Posts published in July, 2019

TOP USEFUL YOUTUBE CHANNELS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

BY JAMES CLARK

 

Since the first year of its existence, which was 2005, YouTube has become one of the most popular platforms within the whole world. People use it for different purposes, including educational.

Many students share their stories on the Internet. They say that YouTube is the platform for everyone. They use it as both entertainments when having free time and platform, where they can improve their knowledge and skills. There exist plenty of YouTube channels (check this), but not all of them are useful. It might be difficult to generate the Top of YouTube channels for students of all categories, but here the most common are gathered.

ASAP Science has 8 708 034 subscribers and it highly popular among those, who are interested in science, biology and other disciplines like these. The channel was created by Mitchell Moffit and Gregory Brown, who often participate in videos.

CrashCourse has 9 529 315 subscribers and contain short educational videos (each about 12 minutes) on different topics such as ‘European History’, ‘Engineering’, History of Science’, ‘Recess’, ‘World History’, ‘Biology’, ‘Ecology’, ‘Literature’, ‘US History’, ‘Psychology’, ‘Astronomy’ an many others. Various experts participate in the creating of channel’s videos.

Khan Academy has 4 924 342 subscribers and specifies in such topics as economics, mathematics, grammar, physics, biology, history, chemistry, finance, and others. The main aim of the organization founded by Salman Khan is to educate student all over the world. They release scientifically based videos for up to 10 minutes, but strongly informative.

Kurzgesagt (which means ‘in a nutshell’ in German) has over 9 070 000 subscribers. They say about themselves that they “explain things with optimistic nihilism). As for now, they produce one video per month, but the videos are of high quality and really worth seeing. The topics of the videos are “Medicine&Biology”, “Human Stuff”, “Futurism”, etc.

Numberphile has almost 3 billion subscribers. It is owned by Brandy Haran, who loves numbers and shares different life hacks connected with them. He often creates videos themselves, but also he invites other people, who can cover the topic of the video.

Smarter Every Day has over 7 000 250 subscribers. The videos are between 8 and 20 minutes. The creator of the channel aims at teaching people. The owner of the channel encourages people to leave comments or write him directly. The topics are various.

TEDEd Student Talks has 33 084 subscribers all over the world. The language of the channel is English, so this is easy to access for any person in the world. The channel was created as a youth and education initiative after famous TedED and TEDx Talks. They aim to sparkling student ideas all around the world. The videos are inspiring and the creators of the channel are open for comments. You can join the discussion at any time.

Vsauce has 14 556 318 subscribers and, as you can see, is highly popular over the world. It is translated into different languages by other users. On the channel such topics as ‘Culture’, ‘Space’, ‘Physics’, ‘Language’, ‘Technology’, ‘Art’, etc. are covered. There also exists a project called ‘Mind Field’, in terms of which Michael Stevens, the creator, works with famous researches in leading universities and they turn science fiction into science fact. He travels a lot, so the videos now are more interesting and useful.

As a bonus, we would share information about another channel on YouTube, which is not educational or scientific, but rather helps to boost your learning skills and create the atmosphere for studying, which is important for every student.

Thomas Frank has over 1.4 million subscribers and produces videos not about the subjects themselves, but about how to learn them effectively. His videos are simple tips of self-organization, time management, skills of learning loads of information, preparing for exams and fighting procrastination. He releases videos on average once a week. His videos also contain information about building social skills and ways of self-motivation.

The style of every channel is unique and stylish. All the creators have prepared the user-friendly interface of the videos. Surely, our aim is not to promote the channel, but to help students in their search of additional platforms, which can assist in becoming professional.

Bio

James Clark

James is an expert publishing consultant with more than two decades of experience working for individual authors, literary agents, and publisher clients, including Scholastic, Hay House, HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill Education, and others. He develops the tactics for media projects as well as consults on marketing and publishing strategies for external agencies, most of which are social media.

 

Can You Start Doing Freelance Work in College?

BY ANTON LUCANUS

Picking up a freelance gig while in college can help you find some fantastic opportunities. You’ll get a chance to make more money, you’ll gain some (hopefully) relevant career experience before you graduate, and you’ll make more connections, which could turn into friendships or future professional references. And thanks to the prevalence of the gig economy, there are a wide range of jobs you could potentially pick up.

The question is, is it feasible to become a successful freelancer while you’re still in college?

The Logistics of a Freelance Business

 Every freelance business is a little bit different, but there are a few key logistical areas you’ll need to consider before you move forward:

Timing and commitments. The biggest factor here is timing, and the level of commitment required by the gig. Obviously, you’re going to have a full class schedule and tons of homework to contend with, so it’s ill-advised to take on a gig that might interfere with those responsibilities. Thankfully, most side gigs automatically come with a flexible schedule; you can work as many hours as you’d like and schedule those hours as you see fit. However, this isn’t always the case. Consider whether your gig will have you working for an established company (like a ridesharing service) or whether you’ll be starting the business on your own, and just how much control you’ll have over scheduling.

Paperwork and legality. You won’t encounter many legal barriers in your way of running a side gig, but depending on the nature of your business, you may need to get some paperwork in place. For example, if you’re selling food or establishing a physical location for your business, you may need a business license, permit, or special certification. Otherwise, you may need to put together some paperwork for your clients, including contracts specifying the nature of the work you’re going to provide and invoice templates you can send when your work is finished.

 

Revenue, expenses, and taxes. Next, you’ll need to think about the money you’re going to make in relation to the expenses you’ll face—as well as whether or not you’re going to owe taxes on your profits. Some side gigs are going to require upfront expenses; for example, you might need to buy a lawnmower and other tools if you want to start a landscaping side gig. In some cases, these expenses can compromise the profitability of the entire operation if you aren’t sure how to manage them. Also note that you may be required to file a Form 1099 with your annual tax return, depending on how much money you make and what your expenses were, paying taxes on the income you made.

Possible Freelance Gigs for College Students

The ideal freelance gig for a college student is one that allows for flexible scheduling and variable hours, so you can make it work within the confines of your existing class schedule. You’ll also need something that’s open to people with limited professional experience, and preferably, something that provides you with experience you’ll need in your future career.

These are some potential options:

Tutoring. Assuming you have a solid understanding of at least one subject that most students struggle with, you could employ yourself as a student tutor. You’ll remain in an academic setting, meeting and working with fellow students, and you should have practically unlimited scheduling flexibility—especially if you share a similar class schedule with your tutees.

Graphic design and photography. If you’re studying art, design, or photography, you can take your burgeoning skills to real clients. For example, you could photograph weddings or other major events, or start designing logos and marketing materials for local businesses.

Writing. If writing is closer to your skill set, you could try writing for some extra cash, providing blog posts to online businesses or possibly starting a blog of your own. You may also be able to write for a local paper.

Physical chores. Don’t forget the possibility of physical tasks and chores. For example, you could help people maintain their lawns and plants, or you could clean houses for some extra cash. These tend to be in high demand, though you may have to go off-campus to find clients.

Planning and organizing. You could also try to use your planning and organizing skills in a freelance capacity, helping people plan major events or declutter their dorm rooms.

There isn’t a limit to what kind of freelance gigs you can take on as a college student, but some will definitely be more advantageous to you than others. Experiment with some of the gigs you think might work best for you, and don’t be afraid to drop something if it isn’t generating enough of a profit, or if it’s taking too much of your time.

Byline – Anton Lucanus is the Director of Neliti. During his college years, he maintained a perfect GPA, was published in a top cancer journal, and received many of his country’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarships. Anton writes for The College Puzzle as a means to share the lessons learnt throughout his degree and to guide current students to achieve personal and educational fulfilment during college life.

 

 

Do’s and Don’t’s of Sending Your Kids to College

BY BRETT CLAWSON

Going to college can be a great experience. It can be a great time in a young person’s life where they figure out who they are and what they want to do with their lives. It can provide some of the best memories in a person’s life. While college is great, if may not be for everyone. It’s important for parents to know the do’s and don’t’s of sending a child off to college. There a number of things a parent can do to help their child’s college experience. However make a wrong move can also make college an experience they do not enjoy.

 

Don’t Let Your Child Get Buried in Debt

 This tip should be a no brainer at this point. No college degree is worth going deep into debt for. There many ways to pay for an education without student loans. First and foremost as a parent it is a great idea to encourage your child to do well in high school so that they may be eligible for scholarships. There are so many scholarships available and if your child works hard they really are attainable. Second, encourage your child to go to an in state school to make it more affordable. Finally, let your child know that good old fashioned work is a great solution. Many students work a part time job while going to school. Even if the process takes a little longer because you are paying out of pocket, it will be well worth it if you can avoid student loan debt.

 

Do Encourage Your Kids to Take a Gap Year If Needed

 Graduating from high school is a major accomplishment. Not every person is ready to take on college as soon as they graduate. It is important for parents to be aware of this fact and encourage their children to take a ‘gap’ year off if needed. Taking time off is a great way for some students to clear their mind and decide what they want to do with their life. During that time off they may get some needed rest or simply decide that college is not for them. Taking this route may often come across as lazy or as if the child is not going to make anything of their life. The truth is a gap year may be just what they need to get things together and get on the right path.

 

Don’t Assume College is the Only Way

 Many people have had it engraved in their head that in order to be successful they must go to a 4-year college. While this is a popular statement it is not an accurate one. There are many high paying jobs that do not require a college degree, per se. Some of these jobs include electricians, web developers, and even computer technicians. A number of people go to technical college after high school, or they go straight into the workforce. Parents should not be alarmed if their children want to go down this road. Instead they should encourage them to find a field that they are passionate about, but they should be sure to understand all their options before deciding against college.

 

Do Help Your Child Move and Stay Connected During Their Journey

 Going to college is a big transition. Parents need to help their child with this transition as much or as little as the child needs the help. Consider using a universal roof rack cross bars to help bring their luggage to campus. It might also include not calling them as much to give them the space they need as they adjust. Staying connected to your child is an important job for a parent during this time. Not every child will need the same thing but rest assured they will need some help at some point.

Byline:  Brett Clawson is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in Business Management. He enjoys researching emerging business trends and sharing their impact on business and the industry as a whole. He believes that the best way to influence others and share his knowledge with the world is through his writing.

 

 

Likely Challenges Faced by College Students Who Travel

 BY LESLIE WILDER

College life bears some of the best experiences of life’s journey. But it is also a crucial stage that sees the transition from childhood to adulthood. The life of a college student is not easy, as they juggle their career with the need to socialize.

The path towards success is always not as easy as it seems. Students actually have to cross many hurdles before they achieve their goal.

What poses potential problems in a student’s life who travels and at the same time pursues a degree?

Let us find them out here.

  • The call of nature is hard to ignore

For students who are travel buffs, it is difficult to resist the temptation of travelling. The unforgettable charm of nature gives them lucrative reasons to travel. At the same time, due importance has to be given to education. Getting a college degree is not something you should take lightly. The regular course of study compels students to be present. The challenge lies in balancing passion and need.

  • College expenses

Pursuing any college degree demands a handsome amount. Keeping the expenses in mind, many students opt for part-time jobs or get involved in slots. This need for pocket money works as a driving force for them to take up work.

  • Work and study compatibility

Working from a very early age is not something we always choose willingly. Sometimes such situations arise where we have to work to sustain the family even while continuing to pursue studies. Or if a student chooses to relocate or spend a significant amount of time outside their hometown, in such a case a regular college course may pose as a problem.

  • Adjusting to different environments

While we are in an institution it takes time to adjust with the ambience of the place. Often we change the institution which then includes change of the entire settings including the mental set up. So whenever you are traveling outside make sure you are going back to the roots.

  • Feeling stagnated with studies

Life is too short to be stuck with one thing. For all those who want to go for all of it, it’s hard to be satisfied with one thing – be it education be it a job. There is nothing wrong in longing for more. If there is a scope to do both study and things you love, it will be a cherry on the top. But the challenge here is to juggle both sides, to strike a balance.

  • Making effective use of time

A full-time college course requires a lot of time and attention. We hardly get any time for our loved ones. We feel there is so much to do in so little time. Juggling the college with social life.

  • Maintaining attendance at college

For the wanderer at heart denying the passion is hard. As it is said time and tide wait for no one. This fleeting time once gone is gone. Students who want to make the most of it find it challenging to balance the urge to travel and the need to attend college. Regular college courses lay a lot of emphasis on the attendance that leaves students in a dilemma.

  • Career woes

Students who are just about to enter adulthood remains unaware of the scenario of the real world. They put behind the struggles of a stable career, job and indulge in momentary pleasure by travelling. Ultimately this poses a great threat to their growth in the future. There should be a balance between the two that will enable a healthy lifestyle.

  • Quenching restlessness

Students are young and energetic. Not being able to vent the energy in the right direction makes them restless. Pursuing a college degree requires dedication and patience. The urge to travel sometimes hamper their regular course of study.

  • Juggling assignments and prep time

Students’ life is the most difficult. Assignments, exams, lectures leave them exhausted. The physical and mental fatigue affect their personal and social life. It’s hard to take out time even for the things they love the most. Whereas traveling takes time and leaves you physically exhausted. It is important for them to learn the art of time management so that there is a happy balance.

  • Travelling expenses

College expenses already is a lot to bear. And traveling nowadays is nothing less. For an ordinary college student, the travel expenses might seem a bit too much. Cost cutting from the monthly budget may, therefore, be necessary.

  • Choosing the right track

Staying motivated in the class and attending classes with seriousness if affected when the heart is not at peace. If the soul is restless it will be difficult to make life choices.

  • Looking after health

Another barrier in travelling for a college student is your well-being. Health comes first. The long tiring trips may take a toll on health and it may indirectly affect studies.

  • Choosing the right friends to travel with

A friend in need is a friend indeed. Travelling while studying means gaps in the study. A friend intervenes here. A trustworthy companion can help you fill the void by supplementing the missed lectures and classes.

  • Taking time off for oneself

The humdrum of daily life makes people so busy they hardly get time for themselves. The college and travelling together takes up so much time there is hardly any time left to spend with yourself.

 

Leslie Wilder a creative writer & blogger, who is residing in Nashville U.S.A, Tennessee, I’m also a self-proclaimed happiness junkie, and someone you would generally consider confident and well balanced.

Understanding Some Ethical Considerations Surrounding College Years

BY ANNABEL MONAGHAN

We live in a world full of ethical debates. Many of these debates revolve around the most controversial topics: science, religion, politics, and the like. However, some of the most interesting and engaging ethical debates also surround the topic of college years.

And for good reason. What could be more important than the education of our young people? In this article, we’re going to dive into some of these ethical debates and explore them in detail. Let’s jump into it!

The Importance Of College Life

All over the world, the years that people spend in college can be some of the most awe-inspiring and exhilarating years in a person’s life. This is no less true in the United States of America. The students that make up the collective body of colleges throughout the country are the lifeblood that keeps this momentous industry thriving.

Even so, these are individuals who are (more often than not) still quite young, and thus coming into their own and having to learn along the way.

Without a doubt, ethics are thrown into chaos during these academically-focussed years, and while most students find their way out of the fray with relative ease, there are some instances where it is a lengthier and more intense learning curve to master.

Many individuals are young when they first consider and then attend college, and there is currently an ongoing issue with ethical considerations for students not only in college but in the admissions process leading up to offerings for the calendar year.

3 Main Ethical Considerations Related to College

Here are three main ethical considerations surrounding college that warrant discussion. These are:

 

  1. What constitutes a fair admission process?
  2. Is it ethically and morally correct to charge money for education?
  3. Are the academic demands of college too high?

Let’s explore each of these in turn

 

The Admissions Process – Are Favors OK?

In the case of ethics for college hopefuls, one of the most consistently prominent issues that arises relates to the college admissions process specifically. This is, of course, the issue of if it is both ethically and morally sound to offer favors (whether financial, material, sustainable, or sentimental) during the admissions process.

The core of this issue, of course, lies in the fact that engaging in such activities can and does often lead to an unfair admissions procession that favors students who can offer such advantages and benefits, over other equally deserving students.

The key question regarding this ethical debate is this: shouldn’t college admissions be based purely on academic ability?

This has been a problem for quite some time, and it is surprising to realize that even now, in 2019, it is a problem that continues to this day. While it is certainly true that some students who offer these favors at this specific time may not have an alternative agenda in mind, it cannot be denied that the ethical consideration students should take, is to simply avoid offering these goods and services during such an important time.

All over the world (and especially in countries like the USA, the UK, and even Australia), college hopefuls and college students  are consistently working on discovering ethical alternatives when they are faced with certain issues of academic value.

The college admissions processes and the surrounding favoritism that tends to go hand in hand with students and their families presenting schools with marks of favor (like financial inducements, or legacy admissions, to name a few examples) is by far one of the most shocking and undesirable traits of the college systems around the world.

Many academic institutions justify this behavior by seeing them  as a mark of showing their commitment to the school in question, and not necessarily an inclination towards questionable inducements.

Admission Fees – Should Education Be Free?

Another ethical consideration related to college relates to admission fees. In many countries around the world, higher education is free and is seen as a citizen’s right. In America, this isn’t the case. A summary of higher education costs for some programs can be found in the nurse practitioner program guide.

In order to get into good schools, students have to pay high admission fees that are often not affordable to low-income families. This throws up some important ethical concerns. For example, it could be seen as preventing class mobility and limiting children born into low-income households from accessing the education they need to access high-income work.

On the other side of the coin, it could be argued that if education were free, it would encourage students who aren’t committed to their own education to sign up to university anyway, and cost the taxpayer a lot of money.

In the UK, the government has tried to balance this through a student loans system, whereby students are granted governmental loans to pay for their admission fees and living costs but are expected to pay this back once their income reaches a certain threshold.

This too raises concerns: is it ethically correct to force students to get into debt and charge them interest on their education?

Academic pressure – is college life too hard?

A final consideration worth mentioning surrounds college life itself. Students are faced with a lot of challenges during college, from finding the best tutors and high speed internet, to fighting concerns over mental health.

They have to balance intense study and grueling exams with their own personal life. Many have to take on jobs in order to pay for their living costs and balance this with school, which often leads students to become burnt out.

All of these difficult and complex ethical considerations warrant discussion, but we may never be able to resolve the debates completely.

Annabel Monaghan is a writer with a passion for education and edtech. She writes education and career articles for The College Puzzle with the aim of providing useful information for students and young professionals. If you have any questions, please feel free to email her at annabelmonaghanwriter@gmail.com. 

 

How to Stay Healthy and Do Well in College With Type-1 Diabetes

BY KRISTIAN KYRISYK

Currently, over 1.25 million Americans have type-1 diabetes, with about 40,000 newly diagnosed every year. A huge percentage of them are college students and those bound for college. College life is full of stress and challenges even for fully healthy people – and for those suffering from diabetes, it can be a truly tough task. However, living a full life with this condition is more than possible – and here are some tips that can help you with it.

1.    Make it known

Make sure everybody around you (your friends, roommate, professors, resident advisor, etc.) knows about your condition. It is not a sign of weakness or something to be ashamed of – your condition is a part of your identity, and others around you should know that your needs may be different from theirs. For example, professors should realize that you might need diabetes equipment when in class. Also, if you have to take any medical treatment or surgical procedure, tell the doctors involved about your condition beforehand. Also, get a diabetes MedicAlert ID bracelet if you don’t have one already.

2.    Teach those close to you

Many people have no acquaintance with what diabetes is and what it entails. Teach those around you (at least your roommate and immediate friends) how to discern the first signs of hypoglycemia and what they have to do in case of emergency. It can save your life.

3.    Register with disability services/campus health office

These services exist to help you, protect your interests and assist in other tasks related to your condition, from getting solutions studied by  Diabetes Life Solutions to making sure your everyday needs are met on campus.

4.    Check your college for a CDN chapter

College Diabetes Network (CDN) has chapters with many American colleges, and these serve as an excellent source of useful information on life in college with your condition. They have been created for the support and well-being of the students like you and can be very supportive. If there isn’t one, consider taking the matters in your own hands and starting it.

5.    Develop and maintain stable eating and sleeping regimens

College life can be quite chaotic and disruptive for your lifestyle and habits, which can be harmful even for otherwise healthy people. In case of diabetes, it is a good idea to stick to regular eating hours so that you can take and compare your blood sugar readings. It is especially important if you use MDI (Multiple Daily Injections), because this method is rather inflexible, and you will have to either count your carbs or eat the same amounts of the same food every day. Using an insulin pump can make eating management much easier, as this  delivers continuous and customized doses of insulin throughout your day without the need for multiple injections.

Regular high-quality sleep also greatly influences your overall well-being, so try to keep it to the schedule as well.

6.    Be wary of alcohol

Alcohol can be dangerous by itself, but it is especially so for people with diabetes. Firstly, symptoms of hypoglycemia can be easily written off as the results of overdrinking, especially if you are among those who don’t know about your condition. Secondly, hypoglycemia may kick in after you have gone to sleep, when you have no chance to react (especially if you did drink too much). So, drink in moderation and never do it without at least one of your friends.

7.    Have an emergency kit always ready and easily accessible

Don’t let it run low and tell your close friends where to find it in case you cannot use it yourself. Also, learn the locations of all the nearest pharmacies so that you have a regular pharmacy,and never have to look for one in an emergency.

Living with diabetes is tough, but it is no reason to let it keep you down. With the right planning, lifestyle and habits, it is more than possible to live a full life, get the best education you can and have fun in the process.

BY LINE–Kristian Krisyk had been working in the field of web design for 7 years before becoming an entrepreneur in 2014 in design and marketing. His professional interests and hobbies defined major topics of his articles. These days Kristian runs his business and looks for new development opportunities. Follow him @KristianKrisyk or contact at kristian.krisyk@gmail.com

 

 

6 Most Useful Educational Websites for Engineering Students

BY SEBASTIAN MILLER

Being an engineering student can be demanding. That is especially true when you depend solely on lectures and other school work to succeed. The best way to be in control is to get ahead of your studies and expand your knowledge of engineering by using the resources available to you on the internet. However, the internet is full of useful and inaccurate information at the same time. So, not every website for engineering students provides reliable information. How do you know which sites to trust and which to avoid? Well, this article is about the six most reliable educational websites for engineering students.

6 Best Websites For Prospective Engineers

 

  1. Learn The Basics At Stanford Engineering Everywhere

If you’re looking for a free resource that allows you to get access to tools and courses that undergraduate students at Stanford have access to, this website is for you. You will learn the basics of artificial intelligence, computing, electrical engineering, among others. The materials on this website aren’t just useful for students alone; some educators use them in the classroom to teach their students. One of the key reasons why this website is reliable is that it is covered under a Creative Commons license making its contents accessible to anyone who has an internet-enabled device.

 

  1. Expand Your Horizon At MIT OpenCourseWare

On this website, you will get access to resources and almost all the courses that are offered in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It includes mathematics, mechanical engineering, liberal arts, computer science, economics, electrical engineering, and many more. The access is free and unrestricted to both teachers and students. If you’re a software engineering major, you’ll get unlimited access to resources that are streamlined to students in your field of study on this website.

 

  1. Quench Your Curiosity At Engineering.com

This website allows engineering students to have unlimited access to videos that explain various concepts in the ways that they can understand. Apart from the video tutorials, there are many video shows on interesting engineering discussions that you can learn from. The contents on this website range from 3D printing and electronics to software designing, and many more. Apart from offering resources, this website also has a list of jobs that are related to various disciplines. You can go through this page if you want to have an idea of where you can work after graduation. Professionals on My Paper Done recommend this site to the prospective engineers.

 

  1. Learn To Code With W3Schools

If you’re an engineering student who has an interest in coding languages, this website is one of the best options for you. You’ll have access to a simplified content that increases your understanding of Javascript, AJAX, HTML, and every other programing language in existence. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, there will always be something for you on this website. When you have a design project you’re working on, you can find the resources you need on this website.

 

  1. Keep It Feminine At Engineer Girl

Are you a female engineering student who has 95% of her classroom made up of guys? Well, you don’t need to feel intimidated, Engineer Girl is a website you can visit when you want to feel welcomed and loved. It is a huge career hunting site for female students. It exposes you to a wide range of career opportunities.

 

  1. Get Formulas At Efunda

As an engineering student, you’re always going to need formulas. While the goal is to have all the formulas at heart, you will need a large resource center where you can access any formula you want at any time of the day. This site also provides different sections that explain various topics in engineering. Also, it is easy to navigate.

These are the top 6 reliable websites for engineering students. There are other available options, but you’ll most likely find everything you’re looking for on these websites.

Bio

Sebastian Miller is a former Calling Lake School science teacher. After four years of teaching, he decided to become a freelance writer. In Sebastian’s opinion, math is the core of all science, and his goal is to enlightening as many students as possible through writing

5 Most Useful Educational Websites for Journalism Students

BY SEBASTIAN MILLER

5 Most Useful Educational Websites for Journalism Students

As is the nature of journalism, precision is given the most primacy during content creation. For a journalism student, the consequences of presenting inaccurate information surpass poor grades and affect both one’s reputation and the final score.

In the ever-changing world, there are numerous resources, both dubious and genuine, for each topic. With the limited amount of free time that school offers, students don’t have the pleasure to venture the darkest corners of the internet in pursuit of finding adequate information for their projects.

Thus, to ease your selection among the many academic journalism websites, we listed five of the best educational sites geared to address the needs of budding journalists.

  1. TED Talks

To make an informed analysis on any topic, you have to consider the perspectives of industry leaders and questions within the consumer platforms. Unlike its counterpart, TED Talks covers discussions in multiple niches, on the matters ranging from technology to entertainment, shedding light and updating you on the occurrences in various spheres.

Apart from gaining insight from movers and shakers in the industry, TED Talks offers you a chance to improve your grammar and acquire topic-related terminologies. As a result, you put forth captivating articles that are not only up to date but also relevant to your target audience.

  1. Academic Earth

Whether you intend to further your prowess in a field or familiarize yourself to a skill, Academic Earth proves to be a useful tool. Dissertation team writers state that with numerous resources from multiple universities, this website makes it easier for you to gather journalism material and extend your knowledge in the various categories.

To save you the time of selecting a suitable material through tons of other data, the website features a panel that allows you to choose your study level, category, and subject. However, what makes this rank as an educational website for journalism students, is the fact that it is a free app. Thus, it has the little burden of the student finances.

  1. theSkimm

As a journalism student, it is paramount to keep yourself updated with the news, without compromising your study schedule. To facilitate this, theSkim offers a condensed version of the news, therefore, giving you a gist of the occurrences.

With this information, you can cover the topics within your niches easier and seek more in-depth knowledge. For daily updates, arm yourself with theSkimm daily email, therefore, receiving a summary of everyday occurrences.

  1. Lynda

When it comes to an educational website for media production and computing, Lynda proves to be a perfect choice. Unlike various informative sites, Lynda uses video illustrations which help students to familiarize with items faster, thus providing for quicker learning of particular skills.

Unlike its lookalikes, Lynda offers videos from experts with experience in their respective areas, helping you navigate challenges within the course of study. Even better, this site offers unlimited access to the material upon subscription. Additionally, you can enjoy a one-month free trial to get an understanding of the services in which you are investing your capital.

  1. org

A limiting factor for students is the exorbitantly priced material that would cripple their limited finances. With Gutenberg, students can access a wide range of content whose copyright has expired, therefore, making it free to access.

Ranging from e-books to pdf files, the material on Gutenberg is free and easy to access without the need for unique apps. To facilitate easy access to content, Gutenberg features a simple to use interface and offers a search function.

Although Gutenberg is not journalism material per se, it acts as a gateway to the content on media production and skills far-ranging.

To excel in class, you require to go a mile ahead and better your skills, increasing the knowledge in your niche. By using the aforementioned websites, you not only acquire knowledge in your respective field, but also spare the surpass costs that would have been used on their counterparts.

While at it, ensure to visit your school website for past paper and study resources, thus understanding the fields that are often tested and getting a guide map for your study.

Bio: Sebastian Miller is a former Calling Lake School science teacher. After four years of teaching, he decided to become a freelance writer. In Sebastian’s opinion, math is the core of all science, and his goal is to enlight as many schoolers as possible through writing.

7 ways to Make Friends in College

BY JANE HURST

College is the next step in your new life. You are growing and being exposed to new ideas and things. While college is an exciting prospect, you may be worried about making new friends. Here are seven ways to make new friends in college.

1. Classes

Going to class is not only good for your GPA, it is also a great way to meet new people who share your same interests and make new friends. Classes offer a small environment to get to know people. Bonding over homework and reading can lead to great friendships. Starting a study group with people you get to know will give you a good excuse to meet with them outside of the classroom.

  1. Campus clubs

There are many different clubs and organizations on campus. You should pick a couple and try them out. There is no pressure to stay in a club you do not like, so you can pick and choose. Find a club that interests you and you should find people who you want to get to know better. Hanging out in a club or organization will get you out of your dorm and around new people. Chances are you will make new friends within a few weeks.

  1. Organize outings

You and your roommate can organize some outings for your floor. You can all meet at a local diner or coffeeshop to talk and get to know one another. Having a friend on your floor can help you through rough times during your college career. Not everyone will get along, but trying to find common ground and bond with your floormates will help your semester run smoother.

  1. Get off campus

Take a night or two to get off of campus and find fun things to do in the town or city. You might find a club or mall to go to or you can find a local dance studio. Dance studios usually have fun classes like swing dance lessons or polka nights. You can go by yourself or take some acquaintances along for a fun night out.

  1. Campus orientation

Make sure you go to any campus orientation events. They will help you get ready for your college life and help you make new friends and acquaintances. Usually an orientation session is held before school starts, but most dorms and campuses offer freshman fun activities and new orientation meetings throughout your first semester.

  1. Be yourself

Do not try to be anyone but yourself. It may be tempting to do things you are uncomfortable with in order to make new friends, but if you are not yourself then those friends are not your real friends. Relax and enjoy your college experience. Get comfortable with your dorm and campus and you will make friends in no time.

  1. Eat on campus

Eating on campus will help you meet new people and make new friends. Unlike high school, the campus dining areas are more laid back. Some people socialize and others work or read while they eat. If you keep on eating around the same time you will notice the same people eating with you. This is a good way to make new friends on campus.

While you may be scared and uncertain the first few days of college remember that all the other freshmen feel the same way. Be yourself and put yourself out there. Go to campus events, eat in the dining hall, and join organizations. Take time to get to know life off of campus and you will soon make new acquaintances that could turn into friendships. During college you will make friendships that  will last the rest of your life.

Byline:

Jane Hurst has been working in education for over 5 years as a teacher. She loves sharing her knowledge with students, is fascinated about edtech and loves reading, a lot. Follow Jane on Twitter.

 

Emerging Career Paths for College Science Students

BY LORRAINE McKINNEY

You have decided to major in science. Maybe you enjoy the equations and discovering new things. Whatever the reason, science is now your life. So, what are you going to do with that science degree? Here are seven developing careers for science students.

1. Robotics – This is a newer job offering for science majors. If you enjoy designing, building, and working with robots, this could be your dream job. Manufacturing robots for laboratories and consumer marketing is now turning into big business. There are needs for people to manufacture the robot, design the robot, and write software to make the robot functionable. You can do all of these things with a degree in robotics engineering. You will be able to work for consumers and industry. Many new jobs are opening up as people are more aware of what AI and robotics can do for businesses.
2. Data Scientist – If you get a computer science degree you can become a data scientist. You will use your knowledge of programming and data to make analyses and cull data for businesses. This knowledge can be used in the AI, analytics, deep learning fields, and more. There are many businesses out there who have decided to hire data scientists in order to stay on top of their fields. You will need to make sure to highlight any computer skills or analytical classes you have taken on your resume. Resume samples to help you get organized can be found online. A bachelors in computer science with some communication or business classes will be advantageous in this career.
3. Agriculture – Farm are still using plows and tractors to create food for us, but they are also using cutting edge research and technology to get the food to your table. Being an agricultural scientist will put you in the middle of this emerging field. Studying soil samples and crops will result in healthier food and more plentiful crops. This is an experiment heavy career whose results will have real time implications on the food supply. You should look towards agricultural engineering, horticulture, or an agriculture degree to pursue an agricultural scientist career.
4. Cyber Security – Many new businesses and established businesses are making sure they have a strong cyber security system. This fun job includes legal hacking and keeping cyber threats at bay. A computer science background is a must for this exciting position. You can also focus on cyber security and legal hacking classes while you are in college to strengthen your resume and use as a resume builder in order to obtain a job in this field.
5. Space – Whether you are talking aeronautics or astronautics you will find a degree in this field to be profitable. Now that astronautics are no longer confined to the government, a budding field has developed for people with mechanical and aerospace engineering degrees. This field includes satellites, space shuttles, rockets, and missiles among other things. This degree will open up jobs around the world. Many different countries and companies are hiring more mechanical engineers to help them create satellites and more.
6. Digital Marketing – Businesses grow and thrive with marketing. Digital marketing is a field that is fast growing. The market has grown past the television and home computer. Smartphones and AI such as Alexa have brought the marketing capabilities into our homes. With a science degree you have the analytical and data skills to have a digital marketing career.
7. Environmental Science – A degree in environmental science will open many doors for you. Pollution is a major threat to the planet and environmental scientists are first in the line of defense. You can develop strategies to protect the environment and do field studies to help your strategies. This is a job that has world wide demand and may be one of the most impactful jobs a scientist can do.

 

Lorraine McKinney is an academic tutor and e learning specialist.