OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Advanced Academics, a nationally recognized provider of online education for secondary students, has been named Innovator of the Year by The Journal Record, a leading Oklahoma City business publication. Advanced Academics was recognized for adding text-to-speech capabilities to its proprietary R.O.A.D.S.TM learning management system (LMS). The company will be honored at an awards ceremony at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center in Tulsa, Okla., on April 5, 2012.

Advanced Academics added text-to-speech functionality to R.O.A.D.S. 3.0, the companys newest version of its learning management system, released this fall. Based on technology from leading online text-to-speech provider ReadSpeaker, this innovative text-to-speech tool improves the online learning experience by reading documents and written course content aloud. This allows students to match the delivery of course content to the way that they learn best. The text-to-speech feature is especially important for visually impaired students, those with aural learning styles, or students for whom English is a second language.

"Advanced Academics is honored to be named an Innovator of the Year by The Journal Record, said Jeffrey A. Elliott, Advanced Academics president. Finding new and better ways to use technology to help students graduate from high school and succeed in life is primary to our mission. Adding text-to-speech capability to our learning management system broadens access, allowing more students to thrive in an online learning environment.

The Journal Record Innovator of the Year award is intended to recognize individuals and organizations that exemplify the innovative spirit by taking a great idea and turning it into a functioning business. Past awards have gone to non-profit organizations, biotechnology companies and agricultural enterprises.

For more information about Advanced Academics online learning programs, call 1-866-235-3276 or visit http://www.advancedacademics.com.

About Advanced Academics

Advanced Academics, a leader in the field of online learning, partners with schools and districts in 30 states across the country to offer customized online solutions that uniquely serve each customer. Advanced Academics programs have proven to be successful in providing flexible learning opportunities for students in grades 6 through 12 and increasing overall academic performance. Since 2000, Advanced Academics has offered comprehensive middle and high school courses, highly qualified and state-certified teachers, and a web-based learning management system that enhances student learning. A part of DeVry Inc. (NYSE:DV - News), Advanced Academics is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), and meets the standards for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility. For more information, visit http://www.advancedacademics.com.

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Online Learning Leader Advanced Academics Named Innovator of the Year for Text-to-Speech

DES MOINES --- The Iowa House rejected online education as proposed by Gov. Terry Branstad in the final vote of a marathon debate on education reform Tuesday night.

Instead, House members adopted a plan that limits the number of school children that can enroll in fully online courses to 900 students statewide and restricts outward open enrollment from any single district to 1 percent of its total enrollment. It also requires the Iowa Department of Education to develop a statewide online education program.

This does show some good-faith compromise, said Rep. Jeremy Taylor, R-Sioux City, an English teacher who has been skeptical of the 100 percent online leaning proposal since debate on the education reform package began in earnest earlier this year.

House members rejected an amendment from Democrats that required a student receive a maximum of 50 percent of their coursework online.

But lawmakers delayed a vote on the overall reform package until this morning when they are supposed to run a technical amendment to the bill.

Lawmakers took up the bill just after 3 p.m. Tuesday and didnt finish debate on the measure until 11:49 p.m. House rules dont allow for votes to take place between midnight and 8 a.m. The package, if approved today, would go to the Senate which has its own reform bill but could choose to pick up the House version.

In addition to online learning, House members rejected Branstad's proposal that required prospective teachers to have a 3.0 GPA for admission to a teacher preparation program and required teachers to maintain that GPA for graduation by a 77-20 majority.

Rep. Guy Vander Linden, R- Oskaloosa, said the requirement was an "unnecessary intrusion" by the Legislature into the decisions that are best left up to the people who run the programs.

Cecil Dolecheck, R-Mount Ayr, said raising the requirements to get into teaching programs could help "raise the public perception" of teachers and help teachers garner public support for wage increases.

The House plan did keep a controversial third-grade retention option as part of an overall early childhood reading program and it kept a series of tests as proposed by the governor, despite the attempts by Democrats to make changes from on both plans.

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Iowa House OKs some education reform, limits scope of online classes

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjsvnJYeDJQ

12-03-2012 17:34 In this video, Mauricio explains the importance of having a life coach and how it can improve dramatically different aspects of your life. Life coaching is for everybody.

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Mauricio your life coach.m4v - Video

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etQu6yQfLYI

12-03-2012 22:02 NLP Training makes a perfect fit for a life coach! Visit http://www.globalnlptraining.com for more information. In this video insight is given into the Global NLP course by Senior Trainer Scott Gallimore. Scott provides NLP Practitioner, Master Practitioner, and life coach certification training around the world. Follow us on Facebook at http and Twitter @globalnlptweets. Global NLP Training also offers an iPhone application and bi-weekly podcasts by Mark Gordon from KXLU Los Angeles.

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NLP Training and Life Coach Certification - Video

Tom Bequette devoted much of his life to creating winners not only on the softball field, but outside the lines as well.

The softball community lost one of its most dedicated and knowledgeable warriors Sunday night in Richland when Bequette died at Kadlec Medical Center. He was 53.

"A few of them out there can (coach), some of them think they can but shouldn't. He was one I was hoping could do it until the end," said Dave Dickmeier, a friend and former assistant coach. "Tom Bequette was pretty much the guru of women's fastpitch. He pretty much lived and breathed it, and he contributed at multiple levels.

"In cultivating that competitive spirit, he probably did that more effectively with young women than anybody I've seen."

Hermiston athletic director Mike Kay said he met with the team and its coaches to give them the news of their coach's death and provide the opportunity for support from school counselors.

Kay said today's junior varsity softball game against Echo/Stanfield will be moved to Wednesday. The Bulldogs varsity doubleheader at Post Falls, Idaho, on Friday will go off as planned.

Hermiston pitching coach Saul Castro will take over the head coaching duties on an interim basis, according to Kay.

"This is a huge loss in the coaching fraternity, when you lose a person with the incredible ability to develop relationships with kids," Kay said. "In my 20-some thing years in athletics, you come across unique individuals who are able to project their passion into what they do."

Bequette coached at Hermiston for eight seasons, from 1999-2006, before coaching for four seasons at Blue Mountain Community College. He led the Bulldogs to five Intermountain Conference championships and eight state appearances.

Four times, Bequette was named the IMC coach of the year and twice was named the statewide 4A coach of the year. In 2002-2003, the Oregon School Activities Association named him the coach of the year for all female athletics.

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Hermiston coach dies

Back in 1975, when Nordhoff High's veritable coaching legend, Dick Sebeck, needed a JV coach for the boys basketball program, he chose 25-year-old Mike Probyn for the job.

It came with a provision, for both sides: Probyn would see if he enjoyed coaching before committing past one season.

Safe to say, Probyn and coaching became a match.

Thirty-seven years later, at age 62, Probyn has announced that he is retiring as the Rangers coach.

His 37 years with with the basketball program has included the last 10 seasons as the head varsity coach.

"Nothing lasts forever," the genial coach says. "It just feels right, the timing is good. And I know if I get out now, the new coach will have plenty of time to take over."

That's so like Probyn, who always put the interests of the team and his players above all else.

Probyn never was a coach who rated wins and losses as ultimate accomplishments. He always knew his players moved onto life after basketball.

"The biggest thing for me is when a former player comes back, just to say hello and to say he enjoyed his time playing basketball at Nordhoff," he said. "I like to think that a coach can help prepare his players to be a success in life.

Not that Probyn, a graduate of Nordhoff High and Ventura College, couldn't find success on the basketball court, too.

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Probyn ready to retire after 37 years coaching for Nordhoff

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1PDEwSPYwU

08-03-2012 17:31 From Stefan @asromahabs @HulkHogan please Do this. Propose to my girlfriend to Marry me. My name is Stefan and her's Stina. I'll show her the video and hope she says yes 🙂 Hulk Hogan responded via video to his fans' challenges on Twitter to promote better health and fitness. You challenged Hulk on Twitter, now he challenges YOU to get fit and be healthy! Health and humor from the Hulkster. Go ahead Brother! subscribe, drop a note, shoot your thoughts. PS: She said yes! To find out more how to get fit on the Hulk Hogan 90 Day Challenge, you can find out more at hulkhoganschallenge.com Watch more #ChallengeHulk Videos http Powered by the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge -- For more info, please visit http://www.visalus.com

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Hulk Hogan is Challenged to Propose to a Fan's Girlfriend for him | #ChallengeHulk - Video

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1If8RCTUIQs

08-03-2012 22:57 He's a century old - but fit and healthy, and exercising at a level that would put most of us to shame. Al Jazeera's Tania Page reports.

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Centurion Sikh shows fitness provides good health - Video

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIdMsJU3PWE

10-03-2012 21:40 lennyyajaira@beachbodycoach.com Katy Perry's Firework really is inspiring! I am ignited to take it to the next level by helping others achieve their fitness goals. Let your light shine..! You Can Do it..! It's not about being "skinny"; it's about being fit and healthy for life! Fitness and health has always been a passion for me. However, I never had the time to fully commit. Just felt too tired ..! Our lifestyles, that is, work, housework, kids' school/extracurricular activities, church and community responsibilities do not provide us much time to really dedicate our heart and soul to exercise. Although I have never been overweight, I have been on and off on diets; worked-out at the gym (RPM(spinning), Body Step, and BodyPump). But never felt completely satisfied with the results. I knew that I had to take charge and evaluate my choices and time management. This was necessary so that I could be able to incorporate living a fit and healthy lifestyle. Always thought, that I could achieve it, but there was something missing. How did the missing puzzle piece come about..? Well, I had the opportunity to meet great person, my Coach (Jessica Campos)....and since July 2011....I have finally gotten to commit to my long fitness dream, that is, be fit, healthy, and influence/teach others the power behind being fit and healthy. So if this is part of my gift from God.....I shall make the best of it...!! And, seek that others fulfill their health and fitness needs...!! "God's gifts of ...

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P90X -Mom Fit For Life - Video

Many doctors believe that using apps that keep track of your health will help cut down on doctor visits, a new infographic suggests.

According to data revealed by Float Mobile Learning, 40% of doctors believe that using mobile health technologies such as apps that monitor fitness and eating habits can reduce the number of office visits needed by patients. About 88% of doctors are in full support of patients monitoring their health at home, especially when it comes to watching weight, blood sugar and vital signs, and many believe consumers should take advantage of the apps currently on the market to help along the process.

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"With the forthcoming changes to the U.S. healthcare system, there will be an increased focus on wellness programs and preventative medicine," Chad Udell, managing director of Float Mobile Learning, told Mashable. "Mobile health offers a tremendous opportunity for people to become more involved in their own health and wellness."

It's no secret that the mobile health industry is growing. There are more than 10,000 medical and healthcare apps available for download in the Apple App Store, making it the third-fastest growing app category among iPhone and Android users.

[More from Mashable: Tweets Chronicle the Journey of the Titanic as if in Real Time]

Doctors are also getting in on the trend, as 80% said they use smartphones and medical apps. Physicians are also 250% more likely to own a tablet than other consumers.

Udell noted that doctors continue to buy tablet devices in droves largely because they offer an easy way to stay in touch with their co-workers and patients. The infographic also noted that 56% of doctors said they turn to mobile devices to make faster decisions, and 40% said it reduces time spent on administration work.

"It will be interesting to see the impact of the new iPad on medical imaging professionals such as radiologists, who will be able to take advantage of its great graphic capabilities," Udell said.

Among some of the most popular apps are Nike Plus -- which turns a smartphone into a personal trainer -- and iStethoscope that allows iPhone users to record and play back a heartbeat. Meanwhile, Welldoc is a series of programs and apps that can reduce hospital and ER visits in half by having patients monitor and manage their own chronic diseases.

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Doctors Believe Using Health Apps Will Cut Down on Visits [INFOGRAPHIC]