5 Ways to Stand Out in an Online School
July 26th, 2010 by Sarah Ward
In any classroom, a good relationship with a teacher can go a long way for a positive experience, with support and the opportunity for a professional reference in the future. If you are a student at an online school, standing out from the rest may be challenging, but not impossible. Here are some tips about how to stand apart in an online classroom.
- Get involved. While most of the work involved in an online school is reading, watching lectures, and completing assignments, contributing in online forums will help show your teacher that you’re open to participating. Asking questions via chats and e-mail will also help you develop rapport with the teacher.
- Ask questions. Since online classrooms don’t allow you to raise your hand, teachers won’t know you have questions unless you ask. A steady stream of questions can become burdensome for a question, but legitimate questions pertaining to the course work can help the teacher recognize who you are.
- Upload a profile picture. Putting a face to a name can help you overcome the anonymity associated with the internet. Post a photo of yourself for your student profile so your teacher create an association between your photo and name.
- Create an e-mail signature. E-mail signatures provide the recipient of your email relevant contact information for you, including your phone number, email address, website or blog, and social media information. Create a specific school e-mail signature so your teacher can contact you if necessary.
- Play nice. There are plenty of ways to stand out online, not all of which are acceptable or encouraged. Because we don’t see reactions to things we say online, this can cause us to say things we wouldn’t normally in real life. Be courteous in your interactions online with other students and be recognized for your courtesy and kindness.
These five tips can help you stand out in an online classroom and enhance your online school experience.
Public Relations Specialists for Musicians
July 26th, 2010 by Sarah Ward
In order to help musicians build their brand, name, and career, it’s important to team up with a public relations specialist. Public relations specialists with online degrees from reputable schools nationwide can help musicians with their advertising, social media, and branding. Musicians who hire public relations specialists can focus on doing what they do best — writing, recording, and performing their music — while the PR professional can take care of getting them visible positive press.
Public relations specialists help manage a musician’s relationship with the public, creating opportunities for them to be featured in publications such as newspapers and magazines by the distribution of press releases. While it is possible for musicians to do their own public relations, many musicians struggle with this business aspect and prefer to have someone take care of it for them.
A well-respected public relations organization New York recently facilitated a European rock band’s tour to America, coordinating radio promotion, press materials, and interviews while on tour. As they drummed up interest in the band through a variety of different media channels, the band was able to deliver memorable interviews and focus on their performances.
Many schools offer online degrees in public relations, allowing busy professionals to work their school around their busy life, and not the other way around. With a public relations online degree, graduates can choose their niche markets and work with the likes of musicians, small businesses, non-profit organizations, or even politicians. For more information about a public relations online degree, visit My Colleges and Careers.
Louisiana Church Checklist: Bible, Gun, Bulletproof Vest
July 25th, 2010 by madisonc
On Tuesday, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (R-LA) signed a controversial bill that will allow guns to be conceal-carried in churches, mosques, and synagogues. Concealed carry permits and training will also apply and, according to the bill, require the officiating church leader to announce to the congregation that there are “individuals armed on the property as members of he security force.”
Gun-free zones like schools, churches, hospitals, and malls have become easy targets for criminals. Since churches across America have seen at least 20 church shootings in the last decade, this bill could potentially save lives.
In December 2007, gunman Matthew J. Murray stormed a youth center in Colorado, killing two people, then proceeded to a Colorado Springs church where he shot and killed two more. His shooting rampage was stopped when he was shot and wounded by Jeanne Assam, a local member and voluntary security guard. Assam’s heroic act prevented many more deaths. Church-goers that have been trained and properly licensed to carry can help prevent harm to a congregation’s unarmed worshippers.
Law enforcement firearms trainers teach local concealed-carry classes in communities throughout the United States. To find a class in your area, visit http://www.carryconcealed.net/courses.
Would knowing there were people in the congregation at your church with a gun in their pocket make you feel safer? Or less likely to return?
Guest Blog: One Question Interview With Writer Rachel Call
July 24th, 2010 by Sarah WardThis week we caught up with Rachel Call, a local writer and recent university graduate.
Question: How did your education help prepare you for your career?
Answer: I think my education has helped me in a few ways. In classes and projects with real-life clients I had to learn to write well and on a deadline. I worked in a student-run public relations agency on campus and one of my projects was the department alumni magazine. That taught me to work with lots of different people with different positions and interests to bring opinions, edits, and ideas together to create a product everyone would be proud of.
Now we pose the question to you: How has your education helped equip you for your career?
Rachel Call graduated from BYU with a Communications BA and an emphasis in Public Relations and is a writer for PMA Media Group. She is from Chicago and in her spare time loves reading murder mysteries, talking politics, taking photos, and going to basketball games.
Alternative Medicine: 7 Natural Home Remedies
July 24th, 2010 by Sarah Ward
In recent years, alternative medicine has gained popularity and respect in the public eye, leading to more accepted natural home remedies. Here are a list of common household items that can also be used to improve common illnesses and injuries.
Natural Home Remedy #1: Duct Tape
Duct tape has been known to encourage healing of warts and is an excellent bandage option for wounds.
Natural Home Remedy #2: Raw Honey
Honey is a great tool to soothe a sore throat when mixed in with warm water and some lemon. It has also been used as an antiseptic to relieve burns and even clean wounds.
Natural Home Remedy #3: Potatoes
Have a headache? Many believe that when applied to one’s forehead, a cut potato can help relieve a headache. Additionally, a potato-peel bandage can help soothe burns.
Natural Home Remedy #4: Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibiotic, used to assist victims of the plague, and in our day, to prevent anthrax.
Natural Home Remedy #5: Mouthwash
Not only will mouthwash kill germs in the mouth, but can serve as a topical antiseptic for cuts and even fungus.
Natural Home Remedy #6: Vinegar
Vinegar is an effective home remedy for burn and sunburn relief, sinus congestion, store throats, and even stomach aches.
Natural Home Remedy 7: Aspirin
Aspirin pills have proved helpful when rubbed over a moist bee sting or mosquito bite, effectively reducing swelling and subduing the pain.
Disclaimer: Of course, if you’re experiencing a heart attack or have a bone sticking out of your arm, it’s critical to call a doctor and seek medical assistance. That said, minor illnesses and injuries can be significant improved by household items such as these. There are many individuals who go back to college to study alternative medicine, which includes naturopathy and a study of herbs.
