Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuq912CpEvc

29-05-2012 10:11 From WNPR on October 19, 2006 Years ago, there was a stigma about distance learning...late night TV ads conjuring up fly-by-night degree factories. The sense was that bypassing a "real" college experience was more of a "dodge" than a decision. But as the internet has grown, the number of students learning online has boomed. Some schools, like the ubiquitous University of Phoenix have risen because of a demand for online education. And, traditional brick and mortar schools have gotten into the business - with traditional classroom professors giving more and more of their lecture time over to the digital classroom. But what's lost in the exchange? When classes don't convene in a classroom - is a basic connection missing? Does learning at a distance keep us arms length from a real education? We're talking with Ed Klonoski, director of Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium, and Dr. Merle Harris, President of Charter Oak State College. The Distance Learning Consortium provides the infrastructure for online learning in the state, and Charter Oak is one of the many schools now providing an online education.

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The Rise of the Internet Classroom - Video

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjauCLuI0d4

29-05-2012 14:58 Federal mandates requiring access for students with disabilities pre-date the existence of online learning. How it all plays out in the virtual world is becoming clearer, as a spate of lawsuits and federal directives begin to shape our practice and, hopefully, drive our decision-making in a proactive manner. With this workshop you'll understand the issues faced in assuring online accessibility, as well as the dangers in ignoring those obligations when building an online learning presence. Participants learn how to assess their school's current accessibility status and uncover steps to enhance that access.

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Disability Access and Online Learning Sloan-C Workshop Introduction - Video

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

29-05-2012 16:34 2012 Learning Enhancement Center - LEC - Connects Innovation in Teaching Award: The Innovation in Teaching Award is designed to encourage faculty to implement new ideas in the classroom. In a community of learning, we all learn from each other—from teaching mentors and from fellow faculty who reflect on and continually seek teaching strategies that promote deeper and more engaged learning. Exemplary Online Course Award: This award recognizes faculty who use online learning technology effectively by exhibiting best practices for designing engaging online coursework.

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2012 LEC Connects Awards - Video

For a select group of students attending Washington University Law School, classes will be no farther away than a laptop.

On Tuesday, the Washington University Law School announced an online master's degree program in U.S. law, reported Tamar Lewin of the New York Times. Partnering with 2tor, a higher education technology syndicate, the program is "perhaps the earliest partnership between a top-tier law school and a commercial enterprise," Lewin wrote. There are pros and cons to this experimental model, he added.

This program, similar to other online education initiatives at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, boast convenience, replication and, most advantageously, affordability. Mark C. Taylor at Bloomberg reported, "This reconfiguration of courses gives students more freedom and creates the possibility of decreasing the time necessary to complete a college degree, thereby lowering the cost of a college education."

While the program is reputable, it is not yet equivalent to a traditional law degree, according to the article. "About a dozen states allow some Master of Law holders to qualify for the bar exam, but in New York, those with master's degrees are not eligible if they earned the degree online," Lewin wrote.

But "with the advent of online degrees," Gayle Murphy, senior executive of the California committee of bar examiners, observed, "those guidelines might be revisited," reported Lewin.

According to Mary Carmichael at the Boston Globe, this "burgeoning movement" is getting an endorsement "that may have an even greater impact (than expansion): rigorous evidence that the computer can be as effective as the classroom."

On Tuesday, Ithaka S+R, a nonprofit technology company, will release a new study supporting online learning. The study "compared two versions of an introductory statistics course, one taught face to face by professors and one mostly taught online with only an hour a week of face time. Researchers found students fared equally well in both formats on every measure of learning. The only difference was that the online group appeared to learn faster," Carmichael said.

Bloomberg reported on another study showing that "in 2009, about 29 percent of college students took at least one course online; by 2014, that number is projected to increase to 50 percent. Much of this growth has been driven by for-profit schools, but in the past couple of years, traditional colleges and universities have designed their own programs in an effort to increase tuition income without expanding the physical plant. It remains to be seen whether this financial bet will pay off."

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Higher education moves online

Emily Lane feels powerful when she stands in the warrior pose.

Her sometimes crippling anxiety -- over tests, classmate cliques and the overarching bubble of stress that looms in the classroom -- melts down her legs and sinks into the floor. It is replaced with a sense of calm and self-confidence, she says.

"I was expecting to have a class where everything was based around yoga and exercising," she says. "I didn't expect that it would be such a personal and deep experience."

Emily, 17, attends Silver Creek High School in Longmont. She has autism. And she takes 90-minute yoga classes every week to help her cope with social challenges that cause her anxiety.

The autism spectrum spans a variety of neurological disorders

Trevor Parent (left) and Paige Kinnaman (right) try to balance during yoga class at Temple Grandin in Boulder. ( MARK LEFFINGWELL )

"Yoga offers tangible, attention-building practices that help them learn to harness their mental and physical energy in helpful ways," says Abby Wills, program director with the Shanti Generation, which makes yoga DVDs specifically for youth.

Take the tree pose, she says. Kids can tune into their breathing, centers and foundation. They feel their feet firmly connected, their abs activated and their breath flowing, giving them a chance to feel in control -- "something they very much desire and often have a hard time accomplishing," Wills says.

On the social level, yoga promotes interaction with other participants and the teacher in a non-competitive, low-stress environment.

Some studies claim regular yoga classes improved imitation skills, non-verbal communication, reception to verbal commands and the comprehension of spatial commands ("Lift your right hand") among participants with autism. Other studies showed that it changed children's play patterns with toys and other children, and it led to increased eye contact.

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Advocates say yoga is 'ideal' for people with autism

Paola Loriggio Special to the Star

It can help ease anxiety and insomnia, relieve back aches and arthritis pain, nurse injured limbs back to health and prevent them from getting hurt in the first place.

But yoga, often touted as a gentle workout and an alternative to more intrusive therapies, can cause as much damage as it is proclaimed to heal.

And those who most need yogas restorative effects older people with underlying conditions, for example are often the most at risk, some experts say.

Many forget that yoga is, first and foremost, a form of exercise, one with the same dangers as any other sport, says Angela Growse, a Toronto physiotherapist who has experienced firsthand the unfortunate consequences of a misstep.

People completely underestimate the potential for injury, she says.

Its easy to move beyond the physiological range of the body while performing postures, which can aggravate muscle imbalances and other weaknesses, she adds.

Torqued knees, snapped ligaments and pinched spinal discs are some of the agonizing results of a yoga class gone wrong, leading to months of misery and rehabilitation, possibly even surgery, she says.

Some damage is irreversible: for example, overstretched back ligaments cant always bounce back, Growse says. That laxity can limit the ability to do other activities, she says.

Part of the blame lies with a competitive culture that spurs people to shun beginner classes in favour of more hardcore advanced and intense sessions, she says.

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Yoga has healing and hurting powers

Some people think that Christians shouldn't practice yoga. One article tells of how dangerous it is to participate in the following:

yoga

hypnosis

astrology

Native American dream catchers

They article tells of how participating in these things opens doors to spirits and puts the participant in danger. While I agree that Christians should not engage in hypnosis and astrology, I highly disagree with yoga being harmful to Christians. I will highlight four reasons why I believe yoga to be safe for everyone, including Christians.

#1 Many Christians participate in yoga

In two of my previous articles I wrote about Holy Yoga for Christians and yoga raves, both of which are centered around Christianity. Not all Christians believe it is wrong to enjoy yoga, myself included.

#2 Yoga is only a spiritual or religious act if you choose to make one

One does not have to engage in the religion in which yoga originated in order to enjoy the poses (asanas). Meditation is not even necessary when practicing yoga. Asanas are an excellent way to relax the mind and body, become more flexible and build muscle. Nothing about that invites evil spirits into ones life. The author of the article that says yoga shouldn't be practiced by Christians states, "A person may enter into a seance or hypnosis or yoga with innocent motives. That doesn't solve the problem. When you open a door to spirits, you place yourself in harm's way....unless you are turning to the Holy Spirit. No born again believer should utilize yoga or hypnosis because of the spiritual dangers associated with these practices." I highly disagree with this mindset and feel that is very narrow minded. Yoga doesn't invite evil spirits into a person's life or home, playing with a Ouija board does.

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Commentary: Is it Dangerous for Christians to Practice Yoga?

Gano Promenade presents Manhattan Transfer's Alan Paul, A Retrospective,with special guest vocalist, Arielle Paul.

Just got back last night from my European tour with TMT and looking forward to my gig this weekend in Erwindale. I'm doing a retrospective of my career and my daughter Arielle is also performing. I got a seriously groovin' band with my pal Ted Perlman on guitar, Darrell Diaz who plays with Herbie Hancock on keyboard, Reggie Hamilton on Bass and the swingin' Sammy K on drums. Hope to see you there! Alan Paul

June 2, 2012 at 8pm The Gano Promenade 4828 4th Street, Irwindale, CA

The Eight time Grammy Award winner and founding member of the internationally acclaimed vocal group The Manhattan Transfer will make another rare LIVE Los Angeles performance. This time for the benefit of the youth music projects of GanoCares Foundation.

Alan Paul will be showcasing a retrospective peak into his musical journey featuring songs from his 2 solo CD's (Another Place In Time & Shoo Bop), his days in Broadway musicals and of course the illustrious years with Manhattan Transfer. The event will take place at The Gano Promenade (www.ganopromenade.com), an intimate state-of-the-art venue in Irwindale, CA (approx 20 minutes east of downtown Los Angeles).

The show will also feature his talented daughter, up and coming singer Arielle Paul, and will involve a special participation by international jazz vocalist Mon David and R&B/smooth jazz singer Maricar of the 4828 Band.

As a writer and arranger, Alan Paul earned four additional Grammy Award nominations for his contributions to American music; from songs like, Twilight Zone"/"Twilight" Tone" and Code Of Ethics" to his vocal arrangements for The Boy From NYC" and Rays Rockhouse." Rounding out some of the great songs he has penned include, Smile Again," Spies In The Night," Malaise en Malaisie," All Heart," The Quitetude," What Goes Around Comes Around," Santa Man," It's Good Enough To Keep," Stompin' At Mahogany Hall," Nothin' Could be Hotter Than That" and Ragtime in Pixiland.

The Gano Promenade is an entertainment venue in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley. This hidden hot spot is hosted by Gano Excel North America, the premier resource for enriched coffee. It is driven by four philosophies... to provide a place to energize, revitalize, harmonize and socialize with anyone and everyone. You can expect nights full of amazing music or an intimate, up close & personal performances with some of your favorite artists. You won't be disappointed with the wondrous, unassuming oasis of music and magical enchanted evenings.

Visit Website | Purchase

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PERFORMANCE/TOUR: Manhattan Transfer's Alan Paul at the Gano Promenade Irwindale

Devon shooters Georgina Geikie and Rory Warlow are both hoping to score personal bests at the Olympics after being named as part of Team GB's 10-strong shooting squad.

Pistol shooter Geikie, 27, and skeet shooter Warlow will both compete in their first Olympics this summer.

"If you're not in it you can't win it, so I'm going to give it my best," Geikie told BBC Radio Devon.

"I want to shoot a personal best, but a performance is what I'm going for."

Okehampton's Geikie, who won four medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, added: "If that performance is good enough to win a medal then that's a bonus."

Elburton-based former national champion Warlow, 22, has twice equalled the British record and is the top-ranked skeet shooter in the country.

He says he has been training just as hard physically as he has with his gun.

"We are athletes and I think that to have a very good level of fitness and strength can only help you.

"Being fit and healthy and having a good diet, all of those things contribute to a good performance.

"I want to shoot to the best of my ability and if I could shoot a personal best I'd be very happy.

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Geikie and Warlow target Olympics

LONG BEACH, CA--(Marketwire -05/29/12)- The California Women's Conference, an event endorsing leading women everywhere, has announced exclusive access to pre-sale tickets available for purchase beginning on June 15, 2012. On this date tickets will be available for businesses and individuals to attend the September 23rd and 24th conference at the Long Beach Convention Center, promoting its theme, "The Women's Economy Starts Here."

Women everywhere are anticipating this momentous event as The California Women's Conference offers attendees inspiration, resources, and connections for greater advancements in personal development, business and career ventures, health and wellness, and philanthropic endeavors. The conference features widely respected thought leaders, talented entertainers, and an infinite marketplace of ideas, exhibits, networking and panel discussions. Intended for women committed to success, and those seeking to connect and inspire, this year's conference is a must-attend event.

For nearly thirty years, women in California have enjoyed a conference that provided women resources for building successful businesses, strengthening careers, and positively influencing the world around them. The mission of The California Women's Conference is to empower women and provide resources for every aspect of their lives. To learn more and to get information on how to purchase tickets, join our community by visiting http://www.CaliforniaWomensConference.com.

About the history and tradition of the California Governor & First Lady Conference on Women The spiritual predecessor of the California Women's Conference, namely the California Governor & First Lady's Conference on Women, was an annual non-partisan event, and was created in 1985 by then-Governor George Deukmejian, to address the high failure rate among women-owned businesses by giving women entrepreneurs greater access to funding and other helpful resources. Selecting the city of Long Beach as the event's host, city officials and businesses quickly became enthusiastic supporters. Then-First Lady Gloria Deukmejian assumed responsibility for the conference, which became known as the California Governor and First Lady's Conference. In the recent past, this conference became a star-studded event. Past speakers have included: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, First Lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, Barbara Walters, Jane Fonda, Queen Noor of Jordan, Tyra Banks, Martha Stewart, Madeline Albright, Condoleeza Rice, and many others. Today, the tradition of enthusiastically serving women-owned businesses continues under the stewardship of Michelle Patterson, CEO of EventComplete.

About EventCompleteEventComplete, LLC, is a full-service event marketing company specializing in strategy, production and marketing for large scale conferences, workshops, and charitable events. They partner with each client at every step in creating, planning, marketing, and producing signature events in which businesses, non-profits and the community collaborate effectively to maximize marketing objectives. They "complete" events by utilizing their proprietary methods for Marketing Sequence Campaigns, Database Management, Event Registration, Sponsorship Development, and Venue Management. To learn more about Michelle Patterson and EventComplete, visit http://www.eventcomplete.com.

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The Inaugural California Women's Conference Announces Exclusive Ticket Offer