Technology Learning

How To Write a Good CV and Impress Potential Employers

admin — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:07:12 +0000

The path that leads to an appealing job offer always starts―and unfortunately often ends―with your CV. It takes a busy HR director just seconds to review your CV among a pile of others, and make a quick judgment: In those critical few seconds, only your writing skills influence his or her decision.

Before you dive into reading articles and books that teach you how to write a good CV, remember: Much of the impression that you leave on a potential employer comes from the level of your English writing. Since you haven’t had the chance to meet with that potential employer and convince him or her why s/he should choose you among all the candidates, only your writing skills reflect your image.

Therefore, there’s no doubt that a professionally written and creative CV dramatically increases your chances of gaining an interview with that potential employer.

How to write a good CV by using advanced technology solutions

Recently, some ambitious developers took English writing to the next level, developing a smart, self-learning technology called Natural Language Processing; this technology constantly analyzes millions of documents and text phrases, maintaining a growing proprietary dictionary database that simulates the human mind, so that the end user is provided with an accurate online grammar check and spell check solution.

This innovative technology compares the analyzed results with the user’s existing written text―a CV for example―and automatically performs a punctuation check, language enrichment (using an advanced online synonyms dictionary), and grammar and spelling correction, eventually transforming a plain old CV into a professional and appealing “ticket to ride”.

Benefits of using professional grammar software to write your CV:

(1) Makes your CV stand out from the rest, thereby increasing your chances of getting an interview.

(2) A potential employer will perceive you as intelligent, professional, and trustworthy.

(3) Prevents embarrassing spelling or grammar errors that can cause you to lose an appealing job
offer.

(4) Eliminates job-hunting stress, as you no longer need to spend hours writing, checking, and
rechecking that CV.

(5) One writing solution contains all the editing tools you need to write a professional CV.

By: Gill Lavi

The Drag Fill in the Blank Learning Activity

admin — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 13:08:04 +0000

Drag Fill in the Blank Learning Activity:

This learning activity consists of a paragraph with blanks for the student to fill in. The possible words that may fill in the blanks are listed below the paragraph. The student drags a word or group of words to fill in a blank. If he drags the correct word to the blank, the word moves into the space. If he drags it to the wrong spot, it returns to the bottom of the paragraph. After the student successfully drags the elements to the correct spots in the paragraph, the student gets a congratulations screen specific to that learning activity.

Functionality:

First, instructions appear describing the learning activity with directions. The student then drags the word or words to a blank or underlined part of the paragraph (each word grouping is indicated clearly; you cannot drag more than one choice at a time). If the student drags the word to the correct spot in the paragraph, the word appears above the underline and audio may indicate that he is correct. If the choice is incorrect, the word returns to the bottom of the paragraph. After the student has successfully dragged the choices to the correct underlined spots in the paragraph, the student sees a congratulations screen and hears applause.

A Drag Fill in the Blank: INSTRUCTIONS

Drag the term to its appropriate place in the paragraph to demonstrate your understanding of the material.

Paragraph with underlines to indicate blanks (Example, replace for new activity)

The _____________________ of the project was not in doubt; the ____________ cost was the issue. “Tell me the numbers. Do not _______________.” The CEO was an __________ man and did not want to ___________________ the pain of the financial examination. In an effort to ____________ the CEO, the project leader ___________showed the reasons that the cost was so high.

efficacy exorbitant equivocate erudite
exacerbate emulate explicitly

Words to fill in blanks (Example, replace for new activity) Note that the words appear in more than one column as shown here:
Put the words in the order in which they will appear in the paragraph. We will randomize them.

Ending Text Message (may be a picture), Audio is generally applause.
Example, replace for new activity:

Congratulations! You understand your GRE Vocabulary Words!
Here is a link for you to check out the above learning activity in action:

http://www.syberworks.com/dragFillInTheBlank.html

Below are some variations of the ‘Drag Fill in the Blank’ examples where this method of learning is useful:

Example 1: Identifying various parts of a machine.

Example 2: Testing knowledge of procedures by indicating missing words within steps.

Example 3: Using pictures instead of words to indicate knowledge of procedures, steps, or other pertinent information for a course.

By: Dana Fine

Microsoft Great Plains Integration Scenarios – EDI, eCommerce

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:45:17 +0000

Microsoft Dynamics GP, successor of Great Plains Software Dynamics and eEnterprise is very popular ERP platform, deployed as accounting back office and integrated with various business management system. Among the most typical scenarios of GP MRP integration are Electronic Document Interface EDI and eCommerce. Let’s consider and compare the methodologies, integration and software development tools, programming techniques and customization option

1. EDI. Electronic Document Interchange is relatively matured technology and typically it is realized in the form of fixed length text formatted files or text streams. Newer approach may consider new generation of similar to EDI in concept XML streams. When we are talking about GP, we should expect two types of EDI integrations – when you are vendor (in this case you receive EDI formatted either Sales Order Processing orders or invoices or Accounts Receivables invoices); and when you are customer (in this case you place EDI purchase orders to your vendors). From the technology standpoint, EDI is not really difficult in standard and even custom realization and programming. Microsoft Dynamics GP, starting with version 8.0, is supported on the only DB platform – Microsoft SQL Server. Current version of Microsoft Great Plains is 10.0, available on MS SQL Server 2005 or 2000. You program EDI streams with SQL select command, and you format text fields with cast or convert constructions. When you import external EDI streams you, it is when you create SOP Invoices, you should consider utilizing eConnect

2. eCommerce. If you are e-commerce programmer, please invest your time in eConnect technology learning. You probably heard about eConnect and about the fact that it was dedicated initially to e-commerce software developers. We would like to sort of popularize eConnect and say this – if you do eCommerce integration from scratch, you have to feed eCommerce orders and invoices into GP tables: SOP10100, SOP10200. However, you should know that eConnect already has this job done for you in eConnect business objects – encrypted stored procedures. There are several situations when you should break through eConnect restrictions. First one is the fact that eConnect replicates Dexterity business logic (DYNAMICS.DIC is Microsoft Dexterity dictionary, where all the core modules business logic is stored) and even trusting astonishing SQL Server performance, you can still have concerns that eConnect might be a bit slow, if you transactions volume crosses thousand records per session. If eConnect performance is in question, you may consider doing simplified integration in SQL stored procedures using insert into logic. The second eConnect limitation is absence of posting logic – in order to post SOP batches you will need to deploy Albaspectrum posting server.

By: Andrew Karasev

Literacy In The United States Is Declining – Is That Good Or Bad?

admin — Sun, 30 May 2010 03:06:11 +0000

In an illiterate world, who will want to buy books,
e-books, magazines and newspapers?

Reading is indisputably in decline, which upsets or
pleases people, depending upon one’s viewpoint. In the
USA, we’ve suffered a 10% decline in literacy from 1982
to 2002.

The data are clear—-people are becoming less literate,
preferring not to learn at all or to learn in other ways–hearing, visual, and touch.

Brian Tracy reports that half of all high school graduates and
one-quarter of all college graduates in the USA never read
another book after graduation.

Moreover, 70% of adults have not been in a bookstore in at least
five years.

“Text,” some sneer, is an “ancient learning technology” whose time is up. (It may be ancient, but it’s certainly not passe. The original word “text” means to “weave”–weaving newly-read information into your mental database of what you’ve read previously.)

As an avid speedreader who doesn’t watch TV or DVD’s or CD’s
or use electronic learning devices—except, of course, for the
Internet—-I deplore the decline in reading and writing
proficiency.

The academic case against reading has six points:

1. We are pre-programmed to store, retrieve and
communicate information by speech.

2. Because of our pre-programming, we are driven to
develop technologies to communicate by speech. (Sounds
good to me–so far).

3. Younger people in electrically developed countries
reject “text” as the “technology of choice.” (My
Assumption: that’s because all too many are slow readers, and
slow reading is about as pleasant as having a root canal.)

Speed reading lessons and much practice will correct this problem and make reading enjoyable to anyone. So, why not learn how to be a speedreader? Why not teach others?

4. 80% of the world’s population is functionally
illiterate. (But why should it stay that way?)

5. “Screenagers,” academics muse, are able to deftly
and “seamlessly weave sounds, words and images
into an integrated mosaic” in their minds.

(If that’s really a skill, it’s a nice skill. But you cannot
logically conclude that having this skill renders
reading unnecessary).

6. The Internet breaks down boundaries and creates
an instant global information system. (I agree. The Internet
has made me a globalist. There’s lots of good stuff to read on
the Internet, so I’m glad to be a speed reader, too).

My rebuttal against the logic-challenged case against
literacy and reading is, as follows:

1. Information is doubling and tripling every few years. You
need to speed read, even if you use digital media as well, to
keep up with the avalanche of new information and prevent
your personal obsolescence.

As Brian Tracy says, “to earn more, you have to learn more.”

We all need to read more and read much faster, which provides
greater comprehension and reading enjoyment.

Tracy says that “we should make every minute count.” In addition
to reading regular reading, I agree with Tracy and Zig Ziglar that you should always listen to audio teaching media while driving. Zig calls that “Automobile University.”

The American Automobile Association (AAA) says that Americans
drive an average of 12,000 to 25,000 miles per year, spending 500 to 1,000 hours (the equivalent of two full university semesters).

You should attend Automobile University daily as you
drive, rather than listen to music or talk shows.

Speed reading is a far quicker way to learn than viewing and
listening to videos, CD’s and DVD’s–which I consider
a boring, time-wasting way to learn, if exactly the
same reading material is available instead.

Why not speed read something in 5 to 10 minutes
instead spending 45 minutes learning the same stuff
on digital media?

Remember, every minute counts.

2. The case against reading fails to prove that it
should be minimized or dismissed. Rather, the case
against reading extols the alternatives only.
Therefore, as a logical argument, the case
against reading self-destructs. It’s a house of
cards.

It’s too bad that some academics never studied
formal logic. Obfuscation is not a manifestation of
high intelligence nor does it cover up illogical views.

Be ready to use technology that will allow you to speak
online to listeners anywhere– This includes things like
teleseminars and webinars.

3. Put pressure on public schools and politicians not
to spend billions and billions of dollars with so little
literacy to show for it.

By: John Alquist

Learning in the Limelight at a Georgia Summer Camp

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:37:27 +0000

You won’t hear 12 year old movie directors mentioned at the Academy Awards – yet. But given some time, these talented students just might make it big.

Hundreds of 7-17 year olds applied their talents in a weeklong film production course at iD Tech Camps at a Georgia summer camp on the Emory University campus the past few summers. By the end of the week, each student team created inspiring movies with special effects using cutting-edge technology, including lighting kits and green screens from Photoflex®, Canon® camcorders, Apple Final Cut Pro® editing software, and Adobe After Effects® special effects software.

“With the skills they learn in one week, these up-and-coming student directors could be ready for an internship in the movie industry,” said Kevin Painchaud, owner of an award-winning Hollywood-based movie production company and 7th year lead digital video instructor for iD Tech Camps . “The equipment and software they use is exactly what my production company uses. What wonderful exposure to receive at such a young age. One of the things that makes many of their movies so powerful is their use of lighting and special effects to evoke mood,” says Painchaud. “With the use of the Photoflex professional lighting equipment, the students’ work was elevated to the next level.”

Students used the Photoflex FlexDrop™ green screen to superimpose backgrounds, including purely digital fabrications made from Adobe After Effects. With the Photoflex LiteDisc™ reflectors, students could also easily control the sunlight when filming outside.

“We learned a lot about cinematography and special effects,” one student said. “In one scene my crew and I used the green screen to add a ghostly figure that enters a room through a closed door to pursue the main character.”

While many Emory students were “on location” at the Emory campus in Georgia, another iD Tech student, Brittany, and her group filmed the short movie “Subject #14” while attending the same program at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. A chilling tale of descent into madness, “Subject #14” won the program’s nationwide competition for Best Drama.

“We created amazing lighting effects!” Brittany said. “It was really cool. We could make the actors look brighter or darker depending on what we wanted.”

These up-and-coming movie directors quickly discovered that this technique reduced shadows and created a diffused lighting effect. To open up the room and make it brighter, Brittany’s crew adjusted a Photoflex Digital Lighting Kit so that its SilverDome™ softbox and Starlite™ light pointed toward the ceiling.

By the end the weeklong course, the digital media students gain confidence and leadership skills. Many of them say they look forward to pursuing careers in the movie industry. Getting started in Hollywood may be a challenge, but with the experience these iD Tech Camp students have gained, their journey has already begun.

By: Karen Safran

Distance Learning – A Pattern Helping Millions

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 22:22:35 +0000

Every individual wants to take the class room experience of education. But at times, it is not possible to attend the classes for umpteen number of reasons, for example, the institute may be way distant from the place of residence; aspirant may have to engage himself or herself in untimely employment; sickness or any disease could stop the regular classes; and other miscellaneous reasons. Since learning is the thing that is a treasure for ever, one needs to to pursue certain courses and curricula necessarily. Distance Learning mode of education introduced by universities and institutes across the globe for a very long time, helps the students in learning their intended courses along with their primary work through correspondence.

Nowadays, almost every university runs its own distance learning programmes. They try to cover as many courses as possible. The number of distance learners is also great because of the availability of time and study material at their home. The advancement of technology has opened new mediums of learning like online learning and satellite learning. Now, through internet one can enroll himself in various courses around the world. Most importantly, with the help of audio and visual equipments s/he can listen and watch the lecture from the expert online.

The most beneficial feature of a distance learning course is that there is no compulsion on passing the exam in as much as time as in regular courses. Rather, there is a flexibility of at least of two years to complete certain course. This helps the aspirants to a great extent because at times they may not have got proper amount of time to prepare for certain paper. Besides, all kinds of matters are communicated through correspondence. One doesn’t need to visit the university premises time and again. Almost all of the universities keep separate distance learning directorates so that they can function independently without intervention of the regular study establishments. Every year millions of students complete their courses in distance learning mode from open universities and universities. This pattern is a great help to a great number of students around the places.

By: Rajneesh Dubey

Kinesthetic Learning – Use Kinesthetic Learning Activities to Improve Comprehension

admin — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:09:57 +0000

Did you know that while many students are visual learners and many others are auditory learners, most students actually prefer a combination of visual, auditory, AND kinesthetic learning.

So what is kinesthetic learning?

Simple…kinesthetic learners are those students who typically memorize facts by walking/pacing, they learn by doing, and like to move around frequently.

Here are three teaching tips for kinesthetic learning:

1. Do activities that allow for movement. I often have my class set up into “stations”. Students move from station to station completing an activity. For example, when studying “colonial life”, I have the desks arranged into eight different stations and each station represents a different aspect of colonial life (pictures and written information are provided at each station). Students then have five minutes to complete an activity at one station before they move onto another station.

2. Use simulations or “act-it-outs”. Give students a chance to work together in a group to create and perform a short simple skit. When studying the “Roaring Twenties” I split the class into several groups with each group receiving roughly eight “slang” terms from the 1920s. Students then have 5-10 minutes to create a skit using those slang terms. After students perform their quick skits we can discuss what we learned about the 1920s based on their performances.

3. Reviews games. Many review games provide the opportunity for movement. For example, I create a large-size concentration/memory game board on the classroom floor using vocabulary terms from the current unit. Students need to get up and move to the center of the room to physically participate in the game.

Remember, while students have different learning styles…effective teachers combine various teaching strategies to meet the various learning needs of all their students…including kinesthetic learning activities.

By: Adam Waxler

Getting Your Radiology Tech Certification

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 04:48:11 +0000

Currently, there are many ways by which a person can break into the medical field. While the professions of doctors and nurses are still sought after and desired by many, the proliferation of medical, surgical, and diagnostic equipment over the past decades has also lead to the creation, expansion, and refinement of additional medical professions – many of which can be obtained by way of certification programs and associates degrees.

Radiology tech certification is just one of these programs, and it offers eager students a chance at a valuable career which is both meaningful and well compensated. If you have been at all curious about pursuing a radiologic technologist career, you may find the following information helpful.

What Can I Do With This Certification?

Students who complete a program for radiology tech certification often find positions where they act as Radiologic Technologists. Most people have the misconception that these Techs only work with X-Rays. While X-Ray imaging is a large portion of the job description, some technologists may also receive the necessary training and education to perform other imaging and diagnostic procedures as well. These more specialized techs may carry out CAT scans, MRIs, or other like-processes.

How Do I Get Certified?

A common route that many individuals follow involves enrolling in 2 year long radiology tech certification program. There are both online and offline institutions which offer courses in this area. By completion of the program, it is expected that a student will have proficiently made his or her way through courses regarding human anatomy, physiology, and the radiological practices and terminology used in patient care. Alternatively, some may choose to opt for a 4 year degree and diploma instead.

Upon completion of the course, it may also be necessary to pass an exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, or ARRT.

Is Certification Necessary To Get A Job?

More often than not, the answer is yes. While the Federal Government does not currently require technologist certification, most states do. Additionally, those with radiology tech certification will likely beat out candidates without certification for employment opportunities.

How Well Are Techs Paid?

On average, a Radiologic Technologist earns roughly $45,000 a year. The pay rate ranges from about $15.00 to nearly $26.00 dollars an hour – with increased experienced earning the higher wages. Not surprisingly, as the job melds both patient care and technology, the compensation is fairly competitive.

By: Louis Zhang

Aviation Technology Schools Offer Many Degree Options

admin — Sat, 22 May 2010 11:15:23 +0000

Aviation Technology Schools award Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science degrees and certificates. Degree options in include Air Traffic Control, Aviation Administration, and Professional Piloting. Certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees are also offered in Airframe and Powerplant (A&P, which is responsible for design), as well as pilot training. Programs may follow semester schedules.

The discipline of Aviation Technology is responsible for conducting research in navigation systems, aviation safety, aviation design, aviation infrastructure, and piloting. Aviation Technology Schools declare that training is conducted in state-of-the-art facilities designed for excellent learning experiences with simulation devices and modern facilities for providing advanced education and conducting research projects.

Programs of study in Aviation Technology provide knowledge of aeronautical maintenance technology; aircraft dispatch; aircraft mechanics; Airframe and Powerplant (A&P, design); aviation electronics technician; aviation maintenance technology; and avionics. Most quality programs provide hands-on training for the real-world experience; job placement assistance; convenient day or evening classes; and financial aid is offered to those who qualify.

All graduates of Aviation Technology programs will have developed an understanding of aircraft operating performance and limitations; weather and atmospheric processes and conditions; Federal Regulations and the U.S. air traffic control system; navigation within the National Airspace System; airport lighting and marking; the use of FAA publications for operating aircraft within the National Airspace System; all aspects of Air Traffic Control operations and facilities; aircraft separation during taxi, takeoff, and landing; fundamentals of radar theory and radar systems; vectoring and speed control of aircraft; techniques of longitudinal, vertical, and lateral separation of aircraft, and more.

Aviation Maintenance Technology, or Aviation Technology – Maintenance, programs prepare the student as a professional Aviation Maintenance Technicians, a highly skilled profession in which technicians have the responsibility for keeping aircraft in air worthy condition.

The Aviation Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – Airway Science Degree program includes the required FAA license courses and courses in English, communications, and electives required by standard university AAS degrees.

Professional Piloting programs in Aviation Technology Schools prepare students for positions in the aviation industry as airplane pilots. Theory and flight training is provided through curriculums approved by the FAA.

Aviation Technology certificate programs include only the Federal Aviation Administration approved courses required for the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic’s License. This program requires laboratory classes working on aircraft and aircraft components.

Bachelor of Science degrees in Aviation Technology require additional studies to include the general education requirements for baccalaureate degrees, along with specific aviation courses for the particular degree discipline.

The U.S. Transportation Security Agency (TSA) requires that prospective Aviation Technology students present verification of U.S. citizenship before beginning any flight or airplane simulator training. Non-U.S. citizens interested in taking flying or simulator courses must contact school office for information on registrations and procedures.

It is very important for Aviation Technology students to understand that programs of study in Aviation Technology disciplines require very rigorous preparation. Students must be prepared to follow all Aviation Technology institutional recommendations to ensure academic and professional career progress. Read carefully and fully understand student responsibilities and guidelines required by Aviation Technology Schools.

If you are interested in learning more about Aviation Technology Schools and programs of study, please search our site for additional information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

By: Michael Bustamante

Protect Your Movie Library by Learning How to Backup Blue Ray Discs

admin — Wed, 19 May 2010 09:04:31 +0000

As a new technology, Blue ray discs are more expensive than DVD’s, and although they will continue to fall in price over the next few years, you can take steps to ensure that any accidents will not deprive you of your movies. Movies are still currently around thirty dollars a piece, and by spending a small fraction of that, you can make sure that you’ll always have them. In this guide, you’ll learn how to backup Blue ray discs and keep your movie library safe and sound for years to come.

The Blue Ray Drive

You don’t need a stand alone Blue ray player. In fact, a computer drive (many new computers are being shipped with Blue ray drives, and you can also buy drives yourself to put into a free 5.25″ external bay in your computer) will help you learn how to backup Blue ray discs. Unless you buy two separate drives, you’ll need to download some software (often available for free online) that will allow you to “rip” or copy the contents of the Blue ray disc to your computer’s hard drive, although you’ll want to read tutorials or manuals for the specific software you’re using to learn specifically how to backup Blue ray discs with that software.

With the contents of the Blue ray disc copied to your PC, you can insert a blank Blue ray recordable disc into your Blue ray burner and use software like Nero or any other software that can burn to Blue ray discs to do just that. There are too many different ways you might have to burn content to Blue ray discs to list here, so you’ll need to read up on the individual manuals or tutorials provided with the software once again to learn the final step in how to backup Blue ray discs.

Some problems remain with these methods though. For one, stand alone Blue ray players and the PS3 don’t necessarily support the burned formats (yet), although programs like WinDVD Blu-ray Disc Playback Software will, so you can continue to watch the burned movies on your PC (and if you have a computer Blue ray drive, chances are that that is what you’re doing anyway). Blank blue ray discs are just a few dollars a pack, and you can use them to record anything. If you have thousands of digital photos that you’ve taken over the years, you can free up hard drive space and make your computer run faster by moving all the photos onto a blank Blue ray disc for example. This process is actually pretty easy, and you can make sure damaged discs never hurt your movie library by learning how to backup Blue ray discs and potentially save yourself hundreds of dollars over the years.

By: Thomas Martinez