Why Should You Teach Through Video Math Tutoring?

Why Should You Teach Through Video Math Tutoring?It has been said that, 'Video Math Tutoring is the most popular curriculum for young children.' This has been recorded in many parents' magazine, as well as educational publications. Do you want to know the secret to this?The best way to make this work is to integrate both verbal and written instruction. This will allow the children to truly understand the concepts that are presented. This is possible when they are properly trained in reading and writing and when they are trained in math and other concepts, such as visualization. In short, this can only be accomplished when you have quality tutoring.Of course, you will find many people who want to save the audio version of the lessons for the child. This is not the best idea. When the child is unable to read, to understand, or to write it will make the whole learning process virtually impossible. This can even happen when the child is taking the online lessons.This is not only because of how it will cause them to come to it half-cocked, but also because there are some aspects that the child may not understand. They may not comprehend some concepts that are explained in the video. This can be especially true when the child has poor communication skills.Some parents and teachers have advocated for video math tutoring to be taught through flash cards, but this is not the best idea. It is much better to have a written test before you go into a tutoring session.It is also possible to incorporate some sort of visualization of the steps you are teaching a child's comprehension level. This will allow the child to see the steps clearly and comprehend them much more easily. This will be especially useful when you are beginning with mathematics and when youare working with very young children.You can incorporate the two of these tools into the teaching process and this will be an incredible help for your child's understanding of the concepts presented. This is not difficult to do, either.

Rational Function Online Tutoring - Rational Function Help

Rational Function Online Tutoring - Rational Function Help Rational function f(x) is an algebraic function written in p(x) / q(x) form. The condition for the rational function is the denominator cannot be equal to zero i.e. q(x) 0. The rational function can be solved or simplified using different mathematical properties such as multiplicative property, associative property, additive inverse multiplicative inverse and many more. The rational function f(x) can take different values of x. Example 1: Solve the given rational function and find the value of x. f(x) = 5x/(x + 12) if f(x) = 1. Solution: Given is the function f(x) = 5x/(x + 12) and f(x) = 1. 5x /(x + 12) = 1 Multiplying (x + 12) both sides of the equation. (x + 12) [5x /(x + 12)] = 1 (x + 12); 5x = x + 12. Subtract both sides of the equation with x. 5x - x = x + 12 x; 4x = 12. Divide by 4 on both sides of the equation. 4x/ 4 = 12/ 4; Hence x = 3. Example 2: Solve the given rational function and find the value of x. f(x) = (2x 10)/3x if f(x) = 0. Solution: Given is the function f(x) = (2x 10)/3x for f(x) = 0. (2x 10)/3x =0 Multiplying 3x both sides of the equation. (2x 10) = 0 Add both sides of the equation with 10. 5 x = 10 Divide by 5 on both sides of the equation. 5 x/ 5 = 10/ 2; x = 2. Hence x = 2.

The Fight For Diversity In Economics Teaching

The Fight For Diversity In Economics Teaching Rethinking Economics Degrees ChaptersThe Economics Syllabus in Many U.K. Universities is Under FireWhat Alternative Economics Theories and Topics Should Be Taught?If you’ve already begun to look at potential universities where you can study an undergraduate economics degree, you may have noticed that there’s a lot in common between some courses.While universities will have their own set of entry requirements, including minimum grades and subject combinations at A-Level to apply, there are some strong similarities between some course modules taught across the U.K.For example, it’s not uncommon for undergraduate economics degrees to focus on core topics, including areas such as:Macroeconomics;Microeconomics; andEconometricsAlthough each university will have other modules on offer, ranging from quantitative economics to the history of economic thought, there is often significant overlap in the actual content taught by universities, although each university’s department will admittedly teach these areas in t heir own way, based on each lecturer’s own expertise and research.As we will see below, while economics degree courses have been very similar in terms of core content throughout the U.K. for a number of years, there are many voices, from both students and institutions alike, who are calling for changes to be made in how economics is taught.Too little focus on the ethical considerations and consequences of economic policies; andToo little focus on the history of economic thought, including major events such as the Great Depression.Although the report released by the society could just be dismissed as insignificant, the Post-Crash Economics Society has received support in their endeavours from a number of prominent figures within the economics arena, including figures such as:Victoria Chick, a post-Keynesian economist;Dr Stephen Davies, Head of Education at the Institute of Economic Affairs; andHa-Joon Chang, an economist and specialist in development economics.There have also been similar groups appear at other universities across the U.K. that are advocating changes to how economics is taught at university.What’s more, Andrew Haldane, the chief economist at the Bank of England, wrote the foreword to the society’s report. So by all accounts, it seems as though the Post-Crash Economics Society has raised some serious, and legitimate, worries about the current state of economics university education in the U.K.The chief economist at the Bank of England has called for changes to the economics syllabus at universities. (Source: CC BY-SA 2.0, George Rex, Flickr)What Alternative Economics Theories and Topics Should Be Taught?There are many other schools of economic thought that can be taught throughout an economics degree. Some typical examples include:Post-Keynesian economics;Institutional economics;Marxist economics; andEcological economics.Although some schools of thought may have more traction today than others, it makes sense that an economics course shoul d teach a wide range of economic opinions and theories. After all, economics, at its core, is more of a social science, and so no one theory can be said to be absolute.Just like in history, where versions of historical events can differ, depending on which historian you ask, so too can economists interpret economic data and events in different ways.Having an appreciation of different points of view is therefore not only crucial to understanding economics as a whole, but it also gives students insight into analysing and considering different points of view â€" something which they will undoubtedly encounter in their day to day lives, both at and after university.Such skills are also appreciated by employers, as students that have a broader understanding of their degree subject should be able to bring greater analytical skills to the table in their new role.The Flaw in Neoclassical Economic TheoriesAnother reason why there are increasing calls for changes to university economics cours es is also the fact that many neoclassical economic theories and models are based on the assumption that individuals operate and make decisions in rational ways when numerous studies have shown that this is not necessarily the case.Indeed, behavioural economics, another field within economics, often operate on the assumption that individuals are imperfect economic agents â€" an assumption which goes against many established neoclassical models. However, sometimes accepting that individuals can be irrational can help to better analyse and understand economic decision making.The financial crisis in 2008 led many to question whether universities should be rethinking economics in terms of how it's taught. (Source: CC0 1.0, geralt, Pixabay)Understanding Alternative EconomicsArguably, economic schools of thought other than neoclassical economics, such as post-Keynesian economics, should not really have to be referred to as “alternative economics.” Yet many universities do not place mu ch emphasis on such schools of thought, which marginalises them as a result, even if their theories are of equal value and are worth studying.While it's unclear whether calls for changes to the economics courses at U.K. universities will be made, it's important to realise that some areas of economics will continue to be taught at university.This includes topics such as:Monetary policy;Macroeconomics, including areas such as unemployment;What causes economic growth and increased economic wealth;Fundamental economic models and concepts, from financial economics to the world economy.This is because these areas remain core to students' understanding of economics as a field, and help equip graduates with at least a basic understanding of what makes economies, whether local or global, tick.If you are looking to study economics at university, or you are a current undergraduate student, you may want to find out more about these schools of thought, or at least to understand economic history in greater detail.If these are topics you would like to learn more about, then there are online resources you can turn to that can help broaden your horizons. The Post-Crash Economic Society, for examples, lists a selection of diverse blogs on their website, which you could read at your leisure to improve your understanding of different, perhaps underappreciated, areas of economics, such as post-Keynesian economics.Another option is to hire an economics tutor to help teach you about marginalised economic areas if you aren't able to study them at school or university. There are Economic tutors out there that have experience with a variety of schools of economic thought, and they would be happy to share their knowledge with you. Superprof, for example, has a variety of economics tutors with a range of experience and specialisms.So if you'd like to learn about anything in the wider world of economics, from international economics or the history of economic thought, a tutor can really h elp you maximise your potential and your academic performance. Just enter in your postcode and Superprof will match you with suitable tutors in your area, regardless of whether you'd prefer online tuition lessons or face to face tutoring.Look for economics jobs for graduates here.See information about studying Economics without  Maths.

5 Ways to Start Getting Social with Your Career - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 5 Ways to Start Getting Social with Your Career - Introvert Whisperer 5 Ways to Start Getting Social with Your Career   The workforce is highly competitive in any profession and at any age. In order to stand out from the crowd and progress in your field, you must adopt practices that showcase your knowledge and unique abilities. The best way to do this is by being social, both online and in person. Guaranteed Removals, a North American online reputation management firm, has helped thousands of professionals launch their career into overdrive by implementing social strategies. Below are their 5 tips on how professionals can get social to boost their careers. 1. Create a Professional Identity Everything you do online, from comments to likes, is a representation of your character. Before you start posting content online and interacting with others, you must decide how you want to be seen by the public. What do you want to be known for? What are your strengths, skills, goals, and achievements? How do others in your field present themselves online? These answers will help you develop your professional identity and dictate your online behavior. When creating online content, think about what you would feel comfortable with your employer, coworkers, and employees seeing. Additionally, it is important to establish boundaries between your personal and professional life. You do not need to share every piece of information, and often you shouldn’t, as it will distract viewers from your goal of establishing a professional online presence. 2. Build Your LinkedIn Profile Any serious professional has a LinkedIn profile. It’s an online resume that can be accessed by anyone at all times, and is an effective way to network with other professionals, as well as stay in the loop on employment opportunities from your favorite companies. Even if you are not actively looking for a new job, it’s great to be aware of the opportunities available to you. Start by fully completing your profile with your work history, skills, and achievements. We recommend emitting any job history that is no longer relevant to your current career goals. No one needs to know about your first job at a fast-food chain. Additionally, a professional profile picture is essential. No selfies or cropped party photos. If you aren’t interested in getting a professional photo taken, ask a friend to snap a picture of you in business casual clothes against a clear background, like a brick building or a clean white wall (iPhone portrait mode works great!). After your profile is complete, start connecting with past and present co-workers, employers, and classmates. You never know what acquaintances or past co-workers are looking to hire someone with your exact set of skills! Additionally, these connections will be extremely valuable for the next step: sharing professional content. Post a LinkedIn blog on a topic you’re an expert on or share an interesting article related to your profession. This type of online activity is great for engaging with others and becoming part of a conversation. 3. Display Your Skills and Passion If you want others to see you as a successful and knowledgeable professional, you must display your skills. No matter what your skills are, there is a way to effectively communicate with them through online content. From blogging, YouTube videos, personal websites, ResearchGate (for those with published scientific work), you can market yourself as a professional expert. Do you enjoy talking in front of a camera? Do you have a love for writing? Whatever you’re strengths, there’s a platform for you. Do not feel discouraged from the fact that there are so many people sharing content online. The goal is to have proof of your skills for other professionals to see, not to gain thousands of followers (although that is definitely a plus!). If potential employers see this content, they won’t care about your follower account. They will care about the quality of what you are saying. If you’re looking to create a larger online presence, develop a unique and creative way to deliver your thoughts that differentiates your content from others. 4. Attend Networking Events The online world is great for staying in contact long-term with professionals. However, nothing can replace quality face-to-face conversation. If you agree, you’re likely the type of person to thrive at networking events. Find networking events by exploring online professional communities, such as Facebook groups, and set up Google Alerts for networking events in your area. Often it takes a few events to fully feel comfortable in these settings, so don’t get discouraged if the first event doesn’t go as planned. Can’t find something you’re looking for? Create it! Use your online network to build a community and spread the word. Attend local meetups to get inspiration for your own event. 5. Create an Online Community For those with a passion to connect and share, this tip is for you. After establishing an online presence, use your platform to create an online community where hardworking professionals with similar goals to you can bond and network. Not only is this a great way to be more social with your career, it’s also a great way to receive constant motivation when striving to meet your own career goals. A great example of a professional who created their own online community is Cassey Ho, a fitness instructor and creator of Blogilates. Blogilates began as a single YouTube video posted by Ho to help students of her Pilates class practice on their own. However, the video received thousands of views and comments from women wanting more fitness advice. This inspired Ho to create an online fitness community, where women share their stories on weight loss, weight gain, nutrition, body image, and even entrepreneur advice. Cassey Ho has effectively created a safe space for women to support each oth er in various aspects of their lives.   This online community has transformed Ho’s career and led her to tackle many other professional endeavors, such as publishing a book, designing clothing, and speaking at public events. Although creating an online community takes years of hard work, it all started with a simple YouTube video for Cassey Ho. So what are you waiting for?! Bio: Michelle works from home. She has handled and developed winning marketing strategies for start-ups, non-profits, and corporations. You can connect with Michelle via her LinkedIn. Go to top   Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.  Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

The Benefits of the Five Tibetan Rites

The Benefits of the Five Tibetan Rites What Are the Benefits of the Five Tibetan Rites? ChaptersIncreasing Your Energy with the Five Tibetan RitesImproving Your Vitality with the Five Tibetan RitesImproving Your Health with Yoga PosesImproving Your Overall Wellbeing“The mind body are not separate entities. The gross form of the mind is the body the subtle form of the body is the mind. The practice of asana integrates harmonizes the two.” - Swami SatyanandaYoga is becoming increasingly popular and there are around 200 million people around the world now doing it. There’s a good reason for this: yoga is good for your health.Did you know that around two-thirds of Brits say that their work makes them stressed?Yoga can make you less stressed.How so?So what are the benefits of yoga and the Five Tibetan Rites? What makes it as good for the mind as it is the body?In this article, we’re going to look at the main benefits of regularly doing the Five Tibetan Rites, how you can use them to increase your energy and vitality, improve your health through the yoga poses in t hem, and improve your overall wellbeing.you’ll have more energy, both physical and spiritual. Practising the Five Tibetan Rites will give you more energy every day. (Source: garyskirrow)As you may know already, the energy in our body culminates at the chakras. There are 7 main chakras which are the main junctions for your energy. This is why we often talk about “internal energy” or “life force energy”. These chakras are stimulated by the Five Tibetan Rites.Regular practice can leave you with high energy levels throughout the day. It’s recommended that you practise several times throughout the week.Generally, the Five Tibetan Rites are thought of as a gymnastic activity that energises and balances your chakras. There are two ways this happens:At the end of the session, the Five Tibetan Rites will have stimulated your chakras.Over time, you’ll be in better condition overall.It’s recommended that you do it either in the morning or evening and between 3 and 21 times several times a week.Find out more about including the Five Tibetan Rites in your next yoga session.I mproving Your Vitality with the Five Tibetan RitesAs we explained, the first benefit of the Five Tibetan Rites is the energy it gives you.How do you explain this?This is due to concentration and the deep breathing you do during the Five Tibetan Rites. Thus, increased energy isn’t the only benefit you’ll get from yoga, you’ll also have increased vitality. Regularly practising the Five Tibetan Rites will make your stronger and more flexible. (Source: TheDigitalArtist)Over 87% of those who regularly practise yoga notice a difference between when they first started.What do we mean by vitality? Is it the same thing as energy?Not really, no. Energy is a feeling that anyone can feel, it’s physical and mental. Vitality is the body’s ability to store this energy. The Five Tibetan Rites can also help fight ageing.This is why the Five Tibetan Rites isn’t just for experienced yogis. It’s for everyone!You’re probably wondering how that’s possible. As we mentioned earlier (and in our other articles on the matter), there are several chakras around the body. The chakras are affected by external factors like health issues and ageing. The more they worsen, the more the energy levels of your chakras diminish. The Five Tibetan Rites can reverse the trend.By regularly doing this ritual, you’ll increase your life force energy but you’ll al so improve your vitality in the longterm. Some even call the Five Tibetan Rites the fountain of youth, but we’ll leave you to decide. However, if you want to improve your vitality, you need to regularly practise. You don’t need to think of the Five Tibetan Rites as a miracle cure. Instead, the effects will be visible because you’ll have spent several months doing them.Did you think that’s all there was to the Five Tibetan Rites?Don’t forget the benefit it has on your health!Find out more about how to do the Five Tibetan Rites.Improving Your Health with Yoga PosesThere are physical benefits of doing yoga. 65% of those of back problems said that their posture improved after a few yoga sessions. Here are a few poses to help:Seated forward bendFull back rollPigeon Pose Yoga can combat a number of ailments. (Source: StockSnap)Let’s get back to the Five Tibetan Rites.How can it improve your health?Here are some of the physical benefits:Better breathing.Flexibility, strength, and tone.Improved balance.Improved concentration.What do these benefits do for our health?It’s quite simple. By breathing better, you oxygenate your body and mind better. Oxygenation leads to better rest and helps your body to work better. After all, your blood brings oxygen to your organs to make them work.The Five Tibetan Rites can help you become more flexible, toned, supple, and stronger.In what way can this improve your health?In almost every way!By working on parts of your body that are usually inactive, you’ll be able to improve your body’s overall wellbeing. Furthermore, regularly moving can reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues.It’s recommended that you stretch at the end of each session and use aloe vera on your muscles to avoid aches and pains.By focusing on your balance, you’ll become more agile and improve your physical and mental wellbeing. The Five Tibetan Rites only take between 15 and 20 minutes per day. There are plenty of positive benefits to it.Why wait to start doing the Five Tibetan Rites?We haven’t even gotten to the last benefit!Improving Your Overall WellbeingAs we said, you’ll improve your health and concentration with the Five Tibetan Rites.How so?The Five Tibetan Rites will provide you with a notable improvement in your wellbeing. Firstly, when you finish the session, there’ll be a release of endorphins, leading to a feeling of satisfaction. Regularly doing this can ease pain, increase happiness, and improve your overall wellbeing. Finally, the better your wellbeing, the happier you’ll be. With all these benefits, what are you waiting for? (Source: Pexels)Thanks to yoga near me poses, breathing exercises, and mediation, the Five Tibetan Rites will improve your overall wellbeing.The Five Tibetan Rites and the breathing exercises associated with mindfulness will also improve your mental wellbeing. You need to ensure that you do this in the moment. Living in the moment allows you to develop your mind and improve focus. This can help you get rid of:Negative thoughtsDaily concernsFearsThis will help you manage stress and become more zen. Improved wellbeing is within your reach! It only takes 15 minutes per day to change how you see the world while improving your body, health, and wellbeing.The Five Tibetan Rites is fun and anyone can start benefiting from it today. Most yoga teachers will tell you that it’ll take a couple of months before you start seeing real change.So when are you going to start?If you want to enjoy the restorative properties of the Five Tibetan Rites a nd yoga in general, you could attend a yoga class or get your own personalised yoga classes from a yoga teacher or tutor on Superprof.Whether you want to do Vinyasa yoga, Ashtanga yoga, or Iyengar yoga, you can balance your mind and body thanks to personalised yoga practices. Your yoga instructor can plan your sessions with you in mind.  Since yoga and meditation are great for stress reduction and mindfulness (being aware of the present moment) and can help you increase flexibility, you'll start benefitting from the second you sit on the mat.You can get tutorials for yoga for beginners, prenatal yoga, Bikram yoga, hot yoga, power yoga, hatha yoga, etc. In fact, since there are so many yoga styles, there's something for everyone!On Superprof, there are three main types of yoga tutorial available: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials and each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.Face-to-face tutorials are personalised sessions with a single student and the most cost-effective type of tutorial available. However, they tend to be the most expensive, too.Online tutorials take place over webcam using video conferencing software and allow you to get tutorials from anywhere with a decent internet connection at any time of the day. With fewer overheads, these tend to be cheaper per hour than the face-to-face tutorials.Finally, group tutorials include several students and are useful for those needing to share the cost of private tutorials. If you and some friends are interested in yoga, you should consider giving it a go! Of course, you won't get as much one-on-one time with the tutor.

3 Creative Ways to Make Learning at Home Fun

3 Creative Ways to Make Learning at Home Fun This post is part of a month-long series to help you start 2018 on the right foot. Throughout January, visit the Varsity Tutors blog for advice, tips, and tricks on how to reignite your passion for learning this winter. Getting your student excited about learning outside of the classroom can, at times, be a challenge. However, introducing your student to engaging educational activities at home can inspire a passion for learning. Creative ways to make learning at home fun can involve hands-on educational activities, catering projects to your students current interests, and incorporating educational games. Make learning at home fun by incorporating hands-on educational activities Encouraging students to have hands-on experiences with the concepts they are learning in school, or with topics they personally find interesting, can help your child better understand academic material. If you student is struggling with a math or science concept, try illustrating it through a visual or kinesthetic game. For example, if your student is learning about plant or animal cells, work together to create a cell diagram using LEGOs. This will allow your child to build something physical, and to see what he or she has created and how the cell works. Your student can also build bridges, race cars, or skyscrapers out of LEGOs or other building materials and conduct various math and science activities with them. [RELATED: 4 Educational Family Field Trips] Make learning at home fun by listening to your child's interests A great way to make learning at home fun for your student is to engage in activities surrounding any current interests. Gearing learning time toward topics your student already finds interesting can increase his or her excitement. For example, your student might be interested in dinosaurs. If this is the case, activities could include: Visiting the local library or bookstore to find books on dinosaurs, both fiction and nonfiction. Then, incorporating these books into blocks of time set aside at home for learning-related activities. Incorporating STEM activities and experiments, such as creating fossils using modeling clay, leaves, and shells. These experiments can be followed by a conversation on the activity topic, in an effort to instill a deeper understanding. Encouraging your student to write a short storyor simply a book of illustrations depending on the students ageabout dinosaurs, including any facts he or she may have learned that stand out. As previously mentioned, visiting places like the local library could help your student better connect with the material. Incorporating field trips to science centers, historic sites, or other local centers could provide your student with an opportunity to absorb material he or she might not otherwise come into contact with. You can translate this new knowledge into additional at-home educational activities. This will allow your student to make a direct correlation between what he or she discovered and activities you can do right at home. [RELATED: How to Enhance Your Student's Experience With Literature] Make learning at home fun by including educational games Educational games allow your student to absorb information in a low-pressure, creative environment. If your child is struggling with spelling, create a Jeopardy game to help him or her improve his or her skills. Make different categories based off of the types of words your student is struggling with, and have five questions under each category that are worth a specific number of points from 100-500. Every time your child gets a spelling word correct, add points to the total. You can add another level to the game by reading a definition and having your student guess the correct word and spell it properly. Gauge your childs knowledge level and base your rules off this. In addition, there are hands-on math games your student can play to assist in his or her understanding of subjects. Simple games like dominoes or Connect Four can help your child better understand addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Other games, such as Equate, which allows students to solve equations in crossword-puzzle form, and Sequence Numbers, which puts a fun math twist on the classic game Sequence, encourage students to learn in a fun, relaxed environment. [RELATED:Educational Road Trip Games for the Whole Family] Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Would you rather.. be able to talk to animals, or speak all languages

Would you rather.. be able to talk to animals, or speak all languages During one of my English classes today, I asked a student if he would rather do work in his current office, or the office in a photo we were talking about. He hadnt come across this construction yet, and so I stopped the lesson we were working on to focus on it.I remembered that around Christmas time I stumbled across rrrather.com  with my siblings, and we spent an hour or so asking each other Would you rather questions. Heres how it works. Below is a screen shot taken from the website.So, you can use the text above to make a Would you rather question: Would you rather be able to talk to animals, or be able to speak all foreign languages? This is the same as asking, would you prefer to be able to talk with all animals, or be able to speak all foreign languages? Its a great way to ask about hypothetical situations. Note that every sentence starts with the modal verb would. We cannot substitute other modal verbs, such as could or might, in this construction.Here is another photo. Ive c reated a gap fill below it. See if you can make your own Would you rather sentence.Would you rather be ___ ______ _____ ____ ___ _____, or __ _______?Visit the website at rrrather.com to continue practicing these sentences.

Google Fiber and Wells Fargo Provide School Sponsorship-level Grants to Heart Math Tutoring - Heart Math Tutoring

Google Fiber and Wells Fargo Provide School Sponsorship-level Grants to Heart Math Tutoring - Heart Math Tutoring Google Fiber and Wells Fargo Provide School Sponsorship-level Grants to Heart Math Tutoring Google Fiber and Wells Fargo Provide School Sponsorship-level Grants to Heart Math Tutoring May 16, 2016 We are excited to announce several new grant awards that will help Heart serve additional students in the 2016/17 school year! Through a $25,000 sponsorship from Google Fiber, Heart will be expanding to Merry Oaks International Academy! Wells Fargo will sponsor Hearts school site at Billingsville Leadership Academy for the third consecutive year with a grant of $30,000. Heart provides an invaluable service for our students through its curriculum and dedicated tutors who are also personal cheerleaders to our students, says Michelle G. Johnson, principal at Billingsville. Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation also made a School Sponsorship-level grant of $40,000 this spring. Grants of $10,000 were also made by Bank of America Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation, and First Presbyterian Church. Adds Elliott, With a waiting list of sixteen schools, these grants are so important for Heart to meet the need in CMS. We are excited to keep growing the programs impact and appreciate the fantastic support we have received from the community. The organization’s goal â€" through its Spring Funding Initiative â€" is to raise $750,000 by June 30, 2016 to expand its service and support 750 students and 860 volunteer tutors across 15 schools in 2016/17. To date, $505,000 has been raised from grants, corporation donations, and community support. See the full press release here.

No Teacher No Problem! 6 Language Immersion Software Programs that Give a Classroom Experience

No Teacher No Problem! 6 Language Immersion Software Programs that Give a Classroom Experience No Teacher? No Problem! 6  Language Immersion Software Programs That Give a Classroom Experience There’s no substitute for a good language teacher.…Or is there?Getting your hands on the right software might just set you free.Classroom time for learning and practice is hard to beat when you’re trying to master a language.  Yet classes can be time-consuming and expensive, so they’re not the best option for everyone.Language immersion software programs fill the void when you’re learning without a teacher. Like the CEO of the classroom, language immersion software gives guided instruction and practice sessions  that are relevant and fun.You get the structure, order and traditional framework that self-educators  often find themselves craving.Plus, you get to choose the software that targets your specific needs and interests! Advantages of Language Immersion SoftwareLanguage learning software programs take many different approaches to mastering a language. Some focus mainly on speaking and listening, while others incorporate reading and writing as well.Are you a visual lea rner? Immersion software could be the best thing for you, as it includes images and videos to match the audio components.Unlike in the classroom, where the pace is determined by the teacher, immersion software lets you go at your own pace and return to lessons you need to review. The best part is, you can do it from the comfort of your own home.Every language software program is structured differently. When choosing one, consider how you learn best, your goals and the your current proficiency with the language. This list of the best language-learning software programs will help you decide!How to Succeed with Language Immersion SoftwareReady to start with a computer-based language immersion program? There are a few things you should know before diving in. Consider this section your life jacket.Language immersion software does give a classroom-like experience, but it’s not the same as a classroom. There’s no teacher telling you what to do and when to do it. These programs require quite a bit of self-determination, so prepare to stay disciplined during the course.It may be tempting to skip around from lesson to lesson, but it’s better to resist and follow the lesson exactly. You might miss important content that’s required for lessons further down the road.In the absence of classmates, seek out an online community of language learners that use the same software to ask questions and get feedback. You’ll be surprised what you can learn from other students!No Teacher? No Problem! 6  Language Immersion Software Programs That Give a Classroom ExperienceRosetta StoneCost:  As low as $229 for five levels or $184 for three, depending on the format (online, CD or download) or length of subscription.The latest version of Rosetta Stone, perhaps the most widely known language learning software, caters to many different learning styles. The program engages students in listening, reading and speaking activities that exercise the brain and improve fluency. Beginners t o advanced learners will find a Rosetta Stone program that suits their needs.The Rosetta Stone canon offers a very broad selection of languages for any level:SpanishGermanItalianFrenchArabicChineseJapaneseKoreanPortugueseThe user experience design simply can’t be beat. Optional web tutorials give supplemental lessons with a live language teacher.FluentUCost: $20/month to $30/month.  Discounts available for year-long subscriptions.One of the best ways to become immersed in a language is to interact with content that comes from the countries where the language is spoken.  Video content is especially effective because it combines visual and audio learning with culture.FluentU gives you the opportunity to listen to a wide array of native speakers.  FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. Fluen tU has a wide variety of videos, like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse ScreenFluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Videos with Interactive CaptionsUnder the Vocab and Dialogue tabs, youll find words and phrases from the video and a complete interactive transcript.Interactive Transcripts on FluentUYou can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs Quiz Mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoFluentU is also flexible. You choose what you watch, when you watch it and how much you watch. Meanwhile, FluentUs algorithm tracks your learning to present you with questio ns that build on what youve already learned. Because of this flexibility, FluentU is appropriate for any level of language learner.FluentU also ticks off the convenient box. You can use FluentU online, download the the iOS app or try the Android app.FluenzCost: $218 for disc 1; $677 for all 5 discsAppearing in a set of 5 discs, the Fluenz software CDs are geared toward new learners and aim for complete understanding of all course material. Fluenz is famous for its English-speaking Sherpa character who appears in videos throughout the program. The Sherpa guides learners along, introducing and recapping each lesson.Currently offering  six languages, the program is perfect for beginnersâ€"so new learners need not worry about getting lost (the Sherpa will help you find your way). The lessons move along at a natural pace and cover a wide variety of topics. There is more than enough content to build a strong foundation in the basics of grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary.Mango PassportC ost: $79 for Journey 1; $132 for Journeys 1-2; $176 for Journeys 2-3Ideal for travelers, Mango Passport covers what you need to know if you plan to spend time in a foreign country. Cultural information and travel tips are integrated within relevant and comprehensive language content. With rich screen displays and crisp, clear audio, Mango Passport is a pleasure to use.Passport is modestly priced compared to its other software counterparts. The program is offered in 17 languages (including English). It comes with MP3 audio lessons that you can add to a mobile listening device for on-the-go learning.  While Passport contains useful material and is user-friendly, note that there’s no scoring system that tells you how you’re progressing overall.Rocket Languages PremiumCost:  Rocket Languages has different packages that vary in price according to language and content, but their Premium programs start at around a hundred dollars for a one-time payment.Offering a very affordable, web-b ased portal for beginners and travelers, Rocket Languages Premium stands out for both its value and content. Rocket Languages is a go-to option for aspiring polyglots, as it offers a wide selection of languages, including:SpanishRussianKoreanGermanPortugueseJapaneseChineseArabicItalianFrenchThe lessons also come on CD, if web-based learning isn’t your thing (though at a much higher cost).Since Rocket Languages is primarily web-based, students can learn anywhere they have internet access. Additional downloadable content gives learners more content on the go. The website’s dashboard is easy to navigate. The content is well-paced, covering must-know information without being overly ambitious.Tell Me MoreCost: $199 for 3 months of web  access; DVD-ROM bundles from $299-$529Many immersion programs are designed for beginners and travelers to get their footing on the path to fluency. If youre an intermediate or advanced student in a language, Tell Me More  may be more your style. With many activities and scenarios to choose from at different proficiency levels, Tell Me More provides a customized learning experience tailored to  specific skill sets.Like a  Choose Your Own Adventure game, Tell Me More lets users select specific lessons and topics (like business and politics). This setup personalizes  the learning process. The program is rich in content and offers assessments and games that challenger learners.Now that youve got these software recommendations, youre all set to start studying. But dont leave it all up to the program to teach youâ€"theres still a few things you need to do for yourself!Do a little bit every day to stay consistent, so you don’t forget what you’ve learned.Set goals for yourself and reward yourself when you meet them.With the right motivation and persistence, language immersion software can turn you into an A+ student!