Tech- Dependent University Life

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It amazes me how life has changed in the last 20 years. There are so many things at our disposal which we probably couldn’t even imagine would exist and be used by human beings. When I was in school, I remember carrying a knapsack and a brown paper bag with my lunch inside it. Now I see students coming to school with sophisticated gadgets and I look at the difference in their interests and the profundity of their knowledge. It truly is something that is worth admiring.

As an educator myself, I cherish the introduction and use of gadgets in the teaching- learning scenario. I have hand-picked a few and if you read this article, I am sure you will understand why they are appreciated by all in today’s classrooms.

Connecting With All Campus Wi-Fi

Students who are coming to the campus every day are bringing gadgets like tablets, smart phones and laptops. They need an uninterrupted access to the internet and what else is better than Wi-Fi? If the density and coverage is all encompassing, then it becomes so much easier for students to learn. Sometimes if it gets congested then the connection can be established with the help of wires. 17% are rating these services as very good and 30% of the institutions are adopting the latest Wi-Fi connections.

Using Social Media to Stay Connected

Social media is also being integrated in the social learning environment. The sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are enabling students to interact with people all over the world and they are gaining access to information from various sources. They can virtually meet many people.

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Dreaming of the Digital Badge

In recent times, a college is awarding digital badges to students so that they can be selected by recruiters once they look for jobs. They are slowly replacing degrees and diplomas. Those who are looking for better working places or are seeking higher education are favoring these badges very much. Some are getting special training as well.

Introducing Analytics in Education

Analytics is being introduced into the educational system as well. Learning analytics, decision making based on data driving and predictive analytics is what most people are focusing upon. There is great focus on business intelligence as well. Tools used by physicians for a proper diagnosis happen to be appreciated as well. Campus analytics is also very important since the student’s activities can be checked in the premises of a college or university.

Using Tech- fashion on Campus

There are many new trends in college campuses around the world. Students are using Google Glasses, smart watches, fitness bands, clothes, smart phones and other innovative gadgets that are helping them learn while making a designer statement when they are with friends. They are gaining access to information from anywhere since these gadgets help them find the latest information with a click or a tap. They are lightweight so they can be worn throughout the day in an uninterrupted manner. And it is fun too!

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Drone- in- Dorm 

Researchers are really favoring Drones since they are useful in taking pictures for close examination. These can also be done with the help of digital glasses and phones and it is very useful for students who are trying to perform an experiment in a lab.

Three Dimensional Art

3D painting is being done when students enroll themselves in art, design and engineering classes. This has been integrated in the courses in various colleges. The prices of 3D printers will be such that they can be afforded by students in each campus.

Learning has been revolutionized and been transformed into a brand new world of knowledge that inspires, satisfies the thirst for knowledge and provides new avenues for the spread of information. It is not restricted in classrooms and libraries any longer. Knowledge has become accessible to all who seek it thanks to technology.

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Getting Rich In America Depends On A Lot More Than A College Degree

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Getting educated is not the only factor in getting wealthy. It is traditionally believed that education will make one knowledgeable and skilled enough to get a job and excel through ranks, to achieve financial success. But, practically, if the demand is not at par with supply (i.e., if there are too many applicants for fewer posts), then getting a job in accordance with qualification becomes an unrealistic dream. Pragmatically speaking, the job market has to be there and, jobs and posts have to be created to employ many people of the same training and skill.

Traditional education and entrepreneurship

Traditional education, making a typical stereotypical practitioner of some specialization out of a person, was never good enough in making a successful entrepreneur. A person, who has creativity, innovation, originality and novel insightful assimilation, takes wise, intelligent and effective decisions that will always keep him special one, steps ahead & unreachable for the typical commoner.

Contradiction

Still the belief that education helps in wise financial decision-making in building a lucrative career, is taking the obvious and counter-intuitive hit from emerging facts in modern research that were previously carefully hidden, deliberately, behind some wishful popular utopic idea. In a recent research by researchers William Emmons and Bryan Noeth of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, it is shown that the family background, inheritance of wealth (if there is any) and factors emerging out of the accident of birth of the individual, play a crucial role in the upcoming financial accomplishment in life. Education "is important, but it's not the whole story," says Emmons, a senior economic adviser at the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank. Family background factors, like : the class the person belongs to, the income of the parents, the educational environment of home- all play decisive roles in this inherently divisive class-based society.

Not all factors are in hand, when a first-generation learner goes to the school without any domestic help or environment for education in home, for example.

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 Racial disparity

Certain racial groups lag behind others in educational and consecutively subsequent financial achievements, due to socio-economic factors.

Hard fate for non-graduates 

In a country like US, where the government acts strong in enrolling maximum number of people in graduate courses, those who lag behind in getting a college degree suffer further in life in pursuit of a well-to-do status. An interesting piece of statistics says : the odds of becoming millionaires for a family headed by someone 40 or older without a high school diploma were 1 in 110 in 2013, compared to 1 in 2.6 for a family headed by someone with a graduate or professional degree.

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Gender difference in earning 

Gender difference plays a role as well, as women are doing better than their male counter-parts in every level of education. However, unfortunately they are not getting paid salaries matching their male colleagues, keeping them away from full participation in economic growth.

All in all, evidently enough, education is losing its determining status in achieving financial success, in social consciousness following practical facts of the reality in ground.

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Online Education & Its Environmental Benefits - A Distinguished Angle

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As the use of computers and electronic devices increase in telecommunication (for the purposes of education and office work), the issue of ergonomics is coming in the forefront more and more. Ergonomics is the study of machine (computer) – user interface, to make a user-friendly environment, that will increase productivity in office work and performance in education.

Online education, bringing the discussion of ergonomics in the use of computers and internet in educating people, can give one the preferential opportunity to read and learn on his or her own pace. It is convenient and gives a personalized experience. It is the same for education and professional life.

However, have you ever thought of the environmental benefits that online education provides with? Replacing the traditional classroom education, it makes the building and maintenance of physical infrastructure for education irrelevant. Today the online environment eliminates the toxic waste produced in the manufacturing of the mentioned physical infrastructure and reduces environmental pollution. Conserves natural resources as well, from unnecessary and avoidable use.

The following are the prominent environmental benefits of online education :

Preservation of natural resources

Building a building, which is an essential part of the physical infrastructure, requires a lot of energy for the generation and reservation of power and heat. Carbon dioxide generated by energy consumption for each of the classroom students is more than 22 times higher than that of an online student. The Design Innovation Group (DIG) of Open Universities in U.K. found that online education reduces the comsumption of energy upto 90 percent, compared to traditional education. The following are the list of a couple of more elements of or by nature, that can be protected and preserved from unnecessary use.

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 Gas

Students of traditional education, who use their vehicles for even a couple of classes in a distant educational institute, uses gas as fuel , even for improper causes like speeding or waiting in traffic, even during wandering in car in a park while texting simultaneously.

Less use of vehicles that is only possible availing online education, reduces vehicle damage and damage on local roads as well.

Paper

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Paper is an essential need for homework and classwork in classroom education. Online education reduces the use of paper dramatically. As long as the use of paper is there, the rate of acceleration in deforestation will remain astronomically intense. Online education with its virtual mode, makes the ‘necessary evil’ in education unnecessary.

Reduction of pollution

Materials like plastic, that are an essential part of building construction, can be avoided through opting online education, protecting environment from further pollution. Also, the reduction in emission of polluting gases emitted from vehicles used in transportation and commutation of students to educational institutes, reduces pollution.

Online education can be beneficial to students in many ways, and it can add to environmental protection as well.

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New advancement for Online Students, with the use of Apps

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In a natural evolution from printed books to online study materials, with the emergence of online courses, students are finding it much easier to continue their academic studies alongside other household responsibilities, even jobs. Simultaneously, they are taking the responsibility of daily practical life and remaining engaged in their own academic pursuit. Apps, the application softwares specifically designed to address the peculair case-based needs of users, are helping out college students in their studies in online courses. This is only possible in the virtual environment of the internet, be it via mobile or conventional computer, where information can be produced just by typing and due to elegant solution of information technology, can be transmitted just in a click of a button without the hazards of outdated print and distribution mode.

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Study and the use of Apps

Study has many aspects. First a standard study-material is given, based on that reference, new research and novel information opens up new information and the mind along with it. Synthesis from thesis, anti-thesis .. reconciliation between seemingly contradictory information, marks the progress in study and essesnce of it, for enlightenment. Apps, practically help in all that. Providing basic text and the management of it, along with research tools to investigate more, brings with it the need to manage all these in short time. That time management facility is provided by the same Apps as well. 

A convenient list 

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The following are the names of some of the most widely used Apps, that provide solutions of various obstacles faced by students .. making it a complete package all-in-all.

• Self-control

The first App that comes in mind is Self-control, that's appropriate for it's name. It blocks the distracting websites, and helps the student to focus on study, making it much more deep and efficient.

• Luminosity

Luminosity is designed by neuroscientists, for students, for honig their skills. In sharpens the students and keeps them in that shape, with continuous interactive games, that are scientifically designed specifically keeping in mind the improvement of thinking ability, focus, concentration and other cognitive necessities, that are instrumental in achieving academic success.

• Socrative

Socrative is a similar App, that uses riddles and intelligent questions to promote objective thinking, required for acquiring knowledge and understanding. It's also a made-easy, that allows posting of anonymous questions by students, simplifying complex theories.

• Knowledge

Knowledge is another one, that provides information on subjects starting from mathematics, to the core science of chemistry .. to the social sciences of arts. It lives upto its name, providing comprehensive knowledge that can be used whenever the time comes.

• Equate Formula Solver

Concluding the list, comes Equate Formula Solver, a personal choice,that's an encyclopaedic coverage of math fomulas, and related fields like chemistry and physics. Apart from confirming answers, it provides help when the problem seems unsolvable.

Apart from the mentioned, there are countless other that provide practical help in submitting assignments sometimes, or working as manual for Photoshop use. In it's current state, Apps seem an essential tool in this state-of-the-art age of online education.

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Is Studying Postgraduate Diploma in Business Worth The Time, Money And Effort You Invest?

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Are you looking to shift to a management role? Do you want to earn more money? Are you planning a career change? Wondering if an MBA can help your career to boost? Well, an MBA degree can certainly help you acquire the right business skills and knowledge to give your career the push it needs. But with rising tuition fees in B-schools and universities worldwide, is an MBA worth the time, money and effort or you are looking for something different like Postgraduate Diploma in Business ? Let's find out...

What Is An MBA?

The MBA or Master of Business Administration degree is a master's degree in business management. These are usually one or two years graduate programmes offered by business schools or universities. During your study you will learn about the theoretical concepts as well as practical applications of business management. The MBA degree certifies that you have acquired generic competency in the most important management roles prevalent in contemporary corporations. An MBA is often considered as career booster that leads to management roles and higher salaries in different industries.

What An MBA Can Do For You

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 The MBA is perhaps the most popular degree in the world which is widely accepted by leading employers. During your study, you will learn about various business subjects such as management, marketing, statistics, accounting, finance, human resources, communications, entrepreneurship, economics etc. This will enable you to learn how a business works and improve your employability. Hence, you will get a wide range of lucrative job opportunities in different sectors.

Is An MBA Worth It?

Now the question you need to ask why you need to get an MBA? The obvious answer is career development. But does it make sense to quit your current job and take out 2 years from your career to earn a degree? With rising tuition fees in most institutes, does it make sense to take out a crippling student loan to study business? For me, the answer is no. Many business leaders and experts believe that pursuing an MBA by investing so much money and time can surely be worth it if you can get admitted in the Top 10 business schools worldwide. Deepak Chopra, public speaker and bestselling author believes that business education can help us cope with different corporate and social challenges. He said “We have immense problems right now- social injustice, economic injustice, climate change, war, terrorism, new epidemics of all kinds … and business is in a position to help.” Moreover, CEO of Lane Bryant, Linda Heasley, believes that “It’s an amazing networking opportunity.”

However, others think that is obviously better to work and remain employed and progress your career by moving ahead in your organisation. Joanna Coles, Editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine, doubts if business education can actually offer the benefits it claims. She said “I wonder sometimes if business school is the corporatisation of education.”

The fact remains that an MBA is no guarantee for getting a lucrative job and earning high salaries. It all depends on your own skills, education, determination and performance. Business education can only help you acquire the rights skills and knowledge needed for career development.

Study Business Effectively 

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If you want to study business and improve your professional skills and boost your career, then I would suggest that you go for an online business diploma. Why? Online postgraduate diploma in business management programmes provide you excellent flexibility, convenience and affordability so that you can study business without affecting your current job and lifestyle. With an online MBA, you will not only be able to work in your existing employment, but also avoid student debt. Moreover, you can effectively choose to study while you work with ease. This will allow you to further hone your management skills and apply them at your immediate workplace.

An online postgraduate diploma in business will help you imbibe leadership & management skills and make you eligible for a wide range of managerial roles. This will allow you to start your career in your desired field, land the next big promotion or completely change your career. A recognised online business diploma from a reputed university or B-school will augment your career opportunities in different leadership and management positions across various business and industry.

Words Of Wisdom

Postgraduate Diploma in Business education can provide you a number of benefits for your professional as well as personal development. There is no doubt that business education is highly advantageous for your career, but you need to choose the right and smart way to learn what you want.

Do you think an MBA is worth your time, effort and money? Feel free to comment below and share your views with us.

Online Learning - A Better Way To Study Business Management

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Planning to pursue a business degree? Then I am sure you are already looking for the best online business programmes available out there. If not, then it's time for you to go online. Nowadays an increasing number of aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders are opting for quality online business management courses instead of traditional B-school programmes. Why? Keep reading to find out....

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 Is Online Education A Threat?

As higher education becomes more and more expensive, learners across the world are now enrolling for online business education courses to earn accredited degrees in an affordable way. In fact the demand for online business study is so strong that most of the leading business schools and universities have started to offer their programmes online. Many institutes fear that online courses and MOOCs have become a threat for expensive executive programmes as most professionals are now moving towards e-learning courses due to their affordability and high levels of flexibility. So if you are planning to earn a business degree or diploma to land the next big promotion, then an online Level 5 extended management diploma will enable you to work and study at the same time. You can easily find a number of recognised courses online offered by reputed business schools and colleges which follow the same curriculum as the on-campus programmes and are held by in-house faculty.

Online Is Simply Better

Heraldo Sales-Cavalcante, head of learning and director of strategic analysis at Ericsson, initially had doubts about the quality of education offered by online courses. He believes that learning in the classroom was a much better alternative as “there is magic when you meet face-to-face. You form great networks.” However, he was open to experiment with online learning and ended up changing his mind. The fact is online business courses cost you only “a fraction of the cost” of studying executive programmes. Moreover, as these highly flexible you will need to invest much less time on your education and effectively balance your work and family. With more than 120 employees pursuing online courses at Columbia Business School since January 2014, Sales-Cavalcante now believes that these courses are highly effective and encourages more staff to study online.

He says that more business will think twice about sending their staff to traditional B-schools as unless there is a strict need for “experiential learning”. He adds “Business schools need to think about how they reinvent themselves and how they leverage technology.” There is no doubt that leading institutes like Wharton, Harvard and Columbia, are now feeling threatened with the vast array of benefits offered by online business study. With advancement of technology and growing credibility of online learning, most schools are introducing a line-up of online programmes. However, I must admit, that these courses are not intended to replace traditional executive courses, but to supplement them.

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Making Education Affordable And Accessible 

Bharat N. Anand, Faculty Chair at Harvard Business School's online learning initiative HBX says that the rise in affordable and free online content may result in a drop in student enrollment in traditional programmes. This might also affect the revenue stream as well. But as businesses have various requirements, a number of models will eventually coexist, he says.

Another advantage on online business education is that it has substantially expanded the reach of education to numerous students from different parts of the world. Shilpa Patwardhan, connected learning director at Wharton Executive Education, says “In the past, the only option was to send people to campus. But (the costs) limited the number of people who could take the class. The reach that online education has is what organisations find attractive.”

I have no doubt that if you wish to gain the right business skills and knowledge and build your career as a successful business leader, then pursuing an extended diploma in management online is the perfect way to go about it. You can not only earn a degree without running into heavy student debts, nut you will also be able to hone your skills by working and studying simultaneously and getting the best employment opportunities.

What do you think? Are you ready for your online learning experience? Feel free to share your thoughts and views with me by commenting below.

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Education & Happiness - Are They Related?

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Having a college degree can certainly boost your chances of getting a lucrative job. But does it actually make your happier? Well a new study says that your level of happiness is not really affected by the number of degrees you earn. The study, published by the British Journal of Psychiatry, revealed that whether you studied a university programme or not, the prospects of your happiness and mental well-being remains more or less the same.

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 Does education make you happier?

The researchers of the University of Warwick in the UK analysed a number of socioeconomic factors and found that level of education has no relation with how happy they are in real life. A press release stated that the Warwick Medical School researchers were initially inspired to conduct the study by the prominent relation between mental illness and poor education. Hence, they planned to evaluate if the relation held true in the opposite way. However, they discovered that the chances of someone's happiness are equal across every level of academic accomplishment.

Lead author on the study, Professor Sarah Stewart-Brown, said “These findings are quite controversial because we expected to find the socioeconomic factors that are associated with mental illness would also be correlated with mental well being. So if low educational attainment was strongly associated with mental illness, high educational attainment would be strongly connected to mental well-being. But that is not the case.”

According to researchers happiness is regarded as a state of high mental well-being where individuals “feel good and function well.” This was applied to data available from Health Survey for England that included 17,030 people from 2010 to 2011. Professor Stewart-Brown believes that these finding point that socioeconomic factors are probably not applicable to programmes targeted at improving mental well-being.

Happiness comes from many things, not just education 

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However, according to psychiatrist Norman E. Rosenthal, MD, the finding of the new research was rather obvious. Although he was not involved in the study, he said “The basic finding that socioeconomic status is not correlated with happiness is consistent with all of the past literature. One thing we need to remember is that those people who are classified as mentally ill are only a small proportion of the population. And even among the lowest of the socioeconomic classes, they’re not mostly mentally ill — they’re mostly well.”

Rosenthal believes the study raises a number of important questions like why people from lower socioeconomic status are equally happy. He added “Study after study has shown that once you’ve got your basic needs covered, extra money does not correlate with more happiness. Happiness can be derived from many things, including family, friends, religion, having a sense of community, and a sense of purpose, which are all perfectly accessible to people of low socioeconomic status.”

According to Rosenthal the study was made rather confusing by the researchers by considering unhappiness, low socioeconomic status and mental illness. He said “Surely mental illness will be associated with unhappiness, and mental illness is correlated with lower socioeconomic status because those who are mentally ill are less able to make a living. But again, the fact is that’s only a small percent of the population.”

What do you think about the study? Does your college degree make you feel happier? Share your thoughts and experiences with us by commenting in the box below.

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