K12 Inc. Names the 2012 Transformation Award Winners for Innovative Use of Online Learning
Posted: November 2, 2012 at 12:48 am
HERNDON, Va., Oct. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --K12 Inc., the nation's leading provider of proprietary curricula and online education programs for students in pre-kindergarten through high school, today announced the winners of its 2012 Transformation Award, which recognizes schools, districts, and organizations that partner with K12 and have transformed education for their students through innovative online programs. Each winner was selected for a unique practice that resulted in improving the overall effectiveness, efficiency and success of online learning, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110113/PH29436LOGO )
The winners were honored last week at the Virtual School Symposium, a conference hosted by the International Association of K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), in New Orleans, Louisiana. The awards were presented by John Olsen, Executive Vice President of Operations for K12, who said, "This year's Transformation Award winners are true stand-outs, as they are making their visions of individualized learning for their students a reality. We are very proud of what each winner has been able to accomplish through online learning." The following are K12's 2012 Transformation Award recipients:
A.B. Graham Academy (Ohio) Award Winner for Combining Blended Learning with Hands-on Support to Raise District Performance
Located in the nation's heartland, A.B. Graham Academy is a full-time, blended middle and high school with a state-wide charter. Since 2009, the school has provided the Aventa Learning by K12 online curriculum, along with access to five computer labs, to approximately 140 students each year. The school uniquely combines face-to-face instruction by district teachers within the school lab and classroom environments, allowing students to go at their own pace and still get hands-on help when needed. This model enables both teachers and students to focus on education by minimizing the day-to-day distractions that middle and high school students usually battle. Since implementing Aventa three years ago, the school has raised its District Performance Index, a measure of academic performance determined by the Ohio Board of Education.
Alexandria City Public Schools (Virginia) Award Winner for Increasing Learning Options and Graduation Rates by Further Extending Learning Opportunities
In 2010, the Virginia Department of Education designated T.C. Williams High School of Alexandria a persistently lowest achieving (PLA) school. With more than 3,000 students in grades 9-12, T.C. Williams has a vastly diverse student population including more than 50 percent of students eligible for free or reduced meals and more than 20 percent requiring English Language Learner (ELL) services. Further, the schools' population has grown steadily annually as a result of the school division's nearly 25 percent increase in enrollment over the past five years. As part of its transformation plan to address PLA issues, the school implemented a full program of online courses that include Advanced Placement (AP), core, electives, world languages, online tutoring, and health and life skills using the K12 family of curricula.In addition, Alexandria City Public Schools launched the T.C. Satellite Campus, the first comprehensive, non-traditional satellite high school campus in the metropolitan area. The satellite program provides an online curriculum, flexible scheduling, internships, and one-on-one interaction with content-specific learning coaches, all designed to help students that need to balance family or work obligations, or who want to accelerate their learning. Last year, the school's dropout rate fell, and 84 percent of graduates went on to college. This year, AP enrollment is at an all-time high.
Provo City School District (Utah) Award Winner for Leveraging Online Learning Success to Give Local Students a Global Outlook
Providing online learning for just three years, the Provo City School District has already been recognized by the state of Utah for the Provo eSchool, the district's highly successful full-time online and blended school for grades K-12. However, determined to arm its students with the skills they need to be competitive in a 21st Century global marketplace, the district was challenged to offer its students world languages. With limited resources, and its geographic location between two larger school districts, the district found that attracting and retaining qualified world language teachers was not easy, and not cost-effective for those languages that garner lower enrollment. Last year, the school decided to launch the Elite Language Academy, which offers students throughout the state multiple dual immersion and online programs spanning seven languages. The Elite Language Academy is based on curriculum from Middlebury Interactive Languages, a K12 subsidiary. Today, more than 400 students are taking world languages through the Elite Language Academy and Provo eSchool.
Salinas Union High School District (California) Award Winner for Flexible Time and Place Learning Options Raise District-Wide Credit Completion among At-Risk Students
See the article here:
K12 Inc. Names the 2012 Transformation Award Winners for Innovative Use of Online Learning
Antioch University to Offer Online Coursera Courses for Credit
Posted: at 12:48 am
Following pilot programs, Antioch University students will be able to take Coursera-provided courses for credit.
Massive open online courses (MOOCs), such as those provided by Coursera, Udacity, and edX, have risen in popularity in the past year by offering thousands of students courses from top-ranked colleges and universities at no cost to the user. The selling point for students had been an increased knowledge base and a certificate of completion.
Now, due to a licensing deal between Coursera, a for-profit online education provider, and Antioch University, Antioch students will be able to take certain Coursera offerings for college credit, at a cost less than a traditional, per-credit-hour course.
"Through this new partnership, Antioch University and the Antioch UniversityLos Angeles campus can reduce student costs to complete a four-year degree and expand course offerings through free online courses offered by the highly respected universities that have partnered with Coursera," noted an Antioch press release announcing the deal.
[See options for free online education programs.]
Coursera, which has partnered with 33 universities thus far to provide free courses on its platform, enters new territory in this deal with Antiochwhich becomes the first partner institution to provide Coursera courses for college credit. In this licensing deal, Antioch will pay Coursera an unspecified sum in return for the ability to use several courses delivered through the platform.
"Our hope is that this is a usage model that Antioch was the first to embrace, but that we're going to see at other academic institutions over the course of the coming year," says Daphne Koller, cofounder of Coursera. "This is a very high-quality curriculum that our partner universities have put together, and it offers up opportunities for academic institutions to provide a much better education to their own students."
In early October, Antioch UniversityLos Angeles launched a pilot program where students could enroll in one of two Coursera courses for creditModern and Contemporary American Poetry and Greek and Roman Mythologydeveloped by the University of Pennsylvania. In this pilot, Antioch is testing a course where a faculty member enrolls with his or her students and oversees progress and also interacts with students in a Coursera-created discussion group.
"I think there is a lot of value to be gained if you have the opportunity to have your interactions facilitated by an instructor who is an expert in the field and capable of answering questions," Koller adds.
[Learn why interest in online courses could be peaking.]
Visit link:
Antioch University to Offer Online Coursera Courses for Credit
Free Guide to Online Education Available from U.S. News University Directory
Posted: at 12:48 am
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --An increasing number of college students choose online education and the flexibility it offers them for scheduling as the method for earning degrees and certifications.
To better serve those interested in online learning, U.S. News University Directory now offers a Guide to Online Education that is available as a free download on the U.S. News University Directory website.
The need for a Guide to Online Education became clear as technological advances have improved online delivery platforms, making education possible for millions of students around the globe. In addition, more top-tier colleges and universities are offering online courses and degree programs, so students have greater access to high-quality education no matter where they live.
According to a study published by Babson Survey Research Group in 2010, nearly 30% of higher education students take at least one course online. An estimated 6 million students are enrolled in online courses.
However, as online education grows, the choices of programs and schools can be overwhelming.
"It can be confusing to navigate through the storm of information out there about online education and make the choice that is best for you," said Matthew Speer, Director of Sales and Marketing for U.S. News University Connection. "We're excited to offer our free Guide to Online Education to help people understand their options and give them the information they need to make informed decisions."
The U.S. News University Directory Guide to Online Education provides valuable information for future students, including:
The Guide to Online Education also provides links and toll-free telephone numbers students can access for assistance in finding the right online school. Interested students may visit U.S. News University Directory to download the free guide and begin the search for online opportunities.
About U.S. News University Directory
U.S. News University Directory provides comprehensive and unbiased information on more than 1,900 academic institutions directly from U.S. News & World Report, the most trusted source for college and university rankings since 1983. Prospective students can search America's best colleges and America's best graduate schools offering associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's and MBA degrees, doctoral and PhD degrees, and certificate programs. And because U.S. News is the leading ranking resource for anyone seeking an on-campus or online degree, students who use the directory can be confident that they are getting the best education advice and information available.
More:
Free Guide to Online Education Available from U.S. News University Directory
The Alex Project: Laws of Success “Initiative
Posted: October 30, 2012 at 6:47 am
The Alex Project: Laws of Success "Initiative Leadership"
http://www.DrRickGoodman.com The fifth chapter of The Law of Success, written by Napolean Hill, explores the lesson of initiative and leadership. According to Hill, both of these qualities are much-needed in finding success in life. Initiative is defined in the lesson as "that exceedingly rare quality which impels a person to do what ought to be done without being told to do it." This is a characteristic which a person can make a habit, and gradually develop as it is utilized on a regular basis. As a person begins to possess the quality of initiative, Hill argues that the quality of leadership develops naturally. Leaders exercise initiative, have a definite chief aim or purpose, and possess the quality of self-confidence, all of which are the reasons why they make great leaders. One should be warned, however, of the major initiative killer procrastination. This is the one quality that a person must fight off in order to develop initiative, as a procrastinator lacks the quality of getting things done and taking action, regardless of being told to do so or not. In order to fight off this procrastination, Hill argues that you must form the habit of aggressively and persistently following the objective of your definite chief aim until you achieve it mdash; regardless of how long it takes. http://www.youtube.comFrom:drrickgoodmanViews:17 0ratingsTime:01:22More inPeople Blogs
Read the rest here:
The Alex Project: Laws of Success "Initiative
My brother,Napolean Hill giving me away to Benny – Video
Posted: at 6:47 am
My brother,Napolean Hill giving me away to Benny
This video was uploaded from an Android phone.From:vanessahill91Views:15 1ratingsTime:01:47More inEntertainment
Read the rest here:
My brother,Napolean Hill giving me away to Benny - Video
The Alex Project: Laws of Success “Enthusiasm” – Video
Posted: at 6:47 am
The Alex Project: Laws of Success "Enthusiasm"
http://www.DrRickGoodman.com In the seventh lesson in Law of Success, Napolean Hill discusses the great importance of "enthusiasm", and how integrating enthusiasm into your life will ultimately lead to success. Hill defines enthusiasm as a state of mind that inspires and arouses one to put action into the task at hand." By constantly engaging in life with enthusiasm, the characteristic can be developed and used as a vital force in the work environment. In order to develop this potential enthusiasm, Hill argues that you must do the kind of work that you like, and make sure your actions are leading toward the achievement of your definite chief aim. Enthusiasm is a contagious characteristic, which magnifies its power. That is, it makes a large enough impression on others in order to make them become enthusiastic as well. Enthusiasm can mean using the same word choice but stated in a different manner, as people become more or less motivated based on how something is said to them. Hill emphasizes this fact, as it is not so much what you say as it is the tone and manner in which you say it that makes a lasting impression. In order to truly master the quality of enthusiasm, Hill stresses the idea of working for something that you believe in. This will naturally bring out the enthusiastic quality in yourself, as you will be legitimately interested in what you are doing. In his example, Hill discusses how he turned down the most money that was ever offered to him simply because he did ...From:drrickgoodmanViews:25 0ratingsTime:01:17More inPeople Blogs
Link:
The Alex Project: Laws of Success "Enthusiasm" - Video
Adam Packard – Personal Development 365 – “A Year of Growing Rich” by Napolean Hill – Video
Posted: at 6:47 am
Adam Packard - Personal Development 365 - "A Year of Growing Rich" by Napolean Hill
Come join me, Adam Packard, as I read one book a day over the next year and give a review, give books away, and spread the message of self improvement! http://www.pda365.tvFrom:PDA365Views:22 0ratingsTime:02:49More inPeople Blogs
View original post here:
Adam Packard - Personal Development 365 - "A Year of Growing Rich" by Napolean Hill - Video
Do what makes you happy.MP4 – Video
Posted: at 6:47 am
Do what makes you happy.MP4
60 seconds of Scott gives you weekly (and sometimes daily) tips on living the best life you can. We all live in a fast paced environment and I respect that. That #39;s why my videos will never be more than 60 seconds. Totally manageable to view for anybody. I use pieces of advice from the many mentors and teachers in my life. Not limited to but including, Les Brown, Anthony Robbins, Wayne Dyer, Sir Richard Branson, Archbishop Desmond Tuta, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra, Jack Canfield, T. Harv Eker, Laurie Mitchell, Christa Way, Holly Wheeler, Paul Devlin, Michael Jude, Napolean Hill, Jordan Adler, Jim Rohn, Darren Hardy, Alex Theis and many more.From:Scott MitchellViews:47 1ratingsTime:00:42More inEducation
Go here to see the original:
Do what makes you happy.MP4 - Video
Spotlight Interview Trailer for Tonya R Taylor – Video
Posted: at 6:47 am
Spotlight Interview Trailer for Tonya R Taylor
VidetteV.com VidetteV TV #39;s "Spotlight Interview Series" is a Napolean Hill-esque research project bringing some of the most successful women entrepreneurs of our time to YOU to teach you the keys to success from women building their own "epic revolutions," juggling families, and making drastic changes in the world. Today #39;s Spotlight Interview is with Tonya R. Taylor, founder and CEO of The Savvy Biz Builder. Tonya shares her story from being an overworked "techie" in Corporate America to taking her knowledge and setting out on the path to being an entrepreneur. She talks about sacrifices she #39;s made, investments that were critical to her success and how cupcakes put her on the map! Vidette Vanderweide is an International Speaker and Transformational Business Consultant. She is a gifted mentor giving her clients the tools and principles to effectively build their "epic revolution" by living a purpose-driven business and life. Ranked in the Top 50 "Mom Run Businesses in the US" by Start-Up Nation in less than two years, Vidette teaches her clients how to create fast business growth and success. Ultimately, Vidette #39;s passion is to awaken the Inner SOUL of women worldwide. Taking from the evolution of her own transformation, she shows women how to tap into the "silent whispers" within, explore their meaning, and truly "See Only an Unlimited Life" where there are no boundaries, there are no stereotypes, and there are only infinite possibilities of what a woman can achieve in ...From:AV2ConceptViews:19 0ratingsTime:01:08More inPeople Blogs
Visit link:
Spotlight Interview Trailer for Tonya R Taylor - Video
Food Mood Expert, Trudy Scott Talks About Starting Her Business and Her Passion for Anxiety – Video
Posted: at 6:47 am
Food Mood Expert, Trudy Scott Talks About Starting Her Business and Her Passion for Anxiety
VidetteV.com VidetteV TV #39;s "Spotlight Interview Series" is a Napolean Hill-esque research project bringing some of the most successful women entrepreneurs of our time to YOU to teach you the keys to success from women building their own "epic revolutions," juggling families, and making drastic changes in the world. Today #39;s Spotlight Interview is with Food Mood Expert, Trudy Scott, author and founder of Anti-Anxiety Food Solutions. Trudy talks about her journey from suffering from anxiety, finding a solution and now living passionately teaching people to overcome anxiety worldwide. Trudy also shares what it took to go from full-time computer programmer to a full-time entrepreneur in only 2 1/2 years. Vidette Vanderweide is an International Speaker and Transformational Business Consultant. She is a gifted mentor giving her clients the tools and principles to effectively build their "epic revolution" by living a purpose-driven business and life. Ranked in the Top 50 "Mom Run Businesses in the US" by Start-Up Nation in less than two years, Vidette teaches her clients how to create fast business growth and success. Ultimately, Vidette #39;s passion is to awaken the Inner SOUL of women worldwide. Taking from the evolution of her own transformation, she shows women how to tap into the "silent whispers" within, explore their meaning, and truly "See Only an Unlimited Life" where there are no boundaries, there are no stereotypes, and there are only infinite possibilities of what a ...From:AV2ConceptViews:37 0ratingsTime:01:08More inPeople Blogs
See the original post:
Food Mood Expert, Trudy Scott Talks About Starting Her Business and Her Passion for Anxiety - Video