1999-2007, UniversalClass, UniversalClass.com List of Instructor-led, online courses in Language Arts . http://www.universalclass.com/i/subjects/language-arts.htm We know that effective writing will help students in their coursework but it's equally important to write well in the workplace. If a job interviewer is considering two qualified candidates, the candidate who can write well will have the edge. If you're interested in improving your basic writing beyond correct grammar and punctuation, this course will help you. The more you write, the more confidence you will have in your abilities as a writer. The best grammar and punctuation in the world can still produce average or even poor writing if you don't know how to use the sentences properly or which type of sentence works best to get your point across. By the same token, if you can write lyrical sentences but you string them together into paragraphs that are a tangled mess, the sense and impact of each sentence is lost. This course is designed to give students the most flexibility and independence. You set your own schedule and learn at your convenience. Just because this course is online doesn't mean you're left on your own. The instructor will be reviewing and grading assignments and is always available to answer questions through email. This course assumes you have a high school reading and writing level in English, and that you understand sentence structure, grammar and punctuation. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550261.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Most of us learned spelling and grammar in elementary school and brushed up on the rules occasionally in junior high or middle school. Once we entered high school, it was assumed we knew and remembered all of the essentials -- and slowly we discovered that although there were some rules we just had to look up, we simply stopped worrying about 'the minor details.' It's time to relearn those 'minor details' that can help you write, and read more effectively. But it's hard to fix something unless you know how it works. This self-paced, stress-free course was developed not only for students wanting to improve their basic writing skills, but also for business writers, creative writers and office staff wanting to improve poor work related writing and avoid embarrassing their boss and themselves. Our innovative course is designed as a refresher course for those who need to brush up on their skills and a reference for anyone who wants to be able to look up the rules for confusing grammatical questions quickly and easily. After you've reviewed the basic rules of grammar and spelling, you can move on to the lessons on writing style for tips on improving your sentence and paragraph structure, how to polish your writing and how to avoid common errors. And because the course is online doesn't mean that you'll be left on your own. The instructor will be grading assignments and tests and is available through email to answer questions and provide guidance. Why not join us, learn at your own pace and your own schedule and reap the benefits? http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550258.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Have you ever admired the rhythm and rhymes of famous poets such as Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson? Have you ever wanted to express your ideas in sharp, concise language? Have you ever wanted to express your feelings to friends or loved ones, or create a special poem for an event or gathering? If so, then this Poetry Writing Basics class is right for you. In this class, we will be looking at the basic tools of poetry, such as imagery, metaphor, concrete language, rhythm, and description, as well as different schools of contemporary poetry. We will be using assignment prompts and model poems to help you to write your own poetry and come up with ideas for future work. For this class, a basic interest in poetry and proficiency in English is required. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33593.htm Mon, 3 Dec 2007 16:33:06 GMT L. Trent Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Teacher Resources Literature Homeschooling Strategies Become a Skilled Proofreader or Copyeditor If you're looking for a new career path or if you're a writer who wants to improve your writing skills, learning how to proofread and copyedit with our easy to follow, in-depth course, may be just what you need. Learning these specialized skills will help improve your overall writing ability and may provide a career path that is both lucrative and in high demand. In today's world, proofreaders and copyeditors are sought after not only in the corporate environment and Internet-related ventures, but also by start-up companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. Freelance proofreading jobs are bountiful, and many companies offer work-from-home opportunities as an additional benefit. This online course will cover: Exactly what proofreading and copyediting will entail. The tools you need to be an efficient proofreader or copyeditor. The basic skills you need to learn, taught to you in an easy-to-understand manner. Step-by-step instruction on how to proofread or copyedit. How to apply your newly learned skills. Tips to make you a professional proofreader or copyeditor with just a little practice. How to proofread and copyedit different kinds of writing such as fiction, blogs and articles. How to proofread and copyedit your own work. How to secure employment as a proofreader or copyeditor. How to start your own proofreading or copyediting business upon completion of the course. Current salary information. Practice exercises to implement your new skills. This course is designed for everyone, regardless of education, experience, or background. No matter who you are or what you want to achieve in life, gaining proofreading and copyediting skills will improve your written communications, help you think more clearly, and perhaps start you on the road to a brand new career. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550008.htm Fri, 14 Dec 2007 10:10:43 GMT S. Patel Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing Creative Fiction Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies This Instructional Course on How to Speak French (with audio clips) is a fast, fun, and manageable way to learn French in your own time. This guide starts at the beginning assuming you know nothing about French and walks you through, simple lesson by simple lesson, until you come out speaking about your daily routines, what you did yesterday, last year or in 1999, and what you are going to do tomorrow or in the year 2020. Along the way, you will find explanations, examples and activities that give you the building blocks to construct a base for the French language, often called the language of love. This self-paced course is designed to give you the basics in grammar and vocabulary but always focusing on the verbal aspect that allows you to communicate as soon as possible. In order to get the most out of this guide, you must actively work with it, completing the exercises, working on the activities and having fun. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33892.htm Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:26:43 GMT E. Thomas Language Studies If you're a reader and thought you might like to try your hand at short story writing but just don't know how to get started, this course will help! We'll take you through the entire processand#8230;preparing your mind, getting ideas on paper, and help you through the editing and proofing process. You'll learn new skills, and find new ways to express yourself. As you advance through this course, you're going to learn the correct way to write a short story. More than that, you're going to learn the aspects of every good short story as well as learn how to create your own wonderful works! Amateur short story writers try to write their stories like miniature novels. Their stories read as either an excerpt or a condensed novel. Unfortunately, undisciplined writers do not write short stories that are complete. They overlook the fundamentals--such as--what sets the short story apart from a novel, and why one can never be substituted for the other. This course will show you how to write effectively and creatively. So join us today! And let's write some short stories that people will want to read! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550283.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction and#161; Buen viaje ! Enjoy your trip ! The Essential Spanish for Travelers: a Beginnerand#8217;s Guide (with audio clips) is a fast, fun, and manageable way to learn the Spanish you need to travel around the Spanish-speaking world. This course starts at the beginning assuming you know nothing about Spanish and takes you through, simple lesson by simple lesson, until you feel comfortable ordering food in Mexico, reserving a hotel room Costa Rica, asking for directions to the beach in southern Spain, and maybe even flirting in Argentina. This course will teach you how to ask questions, understand the answers, talk about what you did yesterday and explain what you plan to do tomorrow. Along the way you will gain essential vocabulary and hear real conversations so you can travel con confianza ( with confidence ). Throughout your journey to learning Essential Travelerand#8217;s Spanish, you will find explanations, examples and activities that provide the building blocks to construct a base for the Spanish language. Watch for the side text boxes that provide insiteful clues and hints to assist you in your learning process. Eventually you will be able to speak and understand one of the worldand#8217;s most important languages. This Essential Spanish for Travelers: A Beginning Guide (with audio clips) is designed to give you the basics in grammar and vocabulary but always focusing on travel so that you can communicate on your journeys as soon as possible. All activities, examples and vocabulary lists are geared towards travelerand#8217;s needs. But be forewarned: merely reading through the course as if it were a novel will not help you reach the levels that are possible if you truly take advantage of the tool you are reading right now. In order to get the most out of this course, you must actively work with it, completing the exercises, working on the activities and having fun. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33891.htm Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:58:09 GMT E. Thomas Teacher Resources Language Studies This Instructional Guide on How to Speak Spanish (includes audio) is a fast, fun, and manageable way to learn Spanish in your own time. This online course starts at the beginning assuming you know nothing about Spanish (but I promise you already do) and walks you through, simple lesson by simple lesson, until you come out speaking about your daily routines, what you did yesterday, last year or in 1999, and what you are going to do tomorrow or in the year 2020. Along the way, you will find explanations, examples and activities that give you the building blocks to construct a base for the Spanish language that will help you speak one of the worldand#8217;s most important languages. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33295.htm Fri, 22 Jun 2007 10:06:42 GMT E. Thomas Teacher Resources Language Studies Homeschooling Strategies Do you use your Spell Check on your computer obsessively? Are you afraid to write anything without a dictionary or computer spelling program? Are you receiving low grades on schoolwork because of poor spelling? Are your business emails filled with embarrassing spelling errors? Well then, it sounds like you can use this online course! Spelling 101 will help improve your spelling abilities in American English. This course will teach you how to avoid misspellings by recognizing spelling errors quickly. We'll review not only the basic rules of spelling but also the most common spelling 'trouble spots' (commonly missed words and word patterns). We'll also discuss those tricky synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, suffixes and prefixes. This class is self-paced and practice exercises are reviewed by the instructor with feedback. You set your own learning schedule so there's no pressure. Why not learn to write error-free English, and improve your grades or help with the quality of your professional writing? So join us today, and let's improve your spelling skills. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550259.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Do you need a refresher course in basic punctuation and grammar? Is your business writing, school writing or personal writing a disaster and you're tired of stressing over mistakes? Improper grammar and punctuation is a sign for some people, right or wrong, that you may be less educated or less intelligent. Your writing reflects more about your personality than you realize: it reflects your attention to detail, your education and how you think. Even the most basic writing -- like thank-you notes and emails -- can be sabotaged by just one grammatical error. In the business world, this can give clients the impression that you aren't careful. If your work is as sloppy as your writing, you aren't the person they want to hire or promote. This self-paced course will help you learn what you need to polish your grammar and punctuation skills. Punctuation and Grammar 101 has over 13 lessons divided into two subjects which focus on grammar and punctuation topics. At the end of each lesson will be a brief quiz and/or assignment based on the lesson material. Your knowledgeable and caring instructor will review and grade all work and you can ask questions anytime. Isn't it time to finally master the critical writing skills of grammar and punctuation? So join us today. As always, you can attend this course at the times that fit your schedule. Our system requires no special software or hardware, so why not enroll today and become informed and inspired? http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550260.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Do you feel totally clueless when it comes to Greek Mythology? Do you often say to yourself: 'It's all Greek to me'? You were supposed to learn this stuff in school but classical mythology isn't really taught anymore in elementary or secondary schools. This basic self-paced course can help. Greek Mythology will give you an overview of the huge collection of stories explaining the creation of the world and the lives of the gods, goddesses, heroes and heroines. The scope of the Greek myths is astounding. Starting with the birth of the world, through bloody wars like Troy and Thebes , heroic acts of Hercules and childish pranks by Hermes, and the touching stories of mother love in Demeter and Persephone. Greek myths have passionate love stories, adventure stories, superhuman tales, fairy tales, magical stories, tales of gods and monsters and beasts and stories of witchcraft and sorcery. We've inherited these myths in the form of art and literature. It's really entertaining to discover them. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31958.htm Sun, 14 Jan 2007 16:20:13 GMT D. Kapoor Teacher Resources Literature Homeschooling Strategies A pair of hands on the keyboard, a blank screen, and a single wish: You want to write the Great American Short Story! You've read many of them -- Poe's 'Black Cat,' Cheever's 'Enormous Radio,' Welty's 'The Worn Path' -- but have you come close to writing a tale that lingers with readers after the last page is turned? In this class, you will gain the inspiration and the discipline to write a short story of 1000 to 8000 words. We will use examples from all genres, exploring the techniques of plot, style, flow, voice and tone that will make your fiction sing. This close reading of master works is accompanied by tried and true methods for putting words on the page, revising, and handling criticism from others. One thing's for sure: Your stories are ready to tell themselves to you. And, if all goes well enough, they'll tell themselves to the world as well. So, are you ready to start writing? http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550279.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing Creative Fiction Literature Reading and learning about American literature is synonymous with understanding the history and culture of a nation that has undergone dramatic social, economic, and cultural change in its relatively short history. This course is a reveiw of the literature of America and the people who made it, from earliest days to the present. Learn about the major literary movements; realism, romanticism and transcendentalism and the authors who have contributed significantly to the development of American literature in its different aspects. If you're looking for test prep or review for school or college or just interested in understanding the changes in American literature for your general educational enhancement, this course will meet your needs. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31641.htm Tue, 28 Nov 2006 23:07:07 GMT A. Burlington Teacher Resources Literature Homeschooling Strategies Are you interested in building your vocabulary? Do you feel that your writing or your speaking vocabulary is below average? The purpose of ' Vocabulary Building ' is to beef up your everyday vocabulary with words that you could use in everyday conversation. A strong vocabulary will not only give you the tools to say and write exactly what you mean it can also help you on a job interview, communicate better with a doctor or your lawyer and certainly help you with school work. A good vocabulary makes you sound smarter, feel more assured and practically guarantees you'll be a better writer and speaker. The purpose of this vocabulary class is to beef up your everyday vocabulary with words that you could use in everyday conversation. The larger our vocabularies the more clearly we can communicate with others and understand what others are trying to communicate to us. This course will introduce some simple ways to learn new vocabulary words by practicing reading in context, by writing sentences using the words and by doing practice exercises and quizzes. The class is not a beginning or advanced vocabulary course. It's that 'in between' course where so many people's vocabulary skills fit. So if you're interested in expanding your vocabulary skills in a self-paced, no stress format where an instructor actually reviews and corrects your sentence writing, why not give it a try? Enrich your life by enriching your vocabulary. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550256.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids This self-paced online course will provide a review of the grammar and writing skills necessary when taking any high school or college test, or with your everyday work-related writing and correspondence. Divided up into twelve easy-to-understand lessons, this grammar course concentrates on usage, the mechanics of a sentence, spelling, and a general review of grammatical problem areas. Each lesson focuses on frequent errors, gives examples, suggests strategies, and offers further study guides. This course is ideal for all types of students who want to get an edge on taking a high school, college, or a job related English exam and anyone wishing to update their grammar skills. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550254.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing Creative Fiction Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies It doesn't matter if you're a famous politician, suburban homemaker or someone in between, the fact of the matter is that everyone has a personal story worth telling. Whether you want to honor someone who's made a difference in your life, heal old wounds, document unique experiences or travels, record your family history, or leave a legacy to future generations, 'Journaling and Memoir Writing' is a comprehensive step-by-step guide that will demystify the process of finally putting your story on paper. No matter if you're a novice or a professional writer interested in the memoir form, 'Journaling and Memoir Writing' is designed to help you decide what story to tell and the best way in which to tell it. Whether you are interested in writing a memoir exploring your personal struggles such as addiction, abuse or divorce or a travelogue based on your experience backpacking through Europe, this course will help you narrow the focus of your life story and define the underlying theme that will connect you with an audience. You will also learn how to find your true voice that will make your story unique and authentic. Through varied and comprehensive writing exercises you will learn how to sharpen your instincts and hone your storytelling craft. 'Journaling and Memoir Writing' will also teach you how to dig deeper into your life and mine important memories that will enable you add incredible depth and richness to your story. In addition to the extensive writing lessons, you will learn what to do with your memoir once it is finished. Whether your goal is pass on your memoir as a family heirloom or to become a New York Times best seller, 'Journaling and Memoir Writing' will address the various publishing options available to you. Everyone has a story to tell. Let this online class help you write yours today. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550285.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Language Studies Getting a book published can be one of the most exciting things you will ever do. It can also be one of the most frustrating. Not only is the book industry incredibly specific about how they want you to go about approaching editors, literary agents, and other publishing professionals, but you have to compete with thousands of other aspiring authors. This course will explore what you need to do to transition from a completed manuscript or nonfiction book idea to book publication, including traditional avenues, options in self-publication, and even ebook applications. It includes everything you need to know about crafting the perfect query letter, creating a nonfiction book proposal, and even what to do in the face of rejection letters. With a comprehensive list of resources to top it all off, there is no better place to turn for learning how to get your book on the shelves and into the hands of readers. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550273.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Literature From character and plot-conflict development to infusing a unique style and specialized writing techniques, the steps to writing a novel--while not utterly impossible--do require a dedicated, disciplined approach. By committing to the steps outlined within this course, aspiring (and even experienced) novelists can find the structure they need to create a well-crafted manuscript, one they will be proud to shop to potential agents and publishers. While some creative types may balk at the idea of adhering to a framework, the truth is that following such guidelines actually frees up writers to focus on the genesis and flow of ideas as opposed to be bogged down by the myriad of format and publishing style particulars. That is why we have provided you with insights into how, from start to finish, you can develop the varying elements of your novel: characters, plotlines, setting, tone, conflict, climax, and resolution/denouement. Labeled as dramatic construction, every novel ought to have a foundation in these basic principles. Plus, we will help take you one step further by offering you the specifics as to what is required to submit your completed work to potential agents and publishers. With an end goal in mind, this will help inspire you to actually finish your novel. Outfitted with both practical and creative writers' tools, there is no reason you can not successfully write a novel and get it published. If indeed you are truly committed and willing to invest the necessary time and effort to put your literary skills to the test, there should be nothing, absolutely nothing, stopping you from producing memorable prose. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550282.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Literature Essays are a vital part of writing, both in academic circles and in many professions. Being able to write good essays is a rare ability and those that can demonstrate a mastery of this writing form will quickly distinguish themselves from those who write poorly. In school, this can be the difference between a good or bad grade; in industry, it can mean being passed over for a promotion, creating a safety hazard, or even limiting an applicant's prospective job pool. Learning to write good essays will boost academic performance in school and college, but will also be a valuable skill in today's increasingly competitive job market. Creating concise, informative, and compelling essays can form the basis of many careers, such as authoring non-fiction books, getting into print journalism, writing legal briefs, rendering judicial opinions, or just creating some persuasive advertising text for a business. The ability to write a good essay is a foundational block that can unlock numerous opportunities. This course will examine the nature, history, and structure of essays; the various types of essays; and provide a refresher course in English grammar, focusing on the parts of speech and rules for good syntax. Furthermore, examples will be provided of both good and poor writing, as well as common mistakes to avoid when creating an essay. When completed, this course will enable the student to better understand how good essays are written and how to go about writing them for academic or professional use. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550264.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement Teacher Resources Literature Courses for Kids This online course will prepare you to take the Language Arts, Writing Part 1 portion of the GED (General Educational Development) test. The testing format is explained and broken down to highlight just the content the Language Arts part of the exam will cover. The class will provide study resources for students including test strategies, practice tests, practical assignments and researched netlinks attached to many exam topics to be read at your own leisure. This course will also explain the role of usage, mechanics and organization in sentences, plus show you frequent sentence structure logic and typical spelling errors. This course will focus on the Language Arts, Writing, Part 1 of the GED exam. Other courses in this preparation series include: 10767 - GED Preparation for the Social Studies Exam 13887 - GED Preparation for the Science Exam 16033 - GED Preparation for the Math Exam 14175 - GED Preparation for the Essay -or the complete study of the GED exam- 5298 - GED Preparation http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30427.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT H. Bryant Writing Tools Teacher Resources Literature Homeschooling Strategies This test prep course will focus on the basic skills necessary to successfully complete the GED essay (GED Language and Arts Writing Test Part 2). The majority of students preparing to take a GED test will often have the greatest problem with the essay exam. GED students often lack the confidence, the experience, and the skills required to write a passing essay. This course will provide each of these factors; and GED students will gain the confidence (because of course informational tips and strategies), and gain experience and skills (with the course writing essay practice and grammar review) to successfully tackle the GED essay test. This course will focus on the Essay portion of the GED exam. Other courses in this preparation series include: 10767 - GED Preparation for the Social Studies Exam 13887 - GED Preparation for the Science Exam 16033 - GED Preparation for the Math Exam 14355 - GED Preparation for the Language Arts, Writing, Part 1 -or the complete study of the GED exam- 5298 - GED Preparation http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30426.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT H. Bryant Writing Tools Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Have you ever been reading a newspaper or listening to a commentary and been confronted with a word you didn't know -- like for instance, plethora ? Over the years, you've seen and heard this word 20 times but you don't quite manage to remember the definition or use the word yourself when writing or speaking. You were supposed to have learned all this vocabulary stuff in high school or college but maybe you were absent that day? Well, It's never to late to fill in some of the gaps. Increase your vocabulary at your own pace! Memorize just 10 words a day - or a week - whatever works for your schedule. In some cases it's not really memory work - it's just 'refreshing'. Amaze your business associates, family, friends, and (more importantly) yourself by enhancing your conversational skills. Not only will you avoid the embarrassment of misusing or mispronouncing words, but also with the right vocabulary you may impress others with your dexterous and inventive handling of important concepts without being considered a show-off. Plus vocabulary enrichment does wonders for your self-esteem and certainly has the added benefits of helping with crossword puzzles and Trivial Pursuit. Through these interactive lessons, which have divided up ten different words in twenty lessons, you will learn interesting and relevant vocabulary. Words used frequently by 'experts' to describe various cultures, words used in restaurants, words used in economics and business, legal words, technology terms, psychological jargon and much more. You'll not only practice using the words in a sentence you create, you'll also be writing short paragraphs with some of the words. Although the course emphasis is on vocabulary building, you'll have the added bonus of receiving some general writing assistance. So join the class and retain some of those words you once learned and promptly forgot. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550253.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Teacher Resources Literature Homeschooling Strategies Communication is vital in today's society. It is not enough to merely be able to speak and understand spoken English. In the United States, writing English is often a necessary skill in many job industries and fields. In order to develop practical writing skills, one must understand the basics of English grammar and sentence structure. Learning essential vocabulary and continually expanding knowledge is one of the best ways to succeed, both in personal and professional lives. Learning how to write English may be difficult for many individuals, and takes much practice and patience. ESL students as well as native English speakers who wish to improve their writing skills need to have a basic understanding of grammar structure, tense usage, vocabulary, and how to commit thought processes and ideas onto paper. This ESL basic writing course will help you improve your writing skills through lesson plans and samples that explain many grammatical style rules and functions in easy-to-understand examples and skill-building usage. This course will also help students learn to write natural and clear sentences, as well as help in composing personal and business letters to better increase job skills and communication. In today's modern world, increasing proficiency and clarity of the written language is fundamental in all human communication. In order to write well, you must practice concepts that involve grammatical structure, voice, style, and vocabulary usage. This course will carefully guide you through the basic structures and rules of the English language and focus on improving skills that are necessary in order to write clearly and accurately. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550265.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement Teacher Resources Language Studies 'Creative Energy-Flow and the Written Word' is an attempt to capture what cannot be held in hand or thought--the elusive riddle of human creativity as we find it in our writing. Here we look at various forms and genres (books, dramas and plays, poetry, essays, film-writing, stories in general, etc.) as they relate to the creative impulse. We also talk about the Writer's Voice and personality, writing as therapy, illusions about writing, legend and mythos, and other areas where a creative writer may find inspiration, advice or enlightening conjecture. This self-paced course is offered to writers everywhere with hat-in-hand, for what it may be worth. Test and review questions, and also lesson exercises are included at the end of each lesson to build mastery. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550281.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Teacher Resources Literature This course will teach you the best places to find book reviews online. It will also cover writing book reviews and marketing them to publications. The only requirements for the course are a love of reading and decent writing skills. Thanks to the popularity of the Internet and electronic books, book reviewers are needed more than ever before. So it's good skill to have if you want to be a writer, and even if you don't want to be a professional writer, learn how to write what you want to say about your favorite book, and wow them on Amazon.com reader reviews or in your book clubs. Remember book reviewers often get free books. The instructor Niki Taylor has degrees in English and Library Science and is a freelance writer/book reviewer who has written reviews for websites and magazines. You can work at your own pace with this course. There's no set class time. Let her take you from reader to reviewer. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/3830.htm Mon, 22 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT N. Taylor Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Literature An introduction to the tools of poetry: imagery, metaphor, sound, rhythm, rhyme, and form. By the end of the course, students should have a clear understanding of what makes a poem a poem, as well as a handful of new poems that they have written. Through a series of six lessons, we will hit upon the essential tools for creating a poem: imagery, metaphor, sound, rhythm, rhyme, and form. Each lesson expands upon the previous lesson to show the interconnectivity of these essential tools, but each one also looks at the tool in and of itself. In the process, we will look at how these tools are used in various poems, by means of definitions, explanations, and examples. The focus is not on poetic terms, but on processes; while designed for the beginning poet, the course would also be a good brush-up for intermediate and even advanced poets. Lesson by lesson, you will then apply these tools to poems of your own creation through assignments. So that we can all learn from each other, these original poems will be posted and 'workshopped,' meaning not only will you write poems, but you will comment on others' poems. Similarly, you will receive feedback from others on your own poems. Think of the workshop aspect as one of 'constructive criticism,' a means of creative revision, of growing as a poet. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/4129.htm Thu, 6 Jun 2002 09:08:58 GMT S. Wiggerman Writing Tools Writing Poetry Teacher Resources Literature Whether you are learning English as a second language or are a native speaker striving to improve your English and writing skills, understanding proper grammar rules and guidelines are the essential building blocks to creating clear and understandable thought processes and ideas. This ESL basic grammar course will provide an introduction into the basics of English grammar. We'll cover many relevant topics, including sentence structure, writing basics, as well as review basic English structure in the form of nouns, verbs, prepositions, adjectives and adverbs. English grammar is essential to promoting communication, both verbally and in writing. It is a necessary aspect of many jobs and careers. Understanding the proper way to communicate helps to promote self-confidence, increase skill levels, and ensure job advancement and promotion. While many of us were taught the basics of English grammar in elementary school, very few adults in the 21st century understand the basic concepts of how to create cohesive and complete sentences--let alone complete term papers, thesis papers, or doctoral dissertations. Native English speakers as well as those learning English will benefit from the examples and reviews of basic English grammar structure and foundations presented throughout this course. Don't think of English grammar as boring, but as a building block to greater understanding, enhanced skill levels, and stepping stones to better jobs and greater earnings. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550267.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement Language Studies This poetry course is created for the lover of poetry who wants to learn how to appreciate the art even more. It is also for student poets who want to improve their craft. This course is thorough in teaching all students everything they need to know about reading, interpreting, and writing poetry. This course is a must-take for any budding poet out there who wants to hone their skills and learn to write high quality, great poetry that others will appreciate. Through various assignments and essays, each student will learn to do the following: Determine and understand the meanings of poems. Recognize and utilize the devices used in writing poetry. Understand the theory and history of poetry to strengthen their skills and appreciation. Write different types of poetry. Become a skilled, knowledgeable poet or lover of the art. Identify different types of poetry. Create a chapbook suitable for publication. And much more. Poetry is a verbal art form that requires both understanding and appreciation to master. Simply reading a few poems and having their meanings explained to you is not nearly enough to fully appreciate poetry and#8211; or to become a great poet. That is why this course will provide each student with a great deal of lessons, explanations, essays and assignments to deepen understanding and apply what has been learned. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550295.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Teacher Resources Literature Travel writing is a fun, interesting and fulfilling career. If your goal is to become a full-time travel writer who is able to live off your income from writing alone, it is important to understand that travel writing, like any other career, requires you to develop specific skills and to have perseverance in order to succeed. There is a lot of competition in the field of travel writing. Some highly successful writers in this genre have compared their climb to success with those who aspire to become actors, songwriters or musicians. In other words, most aspiring writers work at other jobs while they build a reputation strong enough to financially support themselves on payment for their writing alone. How long it takes you to achieve that goal is dependent upon how ambitious you are and how well you write, but the average is between three and six years. Alternatively, you may only wish to earn extra money as a travel writer and continue working in the field you are already in; perhaps you travel frequently for your current job and feel you have a lot to share with others about the places you visit. You can create a great additional source of income as a travel writer this way. Whether it is a full or part-time profession you desire, this course will help you get started, provide you with the necessary information you need to build a strong portfolio, as well as improve your overall skill set required to succeed in the travel writing industry. So join us today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550222.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement This is a two-part class, the purpose of which is to provide you with the tools necessary to develop your own unit studies course for either homeschool or classroom purposes. Part 1 walks you through the process of building your own unit study course in general terms. Part 2 applies the concepts discussed previously to the topic of baseball and gives you a variety of suggestions for creating a unit study that covers all the major subject areas. During this course, you will learn the purpose of a unit study, how to pick a suitable topic, how to find resources to support it, how to apply your chosen topic across subject areas, and how to research and plan a unit study. These are strategies you can use to build a unit study using any topic you like. To help you apply these concepts more specifically, Part 2 uses all the principles learned in Part I to build a unit study on baseball. You will learn how to turn the sport of baseball into a way to teach U.S. History, race relations in the U.S., Economics, Comparative Social Studies, Art, Science, Music, Math, and Language Arts. You will also learn some helpful strategies for developing a capstone activity: the Field Trip. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550262.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing for Children Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids How to coach little league baseball is an ideal guide for any coach or parent of young players. Whether you are new to coaching youth baseball or looking for ways to improve your techniques, this course will help move you and your young team towards a great season! For over sixty years, the non-profit organization known as Little League Baseball, Incorporated, has become the de facto starting point for children interested in the game of baseball in the United States. In order to accomplish the goal of promoting skill development and good sportsmanship essential to baseball, it becomes important to have coaches that understand how to impart knowledge to their players regarding how the game should be properly played. This course will provide this information. This course focuses on the skills, drills, and attitudes that are core to establishing a good Little League Baseball team. Each of the lessons in this course will cover a certain aspect that is integral to Little League Baseball. We will examine how to get involved; how to form a team; how to get the equipment needed; and ways to coach various game-related and character-building skills, such as batting, pitching, base-running, conditioning, catching, and running practices. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33315.htm Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:31:36 GMT S. Richards Teacher Resources Courses for Kids For penguin lovers and those wanting to know more, this class will introduce students to the lives of these amazing birds. Learn about penguins from all over the world - from the Galapagos Islands to Antarctica. Just how do they live on land and at sea? Explore the remarkable lives of penguins, and discover more. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30621.htm Thu, 3 Aug 2006 12:57:58 GMT V. Carper Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids The environment is everything around you. It makes up the world you live in. People's attitude can help or harm the environment. Not knowing how they can help is part of the problem. It is required that children know certain Environment Facts at home or for school. This course will meet those requirements. This course is written in simple layman terms, but more advanced facts are presented in this manner. The younger ones can learn right along with the older students. Using many different learning skills, in the form of games, printout lessons, and additional activities, we will show you how you can help protect your environment. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/3410.htm Wed, 27 Mar 2002 14:42:34 GMT J. Manzoni Courses for Kids Bringing home a new pet to join your family is always a fun and exciting time. But it also comes with a huge responsibility. This animal now depends on you for food, shelter, medical care, and companionship. In short, you hold their very life in your hands. This fun and informative course will help you cover all the basics of animal care. Every thing from feeding recommendations, bathing tips, and basic first aid topics are covered in just 12 easy to learn lessons. Just follow along and you'll be a pro in no time at all! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550004.htm Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT N. Fields Courses for Kids Hair styling and hair braiding is not a recent trend. The word Braid means a complex pattern created by intertwining three or more strands. A braid can be formed by any flexible material such as fibers, wire, thread, or hair. This course will cover all aspects and types of hair braiding. With a little work and practice, you will become an expert as this self-paced course is designed to help individuals who would like to do hair braiding on their own and for the aspiring hair braiders who would like to start a hair braiding salon. This course includes instructional photos making the learning process easy. Course topics include: Lesson 1: History of Hair Braiding Lesson 2: Hair Braiding Accessories Lesson 3: Preparations for Hair Braiding Lesson 4: Simple Hair Braiding Styles I Lesson 5: Simple Hair Braiding Styles II Lesson 6: French Braids and 5 Strands Braiding Lesson 7: Different Types of Hair Buns Lesson 8: English, Dutch, Cornrows, and Pig Tail Braiding Styles Lesson 9: Updo Hair Styles Lesson 10: Basic Fishtail Braids Lesson 11: Licensing, Regulations, and Tips for Hair Braiding http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550115.htm Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Walker Courses for Kids Have you always wanted to learn how to play guitar? You'll be strumming in no time with this fun and informative guitar course. This non-credit course is designed for the beginner as well as the intermediate player and will explore the basic fundamentals of how to play this challenging instrument. The class will examine basic chords, strumming rhythms, finger-picking and much more. With practice, you'll eventually be able to play simple and familiar songs. No previous knowledge of guitar is necessary. Students must have a guitar in good working condition. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/13460.htm Fri, 20 May 2005 19:31:41 GMT E. Burns Courses for Kids In 'Guitar: Learn to play more', you'll learn familiar strumming songs, 10 new guitar chords and how to finger-pick the chords. In addition, students will continue to develop skills through left and right hand exercises and gain speed when changing between chords by learning simple chord progressions.You'll also get detailed diagrams and audio samples of what the songs and exercises should sound like. Students will find this class to be extremely interesting, informative, challenging, and most of all fun. If you're dedicated to becoming a better guitar player, this class can make it happen! This course is designed as a continuation of 'Guitar: Learn to play'. Before enrolling in this course, it is recommended that you take my first class. As with my first class, you won't need to know how to read music. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/15593.htm Mon, 16 Jan 2006 22:06:42 GMT E. Burns Courses for Kids Are you curious about mammals that live in far away places or close to your home? Discover the wonderful world of mammals. This course is for school age children and for adults, as well. Ideal for nature lovers and travelers who want to know about the mammals they encounter. In addition, this class is a good review for biology students about mammals. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/15785.htm Mon, 2 Jan 2006 13:40:35 GMT V. Carper Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids Lessons in this course are designed for all types of students. No previous art classes are needed or required to take this class. Students will learn how to draw anything from beautiful scenery to portraiture. Beginning with the basics of drawing psychology, you will learn different tips and techniques to perfect your drawing style. Learn how the brain affects drawing styles, and how to set the mood for a drawing atmosphere. Students will also learn one, two, and three point perspective drawings. The lessons and assignments are designed to create fast and noticeably amazing improvements in the student's drawing ability. All you need is pencil, paper, and a few hours of practice for your childlike drawings to become beautiful artwork in as little as 5 weeks. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/12083.htm Thu, 8 Jul 2004 13:15:14 GMT D. Bergum Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids This course will provide the learner with a better understanding of the underlying concepts of geometry. Through readings, lessons, quizzes and independent explorations, the learner will leave the course with more complete understanding of geometry and begin to be able to think in a geometrical fashion. Websites are also provided to help the learner further explore the topics on his/her own. At the end of this unit, the learner will be able to describe some of the basic premises behind geometric thinking, reasoning and study. They will also be able to demonstrate the following learning objectives: Objectives (based on the Van Hiele levels of geometric thought): Students will be able to demonstrate the ability identify the ways geometry is used by people in their daily lives (i.e. professions, synthetic universe, natural universe, in the home, etc...) Students will be able to recognize and name figures (triangle, square, rectangle, rhombus, parellelogram, polygon, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, kite, rectangular and triangular pyramids, prisms, cone, sphere) Level 0 Visualization Students will be able to analyze various properties of shapes (i.e. right angles, parallel sides, number of sides, number of corners, etc...) Level 1 Analysis Students will be able to construct relationships between classes of figures (i.e. rectangles are parallelograms with a right angle, etcand#8230;) Level 2 Informal Deduction Students will be able to think deductively in regards to geometrical concepts. Level 3 and 4 Deduction/Rigorous Proof http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550045.htm Sun, 16 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT J. Tsung Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids There have been few environmental issues that have polarized a nation as much as Global Warming. From those who predict that the Earth will eventually get so hot that it will self-incinerate to those who believe that the entire notion of a warming planet is something manufactured by political operatives anxious to please their constituents, Global Warming is an issue that has been and will continue to be hotly contested in both public and private arenas. Unlike many other hot-button issues, however, Global Warming is widely misunderstood by the general public. Confusion surrounding Global Warming comes at many levels: there are some who steadfastly believe that it is entirely a man-made issue while others equate Global Warming with the expanding hole in the atmosphere's ozone layer (a condition widely believed to be caused by widespread use of aerosols). In this course, we will learn exactly what Global Warming is, why supporters believe it is a real problem and the ways in which it is thought to affect the world in which we live. Along the way, we will learn a little bit about the climatic history of the Earth and take a look at some of the ways in which we can help to reduce the warming effects of some of our activities . To be sure, the issues surrounding Global Warming are complex and there is still a great deal that we don't know about how the Earth will respond to changing conditions. This course is not intended to teach you everything you need to know about Global Warming -- such a course probably doesn't exist. What this course will provide, however, it an overview of the issues as they are currently known which should help to provide a basic understanding of the topic. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33313.htm Tue, 8 Jan 2008 11:45:44 GMT N. Fields Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids Today, knowing how to type fast is almost a necessity in the business world. More and more corporate-world employees are being asked to create reports, sales letters, business plans, blogs, web content, forecasts and more. Knowing how to type can save you hours of valuable work time, increasing your productivity. This course, Typing and Keyboarding for Business Professionals, is entirely self-teaching. Each lesson is short, simple and easy to master, with easy-to-understand text and custom-designed typing drills. Here are some features you will like about this course: 1. Cumulative Reviews: At the end of each lesson, you will be quizzed on the most important points to remember. This will help to reinforce your understanding of those keys before you go on to the new ones. 2. Accuracy and Speed-Building practice: Learning how to type faster means nothing without the accuracy that goes along with it. Weand#8217;ve created special practice drills that will help you master both. 3. Learn Business Correspondence Formats: This course helps you learn and understand the correct format and etiquette for the most common letters, documents and notes used when communicating in the business world. 4. Speed and Accuracy Tests: Weand#8217;ve provided tests that allow you to see how your words per minute (wpm) rate and your accuracy have improved over the course of the class. 5. Online Typing Aids: To help you continue to practice, weand#8217;ve provided links to several websites offering free typing games and tests. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550009.htm Wed, 6 Feb 2008 13:02:46 GMT S. Patel Writing Tools Writing Improvement Teacher Resources Courses for Kids Do you long to write but feel like you're too busy? Writing for children can be the answer. Children's stories are generally far shorter and simpler than stories for adults. You can draft an 800 word children's story during a couple of lunch hours or during your child's nap times. Many noted children's authors started writing in short bursts when their own young children were sleeping or playing nearby. Writing for children is by no means easy, however. Children's book and magazine editors expect well developed characters, engaging plots, and vivid description, all in a very small package. Good children's writers learn to make every word count. Communicating effectively with kids means using language they can understand but not talking down to them, and this is easier said than done. In this course, we will look at the elements that go into an effective children's story, from initial idea to finished manuscript. If you've always wanted to write but don't know where to start, we'll cover that too. And once you have a few good stories under your belt, you'll want to find publishing outlets for them. We'll go over the basics of submitting to publishers and even of publishing books yourself. Writing stories for children can be a fascinating hobby or a challenging career. You can write for your own kids, or publish stories and books that will reach thousands of eager readers. Either way, you will gain the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference in the lives of children who hear or read your words. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550284.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids This online class is intended for students who need to brush up, review or gather a basic understanding of how to perform Algebra operations. This course will benefit both current students and adults who need to know how to perform basic Algebra operations which involve simplifying, factoring, or solving equations in the form of inequalities, fractions, exponents and word problems. Knowing how to solve Algebraic problems does increase your skills which may open up many career opportunities. It is a way of thinking and figuring out how math and logic work in everyday life. So it is in your best interest (particularly in this age of technology) to learn this material. This self-paced course is divided into ten comprehensive lessons linked to practice assignments, web resources, and quizzes. This course is perfect for students preparing for Math tests (such as the GED or other college placement exams) or adults needing to improve business-related skills. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30328.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT J. Tsung Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids Treat family and friends to a precious childhood memory by serving a mouth watering just-out-of-the-oven baked homemade pie. The step-by-step instructions presented in this course are easy to follow and understand. Beginning with a brief history of the pie world, methods to prepare the pie crust- the base of the pie- are illustrated. The Pie crust recipe is followed by easy and delicious pie recipes that are categorized under Main dish pie, Sweet pie, Fruit pie, Holiday pie, Nut pie, Ice-cream pie, and Custard pie. This course will also include website resources that provide additional and exceptional varieties of pie recipe. Topics covered include: Making meat and fish pies with recipes for Shepherds pie, Turkey Pot Pie, Beef Cottage Cheese Pie, and Salmon Pie. Making delicious vegetarian main dish pies such as Pizza Quiche, Vegetarian Pot Pie, Italian Sausage Pie, and Spinach Pie. Making Chocolate Mousse Pie, Cheesecake Pie, Sweet Potato Pie, Coconut Cream Pie, Coffee Cream Pie, and other sweet pies. Making Boston Cream Pie, Mud Pie, Wine Pie, Snicker Pie, and Yogurt Pie. Making fruit pie recipes that are perfect treat with light sugar and fat. Making Apple Pie, Strawberry Pie, Lemon Meringue Pie, Watermelon Pie, and Banana Pie. Making pies with mixed fruits such as Apple Cranberry Pie, Dense Berries Pie, etc. Making holiday pie that increases the fun of holiday celebration- such as Holiday Honey Pie, Holiday Pumpkin Cream Pie, Holiday Eggnog Pie, etc. Making nut pies Making ice-cream pies Making custard pies such as Chocolate Coconut Custard Pie, Butter Squash Custard Pie, Rhubarb custard Pie, Egg Custard Pie. By the end of this course, you will be able to prepare delightful pies with your own favorite items fruits, meat, or ice creams--and you will no longer present tasteless store-bought pie imitations to family and friends. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550026.htm Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:17:43 GMT S. Brooks Courses for Kids This course is designed to provide beginning babysitters with advice and tips for caring for kids of all ages. Parents want their children to have the best babysitter they could find. This course is written to allow a first time babysitting to know how to prepare and market themselves, how to interview and get the job and finally how to function safely and effectively after getting a babysitting position. The course also teaches how knowledge and good planning can make you a successful babysitter and discusses all aspects of safety not only for the children but also for yourself. Babysitters need a lot of knowledge on caring for babies and children before they jump into babysitting. Use this course as a stepping stone into your career and then enhance your knowledge by taking a First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course offered by the Red Cross. Good Luck! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550246.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT M. Money Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids 'Fix the problem, not the blame' is the watchword of Solution Focused Parenting. It is a hands-on, how-to-do-it course that is under girded by sound theory, but it is not a theoretical course. The principles and techniques have been tested in the laboratory of life. Solution Focused Parenting with Difficult Teens was originally developed for parents of teens who had been placed in residential treatment facilities by the state, but it will work with any teenager. You will learn how to close the door on past failures, search for solutions that are a best- fit for you--not some make-believe parent and child--how to form and implement change plans, and how to avoid the seven traps that kids set for their parents. In one sense, all teens are difficult. That's part of the growing up process. However if the problems around your house are beginning to tie up all your time and energy, take some time out and complete this course. It will give you some tools for managing both your behavior and that of your teen. While many parents have found the on-ground version of this course extremely helpful, no claim is herein made that by using these techniques you will be guaranteed success with a particular problem or group of problems related to parenting. Some situations may be beyond education or re-education issues and require counseling or therapy, for which this class is not a substitute. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/11932.htm Thu, 1 Jul 2004 12:30:46 GMT D. Campbell Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids Research shows that the early years set the stage for all future development. We know more now than ever before about how young children learn, think and grow. All children are born eager to explore their world and master their development. From birth to a child's third birthday, development proceeds at a pace exceeding that of any stage of life. Infants and toddlers rapidly develop capabilities in emotional regulation, relationships, cognition, motor development, and language. These capabilities form the foundation from which all future development builds. This course is designed to help you do the following: Follow a child's growth and development from birth to three years of age. Familiarize yourself with the developmental milestones of the first three years. Learn and use the information and the skills needed to serve as a caregiver to children. Examine the opportunities for a career in child development, child care, or related fields. Better understand the responsibilities of parenthood. Decide whether children will have a major or a minor place in your future. Caring for young children involves many commitments and responsibilities. Perhaps the greatest of these is helping a child develop a positive self-conandshy;cept and healthy self-esteem. With these assets, a child will be better able to make wise decisions, relate well to others, and assume responsibilandshy;ity for his or her own life. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550154.htm Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids Are you mystified by maps? Would you like to know how mountains are made? You can find out the answers to these questions by taking our Geography Course. In eleven easy lessons, you'll learn all about the different geographical features that make up our planet. You'll learn to distinguish islands from atolls and peninsulas. You'll learn how the huge tectonic plates interact to create mountains and valleys and how wind and water shape our world. You'll also learn about the way people, plants, and animals have changed the world. This course covers the way humans create order by drawing maps and creating areas that we can recognize. You'll learn how mapmakers divided the oceans and why. The lessons will touch on how culture and experience influence the way people map the world. In addition you will learn the natural processes that create specific landforms. The various spheres of the planet, the lithosphere, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and the biosphere are defined and examined in detail. You'll learn how these different layers of Earth interact to shape the patterns of the planet. Once you have finished this course, you'll find yourself looking at the world with a whole new perspective! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550048.htm Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:26:41 GMT J. Bennett Courses for Kids Without a doubt, one of the most important events in all world history (not to mention American history) was the American Revolutionary War. Through the battles that were to take place between Great Britain and its American Colonies, the face of the world would be changed forever with the birth of a new nation. The Revolutionary War and the significant events that transpired immediately before and after are essential to understand. The American Revolution set the stage for the creation of the United States of America, one of the most powerful and influential countries in the history of the world. Throughout the years that followed the American Revolutionary War, the fledgling nation would form, expand, and grow to become a dominant power in world affairs by the early twentieth century. This course will describe many of the key aspects of the war: the precipitous events that led up to the war, the shot heard around the world, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, portraits of American patriots and loyalists, the Battle of Long Island, portraits of Redcoat (British) generals and leaders, Valley Forge, the Battle of Yorktown, the Treaty of Paris, and more. Each lesson will focus on particular aspects of the conflict, drawing to light important facts and other information relevant to the events at hand. This course is ideal for those seeking review, extra tutoring, test prep, or the non-academic hobbyists and life-long learners. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33498.htm Thu, 25 Oct 2007 13:17:23 GMT E. Mackerson Teacher Resources Courses for Kids Would you like to learn how to protect, nurture and help wild animals and birds? This course explains and demonstrates how you can help without being a wildlife expert. Though the course focus is on what you can do in your own backyard, it also will provide information on pursuing a wildlife rehabilitation specialist career. You'll learn how to tell if a wild animal really needs help, and what to do if help is needed and what not to do . The class covers transporting problems, health concerns, dealing with wild animals that become urban pests, the pet factor and so much more. This course is for anyone who loves and cares about wildlife. It is devastating to attempt to help a wild animal or bird in distress only to discover you actually made matters worse. Don't make this mistake. Enroll and gain the correct wildlife rehab knowledge. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30365.htm Sun, 9 Jul 2006 20:54:47 GMT N. Fields Courses for Kids Etiquette 101 is an overview of today's etiquette rules, updated for today's fast-paced lifestyles and ever-changing codes of conduct for work and leisure. The role of etiquette has changed over the years. At one time, it served as an indicator of each person's proper station in life. Today, etiquette helps smooth the path of our daily activities, whether it's meeting others in our daily interactions, talking to someone on the phone, offering condolences properly or understanding how to talk to colleagues at a business conference. In Etiquette 101, you'll learn the rules of good behavior for today's most common social and business situations, including the common courtesies of life that many of us have forgotten or may not have learned, from when to offer your seat on a bus to a stranger to how to share a cab. It will also go over telephone etiquette, with the updated rules for cell phone use and the new rules for office calls. Correspondence, including emails, entertaining and being a polite guest, giving and receiving gifts and life's big events are all covered, with examples and#8211; both good and bad! There is also a section on life situations that are never easy, such as death and divorce, with etiquette suggestions that will help you navigate the minefield of emotions surrounding these situations. Finally, a section on workplace etiquette covers the details of everything from how to relate to your boss and subordinates to keeping your social life and work separate. Etiquette 101 will teach you everything you need to know to move graciously through today's world. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550110.htm Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:28:57 GMT T. Long Teacher Resources Courses for Kids Finding quality daycare these days is not always easy. Working parents are constantly seeking educated and experienced childcare providers to meet the needs of their children. There has been and always will be a need for home daycare settings for children, and for those willing to start a home daycare business, there is already an existing market waiting for your services. Creating a safe, stimulating, and caring environment for children is one of the most important aspects of starting a home daycare business. Becoming a childcare professional requires a little bit of research, the ability to obtain adequate licensing, and the capability of learning how to run and operate a business from your home. This course provides individuals with the basics necessary to start a home daycare business - from defining your aptitudes, motivations, and capabilities to the necessary legal requirements involved in starting a home daycare business. This course will help interested individuals learn about training, insurance, startup needs and costs as well as the need to assess what age groups might be best suited to your personality. From setting ground rules to dealing with parents and providing nutritious meals and stimulating activities for children of all ages, this home daycare business course will take you through every step of the process to ensure your success. From learning about first aid training to dealing with behavior problems and difficult parents, students of this home daycare business course will learn how to start, maintain and grow their business step by step. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550140.htm Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT A. Pharris Teacher Resources Courses for Kids Do you need to brush-up your knowledge of the American political system? Have you forgotten or feel slightly 'hazy' about the structure of the American government, the details of the Constitution or the exact division of the three branches of government (and exactly what are those three divisions)? Are you interested in discovering how our current political parties were formed or the impact of public opinion, mass media and special interests groups on today's American policies? If you answered 'yes' to these questions, this online course can be your ideal learning resource. Written with the belief that understanding the foundations of the America system of government is necessary to fully comprehend America's current political system, this self-paced course is appropriate for learners of any age (homeschoolers, high schoolers, college students or just inquisitive people). Our easy-to-understand online format is perfect for those seeking review, extra tutoring, test prep or general educational enhancement. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30990.htm Sun, 10 Sep 2006 01:59:00 GMT E. Mackerson Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids In this easy-to-follow course discover the fun and easy way to play and win popular card games! You will understand how to play top trick-taking games, point-based and banking card games, some card games for children, classic stand-bys such as BlackJack, Rummy, Stud Poker, , and much more. Card games are excellent diversions that build numerical, analytical, and strategic skills. Since around the Tenth Century A.D., when the earliest-known cards were created in China, card games have become more and more popular. Since around 1800, the United States has been one of the world's leaders in playing card games and the popularity of games like Blackjack and Poker continue to increase to this day, even to the extent of having online equivalents with no real 'cards' whatsoever! Get the inside deal on many card games, learn the etiquette and terminology, and teach and entertain children, family and friends. Each of these games is explained with an eye on enlightening, instructing, and entertaining both veteran and potential players. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32860.htm Sat, 10 Nov 2007 12:46:17 GMT S. Richards Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids Who do you think benefits the most from feeding and observing wild birds - the birds or us? People of all ages, from all walks of life, study birds with interests that range from occasional pleasure viewing to an outright passion resulting in lengthy trips and major investments. But one thing all bird watchers share is the excitement generated when a particular bird of interest or rarity is spotted -- similar to the thrill of the hunt, it satisfies our need to discover. Unlike traditional hunting, however, bird watching is about admiring the beauty of the birds in their natural habitats . Bird watching is such an exciting world to explore . Amazing birds can even be found in your own backyard! There is a great deal of joy derived from an afternoon spent watching these beautiful creatures. Many families participate in bird watching across generations, with grandparents and grandchildren often finding a shared interest when they are bird watching together. This self-paced online course covers bird identification and location, feeding, types of birdhouses, equipment, emergency care and behavior and habitats. Whether you are a casual backyard bird watcher or a serious enthusiast, you'll soon discover that the more you watch birds the more you will want to learn about them . http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33496.htm Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:58:39 GMT N. Fields Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids If you are new to coaching youth basketball and not sure what to do, this course will get you up and running! In this short easy to follow course you will learn how to begin your basketball coaching career. We have comprised the basics that will not only set you on a path to coach youth basketball, but make you one of the best coaches ever. They will be calling you back every year to coach and the children will have love and respect for you. You will learn how to teach kids about the game, information about how to set up your season, how to create a positive team atmosphere, coaching tips, the basics of beginning practice, and drills and strategies for new coaches to practice. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33203.htm Sun, 17 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT S. Richards Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids This course will provide the learner with a better understanding of the underlying concepts needed to improve the reading skills in children and adults. Through readings, lessons, quizzes and independent explorations, the learner will leave the course with more complete understanding of the development of reading skills from preschool through adulthood and begin to be able to think about specific strategies which could be utilized to increase the skills and development of anyone's reading. Websites are also provided to help the learner further explore the topics on his/her own. At the end of this unit, the learner will be able to describe some of the basic underlying principles of reading development, activities which can be incorporated to increase skill levels, and the importance of developing reading throughout life. Those undertaking this unit will also be able to demonstrate the following learning objectives: Students will be able to identify the purpose and value of improving reading skills. Students will be able to identify and define the major components of reading instruction Students will be able to apply strategies to improve reading skills in each of the major components of reading instruction. Students will be able to transfer knowledge learned about reading development into their own personal experiences or that of others to increase reading skills. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550266.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing for Children Teacher Resources Language Studies Homeschooling Strategies Courses for Kids Reading is the process of absorbing the written word. Whether in English or another language, reading is an essential part of communication between human beings. Reading comprehension is the ability to process, think through and connect ideas that are expressed on paper. Reading may be achieved through a variety of methods and techniques that best suit individual learners and students of all ages and levels. This reading basics course is designed to help students increase their reading speed as well as their ability to comprehend content, directions, and absorb materials for retention. Whether a student is taking this course to increase reading skills as a second or foreign language or by native English speakers wishing to increase their comprehension of a wide variety of materials, students will be introduced to different techniques and materials to do so. Whether a student needs to increase his or her comprehension for work environments, pleasure, or school, styles of approach, engagement, as well as the potential of using a wide variety of resources and tools are explored in this course. From learning the basics of reading comprehension such as decoding and retention to understanding how vocabulary is created and using the Internet to improve reading skills, this course offers students a basic and solid foundation in reading multiple types of materials for a wide range of daily living scenarios and needs. Understanding the difficulties that may face many students, as focused on helping students gain the most from their reading experiences, this reading basics course is designed to encourage students to excel in their reading adventures and endeavors. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550268.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing for Children Teacher Resources Courses for Kids More people every year are discovering the joy of scrapbooking to capture memories and create unique family and friend albums to keep and share. In this comprehensive guide to scrapbooking, the beginner will learn how to start her scrapbooking hobby without being overwhelmed. Everything from choosing the right supplies to get started to tips for journaling effectively is included in chapters that reflect the wide variety of scrapbooking styles and themes popular today. Scrapbooking 101 also includes a reference section with helpful advice on designing interesting lay-outs, developing an artistic eye and the story-telling aspects of scrapbooking. Original project suggestions are included as well as advice on how to make the time to enjoy your hobby properly. A resource guide with links to online scrapbooking sites that offer support, supplies and networking opportunities gives everyone from the beginner to the most advanced scrapbooker the opportunity to learn more. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550189.htm Sun, 7 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Walker Teacher Resources Literature Courses for Kids Genealogy is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States. According to some experts, nearly 75% of Americans are interested in discovering their family history. There are many reasons for this: some people are interested in learning more about their heritage, others want to preserve their family's history for future generations, while still others become involved as a means of spending time with older relatives. Whatever the reason, based on the number of books, web sites, and software programs devoted to this topic, there is widespread interest that continues to grow. While taking on the task of researching your family tree can appear and#8211; and in many cases actually be and#8211; a daunting task, it is far from impossible. Thanks to the increasing availability of information online, many people can easily conduct a great deal of their research from the comforts of their own home. In this course, we will present tips and strategies for beginning the process of constructing your family tree. In addition to describing the various records and sources available for finding information, we will help you to understand some basic genealogy terms and tools. We will also discuss the steps that you can take to permanently preserve your family's records and history. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550202.htm Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT S. Walker Teacher Resources Courses for Kids Parenting the Normal Teen is a faith-based parenting class designed to empower and support parents and children as they navigate the storms of adolescence. Religious affiliation is not a prerequisite for either taking or benefiting from the class. The class is, however, permeated with Christian principles which are embraced across denominational lines. Parents of preteens wishing to prepare themselves during the 'calm-before-the-storm,' as well as parents who are in the midst of the normal storms of adolescence will want to take this class. Those who are experiencing severe storms will want to take my class Solution Focused Parenting with Difficult Teens (SFP 101). Parenting the Normal Teen is a ten-lesson course, covering such things as communicating with your teen, relationship building, problem-solving, discipline, and faith development. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30732.htm Tue, 12 Sep 2006 20:53:20 GMT D. Campbell Homeschooling Strategies Have you ever wondered what happened to paying attention, completing assignments, being respectful in the classroom? And, have you every wondered how to basically transform the way students think about their responsibilities during your lessons? Perhaps you are looking for a new way to deal with those perennial discipline problems. Or maybe you want to just get through to your students better than you have been without conflict. Now what if I told you that the issues you've been dealing with in the classroom can be solved more effectively and more easily than you ever imagined? That there are techniques-proven ways, in fact, to reach virtually any student that comes through your door? Well, those techniques are here and I present them to you in this class called Learning Styles and Discipline. In this informative class, you will learn proven strategies you can use to motivate students every day by understanding student's individial learning style and how that style is related to discipline. You'll be amazed at what you'll discover! This course will help K-12 educators explain the connection between learning styles and discipline. You will learn strategies for: 1. Teaching students how they learn best 2. Avoiding conflicts in your classroom BEFORE your class is disrupted. 3. Establishing rules for student cooperation 4. Delivering warnings effectively 5. Promoting positive behavior by choosing appropriate consequences I personally invite you to take the time and make this investment in your career. Your students will than you for it! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32833.htm Tue, 4 Sep 2007 13:47:42 GMT R. Dolinsky Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies One of the most divisive and important events in American history, the Civil War (also called the War Between the States) pitted countrymen against countrymen in the new and developing republic of the United States of America. Among the many issues at stake were the role of central government, state's rights, slavery, and the fate of the Union itself, which had borne our fledgling nation through the American Revolutionary war and the War of 1812. Grim, brutal, and utterly personal, the Civil War claimed more American lives than any other war fought before or since the founding of the United States . No other war contains such philosophical and emotional impact, since the issues and concerns that were on the hearts and minds of the politicians, statesmen, combatants, and ordinary citizens of the late nineteenth century can still be seen in evidence even in modern times. No modern politician can ignore or discount the attitudes and mindsets the were forged in the Civil War and expect a measure of success--for many of those attitudes for both the North and the South still thrive in American society, culture, and debate. This course attempts to briefly summarize and present the major events and battles related to the War Between the States in chronological order. In addition, this course will set forth the major political issues and philosophies that set the stage for the Civil War, sustained the conflict, and continue to linger on to this day in the hearts and minds of most Americans. Finally, a list of the major figures related to the Civil War will be presented to highlight each notable person's contributions to the struggle itself and to the overall development of our nation. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32964.htm Sun, 6 Jan 2008 11:19:45 GMT E. Mackerson Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies This online course will prepare you to take the Social Studies portion of the GED (General Educational Development) test. The testing format will be explained and broken down to highlight the content this part of the exam will cover. This course will provide many resources from strategies, practice tests, practical assignments and researched netlinks attached to many test topics to be read at your own leisure. This course will analyze how to read social studies material, the basics of interpreting tables, graphs and political cartoon, as well as guides and links to outlines in History, Political Science, Economics, Geographic and Behavioral Studies. You will not need to know all of the extensive historical information learned in all social history, you will however need to understand the framework in which these questions originate. This course will provide this framework. This course will focus on the social studies portion of the GED exam. Other courses in this preparation series can be found here . http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30422.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT H. Bryant Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies This self-paced history course will examine the ancient civilizations that dominated historical records between the time periods of 3000 B.C. to 1200 B.C. The class will focus on Ancient Egypt Civilization, Sumerian Civilization, the Indus Valley Civilization, Ancient China Civilization, and the Aegean Civilization. In this class, students will not only di scover where and why these civilizations formed, but also explore the history, culture, daily life and the impact these ancient civilizations have on the cultures of today. The course is ideal for learners of all ages; from the school age student studying history to the adult learner interested in enhancing personal knowledge. Everyone is welcome to enroll and explore these ancient mysteries! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30423.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT H. Bryant Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies This online course will prepare you to take the Science portion of the GED (General Educational Development) test. The testing format will be explained and broken down to highlight the content this part of the exam will cover. This course will provide many resources from strategies, practice tests, practical assignments and researched netlinks attached to many test topics to be read at your own leisure. This course will analyze how to read material, the basics of interpreting tables, as well as guides and links to outlines in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences, and Physics. This course will focus on the science portion of the GED exam. Other courses in this preparation series include: 10767 - GED Preparation for the Social Studies Exam 16033 - GED Preparation for the Math Exam 14175 - GED Preparation for the Essay 14355 - GED Preparation for the Language Arts, Writing, Part 1 -or the complete study of the GED exam- 5298 - GED Preparation http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30424.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT H. Bryant Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies 'When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.' A television commercial announces that this particular investment company is so respected, so knowledgeable, so everything-that-an-investment-company-should-be, that everyone lends an ear when the company makes a statement pertaining to the investment industry, or anything else, for that matter. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of teachers, parents, and childcare providers regardless of the amount of knowledge or expertise that we possess. In fact, we devote a disturbing amount of time, energy, and financial resources in the overwhelming task of managing inappropriate behaviors of students and children, and it does not stop there. It is no secret that juvenile delinquency is a growing problem in our nation. The solution to this ever-rising detriment to society begins years before the adolescent makes his/her first appearance at the Juvenile Detention Facility. Behavior Management is an effective tool for use by parents, teachers, and childcare providers in the development of respectful, well-mannered children, who will later become productive members of society. Behavior Management strategies are designed to foster appropriate behaviors in children. Parents as well as educators can use these strategies successfully to promote enviable behaviors that are socially acceptable and academically beneficial. There is an ever-increasing need to diminish disruptive conduct in our classrooms because failure to do so results in time off task not only for the student or students participating in the disruption, but for the class as a whole. Each time that an educator has to stop teaching in order to reprimand a student, document the incident, and/or contact parents, valuable instructional time is lost. Children who exhibit disruptive behaviors at home create stress, anxiety, and emotional discord that affect every member of the family. This course will reference the specifics of various Behavior Management strategies. You may use them collectively or focus on a single strategy that that addresses a particular concern. You do not need a degree in education or psychology to experience success when using Behavior Management. There is little if any expense involved when implementing these techniques, and you will observe an increase in appropriate behaviors and a decrease in undesirable ones in a relatively short time period. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550061.htm Fri, 1 Aug 2008 11:45:41 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Autism Isn'tand#8230; A result of inadequate parenting Nor is it a learning disability. And a diagnosis certainly needn't be viewed as a life long sentence to mediocrity, emptiness, dissatisfaction or lack of either fulfillment or productivity. Autism is plainly and simply a neurobiological condition (more specifically a neurodevelopmental disorder) that comes with lifelong challenges but also brings with it some fantastic lifelong opportunities for growth. Opportunities which are not only limited to the person who has the condition, but also for siblings and other family members, friends and supporters. Certainly, nobody has to be condemned to a less than first rate life because they are labeled in some way, or another, as being defective or less than they can be, solely because they are autistic. Yes, it can be frightening (particularly to a new parent) when a child is diagnosed with a condition that has no known cure and about which many doctors and researchers still disagree. And yes, it may be a different life than a parent would have envisaged. BUT there is much more than just hope, there are living breathing examples of autistic people who have achieved much and will continue to achieve do so, such as the widely acknowledged Dr Temple Grandin (college professor, sought after professional speaker and inventor). Famous people of the past who were very likely to have been in some way autistic, include such as Albert Einstein. So autism is not only treatable but can in many ways utilized and developed as a gift. This course will give you an insight into this condition (once considered very rare) which touches many more lives than people realize, or even care to admit. There is much reason for hope! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550059.htm Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies The study of microbiology is extremely rewarding, leading to advances in the welfare of the environment as well as human populations. Pursuing this fascinating subject lead to such careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical research and forensics among other challenging professions. Regardless of whether you are a serious student considering a career in microbiology or a layperson who just wants to learn everything you can about the world around you, Microbiology 101 is guaranteed to change the way you look at the world. What will you gain by taking this course? Appreciation for the vital roles microbes perform; Awareness of the advantages--soil fertility and decomposition of organic matter--and disadvantages--food spoilage--of microbiology; Understanding of the comprehensive history of microbiology; Introduction to cellular respiration, bacteria, viruses, diseases, vaccines and drugs used for medical treatment. Join us in the comprehensive online course as we explore in detail all aspects of microbiology, including microbiology history, as well as an in-depth look at cellular respiration, bacteria, viruses, diseases, vaccines, and even drugs used in medical treatments. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31712.htm Sat, 10 Feb 2007 10:32:47 GMT J. Bennett Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies This online course will prepare you to take the Mathematics portion of the GED (General Educational Development) test. The testing format will be explained and broken down to highlight the content this part of the exam will cover. This course will provide many resources from strategies, practice tests, attached to many 'how to solve' test topics to be read at your own leisure. Topics covered will include: -Arithmetic (different forms of numbers, signs and symbols, how to perform various operations, how to solve problems with Fractions, Percents and Decimals, and much more) -Algebra (linear Equations and Inequalities, how to solve various word problems, how to simplify and factor numbers, and much more) -Geometry (Geometric Concepts and Relationships, understanding measurements of congruence and similarity, the Pythagorean Theorem, and much more) This course will focus on the math portion of the GED exam. Other courses in this preparation series include: 10767 - GED Preparation for the Social Studies Exam - http://universalclass.com/i/crn/10767.htm 13887 - GED Preparation for the Science Exam - http://home.universalclass.com/i/crn/13887.htm 14175 - GED Preparation for the Essay - http://home.universalclass.com/i/crn/14175.htm 14355 - GED Preparation for the Language Arts, Writing, Part 1 - http://home.universalclass.com/i/crn/14355.htm -or the complete study of the GED exam- 5298 - GED Preparation http://home.universalclass.com/i/crn/5298.htm http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30430.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT H. Bryant Homeschooling Strategies The universe is comprised of infinite space both on Earth and beyond. It is quite illuminating to discover the expansiveness that can be found by studying the night skies and not only learning about the array of celestial objects that exist but also understanding the reasons behind certain formations and intergalactic activities. In this course we're going to explore our night sky, constellations, our solar system, our galaxy, and what lies beyond the far reaches of space. In addition, we'll learn about past and current projects for space exploration, as well as future ideas for space travel. Our journey will also take us to black holes, quasars, supernovaes, brown dwarfs, and the string theory. And Lastly, we'll explore in depth on how we make observations from earth, and touch on the mechanics of optical telescopes that aid us in exploring the night sky. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31694.htm Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT J. Bennett Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies This course will demonstrate methods used to solve basic word problems. It is intended for students who need a basic understanding of how to set up and solve word problems that involve numbers, money, money terms, distances, percentages, mixtures and age. This self paced course provides step by step guides and links to practice exercises, web resources, and quizzes. This course is perfect for students struggling through word problems in a school environment, preparing for Math tests (such as GED or other college placement exams) or adults needing to improve business related skills. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30329.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT J. Tsung Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Special Education 101 is the first in a series of relevant, innovative and dynamic courses developed and taught by a leading educator in this field. This course explains why people with disabilities deserve respect rather than pity in their quest for full engagement in school and post school life, why special education is mandated by policy and law to meet the education needs of students with disabilities, how its goals are affected by the nation's commitment to equalize educational opportunities for this group of learners, the revolutionary basis of these equal opportunity goals, why an equalized educational experience should empower students with disabilities to be self-determined at school and beyond, and how current practice falls far short of these equal rights expectations. This self-paced online class is ideal for teachers wanting to update their professional skills, classroom assistants seeking more knowledge about the field and parents trying to understand how best to argue for equal opportunities. Be informed and inspired without the hassle of commuting or matching a pre-determined schedule. If you are a well-disciplined and motivated learner, you will thrive in our instructor-led environment. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33392.htm Thu, 6 Sep 2007 17:29:49 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Biology 101 is an excellent learning resource for the college or pre-college student. This logical and easy to understand class is divided into self-paced lessons, complimented with well-written text, diagrams, pictures, critical-thinking assignments and end of lesson review exams. This course is a wonderful, stand-alone resource covering all concepts in biology, and can also be used aa comprehensive review or a personalized tutor. Join today! And let's discover the wonderful world of biology together--from the structure and function of the cell to the complexities of current ecological issues. Additional topics include: Chemistry Fundamentals, Cell Biology, Classic and Molecular Genetics, Origin and Principles of Evolution, Plant Form and Function, Animal Form and Function, and Ecology. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30768.htm Sun, 27 Aug 2006 22:43:12 GMT J. Bennett Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Terrorism, is it the scourge of our time? Are you fearful of being involved in a terrorist attack? Quite frankly it almost depends on where in the world you live. It is often because a safe place today is a terror target tomorrow. With the desire on the part of the terrorists to obtain weapons of mass destruction, i.e. chemical, biological, or even a dirty bomb or nuclear bomb, the potential for a massive destructive attack increases exponentially. This course looks at the recent history of terrorism from the early twentieth century to today. You will learn: - The extent to which terrorism has become a part of life in the twenty-first century. - Why there is not a generally accepted definition of terrorism. - Acts of terrorism in the old world, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the new world. - Who in the world is acting to fight terrorism, or acting to support terrorism. - What the world is doing to combat terrorism. - The known terrorist groups and what are their goals. - The momentous influence that religion plays in terrorism - The continuous problems with political and military tactics in defeating terrorism. If you're p ursuing any career involving the field of political science or criminology, or if you are interested in understanding the reasons for terrorist acts, or want to know what the prospects are for the future of terrorism, this course will provide lots of disquieting but interesting information http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33314.htm Sat, 16 Feb 2008 11:48:26 GMT M. Coburn Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies This course is an examination of the psychological, physiological, social, and educational characteristics of individuals who are considered in need of special education services. The historical foundations, as well as the current trends in this field will be covered. The course, through reading of the literature and class discussion, seeks to provide the student with information which will allow identification and differentiation among groups of individuals with disabilities. Social and educational trends relative to exceptional individuals will also be presented. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/4586.htm Thu, 19 Aug 2004 10:10:03 GMT D. Mithaug Homeschooling Strategies World Religions 101 provides a clear and concise introduction to the major world religions. You'll learn about the people, places, practices and philosophies shaping today's events. Some religions might be familiar, some strange and some you may never have heard about but why not discover karma, nirvana, yin and yang and the Holy Trinity? Although many of us think of religion as a belief system practiced through faith, obedience, prayer and worship, you'll find that some religions are more than just a belief in a deity, but an entire philosophy and way of life. Explore the religions that have shaped history, civilizations and your next door neighbors views. You will learn about the founders, the history and essential teachings of each of these major religions: Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, and Taoism, plus brief descriptions of other religions and religious practices. Why not join this self-paced course and learn about the diverse spiritual paths humanity has taken? Everyone is welcome! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32276.htm Mon, 7 May 2007 22:44:32 GMT E. Mackerson Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies This self-paced All-In-One Math Course reviews the basics of arithmetic, algebra and geometry. The condensed course covers the following material: -Arithmetic: ( reviewing the use of numbers, signs and symbols, how to perform various operations, how to solve problems with Fractions, Percents and Decimals, and much more). -Algebra: ( reviewing linear Equations and Inequalities, how to solve various word problems, how to simplify and factor numbers, and much more). - Geometry: ( reviewing Geometric Concepts and Relationships, understanding Measurements of Congruence and Similarity, the Pythagorean Theorem, and much more). This compact course is an ideal 'crash course' for anyone needing review or instruction in these math areas or anyone who wants to improve results on high school or college exams. If you want a jump start before starting college or just interested in learning how to solve Math problems this is the course for you. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30330.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT J. Tsung Homeschooling Strategies This research-based introductory course will provide comprehensive information on Emotional and Behavioral disorders. The course material will provide you with information on the following: definitions, characteristics, prevalence, causes, assessment, education service placements, functional behavior assessment, ABA and Positive Behavior Supports, advocacy, and current issues in the field. This class will benefit all educators, teachers, counselors, parents and anyone else who is interested in learning more about these disorders. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32324.htm Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Unlike anything that had gone before it, the first great conflagration of the twentieth century was to set a precedent for all wars to follow. Involving nations from around the globe, the world had never seen a military conflict on this scale. This brutal struggle is known by many names: 'the Great War', 'The War to End All Wars', 'the First World War', and 'World War I'. Beginning in 1914 and lasting until 1918, this event would change the face of the world forever. Fought primarily in Europe, World War I claimed the lives of over nine million people and was one of the most deadly military conflicts in history. Much more than just an isolated incident in the history of humankind, the developing political climate in Europe had been brewing for a very long period of time. Alliances were formed, wars were fought over disputed territories, and bitter rivalries were established. What resulted was an epic-scale struggle for the domination of a continent and, perhaps, the world itself. For the first time in the history of warfare, aerial combat was used extensively. The trench-style warfare, complete with artillery fire, barbed wire, and chemical weapons, was unlike any conflict ever seen before. The aftermath of this brutal war would resolve little and, ultimately, pave the way for establishment of Nazi Germany and the next World War. In this course, the major issues and causes of the First World War will be discussed, along with a summary of the major battles, powers, and personalities (both military and political) that shaped the events and ultimate outcome of this epic struggle. This information should give the student a working understanding of the basic history of the war and how it helped set the stage for the next tragic global conflict. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550012.htm Wed, 6 Feb 2008 13:11:55 GMT E. Mackerson Teacher Resources Literature Homeschooling Strategies CHEMISTRY: It is Not Your Great-Grandfather's Science Anymore Moving beyond the white lab coat and test tube specimen chemistry once was, the science now encompasses a diverse spectrum of branches and sub-divisions. And, while it certainly is fascinating to become acquainted with the many different branches (physical chemistry, organic chemistry, etc) of chemistry that exist, it is reassuring to learn that within the science, as a whole, there remains to be a core compendium of central ideas used across the board. These central ideas, beginning with atoms and molecules, which are in everything that exists, leading up to the laws of conservation of matter and energy whereby nothing really disappears it simply transfers to another object or is absorbed; are all building blocks to more advanced forms of chemistry. These building blocks will be the focus of this course. Not only are the tenets of chemistry -- from the states of matter to the laws of thermodynamics -- useful in scientific circles, but they are directly applicable to a wide, wide range of everyday situations from cooking and cleaning to automotive repair and industrial manufacturing. While you may desire to expand upon your basic understanding of chemistry's main principles and central ideas, it is truly essential that you first master the basic components before bridging out to the more labyrinth levels. In gaining mastery over the fundamental concepts, you will be able to take in new ideas, theories and principles without losing sight of chemistry's basic teachings. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33561.htm Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:28:25 GMT J. Bennett Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies Experience America the easy way! Make a detailed journal in this course which you can keep as a handy resource for years to come! Learn about the fifty states which make up America. Learn the states facts, statistics, state resources, specialties of each state, and even the best places to see. Using all subjects-History, Geography, Science, Math, Spelling, Language skills, etc.-we show you all you need to know and more about America and each of the 50 States which make up the American Team! If you are under 13, please have your parent help you join, so you can have lots of fun learning with us! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/4411.htm Tue, 23 Jul 2002 13:48:50 GMT J. Manzoni Homeschooling Strategies This course will provide lots of useful information about learning disabilities from the perspective of the individual and the perspective of the parent. We'll cover numerous coping and teaching strategies, the role of an advocate, and much more. This self-paced, online class provides the tools and skills parents and teachers need to negotiate the many obstacles that often end up leaving young students with learning disabilities feeling helpless and defeated. Learning Disabilities: What You Need to Know covers these important topics: Definitions, Characteristics, Types and Prevalence, Causes, Assessment and Diagnosis, Educational Placement and Accommodations, Behavior Intervention, Learning Strategy Interventions, Advocacy, Current Issues in the Field. Join us to learn more about this hidden disability. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32280.htm Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources Homeschooling Strategies More and more people are crossing cultural lines to live, work, or study in a culture very different from their own. But what is the experience like? Mere survival, for the sake of family or pride? Escape to a safe ghetto of folks 'like me' who can buffer each other away from the foreignness all around? A series of misunderstandings, blunders, humiliations and disappointments? Or will you become one of the confident and contented world citizens, always moving out, seeing and learning new things all the time? Some experts claim that those living and working abroad with no preparation may have a success rate as low as one in seven! Fortunately, preparing is not difficult. By considering a few important issues ahead of time, you can substantially increase your chances of having an enriching experience that will probably change your whole life. So if you are going to work or study in a new country, or are dealing with people from many cultures in your current work, this class will help you learn to analyze your own cultural assumptions and become aware of those of others. We will discuss communication, culture shock, language and language learning, maintaining your health and security, home and family issues and other topics necessary and useful to help you become a confident and enthusiastic world citizen, able to enter and experience new cultures at will. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33611.htm Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:33:48 GMT N. Longatan Language Studies Communication influences all factors of your life. From daily interactions with strangers on the street to the way you present yourself in the board room, the way you communicate is a reflection of who you are and the way you establish relationships with those around you. Although there are many sides to communication (including verbal interactions, nonverbal cues, and even using technology to maximize impact), there are a few basic fundamentals that span across the nation and around the globe. By understanding the way you communicate and increasing your knowledge of conflict resolution and negotiation, you can increase your probability for success with others. Whether you are working in the business community, strengthening your personal relationships, or simply seeking to increase your comfort in reaching out to others as a whole, effective communication is your bridge from potentially hazardous misunderstandings to personal--and professional--success. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550121.htm Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Language Studies Anyone interested in beginning a profession as a travel agent should first determine the type of skills, training and certification necessary to provide travel services for clients--whether you work at an established travel agency, as an independent contractor, or as a home-based travel agent. This course offers both the history and future prospects of the travel industry as well as discusses different types of travel enjoyed by individuals, including domestic and international travel and travel by land, air, and sea. Popular travel services will also be explored, including escorted and self-directed tours and cruises. We'll also talk about travel technology that helps not only travel agents but also clients to get the most for their money regardless of their chosen type of travel. This travel agent course also introduces students to the office and business needs of a home-based travel agent. It will show you how to make use of computer reservations systems, and how to bank your business, develop small business know-how and will provide tips and strategies that will enhance the success of your new business while at the same time offering clients well-planned vacations. Students of this course will also learn the basics about passports and visas and various regulations and restrictions determined by embassies around the world--offering customers and clients up-to-date travel warnings and alerts that ensure ultimate safety and security. Additionally, students completing this course will understand how a travel agent is able to match travel and personalities to a multitude of travel options and opportunities that take into consideration budgets, needs, and desires of the traveler. Avoiding problems or conflicts with clients and helping clients deal with unforeseeable situations are also covered, as is the importance of consistently researching new technologies in the travel industry that will help build and enhance your career as a successful travel agent. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550206.htm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT D. Kapoor Language Studies World War II was a conflict like no other in human history. Everything that had made the First World War such a monumental event was soon eclipsed by the colossal scale and impact of the next. World War II involved more nations and soldiers than any major war before or since. The technology was grander and more deadly. The villains were easily identifiable, worthy adversaries bent on global domination. The resistance to the Axis Powers; comprised of Germany, Japan, and Italy; was pushed to their limit in terms of providing soldiers and war materiel. The epic battles of World War II on land, through the air, and at sea were waged with ferocity unlike any other war--on two fronts. The political and economic fallout from the First World War and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles did not bring about the lasting peace that was hoped. Rather, the outcome of World War I left the German nation a major power in Europe--and bitter over their defeat. The worldwide effects of the Great Depression had a major impact on the United States, Great Britain, France, and Germany, but the effects were most notably felt in Germany. This discontent led to the rise of Adolf Hitler, his Nazi Party, and the creation of the Axis. Determined to re-establish Germany as the true superpower in Europe, the Germany military sprung into action, conquering large amounts of Western Europe before many of the neighboring countries could realize what had happened. At the same time, Italy invaded North Africa and Japan began to expand its influence by conquering many islands in the Pacific. The effects of World War II cannot be underestimated, as they still impact lives and nations to this very day. The political re-structuring that occurred following the defeat of the Axis Powers left the world a very different place: the creation and use of nuclear arms, the establishment of the nation-state of Israel, the division of much of Eastern Europe, the rapid expansion of Communism throughout much of Asia and Europe, the division of Germany, America's rise to superpower status, and far more. Clearly, the impact of this greatest of wars cannot be emphasized enough. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550052.htm Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT E. Mackerson Literature Dream Interpretation 'A dream that is not interpreted is like a letter that has not been opened. ' ( The Talmud) Across cultures and over the ages -- since the beginning of history -- dreams and their interpretation have both intrigued and bewildered people. From the ancient Greeks and Egyptians (and the peoples before them), to the Sigmund Freud's and Carl Jung's of this world and beyond. That mysterious world we drift into and through, when we sleep, is bound by neither time nor space. It is a land where the impossible becomes possible, and the nonsensical appears completely plausible and practical. IT IS THE LAND OF DREAMS that has neither boundaries nor limitations -- a land where you can, and do, achieve whatever you aim for. BUT as with any other land you need to be able to understand, to be able to speak the language' and that is what this course is all about. We do not claim to cover everything you will want or need to know -- that would be impossible to do and misleading to claim. But after completing the course you will most certainly have the knowledge to make basic sense of your dreams and the ability to begin interpreting them correctly. Fluency will come to you with time, experience and a broadening of your skills. There is so much more we would have liked to include but the contents will most certainly ignite the torches within that will illuminate the way for you. You will learn how to become your own dream interpreter! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550125.htm Mon, 4 May 2009 15:05:24 GMT D. Mithaug Literature American History has been significantly shaped by two major wars: The Revolutionary War and The Civil War. This course will focus on both of these historical events. The American Revolution set the stage for the creation of one of the most powerful and influential countries in the history of the world. Key aspects of the war will be covered: such as the precipitous events that led up to the war, the shot heard around the world, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, portraits of American patriots and loyalists, the Battle of Long Island, portraits of Redcoat (British) generals and leaders, Valley Forge, the Battle of Yorktown, the Treaty of Paris, and more. The Civil War will present the major events and battles in chronological order, discuss the major political issues and philosophies that set the stage for the Civil War, sustained the conflict, and continue to linger on to this day in the hearts and minds of most Americans. A list of the major figures related to the Civil War will also be presented to highlight each notable person's contributions to the struggle itself and to the overall development of our nation. Both of these wars were grim, brutal, and utterly personal. The issues and concerns of both wars had great philosophical and emotional impact that continue to influence and inspire the hearts and minds of politicians, statesmen, combatants, and ordinary citizens even in modern times. No modern politician can ignore or discount the attitudes and mindsets the were forged in the American Revolution and The Civil War --for many of these central beliefs and attitudes continue to thrive in American society, culture, and debate. Each lesson will focus on particular aspects of the conflict, drawing to light important facts and other information relevant to the events at hand. This course is ideal for those seeking review of American History, extra tutoring, test prep, or the non-academic hobbyists and life-long learners. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550144.htm Sun, 1 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT E. Mackerson Teacher Resources Literature 'It's surprising how much of a memory is built around things unnoticed at the time.' - Barbara Kingsolver, novelist Memory is one of the most basic and important functions of the human brain. In fact, without memory we can't learn. Most people think of memory as how we recall past events, but it is also the building blocks for almost everything we do in the present and future. Our memories provide us with a sense of our own personality and give us the information we need to function properly in the everyday world. Communication, problem solving and relationships all rely to some extent on memories that we use to inform us as we take action. Of course, our brains can't remember everything. Brains simply don't have the capacity; if they tried to remember everything we experienced, there wouldn't be room for anything else. Involuntary muscle function, thought processes, the senses and numerous other activities would be crowded out. There are dozens of variables that affect how much we remember, how long we retain it and whether we can recall it. Fortunately, we can learn ways to improve how much we remember and enhance how long we remember it. This course will explain how memory works, and will also cover these topics: - Strategies to improve Memory - Peg Memory Systems - The Loci Method - Memorizing Numbers - Mnemonics - SCAD: Learning to Become an 'Expert Witness' - Faces and Names - Powerful Public Speaking - Everyday Memory Aids The class is self-paced and you can take it when it fits your schedule. So why not join and learn how to maintain a healthy memory and learn some memory improvement strategies! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550096.htm Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources Beginner to Intermediate Algebra is intended for students who need to gather a basic understanding of how to perform Algebra operations. This course will benefit current students and adult learners who need to know how to perform basic Algebra operations which involve simplifying, factoring, or solving equations in the form of inequalities, fractions, exponents and word problems. This online course takes the student's knowledge of arithmetic and extends it by introducing the concepts of variables and functions. These new concepts allow students to solve a range of problems involving unknown quantities in areas such as geometry, probability and statistics, and various real-world scenarios. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550270.htm Sun, 31 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT J. Tsung Teacher Resources Concentration is a part of our daily lives. We concentrate on our work and our life situations, either consciously or subconsciously. Is focus the same as concentration, and if not why are the terms often used so interchangeably? Why can some of us read a book, listen to music, and think about the day all at once? Why can some of us simply focus on the task at hand and find it difficult to think about anything else? How does age play a role? Are your concentration skills and ability to focus improved or taken away from based on your age? This course consists of eleven distinct lessons that will explore the process of concentration, factors that affect and enhance concentration, and ways of improving the concentration process. We will delve into the thought process, and how different circumstances can affect one's ability to focus and concentrate effectively. Furthermore, we will investigate the relationship between focus and concentration. Studies indicate that diet and the way we exercise our brains now can decrease the risk for Alzheimer's later. Certain foods and vitamins have also been reported to increase brainpower and improve the power of concentration. Lastly, the method and environment for your concentration will depend on the task that you need to accomplish. Not every task requires a loud music filled environment, nor does every task require a quiet library like setting. Can your concentration skills use some fine-tuning? We invite you to find out! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550156.htm Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources Legal questions come up regularly in our daily lives and the language of law is everywhere. Legal Terminology 101 is a comprehensive guide to the language of the legal system. If you're planning on purchasing a house, involved in a landlord-tenant dispute, making a will, buying a car, getting health insurance, applying for a credit card or hiring a lawyer then understanding the terminology of the contracts, forms and systems is vital for a successful outcome. This course is ideal for anyone wanting to quickly and easily learn common legal terms. Each of the self-paced lessons includes sound files so you can hear the pronunciation immediately. Whether you're a homemaker or a student or looking for work in the legal or business world this course will help you learn a new language the 'legal language' . http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32170.htm Thu, 15 Feb 2007 16:55:54 GMT M. Coburn Teacher Resources Did you realize that you are most probably an experienced grant writer already? 'NO' , you say, 'I've never written a grant in my life before' -- but you have. Most people out there have asked somebody, at some time, for something in writing (one way or another), so you have most likely followed some of the basic principles and procedures of putting a good case forward for something you want (and not necessarily for money). And basically that is what a grant proposal is all about. Okay, there's a little more to it than that--but the techniques you consciously (or unconsciously) learned when putting together those requests, when submitting them and SUCCEEDING, are a fabulous place to begin. BUT obviously you need to polish up that gem by building on the basics, learning the techniques, and following the requirements and conditions for writing successful grant proposals. And there is no better place to start than with this course. It doesn't supply all the answers, no one source does, but it's approach to the subject of grant writing is clear, straightforward, and easy to understand. It doesn't matter whether you are looking at grant writing just as a means of helping your child's school, or looking at it as a part or full-time career. You can and will be successful if you set your mind to it and invest a little of your time in carefully going through this course, researching sites suggested in it, and building from there. Join us today, and let's learn how to write a successful grant proposal! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550155.htm Thu, 5 Feb 2009 14:23:09 GMT D. Mithaug Writing Tools Teacher Resources This course introduces the methods, theories and main concepts used by psychologists to develop a real insight into the world of children. Child psychology is extremely important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is being able to understand and accurately predict a reasonable norm for child development. Proper discipline, teaching styles and communication styles are all based on understanding the psychology of childhood, which changes and develops over time. Intervention on behalf of children who have been raised in difficult circumstances or faced traumatic events also hinges on understanding child psychology -- children don't cope with situations in the same way adults do because they do not process information the same way and do not have the same emotional or reasoning skills. By studying child psychology, we can better understand children and equip them to become well-adjusted, more adaptable adults who are capable of living rich and varied lives. We can help our children through crises and enrich their daily lives by interacting with them in ways that are appropriate to their developmental levels. Is it any wonder that so many people choose to study child developmental psychology every year? This course is for all those who want to find out what psychology can tell us about the nature and development of children. This study is intended for students of psychology , those training to work with children in a variety of professional roles, or anyone just interested in understanding how children develop. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33248.htm Sat, 1 Mar 2008 11:05:43 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources This course deals with the nuts and bolts of Math. Students will become equipped with a solid foundation of the mathematical tools required to solve more complex mathematical operations. This course would benefit any student (regardless of age) who requires help understanding basic math skills in order to pass a placement test, a course, a specific job, or a review or brush up on math skills. No previous education is required though understanding lesson material assumes students at least have a 7 th grade reading level. Lessons will focus on the steps involved in adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing as well as the order of operations. In addition this course will focus on the various forms of numbers such as fractions, decimals, percents, radical signs, absolute value signs exponents, ratios. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30303.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT J. Tsung Teacher Resources A course that will help parents and educators understand the effects of violence and its impact on children. During the past 25 years, violent crime among juveniles has more than quadrupled, and weapons offenses for children ages 10-17 have doubled. What has happened? We must try to understand why violent and horrific events are occurring with alarming frequency. Who is to blame? Schools? Parents? Media? And more importantly, what can be done to prevent this escalation? This class will provide alarming but basic facts and statistics about violence and children; discussion regarding the news report, Little Criminals; possible causes of violence and early identification of potential for violence; how to help children avoid violent conflicts; and finally solutions that parents and educators ideas and resources to help prevent violence in their homes, schools and communities. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/3961.htm Thu, 27 Jun 2002 16:36:33 GMT S. Looper Teacher Resources ' Film Appreciation for Modern Audiences' is intended as a journey through the world of film, for a sampling of the thought and accumulated critical opinion that forms the basis of the modern stature of 100 years of film-making, as art or culturally important dramatic work. If you love film, here you can learn more about the narrow-passages of film-analysis, discussion of film, the period genres and movements in film-style, and more, for an informed opinion that will hopefully make your enjoyment of the film medium deeper. This course may be useful for professionals who need to be informed and conversant about the film-industry; for the layman who wants to know as much as he can about the world of film for his personal enjoyment; or for the student, hoping to become familiar with the 'lay-of-the-land' for film-criticism. Chapters include discussions on: v How you can get real enjoyment from the films you watch, and why you should care v Early film-history v The process of film-making and how it relates to understanding the films you watch v A look at 100 years of film-styles, genres and movements v A discussion of film-psychology, and some fascinating aspects of the perception of films v A review of 'films to watch', taken in 20-year periods starting in 1900, and moving through 2007, featuring all the classics from each era v General ideas about film and art-theory as a consumer habit v Film composers to know v Film directors to know v How to get your twenty-dollar's worth at the movie-theater v New ways to enjoy film and new audience technologies v And much more http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33251.htm Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:40:11 GMT E. Thomas Teacher Resources This is an overview of autism spectrum disorders. The course is an examination of the psychological, physiological, social, and educational characteristics of individuals who have been identified as having autism, pervasive developmental disorder, Rett's disorder, Asperger's syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder. By the end of this course, students will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to: The definition and characteristics of learners with autism spectrum disorders; causes and prevalence of autism; assessment and education placement options for individuals who are considered in need of special education services; and intervention. In addition, students will learn how to write instructional objectives, long-term goals, individualized education programs, and instructional plans for children with ASD. Core Lessons: a) Definition and Characteristics b) Causes and Prevalence c) Assessment and Placement d) Instructional and Behavioral Intervention e) How to Write Instructional Objectives for Children with ASD f) How to Write Long-Term Goals (Annual Goals) for Children with ASD g) How to Write Individualized Education Programs for Children with ASD h) How to Write Instructional Programs for Children with ASD http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/5514.htm Sun, 1 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources Preparing for your job interview could very well be one of the most important moments of your career. Landing the perfect job can be a challenge, but with the determination and passion you will need to begin a successful career, you can easily overcome this challenge, and bring a lot of valuable experience with you to the next interview if you don't get the job. Just a little preparation and thought ahead of time can have wondrous effects on your interviewing skills. This course will go over the issues and provide an in-depth analysis of the interviewing process. With some independent practice, this course can help you prepare successfully for any job interview! Topics will include: Common Interview Questions What Employers Want Attitude and Effort Body Language Research The Mock Interview Phone Interviews Behavioral Interviews Closing the Interview Thank You Notes http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550092.htm Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:42:09 GMT S. Patel Teacher Resources This course familiarizes parents, teachers, and paraprofessionals with appropriate behavioral approaches and methods for the instruction and management of individuals with disabilities. This course is designed to provide students with the fundamental vocabulary, philosophy, and methodology of the science of behavior management. Specifically, this first course will focus on the foundations, scientific terminology, and the basic principles and tactics of the science of applied behavior analysis. Data collection procedures and classroom management techniques will also be a major focus of this course. This is an introductory course, so much of the course content will involve definitions of scientific terms and simple applications of the principles and strategies of the science to real-world educational or societal settings. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550005.htm Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources Preventing child abuse is everyone's responsibility. This includes law enforcement personnel, educational, medical personnel as well as housewives, friends, and neighbors. Child Abuse education is important so that they may recognize various aspects of child abuse, including neglect, sexual and physical abuse, and other forms of maltreatment. This course offers basic instruction for students to help them to understand the typical profiles of child abusers and the definitions of various forms and aspects of neglect and abuse. Repercussions for failure to report suspected neglect or child abuse of any form may be punishable by civil or criminal liabilities. Who is required to report child abuse as well as the guidelines and protocols for reporting are addressed in these lessons. Law-enforcement personnel are required to initiate investigations following jurisdictional procedure and protocol. Prosecutors are required to ensure that evidence is admissible in a court of law and that child abuse investigations are completed in a timely manner and as thoroughly as possible. Methods of interviewing children as well adults or suspects are included in this course. Education and child abuse law enforcement procedures, investigative techniques, filing report guidelines and how surveillance is used to find and charge a suspect are all parts of a child abuse investigation that require teamwork. Learn how to recognize forms of abuse and understand child abuse cases, from crime scene investigation and preserving evidence to charging sexual or physical abuse reports and interrogating a suspect. Preventing child abuse is everyone's responsibility and#8211; learn how to spot it and how to stop it. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550243.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT M. Money Teacher Resources This research based introductory course will provide comprehensive information on Attention Deficit Disorders. This course is a useful resource for teachers, parents and others involved in caring and educating of individuals with ADD and ADHD. The readable and well organized material will educate and encourage the practice of pragmatic intervention strategies that will help these children reach their full potential. Course material will provide you with information on definitions, characteristics, prevalence and types, causes, assessment and diagnosis, educational placement services, behavioral and medication interventions, family issues, and current events for children with ADD and ADHD. This information will benefit all educational teachers and counselors, parents or anyone who is interested in learning about this disorder. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32333.htm Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources This is an overview of autism spectrum disorders for teachers and paraprofessionals. We will examine the psychological, physiological, social, and educational characteristics of individuals who have been identified as having autism, pervasive developmental disorder, Rett's disorder, Asperger's syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder. The first half of this course will focus on definition, diagnosis, causes, intervention and program planning. The second half of this course will examine specific intervention strategies (involving ABA, TEAACH Model, and Self-Regulation). The last few lessons will also instruct on how to create learning goals, short term and long-term objectives, the IEP form and creating a lesson plan for students with Autism. Course Goals: By the end of the course, the student will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to: 1. The definition and characteristics of learners with autism spectral disorders 2. Causes and prevalence of autism 3. Assessment and education placement options for individuals who are considered in need of special education services 4. Intervention strategies 5. How to create learning goals and objectives 6. Become familiar with the IEP form 7. Become familiar with the process of creating a lesson plan for students with Autism http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550006.htm Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources This course establishes the foundations for employing positive approaches in the treatment of people with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders by covering the principles of equal opportunity and self-determination and their relationship to self-determined learning. This basis leads to prescriptions for self-determined learning and positive behaviors. The course covers: (a) approaches for dealing with challenging behavior (functional; behavior assessments; positive behaviors supports, and supportive instructional environments), (b) instruction methods (teaching self-regulation of inappropriate behavior, social behavior, and play; and the teaching of generalized self-regulation of independent work); (c) principles of curriculum design; (d) curriculum guides for self-determined learning (schedule following and self-monitoring; and self-regulation and self-determined learning); (e) school to work transition (generalization and adjustments during transition, transition programming, student-directed IEPs; (f) supported work (assessing workplace interests and opportunities, assessing and teaching cue-card use at work; teaching problem solving for adjustments at work; and (g) evaluation methods (daily progress evaluation; evaluations of self-determined learning, assessments of self-determination). http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/5369.htm Mon, 12 Jul 2004 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources This course presents educational approaches that are effective in establishing high rates of learning, building self-regulation skills, and increasing prospects for self-determination for children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. Since many of the lessons and assignments are to be completed with children and youth in school settings, students interested in enrolling in this course must have access to the classroom. Course Lessons: By the end of the course, the student will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to: A. Basic Concepts of Applied Behavior Analysis Instruction B. Early Speaker Behavior C. Curriculum for Establishing Listener Repertoires D. Behavior Increase and Decreased Principles E. Measurement F. Teachers as Scientific Decision Makers G. Self-Regulation H. Assessment of Self-Regulation I. Monitoring Adaptive Responding J. Teaching Choice-Making and Problems Solving during Self-Regulation K. Self-Determination L. What is Self-Determination? M. Assessing Self-Determination N. Teaching Self-determination Skills O. Opportunities for Self-Determination P. Encouraging Self-Determination in Daily Living. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/5515.htm Sun, 1 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources This course will discuss the informed consent process including what to tell patients participating in clinical trials, who should consent patients into clinical trials. We will also discuss what investigators must tell the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Committee (EC) and how often they must get approval from the IRB/EC. We will also review the reason regulations are needed, which regulations apply to protecting research subjects and their privacy. An Informed Consent Form template is included in the course. Most Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and Ethic Committees (ECs) require clinical research investigators, clinical research coordinators and other clinicians complete a course on Human Subject Protection annually. This course may satisfy that criteria. Who will benefit: Clinical Monitors (CRA), Sponsors, Investigators, Auditors and persons interested in conducting or participating in clinical trials will benefit from taking this course. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33302.htm Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:52:41 GMT S. Wilson Teacher Resources Welcome to the world of Physics! Here, we will explore the natural laws of how the universe operates. This introductory course covers all the fundamentals of Physics, and is comprehensive enough for students already familiar with the subject. Join now, and together we'll learn about momentum and energy, force and motion, gravity, particles, the five states of matter, temperature and heat, sound waves, electricity, magnetism, and light. Today, much of technology and our lifestyles is brought to us by the laws of Physics, yet surprisingly, most people don't understand the fundamentals. Acoustics, astronomy, electromagnetism, electronics, nuclear power, optics, nanotechnology are just a few of the industries requiring an understanding of Physics. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31724.htm Tue, 27 Feb 2007 15:02:02 GMT J. Bennett Teacher Resources Speaking in front of a group of people is one of the most common fears people experience. In fact, it may be more feared than death...or even spiders . Yet being able to present ourselves, our companies, our ideas and products to others is one of the most essential skills to have in life. The ability to communicate our ideas effectively helps other people catch our enthusiasm--and without that enthusiasm and support of others, many great projects would never get off the ground. During the course of this training, we will discuss exactly what a presentation is and how improving your public speaking skills can positively influence many different aspects of your life. We will talk about understanding the situation at hand, knowing your audience, and believing in your subject matter. Then, we will present strategies for researching, organizing, and developing your presentation. We'll also discuss some techniques to help you deliver a confident presentation and review what you can do in the future to improve your presentations skills for the long-term, making each future presentation you do, easier on you and more rewarding for those attending. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550101.htm Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources Whether you are seeking to raise funds for your non-profit group, a worthy charity, political or religious organization, your local school or to provide community specific aid, this detailed course will provide you with everything you need to know about the basics of fundraising. Although Fundraising 101 is geared towards the novice, even those with past fundraising experience will find useful ideas and the latest information. Fundraising is a fulfilling and worthwhile endeavor, it can also be overwhelming and confusing if you are not sure where to start or how to stay on track. With the magnitude of charities out there soliciting funds from givers it also becomes a difficult task to make your own group stand out from the others. Convincing potential contributors to rally to your cause requires the efforts of several dedicated individuals and substantial organization long before you ever ask that defining question--'Would you please help with your donation?' Making full use of this course in its entirety is the first step in turning the dreaded response ' I gave at the office,' into the much desired 'Sure, I can donate!' http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32862.htm Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Writing Tools Teacher Resources Professional counselors need a strong foundation to prepare them for entering the profession of counseling. If you are seeking a program to enhance your skills, or just want to learn more about this career, Introduction to Counseling will give you great insight toward reaching your educational goals. The course will focus on counselor's work as well as a counselor's typical day, provide understanding into how personal and professional ethics play a major role in the dynamics between counselor and client, and the challenges of various abnormal behaviors and mental disorders a professional counselor must face in helping people to live their own life rather than be lived by it. This self-paced course incorporates a vast variety of areas that apply to many different environments and circumstances including addiction, marital problems, eating disorders, bereavement, educational and career counseling. You'll learn the top ten basic counseling skills to create a positive relationship between client and therapist and how these skills can help the client to make positive changes. Introduction to Counseling offers an inside view of core counseling techniques and approaches, and opportunities for counseling professionals to understand the complex role client diversity plays in their work. When the ailment can't be measured by numbers on the thermometer, that's when a counselor's work begins. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550089.htm Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:30:56 GMT D. Mithaug Teacher Resources Meteorology is a fascinating subject. Because of its very nature, it is never constant or boring. Studies and observations of weather and climate and its impact on humans and the environment offer everything from gorgeous sunsets to terrifying hurricanes and tornadoes. The study of land, atmospheric pressure, cloud formation and storms offers students of meteorology a never-ending and fascinating look into the forces of nature and our surrounding environment. From how rainbows form to the impact of pollution on the environment, this basic meteorology course explores such topics as: how geography affects weather, cloud formation, wind forces, weather forecasting methods, and global weather patterns (such as El Niand#241;o). From weather forecasting to water conservation, we'll introduce you to the vagaries of weather watching and prediction. We'll study the effects of pressure fronts that create hurricanes, tornadoes, and cyclones. We'll offer students clues on how to watch the sky for signs of change, as well as provide a greater understanding of the development and formation of some of the most awesome powers on earth. While many of us watch the local television station for news, our decisions of what to wear, when to plant seeds, or when to travel is often affected by unexpected changes in weather. From ancient times to the present, mankind's efforts to predict and forecast weather patterns have displayed mixed results. This course offers students a look at the history of meteorology as well as the impact humanity has on our own local climate and weather. So join us today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550127.htm Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT J. Bennett Teacher Resources This online course will prepare you to take the GED (General Educational Development) test. The testing format will be explained and broken down to highlight the five testing areas along with the content each of these sections will cover. This course will provide many resources from test tips and strategies, practice tests and recommended book preparations, and researched netlinks attached to many test topics to be read at your own leisure. The GED test covers a wealth of information within the five-test sections. These test sections include English Grammar and the Mechanics of Writing, Social Studies, Science Studies, Math Studies and Literature Studies. You will not need to know all of the information in these areas to pass the GED, but you will need to know and understand several of the main topics in each area. This course highlights, provides a brief summary/definition/ or example of each of these main topics. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30421.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT H. Bryant Teacher Resources Are you in the dark about how the Internet works? Do you wonder how in the world it is possible to communicate with someone on another continent in the blink of an eye? This straightforward course clearly and plainly lays out the basics of the Internet in a light and interesting way. It also offers valuable information about how to protect your computer, your family and yourself from the inevitable dangers that naturally arise in a system so open, and so very powerful. With a tool as elegant and robust as the Internet, it is good to know what you are looking at when you see or hear about things like 'TCP/IP' and#8211; it's not all complex programming language, but often just logical abbreviations for simple terms that best describe the process. You will be more comfortable using the Internet after taking this course. You will be able to hold a meaningful discussion, not only socially, but with technicians and computer geeks. Get online and get informed with our Internet Fundamentals class! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550204.htm Tue, 19 May 2009 13:01:57 GMT S. Mellencamp Teacher Resources This course teaches you how to navigate the library easily, and with confidence. You will learn the system of shelving, book classifications, and all the other important components to library efficiency. We will go into depth on subjects like History, Science, Health, Math, Zoology and much more. In addition to the many learning skills in the course, with your enrollment, you will receive a free copy of our beginners course Learn How to Teach Library Skills. Remember, if you are a student age 13 or under, an adult must enroll you. This class will meet all the education requirements and eduation standards of the elementary student. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/2999.htm Tue, 26 Feb 2002 10:07:04 GMT J. Manzoni Teacher Resources The individual who pursues a career as a mediator can look forward to a job that is personally satisfying and financially rewarding. With its emphasis on fairness and cooperation, this career is an ideal choice for those who are empathetic and want to help others bring their conflicts to a positive resolution. Mediation allows the parties involved to reach resolutions more quickly, inexpensively, and amicably than may be possible through the court system. This Mediation 101 course is not only geared toward those who are interested in learning what it takes to become a professional mediator, but it also makes a great tool for those who will be involved in any aspect of mediation. By explaining the stages involved in the process, as well as clearly outlining the roles each party plays, this online class can help reduce anxiety and answer any questions that might have arisen over the issue of whether or not mediation is the right alternative for a particular case. From the basics of defining just what mediation entails, to the more in-depth issues surrounding mediator liability, this course creates an excellent starting point for those who would like to have a solid understanding of the process. This class also covers the types of information necessary to determine whether or not a case is a good candidate for mediation, the confidentiality issues involved, and what follow-up activities can be expected. Additionally, each section concludes with a quiz that allows you to assess your comprehension of the information presented. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550251.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT M. Money Teacher Resources In six easy lessons, this course will prepare you to become a substitute teacher. This course provides real-world instruction, practical assignments, helpful short quizzes, access to scores of FREE top-quality resources, and the opportunity to interact online with other motivated students! You'll learn exactly what you need to know to become a substitute teacher, plus you'll get lots of insider tips for making the most of your time in the classroom--and much, much more! *for additional information about the severe substitute teacher shortage in schools across the nation, and why enrolling in this course to learn these skills is a great investment for your future, please refer to the course syllabus. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/9061.htm Sat, 14 Aug 2004 00:00:00 GMT J. Castellucci Teacher Resources This ESL basic grammar and writing course will provide an introduction to the basics of American English grammar and writing. We'll be covering the following topics in detail: - review the basic English structure in the form of nouns, verbs, prepositions, adjectives and adverbs - review the proper use of pronouns, prepositions, and conjunctions - practice sentence structure and mastering subject-verb agreement - cover writing basics - improve reading comprehension - increase your vocabulary - learn how to write clearly and more effectively - learn how to organize your thoughts and write a personal or business letter Whether you are learning English as a second language or are a native speaker striving to improve your English and writing skills, using proper grammar rules and writing guidelines are essential building blocks to creating clear and understandable thought processes and ideas. Communication is vital in today's society. It is not enough to merely be able to speak and understand spoken English. In the United States, English writing and comprehension is a necessary job skill for nearly all job industries and career paths. In order to develop practical writing skills, you must understand the basics of English grammar and sentence structure. Knowing the proper way to communicate in a wide range of fields will help promote your self-confidence, increase your skill levels, and ensure your job advancement and promotion. This course will guide you through the basic grammar structures and rules as well as focus on improving the necessary skills leading to clear and accurate writing. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550269.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Improvement Teacher Resources One of the most divisive military efforts in United States history since the Civil War was the Vietnam War. A subject of widely-differing opinions at the time, the controversy rages still today over whether or not America should have involved itself in this bloody and hard-fought conflict. The primary aim of our involvement in Vietnam was to contain the spread of communism in Southeast Asia following the events of the Korean War and the Chinese Civil War of 1949. The United States officially backed the anti-communist Republic of South Vietnam (South Vietnam) against the forces of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), also called the 'Vietcong'. The North Vietnamese received military and economic assistance from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and the People's Republic of China (Communist China), which greatly prolonged the conflict and created a significantly more difficult obstacle for the U.S. Armed Forces to surmount. What followed was one of the most brutal and unique wars ever fought by America. This course will examine the history of the Vietnam War. It will provide the student with the historical background that set the stage for the conflict, the events that led directly to the war, the major issues involved at home and abroad, and an overview of the major battles. Further, this course will also cover the non-military aspects of the war, such as the changing political climate in the United States during the late 1960s, that had a profound impact on the outcome of the struggle. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550223.htm Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT E. Mackerson Teacher Resources Fear fractions no more. And learn whether to add first or multiply first in a string of operations. Whether you are struggling with basic math functions in a course today, you are taking a new job that demands understanding of math, or you simply need to review or remember some part of basic math, this course will bring you up to speed. Learn to really understand addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; know how to calculate and move among decimals, fractions, and percents; figure out ratios and proportions like a pro; and learn to use a calculator for basic math functions. This course deals with the nuts and bolts of Math. Students will become equipped with a solid foundation of the mathematical tools required to solve more complex mathematical operations. This course would benefit any student (regardless of age) who requires help understanding basic math skills in order to pass a placement test, a course, a specific job, or a review or brush up on math skills. No previous education is required though understanding lesson material assumes students at least have a 7 th grade reading level. Lessons will focus on the steps involved in adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing as well as the order of operations. In addition this course will focus on the various forms of numbers such as fractions, decimals, percents, radical signs, absolute value signs exponents, ratios. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550272.htm Sun, 31 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT J. Tsung Teacher Resources If you have ever dreamed of being a freelance writer this course is for you. Get started today learning about this exciting field and in no time you can be on your way to earning a living, extra income, and more, by doing something that you love and#8211; writing! Chock-full of all the inside information you need to understand the career field and be successful in it, this course can teach you what freelancing writing is, how much you can expect to make, how to find markets, creating successful queries, what to do once you get an assignment, and how to market your skills. You will also learn some of the tools of the trade that will help you be successful, such as how to build a portfolio, where to get ideas and topics from, common writing rules that are outdated, and various ways you can increase your earnings as a writer. This course will not only give you a look at everything you need to know to become a freelance writer, but when you finish, you will be ready to put what you learn into action to build a freelance writing career. Whether you would like to freelance on a full time basis, do it to supplement your current income, or learn freelance writing skills to get your product or service noticed, this is the place to start! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550289.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing Creative Fiction This is a basic, nuts-and-bolts course, for people who wish to write screenplays, but don't know much about it. Because screenwriting is demanding both technically and in the market for jobs and sales, 'Getting Into The Screenwriting Game to Win' attempts to go through each essential aspect needed for a beginner to get started, stick with it, and yes, make a sale or get a job. In this course you will learn basic rules and skills. There's no excuse for a poorly formatted script, you're really only wasting your time. Traditional three-act structure for film-stores can be debated endlessly, but it works, it's very functional, it's fairly easy to understand, and you can't neglect at least a passing familiarity with this mode of expression for your stories. Get in touch with the industry, the markets, what's selling, where to find opportunities, how to deal with people. Approach your work standards and work environment seriously, because you'll be spending a lot of time there. If you get a deal, don't get screwed for careless anticipation of the money involved, and if you get screwed, don't be surprised. And remember that if you can't make it to the top and win an Oscar for some super-big film you wrote, it's still a wonderful way to make a buck at your computer doing smaller gigs and 'for-hire' work. Screenwriting is also therapy. It's good for you, and your imagination and thoughts will develop wonderfully as you work through each visualization---but be sensitive to the audience, don't exploit our world with endless images of violence and gore (at least not without a reason), and don't hop in bed with unethical projects or money-sources just because you can. It's a wild world for films and film-makers---stay on the bright side and keep it safe and legal. The hope is that for the beginner, this course presents a working knowledge of what is needed to get started writing screenplays in a realistic and informed way. Beyond this, you're now free to roam where no screenwriter has gone before---and what a wonder it is to wonder. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550280.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Creative Fiction Humor Writing There's no trick to being a humorist when you have the whole government working for you. (Will Rogers) Laughing- the salve of the soul. When we feel at our lowest sometimes the only thing that can turn our mood around and lift us up is a good hearty laugh. The comedy capers of some people can at times save our sanity. We envy those who can readily laugh and even more so those people that can make others laugh. This course will help you join this group, by covering things such as the advantages of keeping your humor in flow, how to guarantee laughs, the power of shock value, the importance of preparation and humor as a group effort -- and that's all just for starters! Writing- when we think back to the things that have moved us deeply, that have stirred us emotionally, many of those have been pieces of writing. It takes skill to create a piece of writing, one word after another, one sentence after another and put it together in such a way that people really want to read it. During this course you'll not only be given advice on how to write, but what not to write, how to market your material in a way that gives you the best possible chance of establishing a continuing comedy writing career and some tips you can utilize to assist you in writing good humor. This course is not like many others, in that it is not exercise after exercise and so-called hot tips guaranteeing to give you instant writing success, there is no such thing. What it will do for you is give you the best possible advice on how to build a solid foundation for your humor writing future, i.e. a career in writing that lasts! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550293.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Do you dream of writing poetry, short stories, or novels? Have you ever watched a movie or a play and felt the desire to write a script of your own? Or have you already done some writing but want to find ways to bring more creativity, more originality, to your writing? Have you ever read a so-so novel or seen a lousy movie and told yourself, 'I bet I could do better?' Do you find yourself excited and intrigued by words, and by their sounds and meanings? If you said yes to any of these questions, then this course is for you. A creative writer makes art just as a painter or sculptor does, but with different tools. Instead of brushes, canvas, and pigments, the writer uses words. While the painter produces a painting we can see in front of us, the writer makes magic of a different sort. With a simple palette of letters and punctuation - just lines and symbols scratched on paper or scattered on a computer screen - the writer can create pictures and even entire worlds within a reader's mind. There are many forms of creative writing, from fiction, to poetry, to stage play and screenplay. Within each form there are countless genres and flavors. As a writer, you can (and should) try your hand at as many forms as you like, or you can specialize in one. There are techniques and practices that are common to all forms of creative writing, and we will discuss those here. We will also touch on the challenges and techniques that make writing in the different forms unique. Throughout this course, you will find numerous exercises designed to get your brain - and your hand - moving. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550286.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Writing a romance novel is the dream of many people all over the world. It's no wonder: as the most popular fiction genre in the United States for the past three decades, there are more opportunities in romantic fiction than ever before. What's unique about the romance genre is that it is a very specialized industry. There are standards for plot, characterization, novel length, and even formatting that are required before most literary agents or publishers will even consider turning your manuscript into a published novel. Most readers know exactly what they expect from a romance novel, and you have to meet these expectations in order to succeed. This course will take you through everything you need to know to write the kind of romance novel that gets noticed. From creating a hero and heroine that sizzle to understanding point-of-view and knowing where to go for more resources, you'll get access to insider information on making the most out of your manuscript. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550290.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing Creative Fiction This course is perfect for those who have an interest in either Creative Writing or the Mystery Genre . If you love to write and want to move into this popular genre, or you love to read a great mystery and have often thought you could do it, this course is for you. Taking you through the processes of creating your Mystery Novel, this course begins by looking at the mystery genre itself and examining this type of writing attribute. We'll then move on to helping you become inspired and motivated as you get started. We'll also focus on some of the important elements of a good mystery--the setting, the characters, the plot, etc.--and help you to become familiar with all the tools the mystery writer uses to create multi-layered, addictive mystery fiction that a reader just cannot put down. Our innovative writing exercises will get your creative juices flowing by bringing out the writer in you and sparking new ideas. Additionally, there are questions after each lesson which will allow you to recap what you have learned and test your knowledge. The entire course is designed to offer you great information in a way that will get you thinking about your own mystery and personal writing practices. Whatever your age, experience or level of ability, this course constantly challenges and informs you so that your writing can't fail to improve and you will learn how to stay motivated and inspired through the entire writing process. For new, aspiring writers--become the mystery writer you have always wanted to be! And for seasoned writers looking to expand their horizons--we'll help strengthen your writing abilities with this very informative course. So join us today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550292.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing Creative Fiction Technical writing is the art and science of translating technical information into readable, accessible writing usable by a wide audience. If you have ever read the user's manual for a piece of software or equipment you've purchased, you've seen technical writing in action. Creating manuals, help and technical support systems, online help systems, and instruction manuals are some of the main projects technical writers take on. Since nearly every business in every industry imaginable has at least an occasional need to bring technical information to its users and customers, technical writing is found in nearly every business, government agency, and non-profit organization. If you work in a high tech industry, technical writing may be a part of your job description and daily duties. If you love to write, enjoy learning, and have an interest in technology, technical writing can be an exciting, rewarding career in itself. Job opportunities in the field are expected to grow as technology continues to advance. Whether you are called upon to communicate technical information to clients and coworkers, or you are thinking of technical writing as a new and interesting career, this course is designed to help you get started. We'll talk more about the kinds of products technical writers get involved in, and discuss the kinds of skills that successful technical writing requires. We'll talk about ways to approach and organize a technical writing project, and look at the kinds of materials technical writers produce, from written manuals to video tutorials. For those looking at technical writing as a new career, we'll discuss ways of improving your skill set, getting training, making contacts, and breaking into the field. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550201.htm Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:50:51 GMT D. Mithaug Writing Tools Writing Improvement We live in world where communication is paramount to survival. In a work environment where communication is equated with the professionalism and efficiency of an individual, would you jeopardize your career because of bad writing? Do you want the embarrassment of sending out a poorly written email to your peers? Can you risk sending out badly written communications to customers and putting your company's reputation on the line? Of course not, no one aspires to be a bad writer. No one wants to communicate badly. This crash course in business communication may help remedy your writing woes. From the basic do's and don'ts of business communication to the nitty-gritty of formatting, punctuation, tone and language--this course covers all the fundamentals. As a one stop guide to a professional's writing career, the class is ideal for assistants, secretaries, executives, managers, and senior managers of any company or organization. Learn about the common mistakes we make when writing a business letter. Learn how often people mistake 'affect' for 'effect', and 'except' for 'accept'. Learn about how to write business emails. This course will also give you insights into your reader's mind. Who are they? What do they want? How can you effectively reach out to them? So join us today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550257.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement Do you hear stirring speeches that inspire to go out and take to heart what the speaker was talking about? Do you wonder how some people can sell nearly anything simply by how they talk? If you do, then chances are you are wondering about being persuasive. Being persuasive is one of the greatest skills you can have, because a true master of persuasion can convince people to do nearly anything. Every great politician, army general, business leader and community organizer have been experts at persuasion because they have to inspire you to follow them. You too can be an expert at persuasion. In fact, you can learn to be an expert in the most difficult type of persuasion: written persuasion . Being an expert at written persuasion means you have the ability to convince people not with your verbal skills, but with your written skills. Whether it is a business proposal, letter to the editor, advertisement, or even an essay, you will have the ability thanks to this comprehensive online course on how to persuade people with your written words. By utilizing the tools within this Persuasive Writing Techniques class, you will find everything in your life increases, from your potential pay as you begin impressing bosses with your persuasive writing, to purchasing cars because you will know the persuasion tricks before they happen to you. Learning persuasion techniques can be one of the best skills you ever develop for yourself. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550210.htm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT C. Addington Writing Tools Writing Improvement Speed reading provides you with the tools and information you need to improve not only the speed that you read, but your comprehension and concentration as well. Speed reading will also provide you with effective tools that you can use when you're in a pressure reading situation. Throughout the course, you will find a number reading passages to test your words per minute reading rate as well as your comprehension abilities. A number of drills are also provided so that you can retrain your eyes and expand your vision, which is an essential skill for reading at a much faster rate. Far too many people still read at the same rate they were taught in elementary school and speed reading will help you to break your elementary reading habits. Additionally, you will learn how to break other bad habits that are slowing you down. This includes subvocalization, using your fingers while you read, and reading aloud or under your breath. These are bad habits that many people have developed from poor reading skills and never being taught more effective reading habits. When you learn to speed read, you are able to break these bad habits and improve your reading rate as well as your comprehension of the material. Many people believe that speed reading requires months of training and that you need to work with someone specialized in speed reading. However, with just a few minutes of practicing each day, you are able to improve your reading level, improve your reading rate and comprehension, all on your own. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550263.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement There you are, cold-calling yet another sales prospect. Your verbal pitch is pure gold; your prospect is attentive--interested--and seems ready to buy. But just as you're about to close the deal, you hear that eternal refrain: ' Send me something in writing!' And the line goes dead. What do you do now? Oh, we're so glad you askedand#8230; This SALES, MARKETING and ADVERTISING WRITING course will demonstrate that virtually every sale depends on the written wordand#8230;ranging from a three-word caption in a movie poster, to a multi-page booklet that covers every conceivable aspect of a product. It will also demonstrate that when used properly, the written word can be your least expensive yet hardest-working employee, willing to work in any number of formats to bring in millions in revenue. When used improperlyand#8230; or not used at alland#8230;the written word can cost you millions. The ability to write all three subjects effectively is crucial to success in any businessand#8230;and, in fact, life itselfand#8230;for what is a resume if not an and#8216;advertisement' for oneself? While Sales, Marketing, and Advertising are often considered separate entities within the business world, they do in fact influence each other, and are dependent on each other. Without properly written Marketing materials, crucial time and resources are lost as a product or service is presented to the wrong consumersand#8230;.or the right consumers in the wrong manner. Without effective Advertising copy, consumers are oblivious to the product or service's existenceand#8230;or, worse, notice it in a negative light. A savvy sales professional may be able to initiate a sale through mere spoken words, but without well-written sales materials to back them up, such sales will be few, and the company and#8216;dies on the vine' for lack of income. Proper business writing can, and should, combine these three elements. But since these three crucial business elements tend to flow sequentially--a product or service is marketed, then advertised, then sold--the course will duplicate this and#8216;flow', with examples of marketing writing, advertising copy, and sales materials. We will define each element and its influence and dependence on the others, then demonstrate its place in the business cycle. We will show you the words to use, and as many formats as possible. Mastery of these three elements of business writing will ensure you're a creative employee that your company can't afford to lose, or will ensure that your own business soars to the top. It can also enhance your life in other ways--the properly written and#8216;personal ad' might just catch the attention of and#8216;Mr. or Ms. Right'! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550287.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement One of the most important and intimidating steps in the job search process is writing a solid resume that gets the attention you want and need. Unfortunately, many job seekers get overwhelmed before they even get started. The result is poorly-written resumes that are built on top of templates that don't do the job seeker any good. Today, resumes must appeal to potential employers while also being optimized for the electronic age. Whether you are handing a resume over in person or are emailing an electronic copy to be added to an online database, the words you use and the formatting you choose will make a big difference in whether or not you get that interview. This course teaches you not just what a resume should look like, but what it should say. It walks you step-by-step through the creation of the most common sections found on resumes in today's job market. In addition to helping you determine what information should be included, it also goes a step further to help you realize what pitfalls to avoid when creating this powerful, job-searching tool. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550211.htm Tue, 3 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT S. Patel Writing Tools Writing Improvement The famous Ayn Rand once wrote, 'Like every human activity, writing requires practice and knowledge. But there is nothing mystical about it. Any person who can speak English grammatically can learn to write nonfiction.' This is as true today as when Ms. Rand first penned it, and you will find it true for you as well as you begin to venture into the world of writing. Nonfiction writing is the most common and broadly dispersed form of writing known to mankind. Nonfiction is based in truth, experience, events or in all of them. It is what the reporter reports; what the biographer writes; what the course writer explains. Everything that is not imagination and invented by the creative mind is nonfiction. This course is designed to take you beyond the basics and to guide you through the writing process to the finish line. In the course, you will learn how to think like an editor, how to choose your subject matter and examine your competition. You will learn how to structure your writing and what to do when you inevitably hit the infamous 'writer's block.' If you have basic writing skills and if you follow the course content, you should be ready to submit your writing by the end of the course material. You will know what to do with your article or book when you are finished and how to polish it for presentation to a publisher. Remember, 'Writers Write' and#8211; so get to writing! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550291.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement This Microsoft Word 2007 course is not only designed to give the experienced MS Word user a tour of the new version of Word, but to also introduce new MS Word users to a comprehensive look at the features and utilities that this word processing software offers. It doesn't matter if you're new to MS Word or an experienced user, this comprehensive course teaches the most basic features as well as focuses on the more advanced tools that all students will find useful. Additionally, this course introduces new features exclusive to MS Word 2007, as well as includes detailed instructions on how to use them. You'll learn: Your way around the toolbars and menus. Basic editing features. Comprehensive editing features. How to insert items into a document. How to create and edit tables. Macros. And much, much more! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550073.htm Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Mellencamp Writing Tools Most CPAs will tell you that the number one mistake people make in starting a new business is that they fail to write a business plan. Without a written set of plans and directions, a new business will struggle on many levels. You may start out doing well only to find yourself shipwrecked a year into your work. On the other hand, you may sit and struggle to ever get your business off of the ground and productive. You may find yourself struggling with small things that have simple solutions and for which the answers are easy to implement. But if your plan is not written, then you don't have a clear vision in a very literal sense of the word. A well written business plan takes time, patience, detail, research, and a right approach to presentation. This course will walk you through the process of writing your business plan. You will learn why certain details are vitally important, which parts of your business plan can make or break your finance query with investors, and how to sharpen your public presentation of your company and its business. You will also learn some writing tricks to help you create a polished written plan without necessarily having to hire someone to write it for you. At the end of this course, you should have enough information to make a well informed effort in writing your business plan. Happy planning! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550132.htm Sun, 8 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT C. Addington Writing Tools It doesn't matter if you've never used MS Word before or you just want to familiarize yourself with MS Word 2003. This course teaches you all the basics of MS Word, from doing simply functions like typing in the text area to formatting text, to give the beginner all the instruction needed to be proficient. To make it even easier, screenshots are provided to help you navigate and see first-hand the many features of MS Word 2003. However, this course doesn't stop there. After explaining and reviewing the basics of MS Word 2003, it goes more in-depth and covers advanced tools and techniques. Learn how to: Navigate MS Word 2003 Format text Do simply editing tasks Proofread using MS Word 2003 Create charts, diagrams, and tables Create mailing lists Add security to documents And much more! If you're an experienced Word user, you will vastly improve your skills by learning new shortcuts and features in MS Word 2003. And if you're an amateur, don't worry about a thing! You're just 11 lessons away from being able to use MS Word 2003 like a pro! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550091.htm Sun, 6 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Mellencamp Writing Tools Marketing a company's products and services to potential and existing customers is not only necessary, but a key ingredient to growing sales. Outreach marketing is the facet of marketing in which a company representative actively seeks out potential leads by meeting with local businesses or the public, speaking at local events, or getting involved with the local chamber of commerce. By networking and creating a lead base you are opening doors for your business and others. You need not spend an immense amount of money all the time to market your products and services, but by working smarter, and connecting with the right people you can generate business and that is priceless. Marketing in a sense is building relationships, and through those relationships you can gain viable resources that will contribute to your success. In this course you will learn how to increase business sales. Topics covered include: Outreach Marketing for Your Business Type, How Outreach Marketing Can Drive Sales, Approaching Outreach Marketing Contacts for the First Time, Follow Up and Maintaining a Rapport, Marketing and Advertising Working Together, Incorporating a Referral Program into Your Marketing Plan, Outreach Marketing Via Online Sources, Tracking Outreach Marketing Success, and Other Marketing Successes. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550171.htm Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:44:20 GMT C. Addington Writing Tools