Ask the experts: Online Learning 2012

This article is from Financial Times
Online programmes have traditionally occupied the cheap-and-cheerful end of the management education market, but recent advances in software, combined with the growing fashion for tablet devices, electronic books and podcasts, have lured quality business schools into the market. But are employers convinced about this new generation of programmes? And are these premium MBAs, masters degrees and executive programmes worth the investment, in both time and money?

Acme Packet University Charts the "Course" for the Next-Generation of Interactive Communications

This article is from Market Watch The Wall Street Journal. Here is an excerpt:

Against the backdrop of a complex, dynamic, and sometimes confusing marketplace, Acme Packet(R)APKT -0.40% , the leader in session delivery networks, today announced the first annual Acme Packet University, a day of discussion and discourse to clarify and set the stage for the future of the IP communications industry. This invitation-only event for media and analysts features company executives and industry thought leaders, and will be held Thursday, March 15, 2012 at the Harvard Faculty Club in Cambridge, MA.

GIBS launches online learning platform

This article is from Media Update

Recognizing the challenges of taking time out to study, the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) has joined the growing ranks of world-class business schools that offer online learning, harnessing the information-sharing ability of technology to deliver truly flexible education. GIBSdirect, GIBS’ new online learning portal, was officially launched on Wednesday, 15 February.

“Today’s time-pressured business environment makes it difficult for many professionals to take time out to study, but whether you’re in a corporate job or running your own company on-going learning is imperative for those who want to get ahead,” says Sue Swart, GIBS digital marketing manager.

Les Ebdon is the right choice to lead university access watchdog

This article is from The Guardian

The row over the appointment of Professor Les Ebdon as director general of the university access watchdog has intensified after Conservative MPs on the business select committee sought to stall his appointment. In doing so, they – and ill-informed commentators – have reverted to restating long-outdated views on access to higher education, which must be challenged.

Reports that the Conservatives have apparently forced a policy change over penalties for the early repayment of student loans further confuses the debate about fairness, and is just a way to obscure the incoherence of their attitude to universities and students. The idea that the role of fair access director could be "traded" for a Conservative "win" over the rejection of early repayment penalties leaves a sour taste in the mouth for those who care about fair access and remain concerned that continued coalition battles over higher education have left students and universities facing chaos and confusion.

Competition Offers University Students $200,000 and the Chance to Start a Clean Energy Business

This article is from Market Watch The Wall Street Journal

First Look West (FLoW), the largest clean energy business plan competition in the western United States, is looking for entrepreneurial-minded university students from all disciplines to apply to win $200,000 in prize money by submitting their idea for a clean energy business.

Led by Caltech, FLoW is a consortium of universities that is running the western region of the Department of Energy's $2 million National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition. FLoW offers $200,000 in prizes and more importantly, experienced mentors, legal start-up packages and the opportunity to pitch to investors ready to take action and work with these teams. Winning teams from six regions across the country also get the chance to participate in the National Competition in Washington D.C., June 2012.

ESL Lesson: Formal English and Informal English

English as a Second Language

Formal English and Informal English
This blog entry is all about formal English and informal English. Two major styles of English, both writing and conversational(or talking), are formal English and informal English.

Formal English is usually used in business, academic and scientific settings, business letters, professional emails or essays. Formal English is viewed by many as more articulate*(well said), professional and sharp.
Here are some characteristics of formal English:

• Writes in the third person. 
• Almost never uses the pronoun I, except in business letters. 
• Does not uses slang or colloquial words or expressions. 
• Does not use contractions. 
• Does not use abbreviations. Writes out full words. 
• Longer and more complex sentences to express ideas. 
• Oriented towards logic. 

Informal English is usually used in casual, social or non-professional settings, casual emails or letters, and creative expressions such as songs, poems or jokes. Informal English is viewed by many as friendlier, more natural and smooth.
Here are some characteristics of informal English:

• Often addresses readers with pronouns, sometimes in a friendly way. 
• Uses first, second, or third person. 
• Uses abbreviations. 
• Uses contractions. 
• Often uses short sentences or even sentence fragments. 
• Uses slang.

These are a few of the main differences between formal and informal writing. Remember both modes are useful and effective, but in different contexts and settings. Use each one when appropriate. Do you have any other questions or comments about this or any other ESL subject? Leave them in the comment section and we will answer them. Stay tuned for more free advice on this and other subjects as well as promotions and news!

If you want individual tutoring and help in learning English, contact Kingston University USA today!!

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ESL Lesson: Even More Contractions

Here are even more examples of contractions:


Gonna


Gonna is a slang term and very informal contraction for the words going to. There is no apostrophe in this slang word. Consider the following sentences.
I am going to the store to buy new ink cartridges for the printer.
I'm gonna go to the store to buy new ink cartridges for the printer.




I've/They've/We've

I've/They've/We've are all contractions of pronouns and the word have. The letters "ha" are replaced with an apostrophe(') and the space between the words is eliminated. Consider the following sentences.
I have had a headache all morning.
I've had a headache all morning. 


They have a large budget to work with this year.
They've got a large budget to work with this year.


We have enjoyed spending time with you.
We've enjoyed spending time with you.


I'll/He'll/She'll/We'll/They'll

I'll/He'll/She'll/We'll/They'll are all contractions of pronouns and the word will. The "i" in "will" is replaced by an apostrophe ('), and the space between the two words is eliminated. Consider these following sentences.
I will be back tomorrow morning.
I'll be back tomorrow morning.


He will write a letter in reply to Mr. Jones.
He'll write a letter in reply to Mr. Jones.


She will interview the job applicants this afternoon.
She'll interview the job applicants this afternoon.


We will take a break from work in fifteen minutes.
We'll take a break from work in fifteen minutes.


They will take a flight to London next Thursday to attend the international conference. 
They'll take a flight to London next Thursday to attend the international conference. 




Shouldn't


Shouldn't is a contraction of the words should and not. The "o" in "not" is replaced by an apostrophe ('), and the space between the two words is eliminated. Consider these following sentences.

You should not interrupt others as they speak, because it is considered rude behavior.
You shouldn't interrupt others as they speak, because it is considered rude behavior.

I hope these explanations help you understand the concept of contractions better.


Do you have any other questions or comments about this or any other ESL subject? Leave them in the comment section and we will answer them. Stay tuned for more free advice on this and other subjects as well as promotions and news!


If you want individual tutoring and help in learning English, contact Kingston University USA today!!

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News: ESL education is an asset to immigrants

Not only is English considered the international language, but knowing how to speak, write and understand it is an essential in English speaking countries. Tovin Lapan of the Las Vegas Sun recently wrote an article about immigrants in the U.S.A. who are seeking to improve their English skills for a very competitive job market. Often, employers in English speaking countries will turn away qualified applicants for jobs if they cannot speak English. You can read more about this here:

Adam Melchor did not have trouble finding work in construction when he first arrived in Las Vegas in 2005.

The 43-year-old Mexican immigrant, who was sponsored by relatives here, found abundant opportunities in the construction industry even though he could not speak a word of English.

“For the first couple of years it was easy to find work,” he said in Spanish. “Now, there is nothing.”

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/feb/01/jobs-scarce-immigrants-turn-esl-ged-classes/

What do you think of this? Are you interested in learning English as a second language? Do you wish to work in an English speaking environment? Follow this blog and join Kingston University USA on your path to ESL success! Kingston University USA has courses and tutoring programs for ESL learners of any ability level.

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English Language Courses at Kingston University USA

English Language Courses at Kingston University USA

Are you learning the English language? Have you considered enrolling in English language courses at Kingston University USA? All English Courses at Kingston University USA are self-contained and designed by English speaking tutors to help you learn our language regardless of what your current level is. You will take a test and then be guided to select the learning courses that are especially designed for your current level. The courses are designed with 12 units including audio, slides, worksheets and unique to Kingston University, videos of USA students in an everyday setting demonstrating the lesson to be taught.

Tutors will help you select your courses:

Basic English 101

Intermediate English 102

Advanced English 103  

All courses use examples that demonstrate getting a job. Job interviews, writing Business letters, the difference between Business English and Casual English, and many more lessons help to prepare you for the work environment while teaching you English 24/7 on YOUR TIME.

100 Basic English:

Learn the basics of the spoken American English language taught by American speakers videotaped in everyday settings. There are twelve lessons and each one includes a slide presentation, worksheet, audio component, video tapes of English used in everyday life.  Lessons 1-3 concentrate on the foundation of the spoken language.  Lessons 4-6 build upon the sound foundation into the learning of commonly used terms. This is followed by lessons 6-12 which increase the new learner’s skills in conversational and written situations. An audio component is a part of each unit.

 

102 Intermediate English: 

This course assumes that the speaker has a mastery of Basic English and begins with emphasis on the written word. There are 12 lessons and each one includes a slide presentation, worksheet, audio component, video tapes of English used in everyday life.  An emphasis of English in the workplace adds to the everyday language experience.

103 Advanced English: 

This course assumes that the speaker has a mastery of Intermediate English and begins with emphasis on the Business Communication. There are 12 lessons and each one includes a slide presentation, worksheet, audio component, video tapes of English used in everyday life.  An emphasis of formal English as it applies in more structured environments adds to the everyday language experience.

Contact Kingston University USA to find out more about enrolling in an English language course. You will discover that you can live locally and learn globally no matter what your current English abilities are!!!

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News: Online Classes as a New Path to Learning

More and more people are noting the rise and prominence of online classes across the globe. From renown traditional universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States and Cambridge in the United Kingdom to online universities such as Kingston University USA, institutions are taking advantage of digital technology and education tools in their efforts to help people increase their knowledge and skills in this globalized knowledge economy.

Writers like Emily Wang have noted that increases in tuition fees at traditional university programs have made the convenient and less expensive online programs even more attractive to students. She has written an article for The Daily Trojan called "Online Education Provides an Alternative." You can view it here:

Online Education Provides an Alternative

With college tuition continuing to rise with no guarantee for jobs after graduation, some prospective college students might choose alternative paths to education.

Because of the increase in costs, enrolling for a postsecondary education online has become an attractive option — not a last resort.

What do you think of this growing trend? Do you think online education opens doors and creates new opportunities for many people? Have you taken advantage of this new alternative? There are many programs and courses available at Kingston University to help students succeed at university or learn new skills such as business ethics and English as a second language. Contact Kingston University USA today to find out more about how you can live locally and learn globally.


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Today is Digital Learning Day!

With all the advancements in computers and the internet as well as their interconnectedness with all of the parts of society, it is no wonder we live in an era known as the Digital Age. Education is no exception in the digitalizing of society. Both traditional and distance learning programs are using new tools online to help students learn more effectively and conveniently. We here at Kingston University USA know firsthand that motivating, personalized instruction to a global classroom can greatly improve a student's understanding of a subject and the world.

Today is Digital Learning Day, which commemorates the merging of education and learning in general with the transforming force of the internet and global communication. Educators, learners and their family and friends from around the world are participating online and in-person to engage in Digital Learning Day. Esther Wojicki of the Huffington Post has published an article on today's events. Learn more by reading it below:

Digital Learning Day Is Happening Today

Want to know how we can improve our schools using technology? Want to know how your son/daughter's education can be more effective? Today is the day to watch Digital Learning Day. It is happening all day.
You can see teachers and students talking about what works in the classroom using technology. It is being broadcast on the website Digital Learning Day.Today at 1 p.m. EST, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will be speaking at a Town Hall Meeting. Anyone can pose a question through the website.

What do you think of digital learning? Have you heard of Digital Learning Day?  Share your comments or questions about this subject below!

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ESL: Educational Vocabulary

ESL: Educational Vocabulary

This blog entry is about learning new words in English that are important in educational and academic environments. The words will be listed with a pronunciation (how to say it), part of speech (e.g., verb or noun), definition, and examples of the word in sentences. We hope this blog will be useful for learners of English as a second language (ESL learners).

Education-related vocabulary:

Attend (ah-tendd) [verb] : To go to, show up or interact with a classroom, teacher, class, event or group.
Example sentences:
John attends his distance learning program by watching lectures,
completing assignments and talking with his instructor.
I attend class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 11 a.m.

Bachelor’s degree (Baa-chlurs duh-gree) [noun]: An education degree earned after studying beyond the secondary or high-school level. The bachelor’s degree is also called the undergraduate degree.
Example sentences:
You can earn a bachelor’s degree in English by enrolling at this university.
I will earn my bachelor’s degree after I finish this semester.

Credits (cred-itz) [plural noun]: Amount of academic work by a student acknowledged by his or her university.
Example sentences:
This class is worth three credits towards your degree.
I need twelve more credits to earn my degree.

Cram (kram) [verb]: This is a word students use for studying very hard for a test or assignment in a short amount of time.
Example sentences:
I have a test tomorrow, so I will cram for it by studying several hours tonight.
It is better to study on a regular basis than to cram at the last moment.


Distance learning (diss-tins luhrn-ing) [noun]: Formal education which takes place through long distance by mail or email rather than in a local classroom.
Example sentences:
I prefer distance learning because it is more convenient, interactive
and modern than traditional modes of education.
Does this school offer distance learning programs?

Enroll (in-rowl) [verb]: To join a class, university or a specific learning program.
Example sentences:
How do I enroll in this class?
I am glad I enrolled at Kingston University. I really learned a lot!

Instruct (in-strukt ) [verb]: To teach, tell or show someone how to do something, what certain information means or how to develop a certain skill.
Example sentences:
Can you instruct me how to use this new computer program?
The professor instructed the classroom of students on the proper
application of mathematics in chemistry.

Major (may-jur) [noun]: The focus of someone’s study for an undergraduate, masters, or doctoral degree. Examples of majors include physics, business administration and education.
Example sentences:
What is your major?
My major is business administration with a concentration in business ethics.

Master’s degree (mah-stirs duh-gree) [noun]: An education degree earned after studying beyond the undergraduate level.
Examples sentences:
Do you have a master’s degree?
I earned a master’s degree in business administration two years ago.

Semester (Sah-mess-tur) [noun] The period of time it takes to complete a course at university. This is similar to a school term.
Example sentences:
How long does this semester last?
This semester begins in January and ends in May.
This class was very engaging; the semester flew by!

Have you come across any other educational terms? Would you like to know more about education terms? Do you have any questions, comments or curiosities about the English language? What are your challenges in education as an ESL learner? Please leave a comment here and tell us about it!

Nothing can improve ESL and general language skills more than practice with specialized instructors. Contact Kingston University USA to find out more about enrolling in an English language course or receiving ESL tutoring. You will discover that you can live locally and learn globally no matter what your current English abilities are!

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ESL Lesson: Punctuation Marks

Punctuation Marks

Welcome ESL learners. This blog entry offers some of the basics of punctuation marks for beginner-level learners. What are these symbols and when and why are they used in English?

To first understand the punctuation marks, let us first take a look at the different kind of sentences.

Declarative sentence:
The declarative sentence makes a statement. It starts with a word that is capitalized (begins with a big letter). In fact, the first word for every sentence is spelled with a capitalized first letter. The declarative sentence ends with a period. A period is a dot like this (.).
Example sentences:
Omar is going to work today.

Timothy ran three miles this afternoon at the park.

Interrogative sentence:
The interrogative sentence asks a question. The interrogative sentence ends with a question mark. They are questions, which people ask when they want to know something. The question mark is shaped like this:
?
Example sentences:

How much is this cup of iced coffee?

Why did you select this novel as your favorite book?

What is your favorite sport to play?

Exclamatory sentence:
The exclamatory sentence is a statement that shows strong emotion. The exclamatory sentence ends with an exclamation point. The exclamation point is shaped like this:
!
Example sentences:

I am feeling sick and need to see a doctor!

I am so happy to see you!
The streets are flooding from the storm!

*There are other punctuation marks that do not deal with the ending of a sentence. They include the semicolon. The semicolon links together two similar ideas or sentences together. It is shaped like this:
;
Consider these examples of a semicolon in English. 

The following two sentences are connected ideas. I am hungry. I will make a sandwich to eat. A semicolon can link them together.
I am hungry; I will make a sandwich to eat.
The following two sentences are connected ideas. The cat is afraid of the dog. He runs away whenever he sees it. A semicolon can link them together.
The cat is afraid of the dog; he runs away whenever he sees it.


*The colon is another punctuation mark. It is shaped like this:
:
The colon can be used to mark the start of a sentence or the explanation of a previous clause or “set-up.” Here is an example.
She had only one goal in mind: to succeed at school.
Notice how the colon does not end the sentence but shows you that what follows is what her goal was. Does that make sense? See another example below.
Bill Gates said of leaders of the future: leaders will be those who empower others.

You can also use a colon to start a list. Here is an example.
The leaders set to speak tomorrow at the town meeting include the following people: 
the mayor
the chief of police
the fire chief
the chair of the town council
Does that make sense? Can you write a few lists or other sentences that use a colon?


*Another common punctuation mark are quotation marks. Quotation marks are used for quotes and are shaped like this
“ ”
Quotation marks come in pairs for one at each end of a quote. A quote is a direct repeating of what someone else said or wrote. Quotation marks allow readers to know when a quote begins and ends. This is important because it separates what the author says and what the people the author is writing about said. Whatever punctuation mark ends the sentence is put in right before the last quotation mark. 

Here are two examples.
Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Robert asked Miriam, “Where are you going to this weekend?”

*The final punctuation mark is the comma. The comma never ends a sentence, but it is used for several basic purposes in grammar. The comma is shaped like this.
,
The following list will show you six common uses of the comma in English writing.

1. Use commas to separate three or more words or phrases in a series.
Example sentences:
The salad has lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and croutons in it.
I cleaned, organized, and decorated the bedroom.

2. Use commas to indicate that a person is being addressed by name.
Example sentences:
I would like to talk with you, Alex.
Juan, can you lend me the newspaper?
Can I borrow your computer, Lisa?

3. Use a comma when noting dates and addresses.
Example sentence:
Today’s date is January 28, 2012.

4. Use commas after phrases, clauses, or small words that introduce the main idea of your sentence.
Example sentences:
No, Bob did not go to the park with us.
Because Janet studied for her test, she improved her grades and learned new skills and knowledge.
After dinner, we went to the movie theater to see a comedy.

5. Use commas to set off words, phrases or clauses that comment on or give additional information about the main part of the sentence, or otherwise interrupt the natural flow of the sentence.
Example sentences:
Jonas Salk, the famous scientist, was from New York City.
Pierre, after studying at dental school, became a dentist.

6. Use commas before coordinating conjunctions such as "and," "or,", "but" that join two complete sentences, or when the comma is needed for clarity, emphasis, or contrast.
Example sentences:
Buffalo may be cold, but it is home to me.
Jane used the Academic Muse program, and he is performing better in class as a result.

I hope this is helpfully for ESL learners who are just beginning to write in English. Grammar and punctuation marks are important for being clear and effective in writing. Do you have any questions? Can you use these punctuation marks in your writing? Share any question or comment with us here on this blog. Stay tuned for more blog entries on improving your English skills. If you wish to really improve your skills with personalized and attentive help, contact Kingston University USA for more information! 

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ESL Practice: The Basics of English Words

Here are some pictures that can help demonstrate some of the fundamentals of English. You will see the pictures, followed by a sentence that describe them, and then we will explain to you what category each word fits in English.

"She is using the computer at her desk."

She is a pronoun  in this sentence.

Using is a verb in this sentence.

Computer is a noun  in this sentence.

At is a preposition  in this sentence.

Desk is a noun  in this sentence.

"Ling is drinking coffee while listening to her co-worker."

Ling is a proper noun in this sentence.

Is is a verb in this sentence.

Drinking is a verb in this sentence.

Coffee is a noun in this sentence.

While is a conjunction in this sentence.

Listening is a verb in this sentence.

To is a preposition in this sentence.

Co-worker is a noun in this sentence.

"The workers discuss business ethics in the office."

Workers is a noun in this sentence.

Discuss is a verb in this sentence.

Business ethics is a noun  in this sentence.

In is a preposition in this sentence.

Office is a noun in this sentence.

"Ling answers the telephone call and she listens to her boss' instructions."

Ling is a proper noun in this sentence.

Answers is a verb in this sentence.

Telephone call is a noun in this sentence.

And is a conjuction in this sentence.

She is a pronoun in this sentence.

Listens is a verb in this sentence.

To is a preposition in this sentence.

Instructions is a noun in this sentence.

"Michelle is typing an email to send on her computer."

Michelle is a proper noun in this sentence.

Is is a verb in this sentence.

Typing is a verb in this sentence.

Email is a noun in this sentence.

To is a preposition in this sentence.

Send is a verb in this sentence.

On is a preposition in this sentence.

Computer is a noun in this sentence.

I hope these examples show ESL learners how English vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure works in practice. Can you form different sentences that describe the actions and images in these pictures? Do you have any questions? What are some things you wish to learn about the English language and how to write, speak and understand it? Stay tuned for more blog entries on advice and opportunities to learn through Kingston University USA.

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Welcome to Our Blog

Hello and welcome to our first blog entry. Kingston University USA offers many different distance learning programs and services for students across the world to meet their educational and learning goals. This blog will offer background information on many of the subjects and courses our instructors teach such as business management, S.A.T. preparation and E.S.L. (English as a Second Language). Additionally, you can be the first to discover promotions through our official Facebook page as well as giving your ideas, questions, concerns and opinions directly to us! Stay tuned for more information, knowledge and services that will allow you to live locally and learn globally.

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