Distance learning

Students who are not physically sitting in a class room to get their education are taught using technology based instructional systems designed for remote access. This system is known as distance learning or distance education. Students and teachers communicate with each other through printed materials or electronic media or using a technology that provides real-time communications. Distance learning uses regular mail for correspondence. Real-time or offline internet resources are also used in this system. Television or radio is used to make educational broadcasts to reach the students of distance learning. Isaac Pitman used the very first modern distance learning system in 1840 to teach shorthand through correspondence. Since 1946, correspondence courses in the distance-learning mode were offered by the University of South Africa, which is one of the oldest distance learning universities in the world. In UK, the Open University was founded in 1969. For-profit institutions, non-profit organizations, public and privates institutions are offering degree programs and courses in distance learning. There is varying level of accreditation for such institutions. Some of the institutions in USA have very little focus from the countries outside and some of them are mere diploma mills, which are mostly fraudulent. The distance-learning program was greatly benefited in the twentieth century by using Internet, television and radio. Even though the presence of a student is not compulsory in distance learning, with the advent of technology, physical presence or lack of it has become an option. In distance learning, electronic classrooms can be classified as off campus or on campus. It is known as institutions using a mode of delivery, which is flexible. Find more info at distance-learning4u. info In many cases, students do sit in traditional classrooms and they are connected to a teacher in a distant classroom through videoconference. This technology increases the power of teaching and learning. During its history, distance learning has passed through the experience of four to five different methods of teaching using the technology available at that time. The technology that was used were print, video/audio broadcasts, teleconference using video/audio technology, instruction aided by computers and computer based broadcasting. In developing nations, the radio is used for distance learning and considered to be a very powerful medium. In India the virtual university and distance learning centers use FM broadcasting which is very popular among the students. Earlier models of distance learning used regular mail to dispatch written materials. Among the developing nations, this method is still used in distance learning. In distance learning both full time and part time studies are possible but most of the students prefer part time studies. Even though distance learning is offered at various levels, it is the most popular option for university level studies. Distance learning is also known as correspondence courses since the teacher and the student corresponded through the regular mail. For children living in remote areas secondary and primary education programs are available. Testing material caused trouble for distance learning right from its inception. The problem occurs when the student has to complete the assignment and undergo testing. In distance learning a student is completely removed from supervision during the evaluation period.

Lifestyle photography capturing the moment

What an overworked phrase! Catchy, but overworked. We’re not talking about when to take a Viagra or Cialis. Professional photographers have known for decades the kinds of photos they capture when the serendipity springs up before their eyes. They capture the moment because they press the shutter at just the right mille-second. Sometimes such moments can be planned, and sometimes they cannot. Sometimes they are just there, and you have to snap it without thought for composition or lighting or any of the other elements we know are important for quality photography. For example, you can plan for a photo full of the energy of the win when a person or a vehicle crosses the finish line. Or when you know something spectacular is about to happen, like the birth of a baby, having a camera ready for that first moment of life can result in a breathtaking picture. Such life moments can be captured if you are ready with your skill and talent and equipment. Your education, training and experience are as important as the serendipity in such instances. Equally so, there is something to be said for the magic of the moment, captured forever on film or a CF card…. that moment when just the right elements come together for stunning composition, nothing that you could have planned or set up. Recently my husband and I escaped the heat of the desert and spent a weekend in the mountains where, one evening at dinner, we were seated on the veranda of the dining room. Just as our salads were served, the sun moved from behind clouds and the brilliant metal roofs of mountain homes were illuminated across the meadow. Bright red and green and blue and gray roof colors flooded our senses as if a bucket-full of marbles had been tossed against the green and brown mountainside. The sight was so full of energy and vitality that we could hardly speak with the vibrancy of it all. That moment wasn’t planned. It just happened. Sometimes such experiences can be envisioned… in advance of the actual occurrence. For example, you know a harvest moon will be a spectacular sight, and you can prepare for shooting it by being in the right place at the right time. Determine ahead of time what angle you want and what location will provide the best access. The unpredictable can be made easier to manage with a little forethought. You can envision what might be, before it actually happens. Exercising patience may open doors for a variety of unusually composed pictures, especially if you need to wait on just the right natural light, or shadow, or form or energy. Anticipating the conditions and then patiently waiting for them to occur, with your camera ready, keeps you on the cutting edge of your profession.

Seven summertime solutions for sustaining

Here in the Northeast, when summer finally arrives, you want to spend as much time as possible savoring every moment of the longer days filled with warm temperatures and beautiful weather. It's been a long year filled with too many commitments, schedules, requirements and far too much rushing around. All you want to do is relax, bask in the sun, have fun and relish the opportunity to slow down your hectic pace. So you ask yourself several questions like: How can I keep my music alive? How can I stay motivated? How can I put playing the piano on hold for three months? How can I have a good time without suffering the consequences? How can I choose outdoor recreation without feeling guilty? How can I afford to jeopardize the musical level that I have worked so hard to achieve? Here Are Seven Summertime Solutions for Sustaining Your Music the Easy Way: 1. Listen to songs or pieces of music (on CDs or an IPod) that you play or would like to play. 2. Look at the sheet music while you listen to songs or pieces of music (on CDs or an IPod) that you would like to learn. 3. Organize all of your favorite songs and / or classical pieces into a loose leaf book or folder and play one or more of these every day before bed or first thing in the morning. 4. Read books and articles about music such as: a. biographies of performers and / or composers b. motivational material: here’s a partial list: The Inner Game of Music by Barry Green Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner Piano Lessons by Noah Adams The Art of Possibility by Benjamin & Rosamund Zander A Soprano on Her Head: Right-Side-Up Reflections on Life and Other Performances by Eloise Ristad 5. Practice outdoors on a portable keyboard. (Many work with batteries). You can certainly play some songs, experiment with ideas, and even learn how to use the instrument's rhythmic capabilities. 6. Set a realistic musical goal for the fall. Here are some examples of goals: a. I will memorize one song b. I will be able to play five songs well c. I will learn one new song or classical piece d. I will select 10 songs to learn during the year 7. Take some piano lessons during the summer months. Many children and adults benefit from receiving the guidance, encouragement and support that a good teacher can provide. Having some accountability without the normal school year mind-set can actually pave the way for a healthy measure of musical growth during the summer months. Copyright © 2007 by Ed Mascari