Elite colleges transforming higher education online
Posted: August 6, 2012 at 9:10 pm
SAN FRANCISCO When the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offered its first free online course this spring, Ashwith Rego jumped at the chance to learn from some of the worlds leading researchers without leaving his home in India.
I never imagined that I would be taught by professors from MIT, let alone for free, said the 24-year-old engineer who works in Bangalore.
From Harvard to Stanford, a growing number of elite universities are throwing open their digital doors to the masses. Theyre offering their most popular courses online for no charge, allowing anyone with an Internet connection to learn from world-renowned scholars and scientists.
Many colleges have offered Web-based courses for years, but the participation of top-tier research universities marks a major milestone in the expansion of digital learning.
The proliferation of so-called massive open online courses, or MOOCs, has the potential to transform higher education at a time when colleges and universities are grappling with shrinking budgets, rising costs and protests over soaring tuition and student debt.
Supporters say these online courses can lower teaching costs, improve learning online and on campus, and significantly expand access to higher education, which could fuel technological innovation and economic growth.
It holds the potential for serving many, many hundreds of thousands of students in a way we simply cannot today, said Molly Corbett Broad, president of the American Council on Education.
Last month, a dozen major research universities announced they would begin offering courses on the online learning platform Coursera, joining Stanford and Princeton universities and the universities of Pennsylvania and Virginia.
The University of California, Berkeley said it would start making online courses available this fall through edX, a competing Web portal launched in May by Harvard University and MIT with $60 million in funding from the two schools.
I believe it will ultimately revolutionize education, said UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau.
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Elite colleges transforming higher education online
Elite Colleges Transform Online Higher Education
Posted: at 9:10 pm
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- When the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offered its first free online course this spring, Ashwith Rego jumped at the chance to learn from some of the world's leading researchers without leaving his home in India.
"I never imagined that I would be taught by professors from MIT, let alone for free," said the 24-year-old engineer who works in Bangalore.
From Harvard to Stanford, a growing number of elite universities are throwing open their digital doors to the masses. They're offering their most popular courses online for no charge, allowing anyone with an Internet connection to learn from world-renowned scholars and scientists.
Many colleges have offered Web-based courses for years, but the participation of top-tier research universities marks a major milestone in the expansion of digital learning.
The proliferation of so-called massive open online courses, or MOOCs, has the potential to transform higher education at a time when colleges and universities are grappling with shrinking budgets, rising costs and protests over soaring tuition and student debt.
Supporters say these online courses can lower teaching costs, improve learning online and on campus, and significantly expand access to higher education, which could fuel technological innovation and economic growth.
"It holds the potential for serving many, many hundreds of thousands of students in a way we simply cannot today," said Molly Corbett Broad, president of the American Council on Education.
Last month, a dozen major research universities announced they would begin offering courses on the online learning platform Coursera, joining Stanford and Princeton universities and the universities of Pennsylvania and Virginia.
The University of California, Berkeley said it would start making online courses available this fall through edX, a competing Web portal launched in May by Harvard University and MIT with $60 million in funding from the two schools.
"I believe it will ultimately revolutionize education," said UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau.
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Elite Colleges Transform Online Higher Education
Capella University Launches Two Online Certificates in Higher Education
Posted: at 9:10 pm
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Capella University, an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high-quality online degree programs for working adults, has announced two new post-bachelor's certificates, one in Higher Education Leadership and Administration, and one in Adult Education. Courses completed as part of these certificates can be applied toward a Capella Master of Science in Higher Education. Capella's higher education programs focus on the unique issues faced by faculty and administrators in higher education, including cultural and academic diversity; strategies for teaching, assessing and measuring higher education and adult students; the use of technology to improve learning; and the development of business skills needed to lead and manage change in higher education institutions. As of June 20, 2012, more than 36,000 students are pursuing an online degree at Capella. The learning and career outcomes of Capellas students and alumni can be found at http://www.capellaresults.org
More affordable options for students pursuing higher education careers "Our new 20-credit certificates offer a more affordable way to prepare for or enhance a career in higher education," said Barbara Butts Williams, PhD, dean of Capella's School of Education. "By completing a certificate, learners can gain additional knowledge in adult education or higher education leadership and administration that can be applied to their current career. Those interested in pursuing a masters degree earn a valuable credential after completing the five certificate courses, all of which can be applied toward an MS in Higher Education at Capella. They also receive a 10 percent tuition discount toward their MS in Higher Education courses, providing a more affordable pathway to this educational goal."
Higher Education Leadership and Administration certificate offers choice of focus Capella's Higher Education Leadership and Administration certificate prepares students to make sound decisions based on best practices in higher education leadership; apply higher education theory to institutional practices; and better understand the culture and politics of four-year and community colleges. Students also choose one of two areas in which to focus their studies, higher education program administration or community college leadership. Higher education program administration focuses on divisional roles and functions, including student services, academic affairs, financial affairs, institutional advancement, and enrollment management. Community college leadership focuses on the values, missions, programs, and functions that make community colleges unique.
Adult Education The Adult Education certificate offers a foundational knowledge of major competency areas in the field of adult education. The curriculum focuses on the characteristics of adult learners and the adult education profession, as well as adult education settings, philosophies, principles, and theories. This certificate prepares students to advance the practice of learning and teaching within the field of adult education; apply adult education principles and theories to instruction, program development, and learning enhancement; adapt strategies and methods to address the characteristics of adult learners; and apply reflective strategies that lead to improved personal and professional practice.
Enrollment now open Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for these new certificates. For more information, please call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552) or email info@capella.edu.
Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is the learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their states. Where applicable, teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether a program may qualify for salary advancement. For more information on licensure, see: http://www.capella.edu/licensure.aspx (Washington state learners are advised to go to: http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/outofstate for more information).
In accordance with U.S. Department of Education (DOE) new advance notice requirements, a notification for these certificates will be submitted to the DOE. These certificates may be subject to additional review and approval by the DOE, which could result in a potential delay in learners being able to start the certificate. If this certificate is subject to additional review, the DOE will notify Capella University at least 30 days prior to the scheduled start date. Capella University proactively will keep applicants and learners enrolled in these certificates fully informed of any actions taken by the DOE that may affect their ability to successfully begin classes as originally scheduled.
About Capella University Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. Three-fourths of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral degree programs in business, counseling, education, health administration, homeland security, human resource management, human services, information technology, nonprofit management and leadership, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 149 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 21 certificate programs. More than 36,000 learners were enrolled as of June 30, 2012, from all 50 states and 59 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).
Visit the Capella Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CapellaUniversity. Follow Capella on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CapellaU.
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Capella University Launches Two Online Certificates in Higher Education
Spa centre to be inaugurated today
Posted: at 3:17 pm
Besides aerobics, muscle toning, exercises, body-building and weight-lifting, the place would also offer a luxury bath (hydro therapy).
Telugu film actress Aksha of Kandireega fame will inaugurate Sampangi Spa near Benz Circle on Monday.
The spa has a fitness centre Sinew-- attached to it. Both the units are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and would offer services by certified therapists, said M. Tripura and V. Bharathi Devi, managing partner and spa centre head respectively, at a press conference on Sunday.
The fitness centre would be inaugurated by Corporation Bank DGM K. Ramanjanyulu. As many as 10 trained therapists are employed in the spa to offer Swedish therapy, Thai therapy, and many other services to the clients, they said.
Besides aerobics, muscle toning, exercises, body-building and weight-lifting, the place would also offer a luxury bath (hydro therapy).
The spa would offer a 25 per cent discount to those who enrol as members in the initial one month of its inauguration. The annual membership fee is Rs. 7000, they said.
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Spa centre to be inaugurated today
Mower County Senior Center: Yoga classes aim to bring better balance to life
Posted: at 3:17 pm
Yoga books tell us that yoga is aimed to unite the mind, the body and the spirit. Yogis believe that the mind and the body are one, and that if it is given the right yoga kit and tools and taken to the right environment, it can find harmony and heal itself. Yoga, therefore, is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment. This is one of the foremost reasons people want to start practicing yoga to feel fitter, be more energetic, be happier and peaceful.
With all of the bends, twists and poses that work your body into a human pretzel, yoga is certainly a form of exercise that stretches you out. Yoga can improve flexibility, increase range of motion and just make you feel longer and leaner. If you're someone who gets discouraged because you can barely touch your toes without bending your knees no matter how many sessions of yoga you do, take heed. Yoga is about much, much more than flexibility. Being super stretchy doesn't make you "better" at yoga at all.
The biggest misconception is that one must be naturally flexible to practice yoga. That is why there are so many varieties of yoga. For starters, yoga is good for what ails you. Specifically, research shows that yoga helps manage or control anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, stress and other conditions and diseases. We all have something on that list. What's more, yoga:
Improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina. Reduces stress and tension. Boosts self esteem. Improves concentration and creativity. Lowers fat. Improves circulation. Stimulates the immune system. Creates sense of well being and calm.
In August, the senior center is offering yoga classes at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Sara Spevacek wants to make sure that anyone who wants to try it can, so we are offering your first time free. After that, there is a $2 charge per class. Spevacek is a physical education and health education student at Wartburg College. She has been practicing yoga for five years and has been teaching classes for two years. To sign up for this class stop by the front desk or call 433-2370, ext 0.
Upcoming events
Tuesday 8:30 a.m., Silver Sneakers. 9 a.m.. Exercise with Evie. 12:30 p.m., Cards: Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge. 1 p.m., Art class. 4:30 p.m., Silver Sneakers.
Wednesday 8 a.m., Yoga. 9:30 a.m., Tai chi. 10 a.m., Macular Degeneration. 12:30 p.m., Cards: Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge. 1 p.m., Stitching Bees. 1 p.m., Open chess. 5 p.m., Yoga.
Thursday 8:30 a.m., Silver Sneakers. 9 a.m., Exercise with Evie. 12:30 p.m., Cards: Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge. 1 p.m. , Bingo. 1 p.m., Art class. 1 p.m., Open chess. 2 p.m., Computer class. 4:30 p.m., Silver Sneakers.
Friday 9:30 a.m., Tai chi. 12:30 p.m., Cards, Bridge.
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Mower County Senior Center: Yoga classes aim to bring better balance to life
Yoga Students, Dolphins Flip Over Each Other
Posted: August 5, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Posted: Aug. 5, 2012 | 2:03 a.m.
Using a soothing tone of voice and the most relaxing music ever recorded, yogi Willow Withy creates a serene atmosphere for her budding yoga students. And then, three dolphins swim by the observation window to wreak a little havoc on the humans. It's not so much disruptive to the class setting - it is yoga with dolphins at The Mirage, after all - but it's outrageously adorable. Which makes it hard to hold that downward-facing dog pose.
Somehow, Withy's seven students manage to resist the urge to run over and press their faces to the glass for the duration of the one-hour class.
"Yoga can sometimes be intimidating," Miami resident Allison Bass, 24, says after class. "This was really cool with the dolphins playing in the background. I really enjoyed it."
About six months ago, the Mirage Spa management was trying to introduce yoga to the spa, Withy says. They don't really have classroom space inside, so they had to think outside the box.
They came up with yoga among the dolphins.
The class is held at 8:30 a.m. Fridays through Sundays in an underground viewing room at the Dolphin Habitat. All yoga skill levels are welcome.
A giant window allows people to view the swimming dolphins.
On this recent Friday, it's the three boy dolphins, Maverick, Cosmo and Lightning, that are visible to the class. Because it's so early in the morning, these yoga students are among the first human faces the dolphins see that day. And the dolphins take full advantage of it.
While Withy instructs students to bend, twist and stretch, the dolphins do laps at high speed. Their graceful movement through the water is hypnotic. They playfully buzz by the window showing their bellies; occasionally, one stops to look into the room, his smiling snout almost touching the glass.
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Yoga Students, Dolphins Flip Over Each Other
New group for local coaching professionals
Posted: at 1:14 pm
The Alliance of Coaching Professionals (ACPTT) has been officially established. It is a non-profit organisation formed by individual professionals who practise coaching, including health and wellness, career and life coaches. The organisation is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by encompassing the high professional standards set by the International Coaching Federation USA, educating and building a network of coaches. It will support and advance the coaching profession through programmes and standards supported by members and will be an authoritative source on coaching information and research for the public. There will be different tiers of membership to suit individual needs including a student membership.
The first AGM will take place before the end of the year and interested people from varying professions and levels of employment are welcome. Coaching is a comparably new profession. It blends the best concepts from business, psychology, philosophy, sports and spirituality. Although coaching combines skills from other disciplines, it is a distinct process of supporting others to create an ideal life. Coaches work with clients on a variety of topics, from business and professional issues to personal and spiritual concerns. Coaching involves dialogue between a coach and a client with the aim of helping the client obtain a fulfilling life. This is achieved by helping the client establish what is important to them and by clarifying their values.
A coach offers many things to the client during the coaching process such as:
support to discover the answers within him or her self
clarification of values
co-creation of a plan for how to achieve what the client really wants
a sounding board for new ideas
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New group for local coaching professionals
Health And Fitness Centre North Shore Auckland | 021 0252 7074 – Video
Posted: at 1:14 pm
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Health And Fitness Centre North Shore Auckland | 021 0252 7074 - Video
The Social View with Christina D Wagner Results Health and Fitness 8 4 – Video
Posted: at 1:14 pm
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The Social View with Christina D Wagner Results Health and Fitness 8 4 - Video
June-Marie Raw Food and Fitness Health Balloon pop popping 002 – Video
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June-Marie Raw Food and Fitness Health Balloon pop popping 002 - Video