Why e-Learning [July 1, 2010]

e-Learning is the broad term describing the learning done while on a computer that is usually connected to a network. This type of learning has several advantages, (check out Eric Dent, University of Maryland Top 10 Reasons for Online Learning), perhaps the biggest is that you can connect anytime, anywhere that you have a signal strong enough to connect to the internet. For the learner, this means that you can connect when it is convenient for you rather than a professor or learning institution.
e-Learning classes are self-paced so the learner can determine how much time is spent at each point along the way. An opportunity to return to the content to clarify meaning helps learners solidify the concepts. Discussion groups can support learning with threaded discussions which allows questions and responses to flow between learners. This web-chat and threaded discussion capability make the learning experience rich and as valuable as any other classroom experience.
Some e-Learning environments have virtual classrooms where learners can come together to communicate in real time through a webinar format with instant messaging and audio conferencing. In either case, a Learning Management System tracks where you’ve been and in the case of quizzes and tests, how well you’ve done.
No single e-Learning method is best for everyone. That being said, the ability to connect when you are ready to learn makes the e-Learning option a strong one.

Not so usual celebrations…
July 1 is Canada Day…just like July 4th is the birthday celebration of the United States, July 1 is Canada’s birthday. It was on July 1, 1867 that Canada became a “kingdom in its own right” even though Britain maintained limited political rights over the country until 1982. Canada Day is celebrated in many of the same ways that we celebrate July 4th—parades, outdoor events, family gatherings, and of course, fireworks.
Canada, our neighbor which stretches across the entire US northern border, has 10 provinces and 3 territories. The provinces and territories and the population of each is listed below. *



So, what might you do with youth to celebrate Canada Day? How about a maple leaf magnet? The maple leaf is the center piece of the Canadian Flag. The flag has a wide red stripe on each side (each stripe is ¼ the width of the flag) and an 11 point red maple leaf in the center.
To make the maple leaf magnet you will need red craft foam, scissors, glue, a magnetic sheet, and a maple leaf pattern. Have the youth trace and cut out the maple leaf. A rectangle of the magnetic sheet should be glued to the back of the leaf. After the glue dries, you have a perfect refrigerator magnet.

* List of Canadian Provinces and Territories by population, January, 2010 http://en.wikipedia.org