Nov 12 2009
Archive for the 'Study Tips' Category
Jul 19 2009
Setting Up Your Online Classroom
Online learning allows you to attend your classes from anywhere but your environment can affect how well you learn. To focus on your classes, you’ll need an environment that is quiet, comfortable and organized.
Setting up your classroom
When setting up your classroom, you need to consider location, layout, privacy, noise level and connections.
1. Location. You can set up your classroom anywhere. If you don’t have a home office available, you can use whatever space you have: a small closet, corner of a room, space under stairs, or your garage. You’ll be able to focus on studying if you don’t have to keep moving your laundry.
2. Layout. You will need a place for your computer, books, chair and other supplies. If you don’t have a desk, you can make, borrow or purchase one. When setting up a home office on a budget, you can use two filing cabinets and piece of plywood. You can ask family and friends for unused tables or desk. Or you can shop thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales, used or new furniture stores. When selecting furniture make sure your computer, books and other supplies fit on it. Also, invest in baskets, file boxes or other office storage supplies to help keep you organized.
You can also get out ideas online from HGTV.com or Lifehacker.com’s Featured Workspace.
3. Privacy. When planning your classroom, you need privacy from surrounding activities. Not everyone wants to wear headphones in order to concentrate. You can use bookshelves, curtains or other large furniture to create a separate area. If you don’t have a door, you can use a sign to remind others that you are “In Class”.
4. Noise Level. When you are attending an online lecture or working on a lab, you’ll need a quiet environment. It’s hard to pay attention when your family keeps interrupting you. Make sure when you are working that your friends and family know not to interrupt you or play music loudly. You may use air filters, fans or music to muffle other noises.
5. Connections. When you select your classroom space, make sure you have access to the internet and electrical outlets.
Above all…. have fun! I remember each fall going back to set my classroom up…you should set your online classroom up with the same enthusiasm!
Related Articles
Jun 16 2009
Technical Panel in Indy
I am here at our Indianapolis campus and in the desk drawer was a camera with some pictures from the Technical Panel held back in April. I had heard what a great success it was to have 3 successful owners of IT companies address the class but seeing the pictures made it real. Thomas Wagenhauser, Owner of Indy IT Professionals spoke about how to deal with end users and shared what is expected from new IT professionals. Dan Miller, Owner of Veterans Computer Solutions spoke about what determines success in IT and Steve Weigle, Owner of Village Geek Computers told the students how to differentiate themselves from other prospects and troubleshooting 101.
After their addresses, each student participated in interviews with these experts and were given feedback both technically and professionally. A special thanks to the Career Services Department for pulling together such a great event!
May 12 2009
Show me your Cable!
Recently one of our Campus Directors put out this challenge to his students “Show me your cable”…And look what he got!
We talk about “The Cable” in our orientations and the importance of the journey towards your new career. (See my very first post and the whole meaning behind “The Click“)
So now… I put the challenge out to everyone…. SHOW ME YOUR CABLE! How do you remind yourself to stay on track and committed to your career change?
Apr 05 2009
Additional Support Makes a Difference
One of the key success factors of our students in the 3-4-5 format is our On-Demand content. We have been getting some feedback from students on the On-Demand lectures, and I wanted to share this particular student email with you. It is just good to know that having that information available to them 24/7 is definitely appreciated.
Hi James,
I’m a student at the Brookfield location (track 112 – Instructor: Keith Jankowski). I wanted to leave you a message expressing my appreciation for the Hot Topic Videos that you put on. They’re VERY helpful! Keith does a super job of covering everything, but as I’m sure you’re aware, there’s limited time in the classroom to get into the details. Today I watched the video on Certificates and Public/Private Keys and it was great. I was a little fuzzy on the topic and now it’s crystal clear.
I’m sure you spend lots of time and effort putting the presentations together and just wanted to let you know that it is very helpful and very much appreciated.
Thanks again James!
Sincerely,
Mark Johnson
Student – Brookfield – Track 112
MCP
Apr 03 2009
Stay on Task
Now that the weather is getting warmer, more and more distractions are out there. Check out this great article to help your productivity!
http://lifehacker.com/5193134/beyond-life-hacks-reusable-solutions-to-common-productivity-problems
Jan 23 2009
Be Here Now
Does your mind wander when you need to study? Here is a deceptively simple strategy that is probably the most effective out there.
When you notice your thoughts wandering astray, say to yourself
“Be here now”
and bring your attention back to where you want it.
For example:
You’re studying and your attention strays to a family issue, to the fact that you’re hungry…… Say to yourself
“Be here now”
Focus back on subject with questions, summarizing, outlining, and other study methods and maintain your attention there as long as possible. Breaking your studies into smaller chunks through these activities will help greatly.
So… when it wanders again, repeat
“Be here now”
and bring your attention back. Continue this practice, repeatedly. It will work!
Jan 16 2009
Success At Last! CLICK!
Recently, PC ProSchools’ Campus Director shared this great story!
Bob is 46 years old, is single and has no children. He has lived in Racine since he was a child and started in manufacturing as soon as he graduated high school. He spent a number of years assembling motors for speed boats, and made $18/hr + overtime. Just recently Bob was laid off from his job because of cutbacks at his company. Although he was making around $18/hr, he knew there was no additional room to grow, so he was relieved to be laid off. This forced him to really dive into his job search.
When Bob started at PC ProSchools, he lacked confidence. Through the Career Development classes and multiple meetings with me, Bob grew into a well-spoken, more self-assured person. He passed AT&T’s technical exam (given at PC ProSchools’ Brookfield campus) with flying colors. He studied hard for his interview and met with me to discuss and practice answers to possible questions.
On the night of his graduation ceremony, Bob got a call from AT&T with the final job offer. He started on January 5th and will be making $52,000/yr on the Help Desk. He couldn’t be happier with his new job!
CLICK!!!!!
Jan 09 2009
What kind of learner are you?
Find out what kind of learner you are by taking this quick online quiz.
|
1. When I try to concentrate… |
I grow distracted by clutter or movement, and I notice things around me other people don’t notice. |
I get distracted by sounds, and I attempt to control the amount and type of noise around me. |
I become distracted by commotion, and I tend to retreat inside myself. |
|
2. When I visualize… |
I see vivid, detailed pictures in my thoughts. |
I think in voices and sounds. |
I see images in my thoughts that involve movement. |
|
3. When I talk with others… |
I find it difficult to listen for very long. |
I enjoy listening, or I get impatient to talk myself. |
I gesture and communicate with my hands. |
|
4. When I contact people… |
I prefer face-to-face meetings. |
I prefer speaking by telephone for serious conversations. |
I prefer to interact while walking or participating in some activity. |
|
5. When I see an acquaintance… |
I forget names but remember faces, and I tend to replay where we met for the first time. |
I know people’s names and I can usually quote what we discussed. |
I remember what we did together and I may almost “feel” our time together. |
|
6. When I relax… |
I watch TV, see a play, visit an exhibit, or go to a movie. |
I listen to the radio, play music, read, or talk with a friend. |
I play sports, make crafts, or build something with my hands. |
|
7. When I read… |
I like descriptive examples and I may pause to imagine the scene. |
I enjoy the narrative most and I can almost “hear” the characters talk. |
I prefer action-oriented stories, but I do not often read for pleasure. |
|
8. When I spell… |
I envision the word in my mind or imagine what the word looks like when written. |
I sound out the word, sometimes aloud, and tend to recall rules about letter order. |
I get a feel for the word by writing it out or pretending to type it. |
|
9. When I do something new… |
I seek out demonstrations, pictures, or diagrams. |
I want verbal and written instructions, and to talk it over with someone else. |
I jump right in to try it, keep trying, and try different approaches. |
|
10. When I assemble an object… |
I look at the picture first and then, maybe, read the directions. |
I read the directions, or I talk aloud as I work. |
I usually ignore the directions and figure it out as I go along. |
|
11. When I interpret someone’s mood… |
I examine facial expressions. |
I rely on listening to tone of voice. |
I focus on body language. |
|
12. When I teach other people… |
I show them. |
I tell them, write it out, or I ask them a series of questions. |
I demonstrate how it is done and then ask them to try. |
|
Total |
Visual: |
Auditory: |
Tactile/Kinesthetic: |
The column with the highest total represents your primary processing style. The column with the second-most choices is your secondary style.
Your primary learning style:
Your secondary learning style:
Use these tips to help you study according to your learning style!
| Visual Visual learners learn best from what they see: diagrams, flowcharts, time lines, films, and demonstrations. |
|
| Verbal Verbal learners gain the most learning from reading, hearing spoken words, participating in discussions, and explaining things to others. |
|
|
Active/Tactile |
|
Related Articles
Aug 15 2008
Reading with Intent
How do you view reading? As a necessary evil or an opportunity. Whichever your viewpoint, it is important to focus on your purpose for reading. Reading your texts can also be thought of as a three-step process.
1. Preview each chapter before you read it. Scan the chapters, look at the pictures; try to get the main idea of the chapter before you read it more carefully.
2. As you’re reading, break the chapter into smaller sections. Turn paragraph or section headings into questions and use them for studying. Summarize each section in your own words to make sure you understand the ideas.
3. After you read, think about what you have read. Can you relate it to your own experience? If the textbook provides review questions, answer them. If you don’t understand, ask your instructor during class.
Reading with intent will allow you to be in control!