Grace Fleming's Blog
Posted by Grace Fleming
Me? I love it! I create kiosk-type presentations to be used at Preview and Orientation Days at our College for the main portfolio that I teach. Easy enough to do - just create the presentation with all fade ins/outs, animation, timing, etc.
The key component here is the timing. Use the Rehearse option from the Slide Show menu. Once you click that - your "show" immediately starts - and will sit there until you click the mouse - the click is what the program uses as its sign to continue to the next "action" - be it the next line, next animation, or next slide.
When your timing is complete - just run/view the show and see if you do like how you've timed the sequences - if not, just re-do by running Rehearse again.
Happy with it? Now we can create a presentation that will run without needing human intervention.
Careful! Two ways to accomplish this feat - both start with the Set Up Show option under the Slide Show menu. The first way allows the presenter (or anyone) to use the mouse to right click and go to a particular slide, momentarily pause the show (or end it), and to use the annotation pen (to highlight a section or write information). The second way is to set up just as a kiosk - NO intervention allowed except to stop the show by pressing Esc.
Presenter (allows control via mouse click)
Ensure the button for Presenter is clicked, and also click the "Loop until Esc" option. On the right side of the screen you'll see the selection "using timings" - yes, you'll need that one as well.
Kiosk (NO intervention, just continuously loops)
This is easy - just click on the "kiosk" option instead of Presenter - BUT ensure you still select "using timings" (or your presentation will just sit on the first slide...forever....mouse click does nothing....only ESC will stop the show.
See Paym's guest article, Proper use of Powerpoint for ways to use Powerpoint as a Continuing Education tool.
Guest blog by Paym Bergson. Copyright August 23, 2006. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved.
Posted by Grace Fleming
Teachers - are you looking for some great, free opportunities for your own continuing education? Look no further than our own Suite University! SU offers many courses for teachers and students. Be sure to see the upcoming article on specific courses that you may find helful.
Read this article about free online CE for teachers. Or, if you can't wait - visit our list of online courses now! We have a lot to offer, so visit soon.
Posted by Grace Fleming
It's the stuff of nightmares. You work for days on a big assignment, spend hours piecing together a giant bibliography, and BLAMMO! The computer dies.
If this has happened to you, you know how horrible it can be.
We all know we should save our work frequently, but that doesn't really help if the computer dies. The solution? Send the assignment to yourself as an email attachment.
As soon as the project grows to the size that is large enough to worry about, send it to yourself via email, and then do it again as you progress.
This can be a lifesaving trick once you start working on those 20-page college projects!
Posted by Grace Fleming
There are many ways that writing in a journal every day helps you get back into the swing of things when it comes to the classroom. For example, every time you start to make an entry journal, you probably spend some time thinking about ways to organize your writing. This happens, even if you don't realize it.
When you become a student, you be expected to write many essays. You'll find that your journal experience has prepared you for structuring your sentence and paragraphs.
Another way that journal writing benefits the adult student is that your entries can serve as a bank of experiences to draw from when you learn and answer questions. Adult students have an edge over young students, in their ability to draw examples from life experience. As you reflect on each new lesson in a business class or in history, political science, social science classes, you will be able to draw comparisons from your life.
Journal entries help you organize and reflect on the many important experiences that you have learned from and you will learn from in years to come.
There is one final way that you can benefit. You'll soon learn in college that final exams take quite a bit of essay writing. It is so important to get your hands in good shape. No joke! You'll be happy you did.
Posted by Grace Fleming
It seemed like such a great idea a month ago. Now that the first day of school is drawing near, you're starting to have second thoughts.
If you're thinking along these lines lately, you might benefit from some relaxation exercises and some self-confidence building techniques.
First of all, let me share one of the best pieces of advice I've ever received. That is: learn to love your butterflies.
One of my old college professors was a very popular, fiercely talented, much-loved speaker and writer. He was very successful when it came to publishing books and very respected for his wit. He was, in fact, a genius.
One day he told me he still feels like throwing up before every class.
I couldn't believe my ears. He was so fabulous in the classroom, and he'd been teaching for nearly twenty years! When he saw the surprise on my face, he added: "When I stop feeling the butterflies, that's when I've lost the thrill."
That led to an entire conversation about those flutters. If you think about it, he explained to me, those butterflies only come around when you're growing in your life. What a sad life it would be if we never experienced butterflies.
So I believe it's important for you to welcome the butterflies into your life. All you need to do is learn to deal with them and accept the success that follows.
If your neverousness is really serious, you may want to practice some relaxation exercises. It's actually a good idea to start practicing now, and continue to use these techniques when it comes to pre-test jitters.
Another thing you may need to learn when you change your life by entering an education program is how to become more assertive. If you've spent much of your life parenting, you may not be used to the competitive aspecits of work and school. These tips can help you make your mark and overcome your fears.
Posted by Grace Fleming
To meet the demands of the growing racing industry, colleges across North America are developing programs in motorsports technology. Now students can find a way to learn the ins and outs of NASCAR and road racing, and also get the opportunity to work for a professional race team through an internship program.
One of the most important things a prospective student can learn from a program such as this, however, is the demanding nature of the job itself.
Racing is one of those career fields that seem glamorous to the observer. We see the fans and the celebrations every week, but we don't really realize how many hard hours go into the build-up to the race.
Race teams spend weeks at a time on the road, and team members often go for days without sleep, in the event of a problem.
Nonetheless, many guys and girls are willing to pay that price for the excitment that racing provides. If you're game, the opportunities are expanding. Chances are, you can find a program close to home.
Posted by Grace Fleming
- Make sure you're registered.
- Prepare for entrance exams.
- Study for CLEP tests.
- Read the newspaper.
- Order textbooks ahead of time.
- Find college reading lists.
- Establish a study space.
- Geography Review
- Walk the campus.
- Pamper yourself.
Many students don't realize that they have to sign up for classes after they go through the many steps for admission into a program. Make sure you register for classes after you receive the acceptance letter. If you haven't done this, call or email your most recent contact and he or she will tell you what to do.
If you're enrolling in college, you may be required to take a placement exam. Ask your contact for a study guide. If they don't provide one, simply study the basics of math and English to prepare.
A CLEP test provides a way to earn college credit for knowledge and experience. If you are proficient in a foreign language, knowledgeable about political science, or if you are great at math, you should investigate this opportunity. Don't panic, though. You can take a CLEP test any time after you enroll.
Prepare yourself for classroom discussions by reading up on current events. This will help you develop critical reading skills and help you avoid the clueless feeling.
Once you have signed up for classes, you may be able to discover what texts will be required for certain classes. it can't hurt to read ahead. If you buy a used book, just make sure you get the right edition.
If you're headed for a college literature class, you may want to review a college reading list to see what literature is frequently discussed in freshman classes.
If possible, establish a private study space in your home where you can work without interruption. Stock your space with tools and supplies like pens and sticky notes.
Political geography changes from year to year. If you've been away from the classroom for awhile, you may want to prepare for class discussions by brushing up on recent developments.
College campuses can be confusing at first. If you have signed up for several classes, find a campus map and locate your classrooms. Walk around the campus to become familiar with the routine. You may discover that you have a short time to walk a long distance between classes. Don't be caught off guard by this on your first day.
Be very proud of yourself for starting this new adventure. Reward yourself with a makeover, new clothes, a nice set of school supplies, or your favorite meal. You deserve it.
Posted by Grace Fleming
Will anybody listen to my suggestions or complaints?
When students have legitimate problems or complaints, it's important to know if there is there anybody listening, and more importantly does that person have authority to make changes? Any college that hopes to increase retention must ensure that students' needs are addressed in an effective manner.
Will I be forced to abide by silly rules meant for young students? This is a legitimate concern, because many schools drag their feet when it comes to adjusting requirements for food plans, ceremonies, and orientations. If you encounter some mandatory event or face a mandatory purchase that seems silly, talk to somebody in charge. Change begins with communication.
Will I be embarrassed when it comes to technology issues?
Adult students notice that their children seem light years ahead of them when it comes to the latest gadgets, computer tricks, and technical tools. Don't stress about this one: computer help is available.
Institutions should also provide training for email and listserves. As for the other gadgets, it's okay to be clueless about teen-type technology like Ipods. Many adults are. Does it really matter?
Will my family life suffer?
Sadly, statistics do suggest that many adult students face marital problems and/or divorce after enrolling. Student family counseling should be a part of enrollment process. Colleges should provide publications to address family pressures and develop family-oriented programs. Ask about these services.
What if I've forgotten how to study?
This is a big worry for adult students who are just starting out, but it is a concern that fades fast. Adult learners often discover their own best learning style and they are typically very dedicated and successful at their studies.
Is this worth the cost?
Many adult students feel guilty when it comes to applying for aid or shelling out a few thousand for tuition. The kids deserve new school clothes, your spouse needs a new car, and your dog needs a doghouse. Are you being selfish? When these feelings creep in, just do a little research and find out how much your earning potential will increase. Believe me, kids will still need new clothes in four years.
Posted by Grace Fleming
Many adult students are a little apprehensive when they first begin an educational program. There are several reasons for this: they may be experiencing self-doubt because they've been away from the classroom for so long; or they may be feeling vulnerable, as many will be in the process of bouncing back from a life-changing and traumatic event. Many adult students return to the classroom after experiencing a time of change.
But they soon shake off the initial jitters! Adult students often rebound from those initial feelings and become vocal, successful, and self-directed learners.
Here are more characteristics to look out for in a classroom full of adult students.
- They're paying for this and they're serious. You may want to keep an open mind when it comes to adult students' outside needs and time issues. Adult students are footing the bill for their classes, unlike traditional-aged students. They're less likely to fool around and make excuses.
- They'll come with experience, and they will want to talk about it. Older students prefer nontraditional class styles, with lots of discussion and debate. Many of the topics will inspire adult students to talk about real-life applications of lessons they learn or have learned. Be warned: they'll also come well-established opinions.
- Adults will probably have well-developed learning styles. By the time they reach adulthood, many people realize that they remember and learn best by either seeing, hearing, or experiencing new information. Be open to the fact that people learn in different ways. You may want to incorporate different teaching styles to facilitate learning and match the different learning styles.
You may also want to read more about androgogy, or the teaching of adult students.
Also see 30 Things We Know about Adult Students.
Posted by Grace Fleming
You are feeling restless, unfulfilled, and ready to take the plunge and pursue a college degree, but you're worried what effect it could have on your family.
Sometimes it seems that guilt is woven in to the fabric of motherhood. This is nothing new!
Women everywhere battle with the problem of guilt when it comes to pursuing anything that can be viewed as self-fulfilling. Why? Because women are conditioned that way, for the most part.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that women shouldn't be the caretakers for their children, and I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with wanting to take care of the family.
What I am saying is, recognize the signs that come when it's time to take care of yourself. Don't let guilt rule your life when it's time for a change.
As odd as it sounds, this is one of the toughest times a woman can face--the point when it's time to think about herself, for a change. When will you know?
1. If you are going crazy and you feel like your mind is going to waste, then you need to do something to stimulate your brain. Take a single just-for-fun class or find time to teach yourself a new skill.
2. Can your kids look out for themselves? Are you doing everything for your children? If so, it might be a good thing for them to learn to cook dinner once in awhile while mom studies. If they're ready to grow, why not grow with them?
3. Can technology take care of some of your concerns? Between email, beepers, and walkie-talkie-type phones, there's no reason for you to be out of touch.
4. Is it guilt or is it self-doubt? Take some time to reflect and try to get to the bottom of your concerns. Are you using guilt as a crutch, because you're nervous about your ability?
If so, you'll want to read the five college secrets every adult student should know.
Posted by Grace Fleming
Long ago I was a stay-at-home mom and military spouse. I loved being at home with my child, but there was definitely something missing. My husband deployed frequently, and I spent many days engaged solely in baby talk. My response? I signed up for my first continuing education class: a local college's Golf 101 course. It was just enough to get me out of the house and keep both my mind and my body active. I didn't know at the time how smart this move actually was.
Today many experts agree that there are two things that our minds need for happiness. One is acquiring or experiencing something new on a pretty regular basis. In other words, our minds grow restless pretty quickly if we don't entertain them with some kind of "newness."
The second key to keeping a happy brain is reaching goals. Our brains seem to enjoy working toward some goal or point in the future.
What do these two things have in common? They are both elements of continuing education.
If you feel frustrated, stuck, unhappy, or bored, then it might be worth your while to pursue a program that interests you. This doesn't have to be a time-consuming, expensive venture. There are plenty of just-for-fun programs that aren't life-interrupting pursuits. Whether you like to learn and work alone on a self-directed project, or you like to work with a group, you can find a course of study that is fulfilling. Be careful, though. It just might change your life!
Posted by Grace Fleming
Education Humor
From a mathematical viewpoint, just how important is attitude?
If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Then:
H A R D W O R K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
and
K N O W L E D G E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
and
A T T I T U D E
1 +20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
Think you're too old for education? All you need is the right attitude!
You may not realize how valuable adult students have become to colleges. Everywhere you look, you will find
special programs and
>services
If you have kids, a job, and little time for yourself, then it's true that you may not have time for formal education. But how about looking into an interesting online program? This doesn't have to be a full-credit college course with midterms and finals. It can be a low stress, seriously silly, just-for-me-time topic.
If you want to learn, and strong minds always long for new information, then you can find a program that should make you happy. If you have trouble finding something, then start a discussion in the forum! I'd love to hear from you.
Posted by Grace Fleming
Are you feeling stressedabouot Mother's Day because you haven't managed to find a thoughtful gift?
It's a common problem. Many adults just seem to have everything they want already, and as for flowers and candy-they just don't seem very original.
What about the gift of learning?
If you're struggling to think of something that Mom would really like, why not appeal to her love of learning? There are many educational kits and videos that would serve as meaningful, lasting gifts.
Plants have proven to be great gifts for many generations of moms, but you can add a new twist on the old theme if you try. How about buying an instructional video for growing bonsai trees? If that doesn't work for her, perhaps your green-thumb mom would like a kit for growing miniature orchids?
Another idea for the outdoorsy mom is a kit and/or video for making a decorative water feature. Aquascapes are very popular and fun to create.
Is your mom the physical type? A dancing tutorial and video might go over well. Be careful with this one: you don't want to buy partner-type dancing instruction for someone who doesn't have a live-in partner.
If the dancing doesn't seem like a fit, how about setting up self-defense classes for the active mom? At the very least, she would find it thoughtful, and she could pick up a few tips for keeping herself safe.
Is your mom the homemaker type? Perhaps you could surprise her with an instructional class in one of the domestic arts? Quilting is fun and very traditional, and it's something nearly every woman thinks about at some point. There are many starter kits available. Warning: this isn't for everyone! Quilting isn't such a good idea for anyone who may suffer from arthritic fingers or poor eyesight.
Another potential homemaker's gift would be instruction in creating decorative food. Cake decorating and garnishing are favorites.
Instructional books and videos are available everywhere, so if you find yourself fretting about a gift that doesn't seem like an afterthought, travel to the nearest book store and check out the options.
Posted by Grace Fleming
This was in my inbox this morning:
Obtaining a DIPLOMA has never been so easy !
Call today and find out how you could get your DIPLOMA
from a highly credible college, Full Transcripts,
A Letter of Recommendations, and even honors.
No required tests, classes, books, or interviews.
Diplomas are available include but are not limited to:
Bachelors, Masters, MBA, and Doctorate (PhD)
Available in any field of your choice.
Everyone is approved, Never is anyone turned down.
Total Confidentiality assured.
Call Today 1-206-984-xxxx get a DIPLOMA within days!!!
Highly credible college? This is a shameless scam that could ruin your life!
While it may be tempting to check out these outrageous offers sometimes, you should always remember the old saying, "If it sounds too good to be true..."
Buying fake transcripts is a dangerous mistake that will only cause embarrassment and heartache down the road. Employers are more diligent than ever in checking up on credentials, and people are fired all the time. Some people have even been sued for claiming fake credentials.
Think about it: what if your doctor, lawyer, electrician, dentist, or home builder faked his/her way into your life?
Don't be tempted to make a mistake that will cost you dearly in the future!
Not so long ago, I worked in the Registrar's office in a state university. Everyone involved in the evaluation process was trained in detecting fake documents. Colleges have a huge stake in assuring that transcripts are legitimate. Their reputations are on the line. They won't react kindly to anyone trying to fake their way in!
Employers are even less friendly when it comes to discovering a fake in their midst. A company could be sued for employing someone with fake credentials. They could also take a big hit to their own professional reputations. Then, guess who will be sued!
See how much is at risk with a fake transcript or diploma? It's just not worth it!
Confused about accreditation? You're not alone. Find out more:
Posted by Grace Fleming
- Software Engineer
- College Professor
- Financial Advisor
- Human Resources Manager
- Physician Assistant
According to a recent survey by MONEY Magazine and Salary.com, those are the top five jobs in America.
Is your job on the list? Do you love your job? If the answer to either question is no, be advised! It's not to late to make a change.
Many people start to consider a career switch after working a few years in a job that's less than satisfying, according to research. Still, most people think changing careers is just too hard to handle. Concerns about money and long-term security keep millions from following their dreams of a mid-life switch.
Are you thinking about finding a dream job? This Assessment Test can help you match your personality traits with several jobs and areas of interest.
Looking for more resources? Try these articles from Suite101:
Posted by Grace Fleming
We can become overwhelmed easily whenever something seems too important to tackle right away. We put off things that seem difficult, scary, time-consuming, or just plain intimidating for its size or importance.
The only cure for procrastination is jumping right into whatever that thing is that is overwhelming us.
If you're thinking about signing up for a class or a program but you just haven't made the time for the paperwork, consider these steps to overcoming the hurdle.
1. Face your fear. What is it that you're really concerned about? Are you afraid you won't measure up? Are you afraid you won't be able to devote enough time to the program? Try to pinpoint the real issue.
2. Make a list of your concerns. Once you've thought about the roots of your apprehensions, put them in writing. List anything you're concerned about.
3. Debate yourself. Look at each reason or concern and evaluate it. Is this really a valid reason to put off your goals? Put your argument in writing. This makes things "real."
The process of writing down your fears provides a way of confronting them and seeing them more clearly. It serves as a needed "shot in the arm" and the first step toward taking control.
4. Take the plunge. Don't worry about where to start. Sometimes, we let ourselves off the hook because we just don't know where to start. Begin anywhere--just do it!
Posted by Grace Fleming
I don't want to date myself, but I remember the time when the hot advice of the day was to study up on those computer skills.
"If you want to work in the future, you'll need computer skills," they said. As it turns out, that was good advice. You would be hard pressed in today's market to find a job that doesn't require extensive experience on the computer.
You know what I'm going to say--the same holds true for today when it comes to Spanish skills. Everywhere you look, Spanish text is popping up on signs, on phone menus, and in advertising.
I know, I know-this is a controversial topic for many people. I'm hearing the shouts already. To those who are screaming that "English should be the official language," I apologize for your discomfort.
The fact is, employers will require Spanish skills.
What does this mean for your future? If you don't speak Spanish already, you may want to consider lessons. It won't be long before employers will require Spanish the way they already require computer skills. The good news is, you can do it for free.
Posted by Grace Fleming
When I worked in college admission, I often heard from adult students who planned to get a head start on their degree program through credits they would earn from life experience.
Unfortunately, students are usually disappointed when they find out how little credit they can earn this way. One bright spot in the field of credit-for-experience, however, is the College-Level Examination Program, or CLEP.
Through CLEP, students can gain credit for many freshman courses by taking tests that are not too lengthy and relatively inexpensive.
Posted by Grace Fleming
Big is to little as hot is to ....?
Does the sound of this question give you shivers? No wonder--we're all familiar with the analogy question, and if you listen to many students, it's not exactly a favorite.
The analogy is the type of question used in the Miller Analogies Test, or the MAT. If you're thinking about graduate school, you've probably thought about it. Maybe you've thought about it a lot.
Arguably, the MAT is one of the most feared entrance exams, because the analogy question seems to befuddle so many college hopefuls.
I'm not sure the analogy deserves such a bad rap, however. Many students find that the questions become a lot easier to handle, with a little bit of practice and a little more understanding.
It's all about comparisons and determining the type of relationships that two things or places share. If you're a logical person and you enjoy word games, you should be able to conquer this much-maligned type of test question without too much trouble.
Posted by Grace Fleming
Let's face it, high school is a tough time for many people. To me, it just seems a little unfair that the teen years--the time of life that is most turbulent for lots of us--is the time when we need to be establishing a foundation for a solid future.
Lots of people just don't make it through high school successfully. They're dealing with financial pressures, stress from a difficult family situation, romance problems--a whole array of issues. That's why the General Educational Development Test (GED) offers such a great opportunity.
There's no need to stress if you want to dive into a career plan but you weren't able to finish high school. The GED (actually a series of tests) is considered by most employers and colleges as the absolute equivalent to a high school degree.
If you're interested in taking the GED, simply
get in touch with your local GED contacts to find out more about the test and the testing schedules.
Posted by Grace Fleming
Why would adult learners have an advantage? Studies have shown that each brain is different, and we all process information and remember things in different ways.
One style of thinking and learning is explained by examining left-brain dominant and right-brain dominant learners. There are specific characteristics and traits that depend on your particular way of processing information-if you do so predominantly through the left hemisphere or right hemisphere of your brain.
When you determine your brain type, you can find ways to memorize faster and study more effectively.
The advantage for adult students lies in the fact that they have many more years of experience to draw from in determining their learning and thinking styles. For instance, younger students may not be able to make enough comparisons in their habits to come to a clear conclusion.
Posted by Grace Fleming
Before you jump into something that sounds good at first glance, do a little look around.
The smartest thing you can do when you're considering classes is to look around and do some comparison shopping. You might save yourself a fortune and avoid a lot of aggravation.
The worst thing you can do is to jump into something that ends up to be the wrong program for you. Don't get me wrong--just about any learning is good learning.
Just take care not to get into something that costs you too much in the end. What am I talking about, you ask?
Some programs end up taking years to finish. The problem is, you may have to move before you finish. You'd be smart to make sure your credits will transfer.
Posted by Grace Fleming
Many students just don't know how to break through the roadblocks, because they are overwhelmed by the many choices. That's why I created the poll about roadblocks. It's a big issue, and one I plan to talk about often.
One thing that really hurts is that some students fall into a money trap--they enroll in an unaccredited and expensive "school" that offers easy acceptance, just to rope in unsuspecting students. Some people get burned, when they build up a big dept and realize they can't transfer credits to another institution. They often abandon their goals because they start down the wrong road and become frustrated.
First of all, don't give up! Secondly, just know that you're not alone and be sure to read as much as you can about your options, to avoid wasting any money on things that don't work for you.
Look over your options, and don't be in a rush. A quick and easy degree or diploma is not a good thing. As always, if it looks too good to be true, you can be sure it is.