to show events from multiple perspectives because when the perspective shifts, the events already occurred. As such, when the perspective changes, the author continues to show what is now happening but through a different perspective. The author keeps the readers in the "now." This can be a powerful tool for keeping the reader engaged in the story, but it is difficult to accomplish.

2. Introducing Prior Events:
Events do happen prior to the current experience, and describing them in a present-tense story requires a shift to the past tense. However, the author may need to include those events to help the reader understand the present experience or to provide the motivation for a character’s actions and thoughts. This is difficult to accomplish. The author must make these time shifts smoothly, without losing the present-tense perspective and without making the reader wonder when the event is taking place. The author has to separate present and past tense without damaging the readers’ engagement in the present tense events.

3. Filtering the Stream of Consciousness:
The human brain is always thinking, which means that the character on whom we are focused is having many thoughts. Some may be repetitions, some may be revisions of prior thoughts, and some may be off topic completely. Some will be new and relevant to the experience the character is having.

The challenge to the author is identifying the thoughts that are relevant and necessary to the story without creating gaps in the character’s consciousness. Shifting between a description of thoughts to description of physical activities and environment will help, but as with introducing prior events, this can be difficult. While we are reading the character’s thoughts and feelings in the present tense, other actions and events are occurring. Thus, when the author "leaves the character’s mind" and returns to the "real world," he cannot go back to describe what has happened in the meantime. So the second part of this challenge is to ensure that the reader doesn’t miss critical events.

An Example of Present Tense Fiction:
Robert Silverberg, winner of multiple Nebula and Hugo awards, uses the present tense very effectively in Starborne. This is the story of 50 people traveling across the universe through "nospace" to find a new planetary home. Obviously, it is science fiction.

Here’s a quip from the book that addresses the second and third challenges:

"The year-captain wonders whether everyone aboard, one by one, is about to undergo some maddening transformation for the worse. Already Noelle is losing the ability to communicate with her sister on Earth; the blunt and straightforward Sieglinde has unsettlingly chosen to challenge the reliability of the theorems that she herself helped to write; and now the easygoing and irreverent Heinz is tiresomely eager to explain the year-captain’s own responsibilities to him. What next? What next, he wonders."

Science fiction may not be your preferred genre, but this novel is worth reading if you intend to write in the present tense and are unsure about how to do it well. Find it in a bookstore, sit in a chair, and read the first couple chapters, at least. Study how Silverberg resolves the three challenges noted above.

We have a variety of editorial services for authors that will help you prepare your manuscript, but reading and studying Starborne will give you a good start.

About the Author:

David Bowman is the Owner and Chief Editor of Precise Edit, a comprehensive editing, proofreading, and document analysis service for authors, students, and businesses. Precise Edit also offers a variety of other services, such as translation, transcription, and website development.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/writing-articles/writing-fiction-in-the-present-tense-788122.html

Pros and Cons of School Uniforms

Author: Isaac Grauke

We have worked with schools across the United States, and
believe us, you are not the only person asking this question!
The answers that we have heard from our customers are as varied
as our customers are. The debate over school uniforms is
complicated, so we've included highlights from both sides for
you to consider:

Professional:

Some say that a child in a school uniform is more likely to take
school seriously. Putting on the school uniform signals he or
she is going to school just like dad dresses up to go to work.
Schools report that when students dress in "work clothes" rather
than "play clothes" they take a more serious approach to their
studies.

Promotes Good Discipline:

Many think that school uniforms help maintain school discipline,
decreasing the amount of discipline problems. The argument is
that children today are lacking in self-discipline because
parents refuse to discipline them. This makes it more difficult
on the teacher who has to deal with classes of 25-30 students at
a time.

Reduces Fighting and Violence:

Schools report that school uniforms decrease fighting and
violence that arrise out of arguments over fashionable clothes.
Children invariably tease those who do not have trendy clothes.
Those who can't afford name brand clothes are often sensitive
about their clothing. Schools struggling with gang problems
report that school uniforms help ease tensions.

Distractions:

Many parents believe that students wearing school uniforms look
nicer and that a school uniform policy ensures that children
will come to school in appropriate clothing, avoiding
distractions such as fads considered to be outlandish or overly
revealing. Some students have turned school into an unending
fashion show. This disctracts from learning, as some kids spend
more time focused on thier clothes than on homework.

Values:

School uniforms stress that individuality and self-expression
are not determined by designer clothing or the latest fashion
fad.

Low Cost:

School uniforms are a bargain. They are becoming far less
expensive than many other clothes. Schools argue that school
uniforms are economical, especially compared to designer
clothing, and parents agree given school uniform durability.
They say school uniforms last longer because they are made for
repeated wash and wear. Many schools capitalize on this by
starting used school uniform stores or swap meets. Parents can
get used school uniforms at discount prices, or just use them as
hand-me-downs between siblings.

School Spirit:

Some feel wearing a school uniform helps build school spirit. It
instills a feeling of belonging. As the Beach Boys said, "Be
true to your school." Schools report an increase in school pride.

Individuality:

Supressing individuality is the most commonly cited objection to
school uniforms. Educators argue that an academic program
encouraging students to pursue individual thought is much more
important than what they wear. They inhibit creativity and
self-expression, forcing students to conform.

Causes Discipline Problems:

Some students reject any rules. Forcing them to wear school
uniforms only aggravates their rebelious spirit. They alter
their school uniform by tightening, widening, shortening, or
lengthening them, and teachers are given the impossible task of
policing the students on a daily basis.

Little or No Relationship to Academics:

Opponents insist that their is no credible evidence that school
uniforms improve school discipline or promote higher academic
acheivement. The principal argument is that some great students
are terrible dressers. Dress does not necessarily improve
learning.

About the Author:
Isaac Grauke is manager of sales and marketing for Hall Closet
Uniforms and Apparel, http://www.hallclosetuniforms.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/pros-and-cons-of-school-uniforms-182.html

Online Education: Major Challenges Faced by Online Students

Author: Jitendra Sethi

With the rise in popularity of e-learning come some unique challenges not extant with more traditional classrooms. Students need to be aware of the differences between online and traditional classes and be prepared to make the necessary adjustments. Significant challenges faced by online students include the following:

- Technical problems. Computer hardware and peripheral devices such as printers, modems and routers are not indestructible; as with any other man-made device, they can break down or malfunction at the most inopportune time. In addition to equipment failure, an older computer may be incompatible with some software required for the course. For more details visit to www.guardadsense.com .Viruses, Trojans, spy ware and other malaria could infect a computer, causing it to run poorly or not at all. A slow internet connection might cause problems logging into class, retrieving and submitting assignments, and posting to threaded discussions. Any of these problems could cause a great deal of frustration for the student trying to complete course assignments. Therefore, it is important for the student to have access to a backup computer to use in case of equipment malfunction.

- Staying motivated. Going to school always requires a certain level of motivation from a student regardless of whether it’s a "bricks-and-mortar" institution or online class. In a traditional classroom setting, a student has live, face-to-face interaction with the instructor and fellow students -- a camaraderie that may help boost enthusiasm and motivation for the course. In an internet-based class however, there is no live contact with instructor and classmates -- the student works alone in a virtual environment. This lack of live contact may lead to a feeling of isolation, and make it difficult for a student without a high internal commitment or personal drive to stay motivated during the course.

- Self-discipline. As with motivation, a student needs good self-discipline to succeed online. The freedom and flexibility of e-learning is what's so attractive to many people. There's no obligation to login to class at any particular time or place -- you can go to class and do your assignments whenever it's convenient for you. However, this same freedom can lead to procrastination, and cause the unwary or undisciplined student to fall behind in his assignments. Once behind, it can be difficult to catch up.

- It's difficult to improve oral communication skills. There are many classes such as speech, drama, debate, teacher education and so forth that require the student to make oral presentations in front of a group of people .To know more logon to www.instant-adsense-dollars.com .With online courses this is not practical, as the classroom is virtual, and the students are not all gathered together at one time in one room. A student wishing to improve oral communication skills may need to take these classes in a traditional classroom course.

- Classes with lab or hands-on requirements may not be available online. If a lab course cannot be simulated or practically offered online, a student will need to take the course at a local college campus or other location with the necessary facilities for completing the course work.

Students considering taking online courses need to be aware of these and other challenges, and be prepared to meet them in order to be successful online. If any challenge seems insurmountable, the student should reconsider the online option and perhaps take a traditional ground-based course instead.

About the Author:

www.greateducationonline.com




www.forum-marketing-videos.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/online-business-articles/online-education-major-challenges-faced-by-online-students-762613.html

Some Interesting Acupuncture Schools Faqs

Author: Malc Moore
In today\'s world, children are often asked what they\'d like to be when they grow up. The career possibilities available to young and old people alike are vast, and there are many different areas of opportunity that wouldn\'t even have been considered fifty years ago. Gone are the days where children followed in their parents\' footsteps, taking over the family business. Now, individuals can be anything they\'d like to be.

Acupuncture is a growing technique and its practice can definitely be added to the career choices of youths today. So when thinking about a career a young person may want to choose to go to one of the acupuncture schools to learn to be an acupuncturist, alternatively they may choose a healing school to learn alternative medicine.

In the last few years, there has been a great increase in the interest in complimentary medicine, and learning how to practice it by enrolling in healing schools or acupuncture schools. For some people, like sports trainers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and even nurses, getting training at one of the acupuncture schools is a way to supplement the regular health regime.

Social workers and mental health professionals are also looking into the psychological aspect of using acupuncture on certain patients. It is believed that acupuncture can relieve many of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, and even depression. They will teach you at most acupuncture schools that acupuncture is a great means of connecting the mind and body together to find a balance. It is this balance that makes it so appealing to many individuals across the globe.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) is a billion dollar industry. It is expected to double in size within the next twenty years, as more and more people turn to acupuncture to deal with health and mental issues in a different, more naturalistic way. When more people begin to request a certain service like acupuncture, this leads to an increased need for more practitioners. In the United States, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires that a acupuncturist be licensed and trained, so training at one of the good acupuncture schools would be a wise decision for sure.

This training is actually quite extensive and can take many years, definitely not as easy as running down to the local city hall and picking up a piece of paper. It is this training that teaches the student how to identify the patient\'s problem, suggest a treatment plan, and then begin the process of treating the issue.

When choosing one of the acupuncture schools to learn to become a licensed and trained acupuncturist, it is important to check on a few things. The first is the length of the course, and the amount of information covered. The second is if there is practical field work, essential to learning the actual hands-on material of acupuncture. The third is to check if it is one of accredited acupuncture schools. There is not much use in going to school for a long time only to find out that the school is not accredited. Acupuncture as a career might not be for everyone, but it is definitely a consideration with today\'s booming health field careers. Check it out and you might find it surprisingly interesting.About the Author:

For lots more about acupuncture schools and about becoming an acupuncturist check out our web site www.ecoholistic.com .

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/some-interesting-acupuncture-schools-faqs-759688.html

Some Interesting Acupuncture Schools Faqs

Author: Malc Moore
In today\'s world, children are often asked what they\'d like to be when they grow up. The career possibilities available to young and old people alike are vast, and there are many different areas of opportunity that wouldn\'t even have been considered fifty years ago. Gone are the days where children followed in their parents\' footsteps, taking over the family business. Now, individuals can be anything they\'d like to be.

Acupuncture is a growing technique and its practice can definitely be added to the career choices of youths today. So when thinking about a career a young person may want to choose to go to one of the acupuncture schools to learn to be an acupuncturist, alternatively they may choose a healing school to learn alternative medicine.

In the last few years, there has been a great increase in the interest in complimentary medicine, and learning how to practice it by enrolling in healing schools or acupuncture schools. For some people, like sports trainers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and even nurses, getting training at one of the acupuncture schools is a way to supplement the regular health regime.

Social workers and mental health professionals are also looking into the psychological aspect of using acupuncture on certain patients. It is believed that acupuncture can relieve many of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, and even depression. They will teach you at most acupuncture schools that acupuncture is a great means of connecting the mind and body together to find a balance. It is this balance that makes it so appealing to many individuals across the globe.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) is a billion dollar industry. It is expected to double in size within the next twenty years, as more and more people turn to acupuncture to deal with health and mental issues in a different, more naturalistic way. When more people begin to request a certain service like acupuncture, this leads to an increased need for more practitioners. In the United States, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires that a acupuncturist be licensed and trained, so training at one of the good acupuncture schools would be a wise decision for sure.

This training is actually quite extensive and can take many years, definitely not as easy as running down to the local city hall and picking up a piece of paper. It is this training that teaches the student how to identify the patient\'s problem, suggest a treatment plan, and then begin the process of treating the issue.

When choosing one of the acupuncture schools to learn to become a licensed and trained acupuncturist, it is important to check on a few things. The first is the length of the course, and the amount of information covered. The second is if there is practical field work, essential to learning the actual hands-on material of acupuncture. The third is to check if it is one of accredited acupuncture schools. There is not much use in going to school for a long time only to find out that the school is not accredited. Acupuncture as a career might not be for everyone, but it is definitely a consideration with today\'s booming health field careers. Check it out and you might find it surprisingly interesting.About the Author:

For lots more about acupuncture schools and about becoming an acupuncturist check out our web site www.ecoholistic.com .

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/some-interesting-acupuncture-schools-faqs-759688.html

Higher Education Sized to Fit

What is the most important thing you should know before selecting a degree program? Your self. Understanding your own learning style will help you select a program that suits you-making the journey toward a higher degree more profitable and pleasurable.

Universities have responded to the need for flexibility, portability and convenience by responding to different learning styles. Working adults can earn bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from local, regional and national universities-by attending day school, night school, weekend programs, online and blended programs.

The point is: the 'college experience' now runs the gamut from day classes on campus to online courserooms that let you log in from home or a post in the Middle East. To make the most of the educational experience, choose wisely.

Consider the following before you select a university:

1.
Are you a visual or auditory learner? Visual learners: About 40 percent of students are visual learners. If you are a visual learner, you learn best with the help of written words, pictures, diagrams, films, and demonstrations. You prefer visual stimuli and may have trouble concentrating in a noisy environment. Consider online education.

Auditory learners: If you are an auditory learner, you prefer listening to seeing, would rather give an oral report than a written one, and are better at following spoken rather than written directions. Check out on-campus programs.

2.
Does frequent interaction with your peers inspire you to higher performance? This is a tricky question. What does interaction look like to you? Does it mean being in the same room with your classmates? And if so, are you really conversing with other students or simply listening to a lecture together? Do you desire interaction that will improve your mastery of the subject matter? Interaction in both on-campus and online courserooms can be robust-often depending on the style and skill of the instructor. One significant difference in online courserooms is that mastery of the subject is typically demonstrated through writing rather than tests. During your tenure in the course, you'll have the opportunity to see other students'
best thinking in writing; this level of interaction often greatly enhances learning.

3.
Where will education fit best into your schedule? Nearly half of all grad students enroll between ages 24 and 35 and one-quarter start at age 36 or older. About a third of grad students are rearing children. In other words, the 'average' student these days has lots of obligations.

For students with lots of activities in addition to work, a university that flexes to the student's schedule may be the number one requirement. Onlineeducation gives students round-the-clock access to the tools and content of the course. On the other hand, if you're a student who prefers to build your schedule around a twice-a-week course, on-campus learning may be for you.

An expert opinion

Virginia College Online President Stanley Banks suggests students consider the following when deciding which learning model is right: If you enjoy test-taking, live discussions, and face time with your professor and peers as stimulus to manage your time and get your work done-you're probably a candidate for on-campus learning.


If you are a self-disciplined, self-motivated learner, prefer communicating through writing and desire learning through the writing of other students, online education may be the ideal solution for you. If you see yourself in both camps, try a blended model of on campus and online learning.

For more information or help deciding your best course of action, contact the Admissions Department at Virginia College Online at 888-827-7770 or visit Virginia College Online at www.vconline.edu

Top 5 GED Study Secrets

The 39 million adult Americans who have no high school degree earn lower wages and aren't eligible for many career and educational opportunities. That's why more than 800,000 people take the GED each year. Unfortunately, many of them don't pass on their first try. Adults who need a GED probably never acquired good study skills, and learning on your own can be very challenging if you never graduated high school. Here are five simple study secrets that can help anyone learn:


1. Know what you don't know.

If you don't know what areas you need to study, you waste a lot of time and energy. By taking a GED practice test as a first step in studying for the GED, you can better understand what you need to learn. Keeping track of what questions were difficult and understanding your GED score can help you plan what you need to study.

2. Apply what you study.

Reading a textbook is not an efficient way to learn. Many learners don’t know how to absorb all the information in a book. By applying what you're studying to real-life situations and problems, you will retain the knowledge and be able to use it on a test. Try using what you’re learning in your life, using math at the supermarket or applying social studies ideas to things in the news. If we don't use knowledge, it doesn't mean anything to us. Imagine learning to drive a car from a book. It wouldn't work. You need to get behind the wheel.


3. Focus on thinking skills.

While the GED tests basic reading, writing, and math skills, the focus is not on memorizing facts or equations. The GED is designed to test your ability to solve problems, evaluate situations, and analyze information. Hone your thinking skills in these areas by learning about inferences, evaluation, and analysis. Thinking critically and clearly will help with every area of the GED.

4. Manage your time.

Set aside a small amount of time every day to study, and study one subject at a time. Don't try to learn everything all at once. You need time to absorb information. A half an hour of study time every night will give you better, faster results than a cramming session before the exam. Start with the easiest material first, so that you can get some of the tests out of the way.

5. Assess your progress.

As you're studying, continue to test yourself to track your progress and see how you're doing. GED practice questions are the best way to test how you’re doing. This will give you a good idea of what you still need to study. Plus, it will tell you when you're ready to take the test and pass.
Article Source: http://www.articleset.com

Choosing the Right Pharmacy Technician Training

Author: Unitek College

If you’re considering a career in the pharmaceutical industry, and more specifically as a pharmacy technician, there is one thing that is important to learn before you ever begin your training. That is: what are the main characteristic of a good pharmacy technician course?

Without the right training, you may find yourself struggling to find work. There are many companies out there who are in need of PTs. As a career choice, taking your pharmacy technician training will enable you to find jobs in any city. Without the right training, however, you may find yourself wondering why all of those other guys are getting hired, and you aren’t.

With hundreds of options to receive your Pharmacy Technician Training, finding the right school can be confusing. You can learn to become a PT at technical schools, colleges, universities, and even with from some private schools/businesses. Since choosing the right program is the key to getting the right start, we have developed this guide to help you get started.

Characteristics of a Good PT Technician Course

Choosing the right program isn’t difficult. It’s as simple as paying attention to a few key areas. Looking for these characteristics will ensure you’ll be getting the right start in your new career as a PT.

What the Course Teaches

The first thing to look at is the content of the course itself. Good PT training should include elements in: pharmaceutical compounding, pharmacology, drug distribution, and the industry itself. The program should also provide an introduction to law as it applies to pharmacies.

Time Frame

The next area to look at when choosing your Pharmacy Technician training is the length of the program. You will find that these courses range from 6 months up to two years. Choosing an accelerated program, which will put you into the workforce in less than 1 year, will cost you less in the long run.

Both Classroom, and On the Job Training

Another aspect that will help you learn faster, and gain experience, is an externship. The better PT training programs will include a portion that gets you out on the job, and working with a pharmacy in the area. The experience you gain here will help you find work faster once you graduate.

Availability of Student Financing

One area that really separated a good school, from the pretenders, is student financing. A school that has programs in place to help you get financing for your course, is important. Not only does it make paying for your training more convenient, it also means that they are actually qualified to provide your PT training (most countries require an institution to become certified before gaining the ability to provide financing).

Placement Assistance

The last important part of a good PT training program is help getting a job when you’re done. It isn’t that you won’t be able to find a position yourself. With the demand in the industry, you very likely will be able to. If the school does offer placement assistance though, it means they have developed relationships with pharmacies, and that they are respected as a school.

Taking the time to go to school and get educated in any field is a big step. By paying attention to the program you are about to take, you will help to ensure that you get the best education possible.

About the Author:

For more information please visit Nursing Training at Unitek College.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/choosing-the-right-pharmacy-technician-training-723837.html

Is Medical Transcription School right for you?

Submitted by Christopher Dunn
Thu, 8 Jan 2009





Do you know anything about the medical transcription industry? If not, listen up. As you know, the medical field is taking off and there is no end in sight. For this reason, medical transcriptionists are in high demand. There are thousands of people the world over working in this capacity, and with many medical transcription schools out there it is safe to say that this number is going to continue to grow.

There are many reasons why you may want to consider enrolling in a medical transcription school:

1. For a career change. If you no longer like your job and want to transition into something more exciting and financially beneficial, attending medical transcription school may be the first step in the process. Once you graduate from medical transcription school you will be well on your way to a career you will enjoy.


2. You can join the medical field without spending tons of money to become a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, etc. While you may not work directly with patients you will be right in the middle of all the action.

3. You can move through medical transcription school in no time at all. It does not take eight years to become a medical transcriptionist. Once you find the right school you can get started and have your degree within a year or so.

Now do you see why more and more people are deciding to attend medical transcription school? If you want to get involved in the medical industry, but don’t want to spend a lot of time and money doing so, you should not overlook the benefits of becoming a medical transcriptionist.




About the Author
http://www.medical-transcription-school.com/ focuses on training for a career in medical transcription. Medical transcriptionists can receive online training to work at home in the fast growing medical transcription industry. Site explores school options and makes recommendations.

Home Schooling: The Pros and Cons

Submitted by MarkeD
Fri, 19 Dec 2008





It was good enough for Che Guevera, for Abraham Lincoln, and to a certain extent Queen Elizabeth II. In the UK at least, home schooling is popular (whereas in some Western countries it is illegal), and home study in students enrolling on further education courses is growing also alongside the growth of online education. So what are the pros and cons of home schooling?


One of the most typical criticisms of home schooling – and to a certain extent home study – is the limited socialization with a peer group. This can restrict the individual from influence by differing gender, racial, class, and cultural backgrounds and may have the implication of leading the student to have a one-sided point of view (as according to Rob Reich in The Civic Perils of Homeschooling).

In opposition to this however, others argue that learning environments with many other students may not be the most worthwhile for all. Despite not being the most popular reason for home schooling to be undertaken instead of traditional school-based learning, in a 2003 US poll 30 per cent felt that school was a ‘poor learning environment’.

In line with the growth of home study in higher education, home schooling in the US has found a growth in acceptance over the last few decades. In 1985 Gallup polled the attitude of American voters towards homeschooling and 73 per cent were opposed, but by 2001 this figure had dropped to 54 per cent. However, home schooling is not without its controversies as many non-state school systems arguably are. In Washington DC, a mother was charged with murdering her four children after withdrawing them from school education, and many blamed the fact that her being allowed to take them out of school had led to the lack of detection. However, it must be acknowledged that such negative press has been attributed to traditional schools in the past also.

As with home study in higher education, as well as home schooling in children, logistical reasons such as convenience and lack of transport can have a major part to play. Quite simply, education at home cuts all travel costs that may be incurred by driving or travelling on public transport for lectures, seminars or lessons. If the student lives a great distance away also, the journey may well take too long or prove inconvenient. 23,000 of those asked in the 2003 poll cited this as their reason for home schooling.


There are many more reasons for and against education at home. However, the fact remains that certain students achieve better in certain environments at all levels of education, and the wellbeing and happiness of the individual must be of the utmost importance.



About the Author
Sarah Maple writes about online courses offered by an online UK university