Badminton For Physical Education - What Products Can Take The Punishment!

Badminton has been an old standby for PE classes through the decades. A fantastic sport that can be played by youngsters and adults alike, badminton requires little equipment and offers an exciting workout that will improve eye hand coordination and agility.
Physical education equipment takes a beating and lightweight badminton rackets, birdies and nets are not known for their ability to withstand punishment.
While new racket materials such as titanium composites have become more prevalent there are a few standard models that are known to take a lickin and keep on racketing. You get the point!
This article will point out a few badminton racket models that physical education teachers across the country have depended on. We will also discuss badminton shuttlecocks and badminton nets that will help you run your physical education program.
Badminton Rackets:
While competitive badders through out the world may be in the market for high tech composite badminton rackets for physical education classes you should have one material on your mind steel, steel, steel.
There is no substitute for good old steel. Steel shaft, steel frame and even steel strings. Here are some popular models.
The Morley# M14539 badminton racket offers about as much steel as you can get into a racket without ending up with giant spatula.
The Morley#M14540 doesn't feature the steel strings but it does not lack in durability. Double steel shafts keep this badminton racket coming back for more, again and again.
The Morley# M14543 badminton racket is 2 inches shorter than a standard badminton racket. Measuring in at 24 inches in length it is designed for younger elementary school badminton players. It also features a durable steel shaft and a steel frame.
Other models that are popular at the institutional level are as follows.
Carlton Attack Ti, Carlton C9750, Carlton 313, ADA 76 Smack Excel, Yonex B460 and HL 110.
Some of these models feature aluminum shafts and frames but all of these models have proven themselves in the gymnasium and are a great value. These higher end models are still available at economy prices which makes them a great purchase for high school level physical education classes were durability may be a little less of a concern and a better playing racket is more important so students can excel.
Badminton Shuttlecocks & Birdies
Here it gets a little tricky. While steel rackets are usually some of the least expensive and best for PE classes when it comes to shuttlecocks cheapest is not always best. The least expensive shuttlecocks are plastic with rubber tip and should be considered only for backyard use.
They do not offer the best flight characteristics so they will actually make the game harder as the birdie appears to have a mind of its own in flight. They are a bargain though so you may want to have some on hand just in case.
The best models have a cork tip for better pop off of the racket and nylon skirts that perform well.
As for speed my advice is medium or blue speed as this is practical for all age groups.
In the color arena yellow has become increasingly popular for youngsters as they are easier to track in flight.
My pick for shuttlecocks for PE would be one of these or a mix.
Carlton T800 Yellow Blue Speed
Carlton C100 White Blue Speed
Yonex Mavis M300M White or Yellow
All of the above are of high quality for great playability. They will pop of the strings, fly in the direction you intended assuming you know how to use the racket and they are durable enough to survive physical education classes.
Badminton Nets
A lot of school accounts purchase our PE quality badminton net or economy nets which is fine but if your net will be used indoors may I suggest the M14563 institutional net. The difference, other than a few dollars, is that the institutional model features taped sides and bottom while the less expensive models are just net.
The taped sides and bottom make the net keep its shape better for a more professional look and better playability the tape also helps the net standout more and most importantly the taped sides and bottom make the net last longer and easier to roll for storage. Believe me the extra few bucks is well worth it.
If you are using the net outside however go with the cheapest model this will stand up to the elements best and provide more bang for your buck.
This little bit of advice should help you stretch your physical education equipment budget.
Badminton is a fantastic sport and teaching it to our children in physical education classes will help build healthy adults. The sport will improve coordination, balance and agility as well as building a healthy respect for competition.

Ken Morley III - has 11 years full time experience in the Team Sporting Goods business. As fourth generation at Morley Athletic Supply Company Inc. he has inside information regarding products for team sports and physical education.
He authors articles that offer product reviews for team sports supplies and equipment and articles that offer advice on how to run your programs more effectively by using the right products.

The Future of Public Education According to The Pragmatic Thinker

For years there has been a public outcry to "fix" the PUBLIC educational system of the United States. First of all, this will be impossible, because "fix" cannot be defined.
Some say that "fix" means to have better and more modern buildings. Some say to "fix" mean to pay teachers more. Some say to "fix" means to have our students pass progress tests. Some say to "fix" means to be able to have our students more effectively compete in the world arena of science and business. Some say to "fix' means give our students a better education in the basics of reading, writing, and math. Some say to "fix" means to give our students a more progressive, liberal education so they can live fuller and more complete lives. Some say we need to "fix" the educational system so students can choose what "they" want to do in life sooner and enter college with direction and focus. And the reasons for "fixing" the "broken" PUBLIC educational system go on and on.
I think the PUBLIC educational system is broken and cannot be fixed. The system is so bogged down in political bureaucracy, red tape, special interests, union politics, under funding, misuse of funds, misdirection, non-focus, status quo thinking, social rhetoric, unfunded programs, broken political promises, and under staffed, under qualified, and under paid administrators and teachers that the PUBLIC educational system can never be fixed. It is an impossible task.
It is no wonder that PRIVATE schools, alternative learning programs, home schooling, and online curriculums are becoming more and more popular with the "affluent" of our population. If you can afford a good education for your student, parents are pulling their students out of PUBLIC schools and enrolling them more and more in private programs of education.
It is my opinion and the opinion of many concerned citizens that from elementary school to college, our educational system, at its best, often drives the natural love of learning out of our kids and replaces it with such "skills" as following rules, keeping still and quiet, doing what is expected, cheating or procrastinating. And that's why, in most schools, being on time and sitting quietly are more important than critical thinking and innovative production. To prosper in this economy, students need to develop and master different skills - lifeskills such as resourcefulness, curiosity, innovation, as well as logical and verbal proficiency.
Most progressive educational professionals would agree with Bill Gates who told our nation's governors last year that the traditional urban high school is obsolete.
The reality of education is that the system for the most part is outdated, too expensive, and ineffective. Many educationally progressive countries offer PUBLIC funding for education from Kindergarten through University, where as in the United States most states don't offer Kindergarten classes, and all Public Education stops at the end of High School.
The primary reason we send our children to school is to enable them to choose the career of their choice, earn a good living and enjoy all that life has to offer. We all want to give our children the opportunity to prosper and provide well for their families.
Here is what has to be done if we are to give our citizens a better education which in turn gives our country more productivity in the world economy.
1. We need to PRIVATIZE all education in our country.
2. Education will be "funded" but not controlled by our government.
3. Each family will be given a certain amount of money (voucher) for each student of each age.
4. Parents can use this voucher to educate their students as they choose at any school or institution of their choice.
5. The government has NO say in the choices parents and students make. Our tax dollars only go to "fund" PUBLIC education in the PRIVATE sector.
6. When schools and institutions are made to "compete" for tuitions based on the performance of the teachers and educators, the quality of education will increase. If schools don't offer parents and students a quality education, parents and students will go some place else, and the school is out of business.
7. We need to also include a government funded college education or trade school education for all who want it. Most parents can't afford to send their students to college. Only about one in 17 (5.8%) young people from the nation's poorest families, those earning less than $35,377 a year, can expect to earn a bachelor's degree by age 24. For those from the nation's wealthiest families, those who earn about $85,000 or higher, it's better than one in two (50%.) This University funding would also be on a voucher basis also. There would still be private colleges who might not need the money (vouchers), but for the most part most colleges would welcome the money as a way to increase enrollment and increase the quality of the education they offer.
8. The obvious results of PRIVATIZING education is that not only schools would have to compete to get the student, by offering a quality educational program, but teachers could now offer their services in a FREE market. The fact is, the good teachers would be paid more. Schools would have to offer the good teachers more to keep them. If a good teacher could make twice as much at another school, because they are better qualified and had a "parent following," schools would have to get serious about offering teachers more money. More people would want to become teachers if they could get paid more. And just like in every business, in order to get the best, you have to pay them more.
9. Online schools would become more and more popular and accepted also. This is especially great for the "inter-city" areas and "rural" areas, where education has been hard to fund, and quality teachers hard to find.
10. On the "one student, one voucher" system, all communities are now able to compete equally for the best teachers and educators. Because of population (demand) in large cities and communities, some schools would have to hire more teachers. In the small cities they would need fewer teachers, but the "money" is the same per student.
11. By PRIVATIZING education, funded by the government with our tax dollars (as we currently do) we would be able to save money. The United States could keep the PUBLIC education budgets at a manageable level. Schools would have to compete for the funding and just like the "price wars" of car dealers, furniture stores, and all businesses, schools would have to continually strive to give parents and students "MORE education" for their money. This is Capitalism at its best.
12. The less government "control" of our PUBLIC education, the better. Government would have NO say or control whatsoever on the type of education parents chose for their students. Government would only FUND educational choices based on the government's education budget. The PRIVATE sector would have to compete just like any other private business for the money by offering a better, quality education to its customers (the parents and students.) The PUBLIC education system for the most part now is a MONOPOLY and doesn't have to "try harder." Just like the deregulation of the airlines, the telephone companies, etc., prices would go down (or in this case stay down) based on the economic rule of supply and demand. PRIVATIZING our PUBLIC education answers ALL the problems we currently face in our current PUBLIC education system.

The Best Educational Experiences in Washington, DC

Educational travel can give teachers and administrators a boost in exciting many students about their academic lessons. Travel brings curriculum to life while teaching lessons that students will need throughout their lives. As a former middle school principal I found that educational travel goes hand-in-hand with offering a total educational program to young adolescents. This is even more important today as teachers and principals are facing increased pressure to prepare students to pass mandated academic tests.
During my years teaching in middle school, I learned that young adolescents can gain a multitude of invaluable experiences from travel, learning both the information they will be able to apply in the classroom and skills that will help them develop personally. Unfortunately, some young people will never be able to take educational tours without involvement with their school. So, middle school educators can contribute to a young adolescent's complete education when they include education travel in their program.
Once you've decided to include travel in your student's education, there are important plans and decisions that will affect the overall success of their travel experience. This article focuses on selecting the best educational venues in Washington, DC for a class or grade level trip.
The best time to consider such a trip is during seventh or eighth grade when the middle school social studies curriculum focuses on U.S. history. An educational trip to Washington, DC coinciding with this year can provide substantial benefits to both the individual and the school as a whole.
All student groups that visit Washington, DC should tour the White House and the US Capitol. Their educational links to the classroom are countless. It's important to note that the popularity of these two sites coupled with the recent increase in national security now require that an appointment must be prescheduled by a Senator or State Representative.
Next, I recommend visiting as many of the following as possible:
 Ford's Theater and the Peterson House
 Arlington National Cemetery
 Smithsonian Museums
 Washington Monument
 Lincoln Monument
 Jefferson Memorial
 Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial
 Iwo Jima Memorial
 Korean War Memorial
 Vietnam Veterans Memorial
 World War II Memorial
All of these sites have strong ties to the social studies curriculum and, best of all do not charge an admissions fee. Once you have decided to include them in a travel itinerary, the key is to make sure the students receive the strongest possible educational connections during the actual visit.
You can easily increase the educational value of the visit by using a reputable student tour provider like Travel Adventures that specializes in educational travel to plan your trip. To begin with, their experience will help prepare an itinerary that sequences the stops so that the students are not overwhelmed with information. Their experience will also present you with strategies for planning effective group visits. I strongly recommend you ask the travel provider about adding Washington, DC guides when visiting the monuments and memorials. Their historical knowledge base will only enhance the educational experience.
Another outstanding educational venue is Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to visiting the John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Challenger Astronaut Memorials, your student tour provider can schedule a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. This ceremony adds depth to the educational value of the visit and allows those students selected for the ceremony the rare opportunity of interacting with an Army Honor Guard member.
A visit to the U.S. Holocaust Museum can be extremely educational especially if the students have studied this era in American history and/or read The Diary of Anne Frank in English class. The museum is self-guided. The emotional impact of the tour, coupled with their collection of newsprint, historical video and news reporting provides an outstanding educational experience for all visitors.
A student trip to Washington, DC should also include a visit to Mount Vernon - the estate of George Washington. The new Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, and a tour of the beautifully restored estate, outer buildings and the grounds have strong educational value.
Finally, I recommend that student groups traveling to Washington, D.C. schedule a cultural activity. Exposing young people to the arts and culture is invaluable to the overall development of the individual. One of the most popular activities is attending a theatrical performance at one of the area dinner theaters or a performance at the Kennedy Center. The theaters schedule age appropriate productions like "Beauty and the Beast or Fiddler on the Roof" to help make this opportunity both educational and entertaining.
In summary, educational travel to Washington, DC can add an important dimension to the total learning program at your school. I strongly recommend that you consider adding travel to the curriculum and visiting as many of the aforementioned venues as possible for the best educational value.

Take Your Education Career to the Top with a Doctorate in Education

If you're ready to take your degree in education to the highest level by earning your doctorate degree, the options with accredited online colleges and universities are numerous. Professionals in education have busy lives and extremely busy schedules. Making this commitment to educational advancement is no small decision. However, we are talking education, so the example you set when you earn the highest degree available to you expresses your strong belief in the importance of education to your community and the organization you lead.
Earn Your Doctorate in Education or Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Whether you're interested in earning your Doctorate in Education (EdD) or you prefer to pursue your Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD), you can find an online program that will meet your needs. Most individuals seeking these degrees are working professionals in education with master's degrees and teaching credentials.
Earn Your Degree Online and Never Miss a Beat in Your Professional Life
Choosing to pursue your doctorate in education online offers the convenience of studying wherever you are, thus making it easier to attend the program of your choice while continuing to fulfill professional and family obligations.
If you've never experienced online education previously, you can be sure that today's online education programs are designed to help you succeed while maintaining your busy lifestyle.
Earning your doctor of education degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) offers you the opportunity to choose the area of specialization which interests you most. Specialization can often give you an edge over other candidates for competitive jobs. If your career goals include top educational administration positions, attaining your Ph.D. or Ed.D. is usually preferred and will give you the competitive edge you need, regardless of the level. In higher education, a top level degree is essential for a top level position.
Why Earn Your Doctorate?
The US Department of Education lists education as the most popular master's degree and the most popular Ph.D. program in the U.S. Obviously this implicates heavy competition in the field - just one more reason to take your credentials and expertise to the next level by earning your doctorate in education.
The job market for educational administrators is projected to grow 23% from 2002 to 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook handbook. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average salary for a postsecondary education administrator is $75,800 and for all other education administrators is $66,580.
Online Education Opportunities
Top notch Accredited Online Colleges and Universities offer numerous programs online to help you reach your ultimate education goals. There are traditional programs available as well if your schedule allows classroom attendance. See what today's programs have to offer and find the right one to fit your needs at accredited online colleges. There's no time like the present to start moving ahead.

Online Education - A Time-Effective Mode Of Learning

Constructing one's daily schedule in the most 'time-effective' way is the key to success today, considering the pace at which everybody's life is running. Leverage the 'Time factor' and you have made it to the top. This explains the increasing significance of online education. This is why the number of online schools and colleges has increased significantly across in the United States (US) and other parts of the world. This indicates the growing shift towards online education.

Here are some of the most important advantages and benefits that online education offers, which you may consider in case you are looking out for various options to pursue higher education at your own pace and without disturbing your schedule.

Accessibility: Thanks to online education, the distance from the campus is no longer a barrier that separates education and the students. Today's generation of students has the advantage of utilizing their time effectively, since there is distant online education available to them. To access online learning, all that the students need to do is to install the contemporary communication equipment such as computer and Internet and enroll for the desired courses online.

Student-Centered Learning: The students dictate the learning experience in online education. Here because the teacher is not teaching you all the time, you have the liberty to prioritize your schedule and complete the assignments as per your convenience. In online mode of education, the students are at freedom to select their learning methodology. The choices available are audio, video, or oral components.

Fair Playing Field: Online education is growing in popularity also because it promises a level playing field for the people participating in it. Learning online does away the bias and colored decision-making based on ethnicity, physical appearance, race or gender of the student. Here, the sole criterion of evaluation is the performance of the student.

Convenience and Flexibility: Online mode of education offers the participants the flexibility of gaining access to the lessons online. This is very convenient and does not hamper the education process if the student is not staying at a convenient location. Moreover, online education and learning has overcome the barrier of time. This allows the students to attend lectures for various subjects as per their schedules. Therefore in online education the students have an opportunity to set the priority of their schedule and execute the tasks at hand accordingly.

Most students prefer online education because it eliminates the necessity of them going away from their parents to pursue their goal. With online education all you need to succeed in your courses is installation of contemporary communications equipment and motivation to succeed.

Interaction: Online mode of education offers an opportunity of purposeful interaction to the students at a higher level with their instructors as well as with their fellow students. The courses in online mode of education are designed in a way that each student gets an opportunity to offer their contribution to the discussions related to a subject and offer peer reviews.

Music Education and You

You don't have to have a musical education to appreciate music, but it does often change the way in which you listen to it, hopefully enhancing your enjoyment.
Most of us have experienced some degree of music education in our lives, and, perhaps surprisingly, it was not all at school, or with a music teacher. Some of it could have been at home (what radio stations did your parents listen to?); some at the cinema or at concerts; some, and often quite a lot, listening to music your friends play or like; some because you play an instrument and are hooked on music in a big way so keep on wanting to learn.
Many people are not aware of their own music education and if you asked them they would very possibly deny having any at all. Well they have, but they are just not aware of it.
If you come from a background whose family is into Rock Music you are likely to know more about that type of music than someone brought up in a family of classical musicians, or whose normal radio channels or hi-fi music is mainly classical, and of course vice versa. Whether you actually like the music is another matter, but having it surrounding you every day will allow you to at least have an opinion of your own. That is just as valuable education in its way as formal lessons in a formative way.
Once you decide whether you like it or not, you may be one of those many people who wish to take it a bit further and actually play an instrument. Will it be the lead electric guitar or the classical one? Will it be the drums or the timpani? The electric organ or the piano, the bass guitar or the double bass, clarinet or saxophone (all four) or perhaps the flute or trumpet? Nowadays they can all be used for an enormous number of what are now termed "genres" of music, so you could just as easily play jazz and classical trombone as Baroque harpsichord and synthesizer.
This may well, but certainly not always, depend upon the music you have been "exposed" to during your life. It really does not matter how old you are, which of course is the great thing about Music. You're never too old to learn and enjoy. Music education nowadays varies enormously amongst schools, families and friends. Many parents' favourites are still popular with the younger generation. Classical favourites tend to last an extra Century or two, though varying in popularity.
Formal music education comes in many guises. Schools throughout the world teach music to greater or lesser degrees. Most countries, of course, tend to their own country's music, but many now have more open minds, resulting in superb philharmonic and symphonic orchestras, along with the chamber music groups from such diverse places as China, Japan, Chile, USA, Russia, South Africa, Poland and many other countries, most of which have equally good modern popular bands too.
As well as having a basic music education at school, which can be very variable, both due to the school and the country, many children, and adults, take advantage of a private music teacher, usually to teach them the instrument of their choice. If you are lucky your formative music education will lead to a much better understanding of the music you listen to, and should certainly expand your musical horizons.
Local music appreciation classes abound and there are plenty of music teachers around. It would be nice to think that this article may encourage someone to listen more carefully to their own choice of music and try to pick out the violin/bass or whatever. It makes it much more interesting.

Why Online Degrees Are Becoming Popular

Most people have the same path when it comes to getting an education; graduate high school, then go to college. This path is actually becoming less traveled since online education is becoming more popular in society. There are many reasons as to why people now prefer to get their degrees online rather than by attending a traditional college.
The main reason that people prefer getting their degree online is because they can earn it on their own time and at their own pace. This is important since the economy has been suffering. Some people or families find they can't take years to attend a traditional college in order to get their degree; instead, most people go straight into the work force in order to support themselves and/or their families. With the development of online education, these people who go straight into the work force can still work towards earning their degree while still being able to hold down a full time job.
Another reason it's becoming more popular is because it costs less than most traditional colleges. When you pay tuition for a traditional college, you are normally paying for more than just the class you are taking. Tuition normally includes costs for upkeep to libraries and gyms, as well as pay for gym memberships, whether you use them or not. You will also pay fees that may not be included in the tuition, but that still add up really fast. Room and board, textbooks, and any equipment can be considered an added fee to your tuition. Online classes don't make you pay for the library or gym, plus, since you can work from just about anywhere, you save time and money on commuting to campus.
The types of degrees that you can get online have increased since when online education first began. People can now earn anything from an associate's degree to a PHD online. This gives people the convenience of continuing their education no matter what their level is. People who online have a high school degree or GED can apply to get their associates or bachelor's degree. Those who have at least a bachelor's degree can look at getting their masters or PHD.
Part of what is making it become so popular is that besides the different degree levels that are being offered, the majors and areas of study are growing. While some people may want to get a business degree online, others can get a degree in nursing or criminal justice. Since there are more subjects that people can get degrees in, there are more people whose needs are being met by these online colleges.
Another important and essential reason as to why online colleges are becoming more popular is because more programs are becoming accredited. When a college, any type of college, is accredited, it means that it has reached a high enough standard of education for that degree to become valid. Sadly, there are some online colleges that really are just degree mills, which means the degree you earn from that particular college, will not be recognized by other colleges and some employers. You can always check to see if the online college you want to attend is accredited by checking with the school its self, and even the state that it is in.

Distance Learning Programs: Causes of Popularity and Great Universities

Over the years teaching system has undergone great changes especially in the mode of teaching. Now, to get a good degree and quality education students don't require attending classes. They can acquire their degrees and education from anywhere in the world. It is now easy for a foreign student earning a North American degree without visiting the country. How it possible? Distance learning programs do the tricks.
Technology, like all other fields, brings a revolution in education. Internet brings out education from the "case of bricks", means joining traditional classes is not required for getting quality knowledge. Now quality degrees can be eared from home or coffee shop. In fact, distance education has emerged as a great way to advance one's qualifications.
Why Do Distance Learning Programs Become Popular?
Study shows, over the previous years students of distance learning programs has increased at a rate of almost 20%. It clearly shows that distance learning is on the upswing. What is making it more and more popular? Undoubtedly, its advantages and benefits are. Here are they,

• Going out for education requires a lot of expenses. Most of the students can not backup the money for their education. But with distance learning one can easily get degrees while stay at home which save him or her lots of money.
• Flexibility in study, with an internet connection it is easy learning from anywhere.
• Learning becomes easy for those who has to maintain busy work routine and can not make time to attend traditional classes.
• No waste of time and money for transport and communication.
• Self-paced learning, study at a personal speed and intensity.
• Great opportunity for those with physical disability and unable to cope with the classroom based traditional learning.
• Online resources come into use for study which enhance the world of students and enrich their knowledge.
• Helps to be comfortable and stress free with learning.

What Are The Top Universities For Distance Learning Programs?
There are number of universities offering distance learning programs. Logically, quality of education of all of them is not same. A lot of fake universities and institutions are there so while choosing one you have to filter them. Checking the authority of the university is the first step of choosing one. Choose one that uses all of modern facilities to make learning easier for their students. Nonetheless, here are some of the great online distance learning universities,

• University of Phoenix, one of the best online universities, offers degree programs at bachelor, master, and doctoral level, with a balanced combination of academic theory and practical application. It is fully accredited and ensures quality for its online education.
• Argosy University, a private university, is well known for providing flexible but quality online degrees in business, education and psychology. Its online lectures are designed with great concern to the students' practical knowledge. Students can get their online classes either during day or night. Above all, experienced instructors provide students individualized attention through online class session.
• Capella University offers online degrees in information technology, business, psychology, public health and human services. Its online environment is organized into course-rooms that are built on the Blackboard Learning System software. It faculty is consists of professionals possessing years of teaching experience.

There are great institutions. While choosing one, take great care. Degree from a great online university can enlighten your career while a fake university degree can make your life a hell.

The Rise of a Symbolic Culture and Online Education in the Information Age

In "Leisure Theory in the Information Age" by Wes Cooper and "Reflections on Recreation, Park, and Leisure Studies" by Daniel L. Dustin and Thomas L. Goodale, the authors raise two very important issues about the growth and impact of an increasingly symbolically constructed culture. This new culture has developed due to information technology and these changes in our culture have created a more narrowly specialized type of education for professional careers which is increasingly taught electronically. In turn, these changes in education have undermined the traditional community of scholars concerned with values and contributing to the public good.
As Cooper describes it, our work and leisure has increasingly taken the form of "symbolic manipulation" rather than manipulating the physical environment, so that more and more "we and our environments are increasingly becoming symbolic constructs." This increasingly symbolization of our society has affected both work and leisure, so that whether one is at work or involved in recreational activities, one is more and more not interacting with the physical world as with a symbolically-created virtual world.
For example, instead of going bowling at a bowling facility with a group of friends, one may participate in an online bowling game with a network of other online bowlers one communicates with electronically. Instead of meeting friends to talk about an event in person or even on the phone, one may experience an event through TV or an online presentation and then text back and forth with others about it. Instead of going to a movie theater with friends and family members, one may download a movie from Netflix or see a video or series of short video Webisodes on Hulu or YouTube, and then share emails about it with other viewers. The rise of video gaming through social gaming sides like FarmVille and Mafia Wars, where one gets virtual supplies and equipment to help one get ahead in the game, are another example of this growing manipulation of symbolic constructs in everyday life.
Cooper's essay is devoted to considering what to do about this transformation into a more symbolic society. His Alpha model suggests that in the future, these symbolic worlds will become more and more important, and we have to be better able to adjust to this increasing ratio of the symbolic to the non-symbolic in our world, based on whether we see this shift as something to be valued or a warning about a future which is more and more a symbolic construct. Or as Cooper puts it: "Alpha...gestures towards future possibilities, such as the increasing importance of virtual spaces in our lives." (p. 469). In this Alpha view, this growth of sociable virtual spaces will become more and more a natural part of our lives, which we take for granted, much like we have taken for granted the development of a subjective consciousness as an essential part of our personal identity. As such, this growing influence of virtual spaces will contribute to creating new forms of educational institutions, work, and leisure, such as reflected in the growing number of online courses and graduate programs, telecommuting at work, and online leisure activities.
As an alternative to this growing virtual takeover, Cooper suggests that there might be a Beta Trial-and-Error Hypothesis, which represents a middle-ground approach between giving in to an inevitable takeover of this social virtual world replacing a grounded reality and a Luddite-like effort to a return to "a golden age of freedom from high technology." Instead, in this trial and error approach, an individual can choose to seek out the best of both worlds by combining an involvement in a symbolically constructed environment with participation in real life activities. Likewise, organizations and institutions can choose which approaches work the best for them, such as by deciding to combine virtual courses and real ones.
Finally, Cooper proposes the Gamma Symbolic Utility Hypothesis in which he suggests that the symbolic meanings one has for something have a symbolic utility (or SU) which should be taken into account along with the expected utility (EU) of something, and both can influence the decision someone makes by contributing to the decision value (or DV), which is composed of both types of utility. In other words, we don't just make decisions based on rational factors, as proposed by Rational Choice Theory (RCT), which is the kind of approach economists use in assessing the choices people make in spending their money, but by other considerations. As Cooper puts it: "decision value (DV)...aims at finding a balance between maximizing outcomes or payoffs and maximizing what has positive meaning for an agent." The implications of this hypothesis for examining the influence of the increasingly important symbolic constructs is to recognize the ways different people may assign different meanings to the choices they make to participate in physical activities or in virtual worlds.
I think this discussion of the growing influence of symbolic structures and virtual worlds in our life today is an important one, because this discussion raises issues for those assessing the health of our modern culture and for the providers of leisure and recreation, which has become increasingly the domain of private enterprise as the funding for public leisure organizations has shrunk. While many people, including Cooper, seem to have a negative perspective in viewing the high-tech take-over of society and blaming it for the separation between people who are engaged in virtual activities, such as social gaming, I think this a wrong-headed approach. In fact, I have seen studies in the news that suggest that those who are most active in online virtual worlds also have more social connections, since they socialize in the everyday real world based on their experience in the virtual world and they use that to supplement their other real world physical activities.
Certainly, there are some social misfits who find the anonymity of virtual worlds a way to have a social life which they cannot have in everyday life because they lack social skills. But for most people, participating in online activities is not an escape from everyday life, but a supplement or complement to it. An example of this is the popularity of social gaming for the popular crowd in high school and college. Also, many employees and independent contractors, including myself, have found becoming technologically savvy and participating in or presenting everything from Webinars to online conferences crucial for being employed in today's economy. At the same time, these employees and independent contractors, myself included, participate in a wide variety of real time meetings, such as referral clubs, Chamber of Commerce mixers, and industry conferences. It is not an either-or situation but the use of both worlds that is necessary today to be competitive.
Although Dustin and Goodale don't use the terminology of symbolic constructs or refer to the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma hypotheses in their article, they discuss how this increasing symbolization of life affects education, and in particular how it has impacted the education of leisure and recreation professionals. They suggest that this change has undermined the traditional use of education to prepare students not only to enter a profession but to have humanistic values leading them to want to contribute to making a better world. Dustin and Cooper also express concern that the new technology enabling these virtual worlds has undermined the traditional educational institutions that have provided a geographical place where students can gather and have a personal social interaction with one another. Instead, there has been a growth of online courses and programs, enabling students to gain the professional credentials for a field without having to interact with other students or their professors.
As Dustin and Goodale observe, the field of leisure studies first emerged at the University of Minnesota in 1937, where it was guided by a public service ethic to provide leisure services that "contributed to a better quality of life for individuals in the community." Then, in the 1960s, which was marked by the rise of the National Recreation and Park Association as the primarily organization for the professional and lay community in the leisure field, leisure studies were devoted to preparing students to work as professionals in the field. However, since the 1970s, as public leisure services have lost funding, the private sector has become more important, and more and more students have been educated to serve these private enterprises.
As a result, the focus in leisure education, as well as in other fields, has shifted more to preparing students to get well-paying jobs in their career specialty, and this education has increasingly been provided through distance learning, making it more convenient for students to take courses at their home or office at whatever time is most convenient for them. As Dustin and Goodale observe: "The ultimate expression of this is distance learning, correspondence courses and degree programs in electronic form...Not since the printing press has technology had such an impact on learning and the dissemination of information." This shift has also meant that there has been a decline in face-to-face interaction, and degrees and certificates have become like commodities, which are purchased to make one more marketable for a career.
These are important transformations, made possibly by the rise of new technologies and new systems for delivery of information, and they have been transforming educational systems, just as they have been transforming interaction in everyday life. For example, computers, along with cell-phones, e-mail, and online accounts have become necessities in everyday life, as well as in education, whereas they were more like personal luxuries a decade ago.
However, while Dustin and Goodale argue that these high-tech developments are detrimental to the educational experience, I think these developments open up tremendous opportunities for individuals who once could not get an education because they can now access it at their convenience. Certainly, this system can be abused, such as when someone hires someone else to take their courses, write their papers, and post them on line for them, without any way for the professor to verify exactly who is taking the class, because of the anonymity of the computer (unless some system is devised to record who is in front of the computer typing a paper or online reply). But in general I think the system offers great opportunities. For example, there are now extensive digitized libraries of material online, and it is no longer necessary to spend hours going to a physical place, which involves fighting traffic, waiting in line, or searching on stacks to get that information. Also, the privatization of leisure has opened up many new career opportunities in the private sector for those who are able to respond to these opportunities or create new careers for themselves, such as a leisure researcher or consultant, who advises people on the new leisure and recreational possibilities. Indeed, this has become a brave new world with all sorts of new possibilities for those who can respond and adapt.

GINI GRAHAM SCOTT, Ph.D., J.D., is a nationally known writer, consultant, speaker, and seminar/workshop leader, specializing in recreation and leisure, business and work relationships and in professional and personal development. She has published over 50 books on diverse subjects. Her latest books include: THE VERY NEXT NEW THING, PLAYING THE LYING GAME, WANT IT, SEE IT, GET IT!; ENJOY! 101 LITTLE WAYS TO ADD MORE FUN TO YOUR WORK EVERYDAY; and A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR WORKING WITH HUMANS...MANAGING EMPLOYEES FROM HELL...and WORKING WITH BAD BOSSES. She is founder and director of Changemakers Publishing and Writing and Changemakers Productions, and has been a featured expert guest on hundreds of TV and radio programs, including Oprah and Good Morning America. She is the host of a weekly syndicated talk radio talk, CHANGEMAKERS, featuring interviews and commentary on various topics. Her Websites are at . She has a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California in Berkeley, a J.D. from the University of San Francisco Law School, and M.A.s in Anthropology; Mass Communications and Organizational/Consumer/Audience Behavior, and Popular Culture and Lifestyles from California State University, East Bay. She is getting an MS in Recreation and Tourism.

Online Education Gains Popularity In The World Of Education

We all consider education as one of the important part of our lives. Nobody wants to be called as an illiterate or uneducated person in this modern world. Proper education can help uplift your status in the society because of the earned knowledge and skills. It can also boost your self esteem that leads to a better career you are dreaming to have.
With the great inventions that provides easy techniques of teaching, a degree can be achieved easily. With the advancements of technology, development in education also takes its place. People now are fun of multitasking. They work to earn and wants to continue studying to learn more. That is why distance learning or online education was introduced to cater the needs of professionals and working students with hectic schedules.
We are living in a fast paced world where technology rules. Distance education is a great option in helping students enhance their skills and gain more knowledge. Online education is widely accepted and gains popularity especially to progressive countries such as Europe and United States. It is a good alternative to learning in traditional classrooms. Online degree courses will continue to rise its popularity as the Internet becomes the world of people.
Online education is legalized since 1993 and is considered as the new way of teaching and learning by students of all age group. With the help of Internet, this mode of education has been the easiest way of learning where students can have an easy access to the unlimited resources on the World Wide Web.
There are many advantages that you can get from participating in an online education programs. Individuals with a busy schedule can attain an online degree course that is equal to the amount of education a student get from attending in a traditional campus. A student only needs a computer and an Internet connection to open the gates of a whole new world of learning and excitement. With the help of this technologies, students can have all the liberty of choosing the time and place to study for his convenience.
Most of the institutions offering online courses are accredited, well established and widely accepted. You can have the chance of earning a degree from the well known Universities around the world without spending much of your money. Students will know how to be responsible in life that gives them reason to work hard during their class.

Online Education: The New and Popular Mode Of Education

People around the world accepts the new way of teaching and learning which is online education. The benefits and advantages of online education have made it the popular mode of learning among adult professionals and employed students all over the world. Large number of educational institutions, government organizations and corporations already offer various electronic teaching. This mode of education is highly popular in progressive countries such as Europe and United States of America.
Educational Institutions now are well established with a good reputation in giving quality education and proper trainings. And most of them commenced online programs that ensures qualitative learning. You can easily seek programs online that result in certification, bachelors degrees, advance technical skill and even doctorate degrees.
Internet is the primary method of presenting learning materials. You need to go online and visit the specific website designated fro the course. Students and Instructors communicate through the emails and chat rooms. The contents are presented and distributed in the form of texts, images, videos, animations or audios. Students take tests and complete assignments by visiting the course web site.
In online education, you have the opportunity to meet other students from different places of the world. You are in charge of utilizing your time for you to maintain your flexible schedule. You can have all the comfort you want in completing your assignments or assigned tasks. It is also the choice of many professionals because of the wide range of courses available 24/7. You have the liberty in choosing your own mode of learning.
Students who participates in online education are computer literate, well organized, independent learner, have excellent communication skills and good in managing their time. There are students who prefer this mode of education because of their disability, work or if they live in remote areas where colleges do not exists.
We have to accept the fact that we are now living in a fast pace world. We do not just need one skill to be productive. We need many skills and broad knowledge to succeed in a career field that we want. Pursuing a degree is one way to achieve your goals in life. Being busy because of your hectic schedule is not a hindrance for you to become successful. Enroll to accredited school and have your online education at your convenience. Do not let yourself be left behind. Learn new to become updated and skilled professional now!

Want to Learn The Most Popular Universities to Join Online Courses in Dubai?

Online Courses in Dubai

Over the years, online courses in Dubai have dramatically paced up. There exist several institutions like the World Al Lootah University, Stafford Associates and Hult University which offer a range of popular online courses. More and more establishments are moving towards the field of online education owing to the demand and need of technology based education which bridges the gap between education and career. Dubai online universities intend to assist the aspirants in Middle East to achieve good quality and world recognized educations.

Recently, the pioneer in international online learning, University of Phoenix, established their Service Centre in the Dubai, thereby, giving equal opportunities to the Middle Eastern to avail accredited and recognized American degrees without leaving the country.

Well, if you too are one among the several aspirants who wish to be a part of online Universities in Dubai but are unaware as to which course to choose, here's a holistic list for your assistance. It will help you find all the online programs and courses in all levels of education. From Business Management to Applied Arts Dubai Universities has everything. See it for yourself!

Online Programs in Dubai can be broadly categories in three parts - online degree programs, online diploma programs and online certificate programs. Take a look below for more specific segmentation.

1. Foundation Degree
2. Associate
3. Foundation
4. Bachelors
5. Undergraduate
6. Masters
7. Graduate
8. Doctorate
9. M Phil
10. High school Diploma
11. GED
12. Undergraduate Diploma
13. Postgraduate Diploma
14. Undergraduate Certificate
15. Postgraduate Certificate

Now take a look at various fields and the associated online courses:

Business and Management
Human Resource Management
Marketing
Accounting
Finance
Management
Advertising
Project Management
Entrepreneurship
Product & Brand Management
Quality Management
Aviation Management
Real Estate Management
Retail Management
Logistics management
Construction Management
Hospitality Management
International business
Education:
Early Education
Middle Level Education
Adult Education
Special Education
Assessment and Evaluation
Teaching and learning
Administration and Supervision
Teaching Assistant
Curriculum and Instruction
Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice
Corrections
Crime Scene Investigation
Cyber Crime
Juvenile Justice
Private Security
Policing
Investigation
Computer Science
Computer Science
Information Technology
Network Management
Software Engineering
Telecommunications
Web Development
Multimedia and Animation
Occupational Safety
Occupational safety and health
Fire sciences
Nursing
Psychology
General psychology
Clinical psychology
Counseling psychology
Educational psychology
Organizational psychology
Social Sciences
English
Mass communication
Economics
History
Sociology
Journalism
Social Services
Human Services

Political Science

Political Science
Public Administration

Applied Arts

Visual Communication
Interior Design
Architecture

Health Sciences

Nutritional
Health Science
Law and Legal Studies
Legal Studies
Performing Arts
Music
Natural Sciences
Biology
Chemistry

Home Education - Criticisms, Conformity and the Real World

Home education families and advocates are often criticized for isolating children and sheltering them from the 'real world'. Rare examples of children who have difficulty acclimating to a school environment after having formerly been home educated are used as fodder by critics in an attempt to prove that home education is faulty. Two main points are always raised, that the children are not given exposure to the 'real world' and that they are not properly socialized. I'd like to address these misunderstandings.
It is important that we first understand that the purpose of the modern government school system is indoctrination. This indoctrination process is performed using three main principles: Conformity, Training and Socialization. Once we understand this, we can begin to understand the weakness in the most popular Home Education criticisms.
Conformity
Indeed there are some isolated cases where a formerly home educated kid is plunked into a government school setting and struggles to conform. Immediately we see this as "failure" because we are now holding the child to that public school standard. Let us step outside the thinking box for a moment though, where we can view the forest from outside the tree line and realize that this is not a failure to "perform" it is actually a failure to "conform". The child is not conforming to a very specific and narrow pre-selected and predetermined set of criteria, chosen by those elusive bureaucrats that run that government system. These bureaucrats are at the mercy of the corporate sponsors who provide financial support. So in essence it is the corporate giants that get to dictate what the average child should "learn" (and I use the word loosely here). When child does not smoothly fall into place with that agenda we call it "failure".
As exemplified in popular home education criticisms, the mainstream seems to be caught in this mentality of blindly trusting that the government school system is the high king of learning. We hold children to those standards and very rarely consider who or what industry developed those standards. We don't ponder what they are based on or for what purpose they were developed. We as a society fail to ask ourselves these questions and so we go on thinking that if a child does not fit into that very particular mold then he/she is a failure.
It is imperative that we begin to understand that a child who does not conform well when plunked into a public school setting, is not failing. They are simply used to living according to natural human nature and adhering to God's intent for spiritual freedom. This is why they struggle to assimilate. They are in essence, fighting to maintain their spiritual freedom and they are grasping to hold onto their natural intellectual curiosity; an organic human trait that the system will eventually school this right out of them. If there is any question as to whether the system is producing creative, intelligent adults, all that is necessary is a cursory glance at our modern culture and all that currently plagues humanity. It's quite clear that something is terribly amiss as uniqueness, and creative intelligence seem to have become endangered traits. Most of history's great thinkers - the great philosophers and profound minds that changed humanity, have died off. We've seen only scarce examples since the founding Fathers. (Interestingly, these folks were often home educated).
The system is producing alright, but what it is producing is an obedient army of efficiently conformed adults, who have accepted an artificial reality and are trained to stay on a conveyor belt for fear of some abstract idea of 'failure'.
Training
"No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers dirty looks!"is a popular chant that school children over several decades have sung at the onset of summer break. "School's out!" is always a celebratory statement. Why? It is because children hate school. They feel oppressed and stifled and frustrated. Even the "good performers" find great relief in summer break and vacation time. This is training for a lifetime of longing for and thus working toward collecting more 'vacation days' in the workforce.
We are systematically trained to accept that life sucks, that everything is a frustrating struggle and that is just the way it is. We accept misery, stress and debt as symptoms of existing. We are given years of preparation to acclimate to this idea so that we smoothly accept a life wherein we work a job that we dislike and just accept that this is the way it is. The reward is the vacation time during which we are released for a short burst of time and we rush to pack all the fun into a week before we have to return to the auto-driven conveyor belt that represents the only life we know and understand since pre-K.
The children (and adults) that escape this conformity are 'outcasts' and weirdos and hippies and rebels. Alas, life doesn't suck for us because we don't accept misery as reality and vacation time is irrelevant to our fun. However the majority of society rejects our notions because joy has been packed into an elusive and infrequent experience to be glimpsed only on special occasions.
The problem is that most of our modern culture has accepted pain as reality. It's not; we've just been in the system so long and thus have been so infused with it, that we believe that it is. However, perspective is really the key. All it takes is a single step outside the thinking box to see the true reality - which is that happiness is abundant and struggle does not have to be part of daily life. Once the true colors start to undulate it becomes pretty simple to recognize the beauty and joy in a real life.
The government school system provides an artificial reality wherein children of the same age are boxed together and force-fed a canned and packaged information bundle. If they are not able to regurgitate that information on command they are told that they've "failed". If they are not able to sit still and swallow that information they are diagnosed with a "disorder" and medicated to make them more docile and easy to feed. It's a prefabricated training program.
The only thing this experience really trains a child for, is proper assimilation into a world where they must get their certificate of validation (degree) in order to work for someone else so that they can build credit to acquire substantial debt by consuming and taking loans to pay for their consumption. It trains young humans to be able to sit at a desk or in a cubical (box) for long hours (or some other monotonous task), without complaint. It gets children used to doing things that they dislike in order to gain a reward (passing grade, degree, paycheck, vacation time etc.).
Those who do not conform to this procedure are called "failures" and those who do are rewarded with higher limits on their credit cards so that can effectively perpetuate the system. We are taught to desire money and financial stability and are discouraged from desiring joy and divine connection. We are taught that those desires are for hippies and nut-jobs, and it's better to want a big house and nice car. In short, happiness is elusive, stuff is better. While I don't think there is anything particularly wrong with enjoying stuff, in my experience I've found that life is far more pleasurable when we unplug from that paradigm and perceive it more like this: Stuff is alright, Happiness is better.
Socialization
As for socialization... my concern for the world is that we are filling up the population with clones that have been assimilated into a system that compartmentalizes them by age and/or gender and segregate them into boxes for several hours per day under the authority of a handful of adult strangers whom we blindly trust to deliver some sort of benefit to them.
My question is this -- how exactly does this 12-15 year experience reflect the "real world"? With the exception of the Holocaust and other war-time social experiments, in what normal situation in nature are humans forced into a room to be downloaded and indoctrinated? How does this pass as an effective social experience? It passes because we've blindly accepted it and that is because WE have been "socialized". Thankfully many of us have since unplugged from this, and we're the ones who have been labeled as oddballs.
The idea that the ability to interact with people is a learned skill that can only be acquired through practice is so sad to me-- and sadder yet is that there are still so many who believe it!
On the contrary, our ability to interact with other people is natural. We are born with it. It is a divine gift. It gets squashed and schooled out of us and then we struggle to find a fake process by which to recreate it. Interacting with others is not a skill that we are somehow naturally lacking and need to learn. It is a natural human trait that should be nurtured. But we don't nurture it. Instead we murder it and then attempt to recreate it by artificial stimulation as we drop our young children into a room full of similar people, leave them there feeling frightened and nervous and instruct them to "go make a friend".
Anxiety, fear and artificial relationships are fostered from the beginning. Conformity is encouraged and rewarded. Our individuality is suffocated. Our natural curiosity is strangled and our ability to love one another is killed. Then there is a great attempt to replace it with a preservative filled fake reality.
The Reality and Real World
Regarding those common criticisms mentioned above, I'm sure there are some children whose parents for whatever reason could not continue to educate them at home and so they enter them into government school. In my eyes it is the parents who have given up and failed to find a way to make it happen. Perhaps they themselves have had their sense of self-worth schooled out of them. I won't pretend to know what reasons parents give themselves. Whatever the reason may be however, the facts (according to statistical data) of the matter are that these cases are very rare and very far and few in between. There are far more children that are schooled all the way who arefailing within the system, than kids who enter from home education situations and then cannot cope.
We cannot use these rare cases as a litmus test because it's inadequate and weak. If we compare the social graces and academic performance (to scale) of the home educated population against the schooled population, then statistically the home educated population blows the schooled away by a huge margin. Statistically speaking, it's a landslide. Spotlighting one child who struggles to conform to his/her grade level when plopped into a classroom, is truly a very poor and feeble attempt to defend an obviously broken system. I often wonder if it is also an attempt made by those who have chosen the school system, to validate their own choice and soothe their insecurities about that choice. Something to consider indeed!
The minute we wake up each morning that Real World is right there! And it is filled with opportunities to interact with millions of people and experience unlimited wonders. The 'real world' is not inside a classroom. It's everywhere, waiting to teach us all we need to know about living in it.
In conclusion, the child that fails in school is not failing to perform, they are failing to conform. Perhaps we should take the hint.

An Unplugged Home Educator of her own children for nearly a decade, Laurette is passionate about helping people discover parenting in such a way that it resonates in their life, their children's lives and their world! Her objective is to help parents discover the benefits and joys of family life with Unplugged Education - an experience that goes beyond the logistics of academics and breaks free of the box of simply 'schooling' at home. It is a way of looking at parenting from outside the box and making deliberate informed choices for our family; a bold and audacious journey into the art of active Parenting that shakes the foundation of 'normal' as we learn to unplug from the doldrums of status quo and begin to dramatically improve the entire family dynamic!

Looking Into College Majors and Beyond: The Top Ten Most Popular College Majors in the US

Choosing the right college major is essential in obtaining the adequate knowledge and skills to achieve success in future career paths and employment opportunities. In pursuing most college degrees, deciding on a major may be done during a student's sophomore year to ensure graduating on time, provided that all courses are taken at the designated schedule. It is important for any college student to identify which courses to take and maintain focus on his or her long-term goal and ambition.

Several college majors have earned a certain amount of popularity among students, usually depending on how lucrative the careers ensuing from these majors may be. A report from the National Center for Education of the US Department of Education indicates that the majors that are most in demand are in the categories of business, social sciences, education, and health sciences.

The following is a list of majors that are sought after by a majority of college students and short descriptions of what students may expect in the included courses:

Programs relating to Biology and Biological Sciences include a variation of courses relevant to the fields of genetics, botany, zoology, biochemistry, molecular biology; along with other similar disciplines. A degree in Biology may be pursued by students intending to take up further studies in medicine, advanced medical research, molecular biology, and the like.

Business Administration and Management includes the general study of what a business encompasses, its organizational structure, guidance on its operation and effective supervision of its resources. Courses may also include the discussion of entrepreneurship, economics, applicable laws and ethics in business, corporate communications as well as the utilization of appropriate communication and information systems.

Majors in Communications deal with theories and contexts of both verbal and non-verbal, interpersonal, mass, and organizational communication. Courses in effective public speaking and public relations also contribute to this study. Communication research, both qualitative and quantitative, as well as the employment of applicable research methods are offered by some institutions.

Pursuing a degree in Computer Science may involve delving into the basic principles of computing, programming, software development, networking, system design, architecture, and various computing applications. Graphics generation, web design and programming, algorithm creation, and robotics may also be offered under this major.

Criminal Justice covers the identification and operation of institutions with reference to the justice system which includes corrections, courts, and law enforcement units in either local, state or federal jurisdictions. Courses in criminal law, criminal investigation, security, and forensic science are among those offered by various colleges for this field.

A major in Elementary Education entails the study of theories and methods similar to those of the broader discipline of Education. The courses, however, are tailored distinctly for elementary students and conducting lessons designed for educating at the primary level. Theories on developmental learning and assessment along with techniques in imparting information on various subjects are explored in this program.

Engineering majors are introduced to a wider array of industry-specific courses relating to mechanical, electrical, civil, materials, environmental engineering; among others. Concepts on Linear Algebra, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, as well as general coursework on technical writing and engineering design are required of all students in this field.

A popular choice in the field of Health Sciences, a major in Nursing will include the fundamentals, laws, and ethics of the nursing profession, familiarization with healthcare systems, identification and care of ailments, and the like. Also taken up under this major are lessons in proper interaction with patients and sensitivity to cultural diversity.

Psychology courses delve in the study of human behavior, its development, surrounding environment, and aspects of mental health. It is toward the understanding and treatment of behavioral and mental disorders that majors in Psychology are geared, undergoing coursework on behavior management, application of theories in providing treatment, as well as conducting research and analyses of psychological issues as may be related to various factors.

Under the field of Social Sciences, a major in Political Science allows a student to study the principles influencing the matters of politics and government; their foundations and the issues surrounding them. Courses on political thinking, human rights, international relations, global politics, and foreign relations are among those that are provided, in addition to the study of the US government and constitution.

It is important to stress that successful careers are not dictated solely by being able to finally identify what course to take and especially not in going with what may be the popular options at the moment. College majors that are in demand may also mean tougher competition and a higher possibility of attaining a mediocre standing should a major be taken up based only on popularity instead of genuine interest and suitability to a student's skills. What will truly measure a successful career is being able to choose the course of study that a college student will be intent on pursuing and will lead to the most suitable and enticing opportunities after graduating.

Education Structure in New Zealand

You may often find yourself in a bewildering situations when it comes to where to study abroad. This is true US and UK have been the most preferred locations for education but now it is changing gradually. A good number of students are also making New Zealand a hub for their higher education. Today New Zealand has also become as one of the most selected destination after US and UK. New Zealand is not only famous for its scenic beauty, outdoor location, various culture and nationalities but it is also an epicenter of quality education. The world class education of New Zealand recently been discovered. Students from many European and Asian countries have made New Zealand an incredible destination for education.

The higher education in New Zealand is a billion dollar industry and there has been paramount growth in the last 5 years. The safe learning environment of the country also lure lot of students to its universities. There are number of courses you can find in New Zealand universities; some of them are listed as hotel management, Journalism, HR (human resource) management etc. If you are an Indian you enjoy one year to search job after graduation. As a student you are permitted to work part time while studying full time; it not only helps you to earn some extra cash and support yourself financially but also you can utilize your spare time in a better way. You may also take help from overseas education consultants who have a good experience of education system of New Zealand.

As an international student to study in New Zealand you are required to get student visa and permit to study there. You may also need another permit which does not allow you to stay in New Zealand.

Students who are interested studying in New Zealand may seek admission in the following prestigious universities- University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, University of of Otago, Lincoln University, Massey University and Victoria University of Wellington.

University of Auckland is the biggest university at present. More than 38000 students are studying here it has one main campus at the heart of Auckland. This university offers varieties of courses like education, arts, science, engineering, bio-engineering, business administration, medical and health science. According to popular rating agency, The University of Auckland has earned the top position among the world's best universities A bachelor degree takes three years and for honors one more year is added.

Besides the regular degrees of medical, engineering New Zealand is also popular for its vocational courses or polytechnic courses. After acquiring a diploma of vocational studies from New Zealand your chances of employment naturally increases. New Zealand government provides polytechnic courses and these courses are also quite popular among international students. These polytechnic institutes offer diploma or certificate which generally takes 1 year. The main courses offered are- tourism, hospitality, nursing, and Information Technology. The main purpose of these polytechnic is to provide training which is not available in public sector. However, these vocational courses have a hefty fees ranging 8 to 9 lakh.

Educational Wii Games

Wii games are known to be extremely entertaining, which is their most basic appeal.  This is also the case when it comes to the category of Educational Wii Games - they are not boring or trite my any means, and it's this aspect of the educational style of games that makes them quite popular with kids and adults alike.
At this point of writing (May 2009), there are just a few educational Wii games on the market to choose from, but the ones that are available have a number of appealing factors about them.  Here are two of the top sellers in terms of popularity and high consumer ratings:
Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree - This set of games focuses on a few areas including math, visual recognition and various memory activities.  In all of these activities, players are made to think quickly which is part of the overall challenge.  It's good for kids as well as adults and is a popular game for families to play together as well as providing "mental challenge competitions" for group gatherings.
Smarty Pants for Wii - Rather than having one or a few specific focuses in terms of learning, this is a general information trivia type of a game.  This is my personal favorite of the Wii educational games specifically for kids to play since it bases its questions upon age (entered early on in the game), making it specific to a particular learning level.  This makes it a great choice for kids and adults too.
Both of these educational Wii games are created for players approximately 8 years and older, and are a great choice whether you're looking for fun and mentally challenging games for kids or adults.

Children's Educational Games

There is a common perception that children's educational games are always boring and uninteresting. But this perception is not true at all. On the contrary, there are many children's educational games which not only appeal to kids but many adults also love to play them. Children's educational games come in different levels of difficulty and you can choose them according to the age of your child.

Depending on your child's likes and dislikes, you can choose from a plethora of educational games available in the market. These days, educational games also come in the version of a popular cartoon character or children's movie. For example, you can find an educational game with "Shrek" theme etc. Such games are especially popular among kids.

Children's educational games are also a great addition to any classroom or day care centre. Instead of giving useless toys or letting them play on their own, teachers can engage the class with some interesting educational games. There are many benefits of playing such games in the class. Apart from teaching something good to the children, such games also increase the sense of belonging among children. They start to feel like they are a team and this reduces the problem of loneliness which is very common among children these days.

Children's education games involve almost every subject taught in school. Therefore, one look in the market and you will realize that you can teach your kid any subject from vocabulary to math, from science to geography with the help of educational games. You can also increase your child's concentration by providing him with such games.

There are many computer educational games also available in the market. These games are especially popular among preteens and teenagers as these provide a very exciting experience for kids. Many computer educational games provide information in an arcade style setting where kids have to solve problems in order to reach the next level. Such games are the best way to help your child improve his performance in a particular subject.

Internet has also become a great provider of children's educational games. The best thing about playing such games on internet is that it allows you to play as many different games as you want. There is no limit to these available online. Most of such sites are free to use and you can encourage your kid to play games on them. But before letting your kid play an educational game on the internet, you must make sure that whether the game actually any help for the kid or not.