Sunday, January 24, 2010
Scholarships For Military Dependents - Get Free Financial Aid to Keep Studying
. One of such programs is the Free $10,000 Military Scholarship which is a perfect scholarship for military dependents.
This is free money
to be used for education expenses and while it is not nearly enough to cover the tuition expenses for a graduate degree, for example, it is more than enough to pay for a course or training in a specific area. This cash could also be used to pay for school supplies like books, computers or transportation and meal costs. Remember, as long as it is education related, you can pay for it with this money.
If you are interested in getting enrolled in the monthly drawing for a free military spouse scholarship, all you need to do is register on the internet by entering your basic contact information. Once your registration process is completed, you will be automatically entered into the drawing.
This program is open to all family members of an enlisted person, either in active duty or retired but non military folks can apply as well. And since not a lot of individuals send applications, your chances of winning are in actuality very good.
Take advantage of the $10,000 Free Click the link for a chance to winmilitary spouse scholarships
to further your education. You can pay for any cost related to going back to school and earning a degree or certification
.
Obama Is Going to Make Scholarships Available to Single Mothers
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Best Place to Study Spanish in South America Is...
(1) Few Argentines speak English. In contrast to countries in the northern hemisphere, which have greater contact with native English speaking tourists, businesses, and pop culture, Argentina has had relatively little contact with the English-speaking world. Until recently, Argentines considered French to be of a higher standing than English and the people who had the means and interest to learn a second language tended to learn that language instead.
Even though attitudes are fast changing there now (English instruction now being an obligatory element of public school education), English is still seldom spoken fluently by Argentines. This represents an ideal situation for those wanting to learn Spanish as they will be forced to use the local language in order to get by.
(2) Argentines are easy to understand. Argentines do not talk too fast, nor do they mumble or swallow consonants, which can be common for Caribbean or Central American speakers. Many beginner students have difficulty differentiating between words with spoken Spanish due to them not being able to hear the stopping of one word and the beginning of the next and learning Spanish in Argentina reduces this issue.
You will of course acquire an Argentine accent when you speak Spanish, but this is no great problem, and you will still easily be able to be understood by Spanish speakers in other countries. In fact, having a slight variation on standard European Spanish can be a good thing, as when you speak in Spanish to natives of other Spanish speaking countries, they will be intrigued as to how you acquired your accent, making it a good ice breaker.
(3) Talking a lot is common in Argentina. You will find no problem in finding others to practice with because Argentina has a talkative culture and it is easy to start a conversation with perfect strangers. No-one will think you strange or crazy if you walk up to them and ask them how they are doing and what their plans are for the day.
When Argentines find out that you have gone there specifically to study Spanish and to learn about their culture, they will be particularly welcoming, and you can expect to be asked to have dinner at their houses, and to be taken sightseeing. Confident learners will undoubtedly benefit from such an open environment.
If this sounds like an interesting opportunity to you, you just need to do a little research on the internet. Whether you prefer a relatively short month long study holiday, a half year home stay arrangement, or something between the two, you will be sure to find something in Argentina for you.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Is Computer Language Learning Suitable For Me? By Terry Roberts
Computer-assisted language learning (CALL), often known simply as computer language learning, is a form of computer-based assisted learning. The first thing to be said is that it is not a method, but a tool to facilitate learning - under whatever method is being used. Perhaps one of the most useful things about computer language learning is that it is student-centered and allows each user to progress at their own speed. Moreover, it can be programmed to be interactive and, as a result, individualized. Finally, it can form a stand-alone course, and be used on its own, or it can be used as a reinforcement of class learning.
Where computer language learning is used in the latter role, as learning reinforcement, it has often led to a revision of both the teacher's and student's role in the language learning process. For example, when it is used as a major component of a foreign language course, the teacher must get used to the fact that they are no longer simply the provider of knowledge, but must now guide the student in their interaction with the computer. The student, for their part, must become accustomed to taking on greater responsibility for their own learning.
It is often said that computer language learning, even when used to provide a stand-alone course, does not entirely eliminate the need for an instructor, or teacher. While this may be true in certain circumstances, the latest CALL courses, usually available for self-study in stores or on internet, incorporate many advances that enable a motivated learner to take almost complete control of their learning experience. Speech-recognition software allows them to compare their pronunciation to the computer's model, and access to an instructor, either by phone or via an internet forum, gives them the support necessary at crucial moment in the learning process.
Indeed, for many students, computer language learning can create a much more stimulating environment than a classroom. Although some students learn better in a classic teaching setting, with instructor and peers, others may find it intimidating. This is obviously true for shy students, who can feel freer in their own self-created learning environment.
However, the advantages are not limited to shy students. The use of technology tends to make learning more interesting for many people. Personalizing information, by integrating the student's name or familiar contexts within the instruction, can promote motivation. Another very successful way to do this is to use much more realistic contexts (real-world or fantasy) that are not directly related to language learning per se.
One way a program or activity can promote motivation in students is by personalizing information, for example by integrating the student’s name or familiar contexts as part of the program or task. Others include having animate objects on the screen, providing practice activities that incorporate challenges and curiosity and providing a context (real-world or fantasy) that is not directly language-oriented.
Finally, computer language learning gives the student the ability to control not only the pace of their learning, but also, in many cases, the actual content. This is because they can choose what to learn, in what order, they can omit lessons they think are unnecessary and do extra work - or devote more time - to their perceived problem areas. This makes them feel more competent in their learning. Moreover, students tend to prefer the type of exercise where they can control the content and direction of their learning, such as branching stories, puzzles, logic problems or adventures.
All in all, if you're not too worried about not being able to learn in a classroom environment, with permanent access to an instructor, computer language learning could be just the thing you're looking for to bring greater motivation to your language learning experience.
Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=374299&ca=Education