Monday, April 30, 2012

Homeschooling Online - Home Schooling In The Eyes Of Federal Law

Home Schooling the United States has no specific Federal Law. As per the 10th United States Constitution Amendment, it makes clear the government has high regards for education and therefore all matters are bestowed in the hands of the states. US Constitution makes it pretty clear that the government shall neither interfere nor control with education, private or public. This, as a matter of fact is untrue.

So if this is true then certainly home schooling as per Federal Law is legal, that is because there exist no rule to suggest otherwise. Some of United States most famous Presidents came from home schools for instance - Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, all emerged from home schools. Why all the fuss if it's legal? As per Federal Level the whole matter is legal.

But as soon as the matter reaches to state level, it is a complete chaos, that because of poor understanding by local officials of public schools of the basis laws. Most of then are completely ignorant when it comes down to understanding the meaning of these laws. And to a certain extent the officials are not at fault, there exists no uniform laws and laws vary across different states. What is prevalent in New York may not be the same as in California.

Of all the states l pertaining to home schools in California could be termed the most complex. North Carolina has more leniencies but then too some regulations can baffle people. Till federal laws are not put in place this situation is expected to continue, the matter worsens as home schoolers are against any Federal bindings.

If home schooling is your way then what's the way to follow Federal Law! Do not scratch your heads; Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) has all the answers for your requirements. They keep a complete eye on new bills that are introduced and also fresh laws of senate and the house, this helps home schoolers keep a track of new developments. The US Constitution clearly says that Federal government have no rights to create new laws & rules to attempt to control public or private education but this far from reality.

The No Child Left Behind Act is a prime example. This act surely gives a controlling like feel public & private schools. There are more examples wherein laws have been made to control education itself. HSDLA is basically a regulator assigned the imperative task of viewing the legislation in at federal government level and of each state while it also takes up the work of giving families of home school legal assistance when they get stuck in legal tangles.

Home schools; can they stay far from the reaches of legal hassles? Do there exists any laws protecting home schools? The tenth US Constitution Amendment is the rescue path. But if you require professional guidance it is best advised to consult a lawyer who has in depth knowledge of the legal issues that govern local and federal home school laws.

The matter be dependent on the legal wrangle of your issue, violation of First Amendment rights might take place. What you can do best would be to approach a HSLDA person, if they would be willing to help you out or would they be in a position to find you an appropriate attorney.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Is Facebook Making Us Homesick?


In recent weeks a cast of essayists, psychologists and sociologists have been debating whether Facebook and other media technologies are making us lonely.   This isnҀt the first time scholars have been fretting over this question.  But the debate was rekindled by an article in The Atlantic by Stephen Marche  titled ӀIsFacebook Making Us Lonely?Ԁ  This was quickly followed by a spate of other articles which (in order of appearance) included Eric KlinenbergҀs ӀFacebook IsnҀt Making Us Lonely,Ԁ Sherry TurkleҀs ӀTheFlight From Conversation,Ԁ Claude FischerҀs ӀThe Loneliness Scare:  Isolation IsnҀt a Growing ProblemԀ  and Zeynap TufekciҀs ӀSocial MediaҀs, Small,Positive Role in Human Relationships

IҀm especially persuaded by the arguments that Fischer forwards which in many ways are anticipated by his earlier work AmericaCalling: The Social History of the Telephone.  Despite high brow fears that phone use encouraged Ӏidle chit chatԀ and mere Ӏgossip,Ԁ Fischer concludes that the telephone, at least until 1940, was a Ӏtechnology of sociabilityԀ that expanded the Ӏvolume of social activityԀ in ways that its users generally welcomed.  (America Calling , p. 254). In Still Connected (2011),  Fischer comes to similarly un-alarming conclusions about modern digital technologies:  

Ӏusing the internet has little effect on average userҀs level of face to face contactŀ.Although access to the Internet may have vastly expanded AmericanҀs acquaintances ր the Facebook ӀfriendsԀ sort of circle ր it would not have been a revolution in their personal relationships, just a nudge.Ԁ [p.96]

Eric Klinenberg (who was actually FischerҀs student not so long ago) concurs in his recently published book GoingSolo.  While Americans are living alone in greater numbers than ever before, the Internet Ӏaffords rich new ways to stay connected.Ԁ  With the Internet, and a variety of other modern social infrastructures, ӀLiving alone and being alone are hardly the sameŔ p.19  Klinenberg even titles chapter five of his book ӀTogether Alone.Ԁ  This obviously recalls, and implicitly challenges TurkleҀs book with the reverse title (e.g. Alone Together).  Despite fears to the contrary, Fischer and Klinenberg argue that social networking technologies are enhancing rather than detracting from our ability to connect and form bonds with others.

While IҀm swayed by the empirical firepower that Fischer and Klinenberg bring to the debate, in the last two weeks I feel like itҀs been used in ways that discredit Turkle and Marche overmuch.  For example, in a recent head to head debate between Marche and Klinenberg on CNBC  Marche developed a hand dog look that, combined with his self effacing claims to be merely an essayist  rather than a sociologist made his point of view come off much the worse for wear.  Similarly, on a post on the very engaging Cyborgology blog (and some of the twitter streams of its acolytes), Turkle is dismissed as an elitest whose high brow, nostalgic, and digial dualist sensibilities are preventing her from seeing how mobile devices actually augment reality.  (Our banal prattle about lolcats actually does serve an important social purpose!) Finally, the populist critique reached its most entertaining and literal lowpoint in a Downfall parody that made a raging Hitler, besieged in his Berlin bunker, the mouthpiece of TurkleҀs worries:



So where then is the middle ground?  Is there some sort of synthesis or reconciliation that can be reached for between these positions?  IҀm biased of course, but I find it in the work of my wife Susan Matt whose Homesickness, An American History dwells at length on the way that homesickness (an emotion which shares much in common with loneliness) is shaped and reshaped by transportation and communication technology.  In brief, the history begins in the colonial period (our antecedents were intrepid but many still longed for what they had left behind).  It concludes with a look at college kids and recent immigrants who, being  a little less technologically bereft than our forebears, use Facebook , mobile phones, and Skype to assuage their longing for home.  Of course, the experience of homesickness has changed in the last 250 years (in the past people actually used to die of it).   However one thing that has remained constant is that our technologies sometimes compound homesickness, sometimes mitigate it, but have never annihilated it:

It is possible that these new technologies actually heighten feelings of displacement. Mar퀀a Elena Rivera, a psychologist in Tepic, Mexico, believes technology may magnify homesickness. Her sister, Carmen, had been living in San Diego for 25 years. With the rise of inexpensive long-distance calling, Carmen was able to phone home with greater frequency. Every Sunday she called Mexico and talked with her family, who routinely gathered for a large meal. Carmen always asked what the family was eating, who was there. Technology increased her contact with her family but also brought a regular reminder that she was not there with them.

The immediacy that phone calls and the Internet provide means that those away from home can know exactly what they are missing and when it is happening. They give the illusion that one can be in two places at once but also highlight the impossibility of that proposition. (The New Globalist is Homesick)

To me this is the history that leads to the middle ground.  Loneliness (like homesickness) is a perennial condition of American society and one we may be particularly prone to given our cult of the intrepid pioneer who is willing to cut home ties.  More importantly these technologies sometimes mitigate these discontents.  But in other instances they sharpen them.   So we can take solace in the general, largely benign, trends that Fischer and his fellow company of sociologists have highlighted: the development of steam ships, the telephone, air travel, and the Internet have by and large drawn us closer together.  But that doesnҀt mean that in individual instances these technologies always have that effect.  Put another way our individual discontents are not somehow suddenly erased or rendered meaningless by aggregate social trends.  Which is why Turkle and MarcheҀs worries still have traction for the rest of us.   

That traction is especially manifest in the closing paragraph of TurkleҀs essay where she describes her walks on a Cape Cod beach and her impression that in the past people experienced those walks more profoundly than when we have our nose in our cell phones (as apparently we do now).  Some critics have taken her to task for those passages as nostalgic yearnings for a past that never existed or as a celebration of a privileged experience that a good portion of humanity canҀt afford.   Those criticisms are spot on as far as they go.  But IҀll wager that TurkleҀs sentiments arenҀt just the sentiments of an elite or of someone stuck in the memories of a false past.  Take for example this short viral video put out by a Thai mobile phone company called Disconnect To Connect:



Like the phone company we might want to acknowledge that if using communication devices is generally good, that doesnҀt mean itҀs always good. Given the research, most of the time we will be using our social networking technologies in healthy ways.  But letҀs continue to watch out for those circumstances in which they work against our interests ր whether weҀre walking on a Cape Cod beach or a Thai one.

--------

Here are two other really good blog posts on the subject:

Is Technological Determinism Making Us Stupid?

Facebook and Loneliness: The Better Question




You've been wait-listed. So now what?

You've been wait-listed. So now what?

Friday, April 27, 2012

Student Exchange Programs: The Basics


Are you one of the thousands of students considering studying abroad in the upcoming school year via some type of student exchange program?  Do you still have several questions with regard to these programs׀questions as to how student exchange programs work and what you can expect?  Student exchange programs offer you a unique opportunity to study and live in a foreign country for a time; an adventure that will allow you to gain a fresh new perspective, both academically and culturally.  Thousands of students take part in student exchange programs each year, and just like you, many of them will have questions regarding some of the specifics involved once acceptance to the program has been granted and finalized.   To help answer some of these questions, below we have outlined some of the basics associated with student exchange programs, including what they are, how they work and a brief description of some of the potential accommodations while living in the host country.

Student Exchange Programs:  What They Are and How They Work

Student exchange programs, which are typically academically based, are programs in which high school and university students are given the opportunity to travel to a foreign country to study and live for a semester or full academic year.  The courses students study while living abroad are almost always part of their home schoolҀs curriculum, and the instruction is provided by a teacher who speaks the studentҀs native language.  In most cases, students will receive credit for the coursework they complete while participating in student exchange programs׀credit that will be applied towards either their high school diploma or university degree. 

The word ӀexchangeԀ in student exchange programs is used because, typically, these types of programs are reciprocal.  In other words, letҀs say an American student wanted to travel to Spain to study and live for a semester.  By applying for a student exchange program, not only can this dream be realized, but in Ӏexchange,Ԁ a Spanish student at roughly the same academic level will be granted a similar opportunity to study and live in America for an equal amount of time.

Student exchange programs are a fantastic vehicle for learning how education systems work in other countries, but the learning experience to which youҀll be treated will not be limited to the classroom.  Most student exchange programs offer day trips and cultural excursions, giving you an once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit the countryҀs significant landmarks, dine on the local cuisine and experience firsthand the language of its people.  New friendships are inevitable when studying abroad, friends you will no doubt keep in touch with and cherish for many years to come.

Student Exchange Programs:  Accommodations

There are a number of residential options for students studying abroad.  For high school students, accommodations are typically provided by a host family׀a family that volunteers their home and time to enhance the quality of the study-abroad experience.  Meals are also provided free of charge with this option, but perhaps the best part about staying with a host family is all the great information they provide for students׀information regarding the customs, traditions and culture of the host country.

University students can also opt to reside with a host family, but they generally have many other residential options available to them as well.  On-campus housing, in residence halls or dormitories, allows students to enjoy the complete university experience.  The close proximity to classrooms and other university services, as well as the countless number of opportunities to forge new friendships, makes on-campus housing a very attractive option.

The final housing option for individuals in student exchange programs is to rent a flat or an apartment, either alone or with one or more friends.  This can be rather costly, but for motivated students seeking a measure of independence and freedom, the extra cost may be well worth it.

Student Exchange Programs: What to Anticipate as a Student Exchange Participant


Are you a high school student who has recently decided to participate in a student exchange program?  Are you a bit nervous about the upcoming experience, wondering whatҀs in store for you and what you can expect when studying in another country?  Being a participant in one of the thousands of available student exchange programs can be the opportunity of a lifetime.  However, because the experience is something completely new and different, at least in terms of to what you are accustomed, it only stands to reason that you would have some concerns and maybe even some anxiety about the experience׀feelings that are absolutely normal when planning to study and live in a foreign country.  To help quell some of your nervous feelings, in this article we will point out several things you can anticipate as a participant in student exchange programs, with a brief description of each of these characteristics.

What to Anticipate in Student Exchange Programs

There are several reasons why high schools students׀students just like you׀decide to pursue the opportunity to study abroad as members of student exchange programs.  Some join to see how the education in foreign countries differs from that of their own, while others seek the opportunity to visit and learn about a new country, including its culture, customs, traditions and language.  Some simply want to break up their currently monotonous routine, seeking excitement and adventure through an experience thatҀs totally new.  Whatever the reason was that prompted you to consider participation in student exchange programs; you can bet the experience will contain some unfamiliar traits and characteristics you may not have previously considered.  Some of these include:

瀀         A completely different routine.  As you may have already read in the study-abroad pamphlet provided by your school, participants in student exchange programs will generally stay with a host family for the duration of their visit in a new country; and with a new living environment there are bound to be some shake-ups to your normal routine.  This new routine, while certainly foreign to you, is a wonderful opportunity to learn about family life and values in another country.  Keep in mind that the members of these families are generally very knowledgeable about the country in which you are staying, and will be a great source of information and comfort, helping you to gradually become more familiar with the customs and culture of the host country.
瀀         A new school environment.  As an upperclassman in your current school, you no doubt know the ways of that school like the back of your hand.  You know the teachers, the administrators, the bell schedule and where to find everything you need on a day-to-day basis.  This will not be the case when participating in one of the many student exchange programs in other countries׀at least not initially.  As a participant of a study abroad program, you will typically study many of the same subjects you did at home, and the instruction will be in a language familiar to you.  This, however, is where the similarities will end.  Studying abroad in a foreign school is a wonderful opportunity to see how the education process works in another country.  This may feel uncomfortable for a bit, only because it is something completely new, but once you learn how things work you will undoubtedly Ӏget into the groove of thingsԀ in no time whatsoever.
瀀         A tinge of homesickness.  For many students, studying in student exchange programs represents the only time they have been away from home for any substantial length of time, and the truth is even the most adventurous of students may begin to miss various aspects of their life back home׀their parents, friends and comfortable environment.  This is only natural, but as time goes on, and as you begin to meet and make new friends, your pangs for life back home are sure to subside somewhat, as youҀll be far too busy with life in a new country.

Studying through student exchange programs is a brand new experience, one filled with excitement, adventure and several traits and characteristics that are completely new and different.  These differences to your normal environment and routine may initially be difficult to manage, but as time goes on, the opportunities to visit a new country, learn its culture and customs and make new friends you will cherish for a lifetime, are sure to trump any discomfort and anxiety associated with the newness of the experience.

Off Campus Student Housing: Some Frequently Asked Questions


Are you a student planning to study internationally in the near future, at a college or university in a foreign country?  Have you made a decision yet about where you will live during the course of your studies?  The opportunity to study abroad can be the experience of a lifetime, but as you are probably well aware, taking advantage of this type of opportunity involves a lot of planning, including making all the necessary arrangements with regard to accommodations.  This can be difficult to do, especially while living outside the country and you probably have plenty of questions you need answered before you make any final decisions.  If this is the case, the following information may prove very useful.  Here we have compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions regarding off-campus housing, with a short and (hopefully) helpful answer for each question.

Off Campus Student Housing:  Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions

As an international student there are essentially two general options in terms of where you can live during the course of your studies.  The first is stay on campus, typically in a residence hall or dormitory, but space for on campus housing is usually very limited, and there may be a waiting list of up to one or two years before on campus housing becomes a realistic option for you.  That leaves off campus housing׀the subject we will cover below with some frequently asked questions:

IҀm interested in locating off campus student housing. What should I do first?

The first׀and best׀step to take when trying to arrange off campus housing is to contact the university you plan to attend.  Most universities have a student housing office (some even have an office dedicated to international student housing), with employees who are trained in finding housing solutions for international students studying abroad.  By doing this youҀll be able to get contact numbers for the various housing options near the campus, and most universities now have a student housing database that you can search from your own computer.  They may even be able to supply you with all the forms you need (applications, financial assistance forms, etc.), and a list of tenantҀs rights and responsibilities.

What are the various types of off campus student housing available?

Depending on the country in which you plan to study, there are many possible off campus student housingoptions.  If you would like to live alone, becoming the primary leaser or renter, there are apartments, condominiums, houses, duplexes and townhomes.  If cost is an issue, which it is for many students, you could look for a room in a private home.  You could also check the student housing database for Ӏroommate wanted,Ԁ advertisements, thus allowing you to split the various housing costs, including rent, utilities and other services.

What if I need furniture?

Many off campus student housing options come pre-furnished, but if this is not the case with the place you have selected, try checking around at garage sales, discount stores and online wholesalers to find what you need.

How will I get to school?

If the house, apartment or condo you select is not near enough to the university to allow you to walk to your classes, check with the student housing or student services office for information on public transportation within the city.  Most university-towns have buses or even shuttles that drop off at various points along the school grounds.

Off campus student housing, whether you decide to live alone or with others, can greatly enhance the study abroad experience.  This option allows for much more freedom and independence׀an opportunity to set your own schedule without being bound by some of the rules youҀre likely to encounter with most on-campus student housing situations.

Accommodations for International Students: The Pros and Cons of the Various Options for Student Residence


Are you one of thousands of high school and/or university students planning to study abroad during the upcoming school year?  Have you decided yet where you will stay during the course of your study abroad program?  Studying abroad is a dream shared by a countless number of young adults, and the types of available accommodations for international students will usually depend on a number of factors, including the type of program in which you enroll, the country and/or university at which you plan to study, available transportation and, of course, price.  It can be a difficult decision to make, and in most cases it is a decision that needs to be made quickly, so as to guarantee you reserve a residence thatҀs right for you. To help you get started, below we have compiled a short list of the potential accommodations for international students, along with some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of residence.

Accommodations for International Students:  The Pros and Cons of Residence Halls and Student Apartments

Once you have decided on a country you would like to visit and located an appropriate study abroad program, the next thing you will need to decide is where you will stay while participating in the program.  This can be a painstaking process, but once you understand the pros and cons of each of your options, you will invariably find it much easier to make an informed decision that best suits your interests and personality.  Two of the potential accommodations for international students, along with some of the advantages and disadvantages of each, are listed below:

Accommodations for international Students:  Residence Hall 

A residence hall, also called a dormitory or dorm in some countries, is an on-campus student housing option that is very popular among individuals studying abroad.  Typically, a residence hall is located on or close to school grounds and features a few large common rooms and dozens of smaller rooms known as living quarters.  Students will usually share a small room with one or more students׀rooms that contain just enough space for beds, a desk and various closets or cabinets where both you and your roommate can store your clothes and a few belongings.  The larger common rooms in a residence hall can include a large gathering room with sofas, chairs and games, a place where you and other students can socialize, recreate or simply watch television together; a kitchen area, a laundry room; and a quiet area, where you can study, either alone or with others.

The advantages of living in a residence hall are many, beginning with the proximity to classrooms and other school amenities.  You will be able to walk to your classes, participate in college functions, watch games, and eat meals in the school cafeteria.  Living in a residence hall will allow you to take in the whole college experience and make lasting friendships you will never forget.  However, there are a couple of disadvantages you may not have considered.  Your privacy may be limited in this type of living arrangement, and because there are several rules you must follow, a residence hall may not provide the freedom and independence you seek.  Additionally, because this type of arrangement is so very popular, spots may be limited, so you will need to act quickly to ensure the university has room to accommodate you.

Accommodations for International Students:  Renting an Apartment or Flat

Living in an off-campus apartment or flat, either alone or with one or more roommates, is also one of the more popular accommodations for international students׀one with several advantages.  First of all, there are no rules to follow when living in an apartment, so if the feeling of independence and the freedom to create your own schedule (outside of your studies) appeals to you, this may be the perfect residential option.  However, before you sign on the dotted line, consider some of the potential drawbacks to this type of arrangement:

瀀         Price.  Residing in an apartment or flat can quickly get expensive, especially when you consider meals and other expenses.
瀀         Transportation.  How will you get to your classes?  Is there reliable public transportation?  These questions must be considered before deciding to rent a flat or apartment.
瀀         Friends.  Unlike living in a residence hall, where you will be surrounded by like-minded students, living alone in a flat׀in a country in which you are not familiar or totally comfortable׀may get lonely.

While there are other possible accommodations for international students, including staying with a host family, the advantages and drawbacks of the options listed above should give you a fairly clear picture of what you can expect. 

Accommodations for International Students: On Campus vs. Off Campus Student Housing


Are you a university student who is considering an opportunity to study abroad for a semester or full academic year?  Do you still have questions regarding the study abroad process, including questions about where youҀll stay when living and studying in a foreign country?  The decision to study abroad is an exciting one, but it also involves a lot of preparation.  First you need to decide on a university or exchange program in a country youҀd like to visit, and you will also need to acquire all of the necessary travel documents required by the host country.  During this process you will need to ask a great deal of questions, but perhaps the most important of these is Ӏwhat types of accommodations are available for international students?Ԁ  This is a question that is asked by thousands of international students each year׀a question that needs to be considered carefully before making any final arrangements.  To help you get a clearer understanding of the residence situation in most study abroad programs, below we will provide the two general types of accommodations for international students, with a brief description of each type of housing arrangement.

Accommodations for International Students

The opportunity to study abroad can be an once-in-a-lifetime adventure.  Not only will you gain a fresh new educational perspective through your studies at a foreign high school or university, but youҀll also have the unique chance to learn a new culture, and all the customs, traditions and cuisine that make that culture so special.  You may even learn a new language in the process, but perhaps the best part of the excursion are the friends you will make along the way׀friends that you may have never met if it werenҀt for the study abroad program.  This includes friends you will meet in the course of your studies׀peers and professors׀and those you will meet as the result of the type of living arrangement you choose while staying in the country.

Depending on the type of study abroad program you choose, there are numerous potential accommodations for international students.  These can be broken down into two general categories:  on-campus accommodations for international students and off-campus accommodations for international students.

On-Campus Accommodations for International Students

Staying on campus during the course of your international study abroad experience has many advantages.  First of all, staying on campus will all but eliminate the need for regular transportation.  Everything you could possibly need will be within walking distance, saving you from the hassle of trying to get around in your new and unfamiliar surroundings.  You will also be very close to your classrooms (a bonus if you plan to take early morning or late night classes), as well as all the school amenities, including food services, libraries, the college book store and recreational and entertainment facilities.  Staying on-campus will allow you to enjoy the whole college experience׀the pep rallies, sports competitions, etc.׀and you will have an opportunity to live and make friends with local and other international students alike, forging friendships youҀll remember and cherish for a lifetime.

Off-Campus Accommodations for International Students

Staying off-campus also has plenty of advantages, especially if you are the type that enjoys his or her freedom, and youҀd rather not be saddled with the rules and regulations that may often accompany an on-campus housing arrangement.  Although renting an apartment or townhouse may be more expensive than staying on-campus, it can be a great way to learn independent living skills, and will allow you to come and go as you please.  When not in classroom, youҀll be able to explore the city on your own terms and see the sights and attractions that are most important to you.  You may even be able to find a roommate with whom to share a flat, saving you both a lot of money in the long run.

As you can see, the decision between on-campus and off-campus accommodations for international students is a personal one, a decision that will ultimately depend on the facets of the study abroad experience that are most important to you.  Keep in mind though, if you are planning to study abroad in the next 12 months it would be wise to decide on your accommodations for international students soon, especially if you are considering an on-campus housing arrangement, as these spots tend to fill up very quickly. 

Learn a New Language through a Summer Student Exchange Program


Are you a high school student, at least 16 years old and looking for a great way to spend your summer vacation this year?  Are you the type of person who enjoys a challenge, relishes the idea of experiencing new things and are frankly quite tired of doing the same types of things every summer׀experiences that leave you bored, unchallenged and no better off for the experience?  If so, a summer student exchange program may be right up your alley.  To help you get started, below we will provide a brief definition of a summer student exchange׀what it entails and what you can expect׀and give you some basic information on things like housing and how to apply.

What Is a Summer Student Exchange?

Does the notion of spending a summer in a foreign country appeal to you?  Would you be willing to spend some of your time studying in exchange for the opportunity to explore the sights, sounds and tastes of your host country?  If so, you could be one of the thousands of students this year to take advantage of a summer student exchange program.

From a learning standpoint, a summer student exchangeprogram can take on many forms.  Some programs focus on new language acquisition׀a full-immersion language learning technique that helps students master a second language exponentially more rapid than they would through traditional language courses׀and others programs focus on one or two subject areas, such as studying Art in France or Physics in Germany.  If you successfully complete one of these accelerated programs, the best part is you can usually get full high school or even college credit for the course, which means a course that would have spanned a full semester at your home school can be completed and out of the way in just a few short weeks.

I know what you may be thinking:  ӀThis sounds like an awful lot of work, especially for the summertime, which is supposed to offer me a break from my studies.Ԁ Actually, you may be surprised to learn that the traditional classroom instruction portion of your summer student exchange program will represent only a small fraction of what this wonderful experience fully entails.  Most summer student exchange programs, whether they are language-based or teaching particular subjects, conduct classes only in the morning, typically divided by two 2-hour sessions.  This means that the rest of the day and evening can be spent visiting the various sites and attractions the country has to offer, either with an organized group or independently.

Summer student exchange programs are the perfect way to learn all about a new and completely foreign country; its customs, traditions, language and people.  As a participant youҀll see things youҀve never seen before, taste the local cuisine and meet and make friends with numerous people from around the world, including local students and fellow study-abroad participants. 

Summer Student Exchange:  Accommodations and How to Apply

Students will generally stay either in a supervised residence hall or with a host family׀a family that will be able to show you around the country, take you to some of the most appealing places, and provide you with a close link to all the physical and cultural aspects of the country.  YouҀll also be able to share information about your own country, simultaneously becoming the teacher and the learner.

If this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity sounds interesting, the first step is to check with your schoolҀs guidance counselors, administrators and/or teachers.  Typically, they will have informational literature on how to apply (pamphlets, brochures, etc.), and will detail the various steps you will need to prepare for your trip.  Keep in mind these programs are very popular among students and they tend to fill up rather quickly, so donҀt wait!  Check with your school early, at least several months before you intend to go, leaving plenty of time to complete the application process, gather your travel documents and other necessary items and reserve your accommodations.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Art Schools In Michigan: Should You Go For Them?

Art Schools in Michigan
Are you looking for the best art schools in the world? If you are then you must be looking for one of the art schools in Michigan. There is no denying that whenever people look for art schools to enroll to, the always think of art schools in Michigan first before anything else because they are assured that the kind of art education that they receive is world class that no other art school could compare. Some of the best art schools all over the world are found in Michigan so it means that they offer only the best form of art education one could ever find in the world. The plethora of art courses that one can enroll in will not only make them experts in their own art but it will make them fall in love with art the way no other school can.

There are a lot of people all over the world who have fallen in love with art and its complicated process and yet not all of them seek professional art training from a reputable art school. Some may have really chosen not to because they believe that their art is a reflection of them and their passion for life so they feel that they do not need to have professional hands to be good at it. On the other hand, there are also other art enthusiast who would like to submit themselves to formal art school training but they are too afraid to go for it because they know how expensive it could be. But then again, why would the cost matter if the main goal is to become good in your art as a craft and rising above the rest in your understanding of what art is and how it is helpful to people.

Art education that you get from art schools may be a bit costly but if it means developing your hidden talents for the arts to make your life better, then it would be totally worthy of your hard earned money. And yet, to those who really do not have the money to send themselves to school, there are several art school scholarships that they could apply for. Most of these scholarships pretty much cover everything involved in getting high class art education. Many of the art schools in Michigan including the top three art schools found in the area offer scholarships to deserving students who do not only have the talent for the arts but who also have the drive to be better in what they do.

If you are already working and you think that you could not take formal art classes because you do not have the time to spare, then you better think about enrolling in online art classes. Some art schools in Michigan have already opened its doors to students who are really interested in enrolling but who already have other responsibilities to attend to by opening online classes. Such classes can be enjoyed by students who have day time jobs they could not turn their back to because that is what they do to live by. They can now get quality art education classes right at the comforts of their own homes.

Art schools in Michigan are not mere art schools that cater the lovers of art but these are schools that continue to improve themselves to be able to compete with the other top art schools all over the world. What sets these schools apart from the other art schools is that they know the value of art and how people love learning art the way it should be: meant to be enjoyed.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Not Your Average Distance Program

Sarah Fudin currently works in community relations for University of Southern California Rossier Online, which provides current and aspiring teachers the opportunity to earn a Masters in Teaching and teacher certification online.  Outside of work Sarah enjoys running, reading and Pinkberry frozen yogurt.

The landscape of distance learning is evolving. For years, there has been a stigma attached to online education and the quality of such programs. Many imagined students with just their computers -- no interaction with others and classes conducted through pre-recorded lectures (if you were lucky) or transcripts. But recent advances have revolutionized the way people learn from afar. No longer is the quality of distance education inherently inferior to traditional schooling and no longer is it a form of isolation. It is now a tool for reaching people across the world and building connections not otherwise possible. Learning online is no longer a substitute for the classroom experience: itҀs an expansion of it.



The Technology

Web 2.0 technology is centered on the convergence of participatory information sharing, collaborative networking, and user friendly/centered webpage design. Sites that integrate this technology are conducive to social media, video sharing, blogging, and networking, and these applications are the cornerstones of new distance learning programs. Successful online education integrates these features to create an interactive program that offers dynamic content and optimizes the potential for learning.

The Platforms

Web 2.0 is the basis for new distance learning platforms. Most classes are conducted via live streaming video chat for face-to-face interaction with professors and classmates. These classes are in real time so that you can ask your professor questions and review topics with your classmates. Professors are also available for office hours, and this facilitates a connection as direct as the in-class experience.

Learning Management Systems (LMS) are the software applications used to manage content and to facilitate interaction with students. LMSs allow professors to manage course rosters, take attendance, post assignments and upload coursework. LMSs also make it possible for students to submit assignments directly and post on class message boards, and offer further opportunities for academic and social interaction between students and teachers.

Social Media

Social media is a crucial part of distance learning. Connecting on social networks enhances the educational experience in many ways. Many distance learning programs strive to ensure their learners have full access to the same resources as their in-class learners. Social media even helps online students connect with in-class learners and a wide network of alumni, as well as professors, recruiters and career counselors.

Because distance learning connects people from all over the world, your classmates will come from a variety of backgrounds. You will meet people of all ages, professions and perspectives that enrich the classroom and add depth to the educational experience. Connecting with your classmates opens a world of possibilities by exposing you to new things, helping you develop a broader range of interests and offering new opportunities. The social possibilities are so important that some online learning programs build specially designed social networks for their students.

Examples of New Distance Learning Programs

The University of Southern California offers two of their prestigious programs online. Their Master of Arts in Teaching online program, the MAT@USC, is the first quality teacher preparation program of its kind and integrates online learning with field-based experiences in classrooms across the country to provide teachers with a solid foundation of theory and practice. USCҀs Master of Social Work degree online, MSW@USC, also blends education and practice by giving students a chance to gain hands-on experience within their communities.

The University of North CarolinaҀs Kenan-Flagler Business School created the MBA@UNC to allow students to earn a Master of Business Administration, and their School of Government recently brought its renowned Master of Public Administration program to an online platform, now known as MPA@UNC.

Georgetown UniversityҀs School of Nursing & Health also delivers its Master of Science in Nursing online (Nursing@Georgetown), the first nursing program that uses an LSM to deliver quality education through video-conducted classes and dynamic course content.

There are other schools that, while not offering online degrees, still provide classes online. Taking online classes has many advantages: It exposes you to the benefits of Web 2.0 technology and may provide some flexibility in your schedule. Some schools, like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), even offer their course materials for free online. Stanford University offers engineering courses online for free as part of the Stanford Engineering Everywhere program. Programs such as these facilitate an interest in learning by allowing you to explore topics outside of your comfort zone, areas of expertise and even your school.

Financial Assistance for Your Online Education

Investing in a Better U.
You may not realize it ր but you could be eligible to receive financial assistance for the Drexel Online academic program you choose. Through aid programs, grants, scholarships, and other student loans listed below, you can subsidize a substantial portion of your education.

Apply Early

ItҀs important to submit your application as soon as possible to be deemed eligible for assistance. If you anticipate being dependent on federal loan or grant programs in order to start classes at Drexel, be aware that any federal loan or grant money for which you qualify will likely not be available to you until 8-10 weeks after you have completed ALL of the following tasks:
DrexelҀs posted application deadlines are designed to assure that students are admitted sufficiently in advance of the start of a term to obtain textbooks and complete other start-up and orientation activities. These deadlines are NOT designed to allow sufficient time to guarantee processing of financial aid requests.
Timely receipt of financial aid funds also assumes that the student pre-registers for courses and promptly responds to additional financial aid requests such as signing promissory notes, completion of federally required entrance counseling, and supplying documentation if selected for verification.
Sample Financial Aid Package
Undergraduate
The following sample is based on a student taking 6 credits for all 4 terms during an academic year and entering Drexel with enough transfer credits to achieve sophomore standing.  The sample student is independent for financial aid purposes.
Tuition:                     $13,800 (based on 2008-09 Academic Year average undergraduate tuition)
Financial Aid Awarded: $10,000 (subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans)
Remaining Balance:      $3,800

Graduate
The following sample is based on a student taking 6 credits for all 4 terms during an academic year.
Tuition:                     $21,000 (based on 2008-09 Academic Year average graduate tuition)
Financial Aid Awarded: $20,500 (subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans)
Remaining Balance:      $500

*As these examples illustrate, even in best-case aid scenarios, federal financial aid will not cover the full cost of tuition at Drexel.  (If a tuition reduction is received through the Drexel Partner Network, it would reduce the remaining out-of-pocket cost).
*To qualify for federal financial aid, you will need to maintain enrollment on at least a half-time basis (6 quarter credits per term for undergraduate students and 4.5 quarter credits per term for graduate students).  This generally works out to at least two courses per term. Loans are the only form of federal financial aid available to the vast majority of part-time students.
*The amount of federal financial aid available to you at Drexel is affected by the aid you have previously received at other institutions.
*Private education loans are a good option for many students, but may not be available to students with poor credit.

Contact Us

Financial counselors are available to answer any questions you may have.
Call (877) 215-0009 and select option 1, and then option 4.

Forms Needed for Applying for Financial Aid

Additional Financial Assistance Options

Financial Options

To learn more about your financial resources, click on the links below.
  1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 
  2. Institutional Financial Aid Application 
  3. DrexelҀs Educational Partner Network 
  4. Employer Assisted Tuition Deferred Payment Plan 
  5. Grants and Scholarships 
  6. Additional Financing Options 

WeҀre always happy to help

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at info@drexel.com.
You may also call us toll free 877-215-0009:
  • Prospective students: choose option 1, and then option 5 
  • Current students: choose option 2, and then option 2

Online MasterҀs Degrees in Education

Drexel University Online offers numerous online master's degrees in education through its School of Education, ranked as one of "America 's Best Graduate Schools 2011" by U.S.News & World Report. These online master's degrees in education range from teacher education, with degrees allowing students to pursue certification, to higher education, to global education. Learn more about a Drexel Online master's degree in education below and be on your way to advancing your career!

Online Master's Degrees in Education Offered at Drexel: 

 Read more about our offerings for education master's degrees below. 
Master of Science in Special Education  
This master's degree in education program seeks to produce professionals who are equipped with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and competencies they will need to meet the needs of students at risk for and with disabilities in multiple settings.
Master of Science in Mathematics Learning and Teaching  
This master's degree in education is designed to provide teachers with the preparation needed to clearly communicate successful techniques to help students reason through mathematical challenges with an analytical, multiple-solution approach. Ideal for teachers interested in further study and developing positions in cutting-edge mathematics learning and teaching, as well as serving as a leader and advocate in their home schools and districts.Master of Science in Human Resource Development
This master's degree in education prepares graduates to become "strategic partners" to CEOs ր or CEOs themselves. Using current research, best practices, software applications and database management systems, you will learn how to promote maximum employee performance in any organization.  Ideal for training and development professionals, career changers, managers and executives who want to better develop their employees, and anyone involved in assessing and responding to the development needs of employees and their organization.
Master of Science in Learning Technologies
This master's degree in education is designed to prepare graduate students to meet the challenges that schools, educational and corporate organizations face related to technology learning needs. This program develops a design perspective and creative, innovative design skills to help solve learning and performance problems through hands-on experiences with new media tools and learning formats.
Master of Science in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum: Advanced Teaching Track
This master's degree in education is designed to provide students with advanced teaching knowledge and skills beyond those required for intial teacher certification.
Master of Science in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum: Teacher Certification Track - Grades PreK-4 Education 
This master's degree in education is designed for Bachelors-prepared students with work and life experience who wish to qualify for state teaching certification while simultaneously earning their Master's degree.
Master of Science in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum: Teacher Certification Track - Secondary Education  
This master's degree in education is designed for Bachelors-prepared students with work and life experience who wish to qualify for state teaching certification while simultaneously earning their Master's degree.
Master of Science Degree in Higher Education 
This master's degree in education prepares students with the practical skills, knowledge, and experience to become professionals and leaders in higher education institutions, national/international associations and organizations, government agencies, and corporations. 
Master of Science Degree in Educational Administration: Collaborative Leadership
Using state and national leadership standards, this master's degree in education program is designed to prepare and mentor future elementary and secondary educational leaders with the practical skills, knowledge and internship experiences to become effective leaders in rural, city and suburban schools. State principal certification may be pursued as part of this program.
Master of Science Degree in Global and International Education
This master's degree in education is designed to prepare students with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to work effectively with the complex economic, political, cultural, and social contexts that influence education and learning in diverse parts of the world. This program will provide a strong preparation for careers in the delivery and promotion of learning in international and community based organizations and settings.
Article Source http://www.drexel.com/online-degrees/education-degrees/masters_main.aspx

Online Education Degrees (Bachelor's, Master's, & Certificates)

Drexel University's School of Education is ranked among "America's Best Graduate Schools 2011" by U.S.News & World Report. DrexelҀs online education degrees, teacher certification programs and courses incorporate current research on teaching and expose teachers to the latest developments in pedagogy and instructional technology. The curriculum for each of the graduate certification programs listed below is fully integrated with a Master's degree curriculum, although each online certification program may be completed as a stand-alone program.
Drexel's online education degrees are regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools. Online education degree courses are taught using the latest technology, with some degree programs offering a free Apple video iPod to all new students. To learn more about Drexel's online degrees, including online Master's degrees in Education and Teacher Certificates, click on the links below:
Article Source

Penn State University Campus Abington

Read More Information of Penn State University

Penn State launches first online EA master's program in the world

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn StateҀs College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) has launched the first enterprise architecture (EA) program in North America and the first online EA masterҀs program in the world.
The EA program is in response to the rapidly increasing demand for professionals with a unique combination of skills and perspectives to align enterprise information systems and technology with business strategy and goals.
"Enterprise architecture is often described as the bridge between strategy and implementation," said Brian Cameron, executive director of the Center for Enterprise Architecture at the College of IST and faculty program director of the masterҀs program.
Cameron says that enterprise architecture is the process of translating business' vision and strategy into effective operational planning. By integrating the various dimensions of an organization, he said, an enterprise architect takes a company's business strategy and defines an information technology system to support that strategy.
The College of IST has offered classes in EA for the past semesters, and the master of professional studies program in enterprise architecture (MPS/EA) was recently approved by the Penn StateҀs Board of Trustees.
ӀGlobally, weҀre seen as one of the thought leaders in this field,Ԁ said Cameron.
The Center for EA, which was launched in January 2011, seeks to gather intellectual resources across Penn State to address research concerns and questions that span the design, functioning and governance of contemporary, information-driven enterprises. The center is guided, in part, by an external advisory board consisting of representatives from leading corporations, government and professional organizations.
Pete Forster, director of online programs for the College of IST, said that the MPS/EA program Ӏepitomizes the values and goals of the college."
ӀIt is extending cutting- edge subject matter taught by faculty who are strong academics, but have corporate experience, to new student populations,Ԁ Forster said. ӀThis is a corporately informed program that addresses the realities and challenges of enterprise architecture in the public and private sector.Ԁ
The MPS/EA program has had a unique development process, according to Cameron. Since the inception of the Center for EA in 2008, he said, Ӏone of the visions was to create an online masterҀs program.Ԁ Cameron raised about $500,000 in start-up funds from approximately 70 organizations on the external advisory board, all of which played a role in developing the curriculum for the program. Within two-and-a-half years, Cameron said, he had received both the internal and external support required to propel the masterҀs degree program forward.
The MPS/EA program is an innovative program, unlike any other program that is currently offered at universities, Cameron said. It is designed for working professionals who need to integrate strategic, business and technology planning methods with an ability to understand, analyze, justify and communicate the solution of EA problems. With an eye towards the international market, the curriculum accommodates individuals from all types of academic backgrounds with a minimum of two years of relevant work experience.
According to Cameron, the program is the closest available option to a chief information officer degree and pairs the most important aspects of an MBA program with courses in EA and systems. ӀThis program prepares you for a wide variety of technology leadership roles in organizations,Ԁ he said.
The program, which requires 34 credits for graduation, includes courses in EA principles and practices, EA leadership and governance, cost and value management, business and project strategy and project and portfolio management. Initial elective areas that offer opportunities for further study in areas of interest include supply chain management, enterprise integration, security, software engineering, and project and program management. On average, Cameron said, the program will take two to three years to complete.
In addition to the masterҀs program, the Center for EA is planning to offer a degree focus area in EA that will be available to undergraduate students in the fall 2012 semester.
While large organizations have been the first to explore EA, mid-size and smaller companies are increasingly taking an interest in the field. As with all offerings at the College of IST, the MPS/EA program is designed to reflect the dynamic nature of industry and government.
For more information about the MPS/EA program, visit http://ist.psu.edu/online-education/. To learn more about the Center for EA, visit http://ea.ist.psu.edu/.
Article Source http://live.psu.edu/story/59075

Practical Homeschooling Online - Home Schooling Custody Laws

Custody is not a prime feature in home schooling laws and therefore custody laws could turn out to be problematical. It is more evident if parents reside in separate states. It is therefore advised that prior to deciding for home school flight, get the custody laws enlisted and get well versed to all the laws that govern home schooling laws affecting you.

If you have any custody issues with regards to home schooling, ensure that your ex-partner and you sort out all disagreements that where the child will take home schooling. If you decide then online home schooling shall be a good option. If you do not have full ideas of your state's custody laws then you should check them out, Home School Legal Defense Association's (HSLDA) homepage is the place where you can find all the info. The site provides a fairly good overview but some specific custody laws could still be missing.

Here you should try and consult an attorney who has considerable knowledge in this field so that you sure that you aren't violating any local or state laws. You can also visit HSLDA to seek advice as to where you can find an attorney who could meet your requirements at a local place.

There are quite a few laws that govern home schooling in California state. An existing judgment from Second Appellate District Court of LA taken on a family (home school) could have drastic effects for California home schoolers. This opinion on home schooling is based in a court ruling taken in a 1950's. In short the judgment says schooling from home is illegal in California state.

Feeling inquisitive, read all at [http://www.hsdla.org]. In California there exist some special laws for attendance and custody. If the child is enrolled in a private school or tuitions he is excused from obligatory public school attendance. Here below is one such California laws that defines attendance & custody in the following manners:

"...48200.5. in spite of Section 48200, any person living in Carson city and is either a legal guardian or a parent of a person who is undergoing obligatory education is allowed to seek admission of that particular person in a school district wherein the residence of parent/guardian is within Unified School District of Los Angeles subject to an agreement terms that allow transfers that have been permitted by the Unified School District of Los Angeles & Unified School District of Compton "

[http://www.legalinfo.ca.gov/calaw.html] is the source from where the statement has been derived. It must be noted that in California home schooling laws are very complex as the state is sans a statute for home schools. If home schooling then ensure you file the entire paperwork. Issues pertaining to custody & California laws give you enough reason to make everything doubly sure before taking a step. In case both homes of custodial parents could be used for schooling then that will be ideal. Despite the above noting its still better to go over to an attorney and take his advice if the school districts of parents are different.

If an overview of the home schooling custody laws are taken then they all appear to be pretty much indecisive, but attendance is compulsory and also a few more requirements. It is in your interest to adhere to state laws.