Asynchronous Learning Translates Old-age Impracticalities into Possibilities

Flipping through the past will let you know that all social activities whether face to face or in group were synchronous. Until recently, there was no technology to mediate the entire process smoothly until the age of computer and internet took over. First telephone came into the picture and then online tools, such as instant messaging, text chat, web conferencing and internet telephony overwhelmed the market.

Gradually new technologies enhanced the process of communication and machines and devices like tapes, discs, films, CDs, DVDs, mobile phones took over. However, these were synchronous. It’s been only in the past 20 years that computer and internet took a reigning control over the market through which students and teachers now engage in learning activity by making posts. It is now regarded as the advanced form of learning where a date and time is not set beforehand. To that note, here is a brief on what is asynchronous learning.

What is Asynchronous Learning?

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When learners participate in the same learning process at different times, it is known as asynchronous writing. Synonymously, it is also known as computer based training (CBT) or e-learning. It is a mode of learning that allows learners to get through online study courses or important information at their own pace and schedule. CBT specifically refers to courses that are conducted on computers, either through internet or CDs. The basic difference between CBT and traditional learning is that the former does not involve physical presence of a facilitator or an instructor but the latter does. The more similar terms to CBT are eLearning, web based training, online learning and much more.

Though, asynchronous in nature, this mode of learning has the following advantages:

• It is not dominated by those who try to speak before thinking
• The mode of learning allows time for reflection on what you have just read
• Besides, it allows both learners and preachers to participate in the same mode of education
• Besides, it also allows for in-depth research and profound sharing of perspectives
• Since it is asynchronous you have record of the string of interactions that are viewed by participants.

Hence, asynchronous learning has a unique approach to learning. It opens up a sea of possibilities that were once impractical. Hence, the latest trend is to fulfil objective of accomplishing studies at your own pace and accepting the new mode of learning process. 

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Why Women Are Treated Unequally Than Men Despite of Having A Good Academic Background?

There was a time when Women were dominated by men in all respect of the society. They were devoid of any rights to take decision, to vote, to take education and even to employment. They were restricted to play the role of a keeper of hearth and home, giving birth and take care of their off springs. Men were considered as the proprietor of their spouses and dictate their livelihood. There was discrepancy in the rights for men and women for ages. But as time passed, women started realizing that they need to fight for their rights and their existence. And after a long struggle for Right to Equality, the beginning of the 20^th century brings a revolutionary change in the society allowing women the right to vote, education and better job opportunities.

Userpage icon for supporting gender equality. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Earlier women were considered inferior to men in every aspect especially in intelligence levels. After getting the right to education women proved that they are equal or even better than men in academics. A research shows that proportions of women attaining higher education are increasing year by year. Women of this century surpassed men by a high percentage in Master’s degree and PhD.

Now the question is does the women’s achievement in academics led them to a greater success in the professional world?

Though women won the right to education and job opportunities as equal to men and proved themselves in education but the discrimination still remains in the professional field. Many parts of the world are still stubborn with sexism in the workplace. Studies have shown that women are offered less salary compared to men with identical backgrounds. Women face more criticism and less praise in their workplace than that of men.  In today’s professional world people are not judged by meritocracy. They hire and promote based on personality than that of formal qualifications. As Whitney Johnson and Tara Mohr wrote in an article posted on the Harvard Business Review’s Web site, “The very skills that propel women to the top of the class in school are earning us middle-of the-pack marks in the workplace.”

In the professional world women has to face ‘glass ceiling’ in the executive suite. It cannot be denied that women are constrained from the opportunity to move to the upper level of management. A recent study shows that 51.4% of women account for middle-managers and only 4.2% of Fortune 500 CEO’s.

Image Source: Catalyst.org

Despite this fact there are many organizations that are changing and developing their work culture in a positive way.

" While I have always considered myself sensitive to and effective on gender issues in the workplace," writes Cisco CEO John Chambers in a leaked email, "my eyes were opened in new ways and I feel a renewed sense of urgency to make the progress we haven't made in the last decade."

Education is no panacea in workplace if a woman does not possess the leadership skills. So, to acquire the top most position in the workplace women still need to upgrade their skills and establish their credentials. 

2013 to Witness some Amazing Learning Trends

Good news for new age learners is that digital learning is highly predicted to go mobile by 2013. In fact, experts have said that the global expenditure on E-learning is expected to go up to US$107 billion by the year 2015. Almost 2.4 million people in South Africa have been found today to access the internet through their cell phones. Out of them, the percentage of students and career professionals is no doubt huge. Therefore, it’s crystal clear that changes are going to be too strong in the educational patterns worldwide.

Learning by Doing (Photo credit: BrianCSmith)

So, if you are keen to adopt a new learning process in this new year, here are 5 refined and innovative learning trends to watch out in 2013. Have a look:

• Video – Experts say that video can be the most effective learning tool to watch out this year. Plenty of schools, colleges and universities at various corners of the globe will make use of videos to impart lessons to students and even working professionals. With the help of video optimization sites, one will be able to share information with one another, and this will surely emerge to be an effective learning trend.
  
  
• Mobile – A lot of working professionals have come up with positive opinions about using mobile tools like laptops and tablets for accessing resources. Although some might take time to get accustomed to such advanced mobile tools for learning, it will not be long when these tools will be solely considered in the majority of academic institutions all over the world.
  
  
• Social learning – Making extensive use of social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook has already shown amazing records of fetching success to the global educational arena. 2013 will bring stronger effects that will stimulate both learning and team work in both schools and universities. In fact, this has been predicted to be the most exciting and successful learning trend this year.

  

  IBooks (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

  
  
• E-Text – The initiative to introduce E-Text has already been executed at various corners. However, there are many academic institutions that are still in the adoption phase. Well, the introduction of iBooks, and Google Books will surely have greater impact in the classrooms.
  
  
• Gamification – In reality, games are regarded to be the most powerful tools that let students learn faster. Although many academicians have earlier considered games as time wasters, opinions have taken a drastic turn today. In fact, it’s gamification that might bring positive changes in the thinking abilities of students and even career professionals.

So, with the initiation of these learning trends, the online or distance learners are largely going to benefit. That’s a promise!!

Getting Your Issues Regarding Online Learning Addressed

Online education is fast becoming a popular choice of student all over the world. Not only the students but also the professionals who are unable to leave their jobs to carry on their educational career are getting attracted to them. So, it is becoming more of a necessity to regulate the entire online distance learning providers to offer the student with the kind of security they get from on-campus courses.

E-learning short courses (Photo credit: London College of Fashion short courses)

Complaint lodging cell:

The recent changes and additions to the Higher Education Act of 1965 require the providers of online education to provide their students with the contact details of the relevant authority in the areas where the candidates reside with whim they can lodge their grievances. Even though most of the online education providers make sure that all the student complaints are listened to and necessary actions taken internally, there have been situations that could not be handled internally. It is for situations like this that the new regulations have been incorporated.

How to go about the process of filing a complaint?

The process requires you to take up the issue with the education providers by clearly stating the nature of the complaint. If it cannot be solved internally, then you will have to take it up with the concerned authority in your state or area of residence.

Earlier people thought that it was not safe to enroll in a course where everything would be conduct over the Internet. Any issues that arose would have to be only addressed to the internal authorities. But now, there is a way out. You can go to the local authorities listed in their prospectus to lodge a complaint in need be.

Seal of the United States Department of Education (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The US Department of Education has made sure that all the institutes who are offering online education abide by the rule and provide their prospective candidates with the necessary information for lodging complaint in their respective areas of residence. It is being hoped that this step is going to help remove the fear that people had about the online degrees. 

IT Careers looking Bright for 2013 and Beyond

Do you think that higher studies without receiving technical education can lend you a valuable future? Truly speaking, it’s pretty difficult to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in this context. However, experts have predicted that 2013 will be the year for IT professionals since the employment market has high chances to offer 10% more jobs in comparison to what usually remains throughout the year.

Image Courtesy : MSN

Information to Intelligent Technology

As per sources, Microsoft has come up with a smarter viewpoint in regard to the future of information technology. In general, information technology includes development, maintenance and utilisation of computer systems, networks and software to process and distribute data. Microsoft simply intends to bring changes in this traditional concept. In one of their blogs, they have laid emphasis on the transition from informative to intelligent technology. In other words:

• Computers will no longer be taken as an input tool playing a passive role in our everyday lives.
  
  
• It’s not only humans who will learn from computers but the reverse will take place in a meaningful process.
  
  
• Gadgets like smartphones, tablets etc will learn everything from you just like you learn from them.

3 Effective ways adopted by Microsoft to give rise to Intelligent Technology

1. Introduction of Big Data – Owing to the huge explosion of information through sensors, machines and people, alongside the extensive accessibility of cloud services will bring in turn a wide range of new and powerful tools. These tools will help transform data into insight.
   
   
2. Systems that learn – The computers of the 21^st century will be designed to not only operate according to the user’s instructions but they will learn at the same time from their users.
   
   
3. Natural User Interfaces made more human – A trend is about to step in where one will make use of speeches and gestures to interact with computing systems.

By exhibiting these smarter ways, Microsoft confirms that technologies are surely going to gain huge importance in the coming years. In fact, the relationship with computers is certainly going to get stronger, and this will give rise to the initiation of more and more technically polished equipments and gadgets. Therefore, it’s crystal clear that gaining technical education is extremely important for all those planning to pursue higher studies.

Source: Ivy on Pinterest

So, how can students achieve a successful IT career?

The first thing necessary is choosing an accredited institution that offers postgraduate courses in Information and Technology. In this respect, the institutions under UK universities have been doing wonders in letting students pursue lucrative career programs. So, whether you are working or not, you can always enrol in MSc in Information Technology from an accredited institution under UK university.

On successful completion of MSc in Information and Technology program, you will:

• Learn how to plan, supervise and execute big IT-based projects
  
  
• Apply the lessons to develop your work experience
  
  
• Gain proficiency in critical evaluation and management of real world projects
  
  
• Acquire eligibility to work in managerial positions in Web Development, Network Management etc.

So, you see how valuable it is to earn an IT degree in today’s world. Well, Microsoft has already portrayed the success story of such a thriving industry. Therefore, you just need to take the right step to achieve success and prosperity in this field. All the best!!

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Hugo Chavez’s Demise Results in Economic Downfall for Caribbean Countries

The death of the Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has put all the seventeen Caribbean countries in a state of shock and panic. These countries have been strongly predicted to undergo a heightened era of economic uncertainty on such a big loss. Out of the 17 Caribbean nations, twelve of them are members of the Caribbean Community, Caricom. In fact, they have become highly dependent on PetroCaribe, the part-payment loan scheme, in regard to their oil supplies from Venezuela. Without it, they would never be able to come out of their worsening economic circumstances.

Image Source: Starmedia.com

It was found that out of a total of $14-billion worth of oil, almost $5.8 billion comprised as long-term financing provided by Venezuela to the seventeen dependent nations under PetroCaribe. Although Cuba stands as the principal beneficiary, a good number of Cariciom countries especially Jamaica are also considered to be among the beneficiaries in terms of per capita.

Venezuela almost entirely finances the ALBA Caribe Fund and ALBA Food Fund which are no doubt significant contributions towards the welfare of the beneficiary states. In the last six years till 2012, the ALBA Caribe Fund had invested around$179 million for a total of 88 projects ranging from water to education. On the other hand, the ALBA Food Fund invested a total of $24 million for twelve projects.

Chavez had a good number of personal projects. Although he carried along his government, he had his own ideas, and the strategies to execute them were also designed by him. In fact, he had always desired to supervise over the dependent Caribbean nations out of his passion to stop the US companies as well as the US government from exercising their influences in Latin America. He was rather genuinely concerned about the sufferings of the poor living in these countries and hence wanted to improve their situations at any cost.

Hugo Chavez introduced a comprehensive literacy policy with the intention to widen access to education and double the enrolment figures in the universities. Moreover, the number of old citizens drawing pension had gone up today to four times more than what it used to be earlier. Chavez was successful in accomplishing these social reforms while sustaining the overall scenario of the economy. At present, the Caribbean nations are experiencing constant fluctuations as per their current economic records. This is one of the reasons why students, businessmen and even holiday makers are not feeling confident in travelling to any of those seventeen countries.

Since the full-time college and university enrolments have got a bit affected, students are trying online to get admitted in the Caribbean universities. Although the economic conditions of the Caribbean countries are sure to take control within a few months, the universities and colleges out there will probably not stop offering online courses to domestic as well as international students. The Caribbean citizens believe that the conditions both economically and academically will surely improve with the passage of time.

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What is your Future after Dropping out of School?

Students at work in the Science wing of Christ School (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When a student enroll into a school for acquiring knowledge there are many who drop out of school without completing their academic curriculum. It is because many of them cannot cope up with their lessons and there are many who do not take any interest in studying.

At a tender age when children begin their schooling they should be guided in such a way that they get used to the school environment and do their lessons daily. But there are many kids who are pretty restless and find no interest in studying and their mind is diverted towards other things.

But do you think it is right for the child to quit studies if they find no interest in learning? Absolutely no… It’s the responsibility of the academic faculty to make some changes in their institution or pattern of so that the children build interest in their lessons and there be lower rate of failures in schools.

But there have been improvement since 1976 which shows there have been more school graduates than failures. According to the officials the more number of students graduates, the more better it will be for the besieged economy and there will be high competence for jobs.

If students drop out of school would they ever find a good job for themselves? Of course not! This existing trend has to change and it has to be made sure that students do their studies and obtain a high school graduate certificate.

Students should be made to realize the significance of education. They should be molded at the earliest in such a way that they put in all their effort and dedication to do their studies.

But past one decade there have been a rapid improvement in the academic field i.e. in 38 states there has been an increase by one percent in the high school graduation rates.

Some of the countries which are in the leading position in terms of high school pass outs are students from California, Pacific and Asian Islanders and Hispanic students. Dropout rates of students are more in New Mexico, Mississippi and Arizona.

It is high time that the education system must do something for the academic benefits of the students so that they may learn with more profundity and interest to achieve their target degree.