McGraw University: Online Education is as Effective as Traditional Classroom Instruction
Posted: August 14, 2012 at 7:15 pm
NEW YORK, Aug. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Online learning has received a bad rapport when compared to traditional in-class instruction but according to a recent study from Ithaka S+R, the gossip has been unjust. An article by US News discusses the study and the advantages of interactive online learning. The study proved that students receiving online education or a combination of online and in-class instruction produced equivalent or better results than students participating in face-to-face education. While there is, undoubtedly, a strong difference between traditional class instruction and online learning, McGraw University believes online classes can be just as engaging as traditional lectures.
The study asked 605 college students taking the same introductory statistics course from six different public universities to complete a series of tests before and after the course. Researchers split study participants into two groups one that completed in-class education and the other that completed the course online in addition to a weekly in-class session. According to the report, students taking a combination of online hours and in-class instruction performed better than those taking strictly traditional classroom sessions.
Researchers agree that the study did not account for differences in teacher quality, which could have played a significant role in students' ability to learn material. Diane Johnson, assistant director of faculty services at the Center for Online Learning at Florida's St. Leo University says that students learn better with instructors who engage them in the material with active discussions. "Teacher quality is still a very important part of success in an online course, but so, too, is the course design," Johnson says.
In a press statement, McGraw University noted, "McGraw University concurs with the report and believes that delivering quality online education radically influences the lives of those who seek to pursue their education through the online format. The main components of quality education, i.e. the course curriculum and its delivery is optimized at each and every point of time and is continuously updated and revised so that students get premium education and a complete return on what they pay for."
ABOUT:
McGraw University offers challenging and relevant classes to a diverse student body. McGraw students receive lifelong learning opportunities and the ability to achieve diplomas, degrees and certificates through distance learning. McGraw University offers 71 majors and an innovative online learning platform that tailors to student's individual needs.
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McGraw University: Online Education is as Effective as Traditional Classroom Instruction
Through Thick And Thin, Simmons Still ‘Sweatin’
Posted: at 9:21 am
Enlarge Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty Images
Fitness advocate Richard Simmons, wearing his signature shorts and tank top, leads Capitol Hill staff and visitors through an exercise routine July 24, 2008, in Washington, D.C.
Fitness advocate Richard Simmons, wearing his signature shorts and tank top, leads Capitol Hill staff and visitors through an exercise routine July 24, 2008, in Washington, D.C.
NPR producer Sam Sanders headed to Beverly Hills, Calif., recently to see longtime fitness guru Richard Simmons in action and find out how he's been at it so long. He sent this reporter's notebook of his encounter with the man who's been helping people lose weight for nearly 40 years.
While working as a waiter, Richard Simmons saved up a year and a half of tips to open his first aerobics studio in Beverly Hills in 1974. Ever since then, he's been planting himself in America's pop-culture psyche with dozens of infomercials and best-selling books, almost endless parodies of his over-the-top persona, and seemingly endless TV and film appearances.
I have to do it till the day I die. If I don't move, I'm not happy.
- Richard Simmons
You could only imagine my excitement at a dinner party last spring, when a friend of a friend told me about Simmons' Beverly Hills aerobics classes. Turns out, whenever Simmons is in town, he leads the courses himself, in that same studio he moved into nearly two decades ago. The classes are open to the public, only cost $12 and they have a cult following in Los Angeles. I knew I had to go, and record it.
So, I convinced Simmons' team to let me shadow him one Saturday afternoon in May, traipsing behind the dynamo with a big fuzzy shotgun mic in hand.
When I walked into the studio, Simmons was in the middle of one of his iconic pep talks. Part AA meeting, part church testimony service, Simmons had on a handmade glittery shirt and tank-top ensemble (with two-toned tights, of course), and was circled up on the floor with a lot of people who really wanted to lose weight. As a larger, middle-aged woman started crying while telling Simmons about her weight-loss goals, Simmons broke up the tension in that earnestly wacky way only he can.
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Through Thick And Thin, Simmons Still 'Sweatin'
Vail Valley Bizwatch: Yoga Off Broadway
Posted: August 13, 2012 at 11:21 pm
Location: 422 McIntire St., Eagle.
Date opened: 2008 (new ownership Aug. 1).
Owner: Yvonne Schwartz, MT-BC, RYT.
Contact info: yogaoffbroadway@gmail.com, 970-328-YOGA
What goods or services do you provide? We provide all levels of yoga classes to the community as well as yoga mats and clothing. We are proud to have nine different instructors at our studio each providing a different yoga style and experience. We host a range of classes from Yoga For Stiff People (perfect for athletes and people recovering from injuries) to Level II-II Prana Flow (a 75-minute practice full of inversions, arm balancing, and advanced postures).
What's new or exciting at your place? Wow, there is a lot exciting happening these days at YOB. Yoga Off Broadway is under new ownership. After managing the studio for previous owner Kelly Western, Yvonne Schwartz is proud to continue a tradition of providing yoga for every body. We have lots of exciting events coming up at the studio. On Aug. 17-19, Yoga Off Broadway is excited to host guest instructor Jim Keegan from Yoga Nirvana Studio in Tempe, Ariz., Aug. 25, the studio will celebrate its grand re-opening with free yoga classes all day, Jala Yoga Clothing Trunk Show, giveaways, a raffle for a Free Manduka Eko Mat, and we will be offering new students an eight-punch card for only $50! We will also have a beginner yoga forum with Yvonne from 1-1:30 p.m. on Aug. 25. This is your opportunity to ask questions about starting or continuing a yoga practice.
What strategy do you use to differentiate your business from your competition? We like to think of ourselves as the neighborhood yoga studio in Eagle. We are strictly a yoga studio and yoga retail store. Our studio hosts many community events and has a great sense of community. We regularly host guest instructors, open houses, service days, and other opportunities for the students and teachers to get together after class. Yoga Off Broadway also strives to be of service to others. We are involved in Yoga Aid (raising money for Off the Mat Into the World), Yoga Votes (campaign to increase voter registration), and we will continue to provide support for local charities and community members.
What philosophy do you follow in dealing with your customers? What can your customers expect from you? We have an open door policy with our students. They can call or email any time with questions or concerns. For many people as their bodies evolve and change their yoga practice changes. Students need to be able to express their concerns and ask questions. We love to talk to new students about yoga. One of my favorite things about teaching is watching students as they grow in their strength and flexibility. This change in energy begins to move off their mat and into their lives.
Tell us a little about your background, education and experience: Yvonne started her journey with yoga in 1999 while attending a college yoga class at Appalachian State University. She completed her teacher training with Yoga World reach and has been teaching in the valley for the last six years. She continues her education regularly through workshops, conferences, and continuing education courses. She hopes to complete a 500-hour certification in yoga in the next two years.
What is the most humorous thing that has happened at your business since you opened? I can't say we have had any humorous happenings in the last week since opening, but I can pretty much guarantee there will be a humorous happening soon. I am pretty sure if you come watch Yvonne practice one handed handstands next Sunday at the Arm Balance workshop it will be a humorous event.
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Indian yoga guru arrested during anticorruption protest
Posted: at 11:21 pm
India's police detained popular Indian yoga guru Baba Ramdev and thousands of his supporters for several hours after they tried to intensify an anticorruption protest. Ramdev and the others had occupied a New Delhi fairground for the past couple of days.
A popular yoga guru and thousands of his supporters were detained by police for several hours Monday after they tried to march to India's Parliament to intensify an anti-corruption protest and press for a change of government.
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As he was led away by police, Baba Ramdev shouted slogans urging his supporters to fight to end India's endemic corruption and seek the repatriation of billions of dollars in illegal money he says Indians have stashed in foreign banks.
Waving Indian flags and shouting slogans, the protesters climbed into police buses parked around the sprawling New Delhi fairground that Ramdev and his supporters had occupied for the past four days.
They were taken to a city stadium, and by evening, were free to leave, said Rajan Bhagat of New Delhi police.
However, Ramdev refused to leave and asked police to provide water and food for thousands of his supporters. He said he would end his five-day-old fast only after that.
Ramdev and his supporters are likely to spend the night at the stadium.
Before the march, the bearded, saffron-clad yogi urged his supporters to throw out the ruling Congress Party and bring in a "clean" government.
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Indian yoga guru arrested during anticorruption protest
Yoga guru detained during protest
Posted: at 11:21 pm
By Harmeet Shah Singh, CNN
updated 12:23 PM EDT, Mon August 13, 2012
Indian yoga guru Baba Ramdev smiles after climbing the roof of a car to address his followers before attempting a march to parliament in New Delhi on August 13, 2012.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
New Delhi (CNN) -- Police briefly detained famed Indian yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Monday after he tried to lead an anti-corruption march toward the national parliament building, a police spokesman said.
"Remove Congress and save the country," the yoga guru said to thousands of supporters before officers took him into custody, referring to the ruling Congress Party.
The saffron-clad yoga teacher, whose televised breathing exercises are watched by millions, has been staging a demonstration since last week to demand repatriation of what he calls "black money," or illegal Indian wealth in foreign banks.
He also favors the creation of a strong anti-corruption watchdog agency to deal with endemic graft in the country, echoing a key demand raised by another veteran activist, Anna Hazare, whose hunger strikes last year galvanized huge public support.
Ramdev was released shortly after police took him into custody, New Delhi police spokesman Rajan Bhagat said Monday. An unspecified number of Ramdev's supporters who had been taken into custody also were released, Bhagat said.
There were no reports of disorder during Monday's demonstration, Bhagat said.
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Lindsey Life Coach ep2 – Video
Posted: at 11:19 pm
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Lindsey Life Coach ep2 - Video
Coaching debuts mark Low Countries derby
Posted: at 11:19 pm
The 'Derby der Lage Landen' (Low Countries derby) is always a big occasion in Belgium and the Netherlands, with Wednesday's 125th meeting of the neighbours seeing two coaching debuts at Brussels' Roi Baudouin Stadium.
At 43, Marc Wilmots has succeeded Georges Leekens as Belgium boss while Louis van Gaal returns for a second spell in charge of the Oranje, having missed out on the 2002 FIFA World Cup in his previous stint from 200002.
An attacking midfielder capped 70 times by the Red Devils, Wilmots played for Belgium at that 2002 tournament but has relatively little coaching experience as he looks to inspire a strong generation. Briefly coach of FC Schalke 04 and K. Sint-Truidense VV, Wilmots worked as Leekens' assistant and has inherited substantial expectations.
With the likes of Vincent Kompany, Marouane Fellaini, Eden Hazard, Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen performing in the English Premier League, Wilmots recognises that Belgium have the ability to qualify for a major championship for the first time since 2002.
"We have a group of 35 potential players," he said. "All of them have to pull in the same direction. Look at Portugal in the past always a team of individuals, now a solid block and in the EURO 2012 semi-finals.
"First we have to learn to work together, then we have to be there," the former R. Standard de Lige and Schalke man added. "No more excuses. We have excellent players but have not achieved anything yet. I have had enough of commentating on EUROs and World Cups for TV. It is time to be there again in person, high time."
If Belgium have untapped potential, the Netherlands have a sense of unfulfilled promise having bowed out of UEFA EURO 2012 at the group stage. That failure prompted Bert van Marwijk's resignation, and Van Gaal at 61 will attempt to show the leadership qualities that won him titles at AFC Ajax, FC Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and FC Bayern Mnchen.
"I want to get to the World Cup as I have never been there yet," he said. "As club coach I have already won everything possible, but as national team coach I have not."
Unusually, Van Gaal has not conferred with Van Marwijk about his plans. "I have not spoken to him," said Van Gaal, who will be assisted by Danny Blind and Patrick Kluivert, both of whom played under him. "I want to start with a clean sheet. The chemistry is down to who is involved. I am a different person and my staff is almost completely new. I cannot judge by what happened at EURO 2012."
He should have a clearer view of his task after the derby. Since the sides first met on 30 April 1905, the Dutch have won 55 encounters to their neighbours' 40, with the Red Devils prevailing in the most recent match-up on 29 May 2004.
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Coaching debuts mark Low Countries derby
June-Marie Raw Food and Fitness Health misc Dancing videos 012 – Video
Posted: at 11:19 pm
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June-Marie Raw Food and Fitness Health misc Dancing videos 017 – Video
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Fitness on the Field
Posted: at 11:19 pm
August 13, 2012 - New York-Penn League (NYPL) Hudson Valley Renegades (FISHKILL, NY) - The Hudson Valley Renegades will partner with celebrity personal trainer and fitness author Larysa DiDio on Sunday, August 26 to promote the health and well-being of families throughout the Hudson Valley. DiDio will conduct a 30-minute group "feel good" workout for moms, dads and families on the field following the 1 P.M. game at Dutchess Stadium presented by PFX Gym.
"It was a natural partnership," said Didio. "Baseball provides the perfect medium for helping families and kids get healthier, together." During the post-game workout, the Renegades will also conduct an on-field kickball game led by Renegades mascot, Rascal.
"The Renegades are excited to partner with Larysa on this event," expressed Renegades General Manager Eben Yager. "As a family driven organization, we understand the importance of health, fitness and family involvement and believe this a great opportunity to continue fitness education in the ballpark."
DiDio will be available for a book signing as well as answering fans' questions on fitness, diet and family. Book signing and meet and greet will begin at 12 P.M. and continuing throughout the game. DiDio will also take over the Renegades Facebook page on Monday, August 20 from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M to expand fitness and health education.
"Fitness on the Field" will take place Sunday, August 26 as the Hudson Valley Renegades take on the Lowell Spinners at Dutchess Stadium. The first 1,000 kids will receive a Renegades backpack courtesy of New York 529 and K104.
Tickets are available by calling the Hudson Valley Renegades Ticket Office at 845-838-0094 or at hvrenegades.com.
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