Internet-based classes common place on many campuses.

Today's post comes from the Miami Herald.Not so long ago, a student like Erin Dowd never could have attended college full-time. Dowd, a junior studying international business at Florida International University (a Gatlin Education Services partner school), works 40 hours a week while taking a full course load -- about half traditional courses and half online. ''I wouldn't be able to work full-time if I couldn't take some of my classes online,'' Dowd said. Internet-based learning has gone from cutting edge at the turn of the 21st century to commonplace on many campuses. ''Learning by Degrees,'' a 2005 report funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, reported that 65 percent of graduate schools and 63 percent of undergraduate institutions offer online as well as face-to-face courses. To read the rest of this article click here.

U.S. Department of Education launches new college planning tool for families.

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings today unveiled a new online tool to help students and families financially prepare and plan for college before a student's senior year of high school. Called the FAFSA4caster, it provides students with an early estimate of their eligibility for federal financial aid, which could include a Pell grant of up to $4,310. "Improving college access and affordability are key to giving more Americans a chance at higher education and keeping America competitive," said Secretary Spellings. "Families need more information—sooner—about students' federal aid eligibility so that they can plan ahead for college. The FAFSA4caster gives families an important tool they can use to make decisions about the future." To learn more about this new program click here.

How to start and promote your own blog as part of attracting and retaining students.

Yesterday we announced the addition of another great blog to our blog roll. Two weeks ago one of our partner schools contacted us and let us know they had started their own blog. Blogging is a great way to keep your current and potential students informed about what is happening in your community and a great way to announce new programs you are offering. If you are interested in learning how to start your own blog, my recommendation is to purchase Blogging Bonanza! This is the definitive guide to using blogs and RSS for Internet marketing.

Daryl Clark
Gatlin Education Services
Director of Online Marketing

Freight Broker Training Information Blog added to our blog roll.

We are pleased to announce that our friends at Brooke Freight Broker Training School have launched their own blog, "Freight Broker Training Information." We have added their informative blog to our growing "Blog Roll." We hope you enjoy reading it!

Discussion will examine how colleges can use online tools in emergencies.

Ray Schroeder, director of the Office of Technology-Enhanced Learning at the University of Illinois at Springfield, will take part in a Live Chronicle of Higher Education Brownbag on "Avoiding Disaster with the Help of Online Education" beginning at noon (EDT), on Thursday, March 22. The discussion will be available at http://chronicle.com/live/. Participants who log in at the time of the program will be able to submit questions during the live discussion.

An expert on the use of technology in higher education, Schroeder will talk about what colleges can do to prepare for different types of emergencies and how they can use web-based learning to continue classes without interruption.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Schroeder was instrumental in working with the Sloan Consortium to develop the Sloan Semester, whereby college students left homeless by the storm had the chance to continue their education online, no matter where they relocated. He later chaired a national workshop, held New Orleans, on using online learning in an emergency.

For those unable to join in while the program is in progress, a transcript will be available at the same website later.

UIS' Office of Technology-Enhanced Learning is dedicated to promoting faculty use of the Internet and allied developing technologies to enhance learning, scholarship, and service. For more information, contact Schroeder at 206-7531 or go to http://otel.uis.edu.

The Big Idea of Online Art Projects.

This very interesting post is just in time for spring break, here in the United States. Today's post comes from a very interesting blog called, "The Carrot Revolution." You will find post intriguing if you are interested in art or photography. Click here to read this article.

BBC axes online education service.

Today's article is from the MediaGuardian.co.uk by Jason Deans.

The BBC Trust has confirmed it is scrapping online education service BBC Jam, following complaints from commercial rivals. BBC Jam will be suspended from next Tuesday, March 20. BBC management has been asked by the trust to draw up new proposals for a formal education and learning online service.

Management's new plans will then be put through a public value test by the BBC Trust, including a market impact assessment by Ofcom.

In January, MediaGuardian revealed that the rollout of BBC Jam had been suspended for an indefinite period following the government's decision to investigate the corporation's educational public service content.

The trust today said its decision followed extensive discussions with the government and the European Commission about how to deal with allegations from industry rivals that BBC Jam was damaging their interests.

The corporation started a high-profile marketing campaign for BBC Jam, aimed at five- to 16-year-olds last autumn. The launch of the campaign was hosted by the director general, Mark Thompson.

The entire £150m, five-year project was initially given the go-ahead subject to it meeting 17 tough licence conditions to ensure that the content was appropriately public service. Around half the budget has been spent so far.

BBC Jam employs around 200 staff in house, with 50% of the content commissioned from independent producers.

The first elements of the service were soft-launched in January 2006 and only around 10% of the planned output is currently available online.

The Jam service, which can be accessed for free via broadband, consists of single-subject areas, from helping children to read and write, to teaching business skills, languages and geography. They can be used in the classroom, at home, by individual children, by parents with children, or as a classroom aid by teachers.

The modules use devices such as computer games techniques, music, jingles and interactivity to hold a child's attention. Jam is seen as part of the BBC's mission to educate, and is based on the national curriculum.

Search Engine Optimization online course now available from Gatlin Education Services

FORT WORTH, Texas – Gatlin Education Services announced today a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Online Certificate Program is now available for immediate enrollment. The 150-hour course will be offered through Gatlin’s partnership with major colleges and universities.

A sub-set of search engine marketing, search engine optimization specialists improve their company’s search engine page rankings, driving more users to their Web site. It is widely considered to be one of today’s most promising careers, and the online certificate program has specifically been developed to meet the high demand for specialists.

The Search Engine Optimizer series is a bundle of three courses: Search Engine Optimization 101 and 201 and Web Site Copywriting 101.

The SEO courses cover how to improve search engine positioning on the Internet’s top engines, pay per click advertising, measuring return on investment and starting an SEO business. Web Site Copywriting provides direction on how to write appealing copy that will move the site’s visitors to action.

Established in 1989 by Stephen Gatlin, Gatlin Education Services is the largest provider of Web-based, instructor-supported career training to community colleges and universities. Gatlin’s online career training courses are open enrollment, allowing interested students to start their desired training immediately. Gatlin’s courses are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations.

Online growth worries U. of I. Springfield .

Today's article comes from the Chicago Sun-Times. BY DAVE NEWBART Staff Reporter.

Faculty at the University of Illinois' little-known Springfield campus believe the school could soon be in the fight of its life. The potential foe? The university itself -- in the form of a new "Global Campus."

As the U. of I. system struggles to join the online world, the board of trustees is scheduled to vote today on whether to launch a Global Campus.

But at Springfield, where 20 percent of students already have online majors, faculty fear the move will siphon away students.

"Competition with UIS online programs has the potential to seriously harm the UIS campus," faculty said in a resolution last month.

More than 40 percent, or 2,100, UIS students are enrolled in at least one online course.
Campus senate vice chair Terry Bodenhorn worries that even high-quality programs could get drowned out by Global Campus marketing, which has a budget of up to $10 million a year.

The faculty also noted that top U. of I. brass have said they are prepared to partner with schools outside the system, such as Illinois State University, to offer online degrees.

"Spending [U. of I.] resources to fund one of our main competitors does not make much sense to us," the faculty noted.

The UIS faculty also believe the proposed model of using part-time, non-tenured faculty to teach professional courses in such areas as nursing and education "seems educationally limited and outdated."

Meeting demand Chester Gardner, who is spearheading the effort to create the Global Campus, said competition with existing programs could be necessary to meet demand.

"Online education is a competitive arena," he said.

The school would partner with another university only if existing programs were unable or unwilling to grow to meet demand, he said.

Even with their concerns, members of the Springfield faculty gave their support to the principle behind the Global Campus, saying they recognized the need for expanded online learning.

Faculty senates on the Chicago and Urbana-Champaign campuses also endorsed that principle.
dnewbart@suntimes.com

New Online Tutor Training Course Breaks Down Barriers.

Crossroads of Learning, a division of Media InfoSystems, Inc., has just announced the launch of "Tutoring Foundations," the first tutor training program to address the unique needs of today's adult learners featuring "anytime" availability, quality supervision, and research-based curriculum. The course was developed over eighteen months of intensive collaboration with the National Tutoring Association (NTA) and Fielding Graduate University. "Tutoring Foundations" is approved by the NTA and is designed to be convenient and practical for tutors nationwide who are seeking training and certification. The course reinforces the NTA's mission and goals for raising professional standards and accountability through best practices, methods, and protocols. A complete syllabus is available at www.crossroadsoflearning.com

Study Explores the Nature of Online Learning in K-12 Schools

The Sloan Consortium has just released a new study that explores the nature of online learning in K–12 schools and to establish base data for more extensive future studies. Issues related to planning, operational difficulties, and online learning providers were also examined. This study was based on a national survey of American school district chief administrators during the 2005-2006 academic year. It is one of the first studies to collect data on and compare fully online and blended learning (part online and part traditional face-to-face instruction) in K-12 schools. The distinction between fully online and blended learning is a most important refinement of previous studies on this topic. This study also notes that a number of states including Florida and Michigan have established very progressive school reform policies with regard to K-12 online learning. To learn more about this study and to download a free copy of it click here.

Are you ready for Google personalized search?

Today's post might seem a little off topic but it really isn't. Many people are not aware that a large portion of Gatlin Education Service's enrollments come from students finding our web site via Google. For example if you use the search term, Pharmacy Technician at Google,, you will see that our Pharmacy Technician Online Course page is the #2 result. Google is slowly moving toward personalized search. If you would like to learn how it works click here to read an article about this at my own blog.

Daryl Clark
Director of On-line Marketing
Gatin Education Services.

Wikipedia to seek proof of credentials.

Today's post comes from Yahoo News. Following revelations that a high-ranking member of
Wikipedia's bureaucracy used his cloak of anonymity to lie about being a professor of religion, the free Internet encyclopedia plans to ask contributors who claim such credentials to identify themselves. Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales said in interviews by phone and instant message Wednesday from Japan that contributors still would be able to remain anonymous. But he said they should only be allowed to cite some professional expertise in a subject if those credentials have been verified. Click here to read the rest of this article.

Adult Learners Demand Education On Their Terms.

A new study released by Eduventures says, "Flexibility is a hallmark of continuing and professional education. This is particularly clear when it comes to adult learners' growing preference for nontraditional scheduling and delivery formats, according to a recent nationwide survey of more than 25,000 current and prospective continuing and professional education students. According to the research, the perfect schedule for adult learners consists of classes held in the middle of the week, Tuesday through Thursday, during late afternoons and early evenings (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.). In addition, Eduventures found great interest among adult learners in courses and programs delivered in an accelerated summer session, 100 percent online, or hybrid format, with approximately half of surveyed consumers reporting that they are likely to consider these special continuing education formats.

"The 'most convenient schedule' is the single most important reason students cite for choosing to enroll at their current institution," said Sean Gallagher, program director and senior research analyst for Eduventures' Learning Collaborative program in Continuing and Professional Education. "To meet demands for flexibility, the pendulum is continuing to swing toward more flexible delivery modes and course and program formats. The institutions that are able to optimize their scheduling patterns and formats for the appropriate audiences will be best positioned for success and growth."Assessing Consumer Preferences for Adult, Continuing, and Professional Education: Scheduling, Formatting, and Delivery Mode Preferences is the third in a series of reports released this winter analyzing continuing and professional education consumers' preferences and educational purchasing process. This research is a product of Eduventures' Learning Collaborative in Continuing and Professional Education, a member-based research program designed to help college and university administrators of continuing and professional education departments address critical strategic, marketing, and operational challenges.

For more information on the Learning Collaborative programs or the report, contact Blair Walker at 617-532-6060.ABOUT EDUVENTURESFor more than a decade, Eduventures has been the most trusted name in the education market for research, consulting services and peer networking. Its clients include senior administrators and executives from leading educational institutions and companies serving the K-12, higher education and corporate learning markets, as well as decision-makers in government agencies and the investment community. For more information, visit www.eduventures.com.

Delays, designs diminish ed-tech research.

Delays, designs diminish ed-tech research. Today's post is from eSchoolNews. Delays in the publication of federal ed-tech studies, as well as the design of certain research projects and even the circumstances under which some results are released, have fueled concerns from ed-tech advocates who question whether the Education Department is making good use of millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded research intended to explore the correlation between technology and learning. Click here to read the remainder of this article.

UCEA 92nd Annual Conference April 11 - 14 is in Vancouver.

We highly recommend attending the University Continuing Education Association's 92nd Annual Conference this April 11 -14th. The conference is being held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The preliminary conference agenda is now available. Click here to review the agenda and to learn how to register.

Symantec Launches Free Online Sales Training for Channel Partners.

CUPERTINO, Calif. - February 25, 2002 - Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC), the world leader in Internet security technology, today announced the availability of online training resources for Symantec channel partners and customers. Symantec will provide channel partners participating in Symantec's partner program with free, self-paced online sales training, offering the knowledge necessary to sell Symantec security solutions. In addition, Symantec is also rolling out a limited number of online classes for fee-based technical and security solutions training, available to customers and partners.

"Symantec has created a one-stop-shop for all Symantec educational products and services," said Allyson Seelinger, vice president of channel sales for Symantec. "With a significant shortage of security expertise in the marketplace, Symantec is committed to providing our partners with the tools they need to successfully implement the security solutions that today's IT environment requires."

The sales training is free and available exclusively to Symantec partners. The self-paced online training will increase a partner's knowledge of Symantec security solutions and the security market in general. Product courses include general security, antivirus and content filtering, firewall and VPN, intrusion detection and vulnerability management and integrated security.

Fee-based online and instructor-led technical training is also available to Symantec partners and customers and includes courses in firewall and VPN technologies, vulnerability management, intrusion detection, virus protection and content management, and security essentials. Successful completion of these courses along with appropriate certification exams will help partners and customers earn Symantec certification credentials at three different levels:

Symantec Product Specialist (SPS): focuses on a single Symantec security product and its functionality in an overall security system;

Symantec Certified Security Engineer (SCSE): has, in addition to product specific training and certification, a high level understanding of a broad range of security solutions plus in-depth knowledge and skills within a specific focus such as vulnerability management; and

Symantec Certified Security Practitioner (SCSP): is a senior consultant with in-depth knowledge and expertise across the complete range of security disciplines who has achieved SCSE certification in all security categories. Symantec Certification Exams are available at Prometric sites around the world (www.prometric.com). AvailabilitySymantec's channel partners can access the online training resources via PartnerNet at http://partnernet.symantec.com. Customers can access the technical and security solutions training at http://educationonline.symantec.com.

Symantec Partner Program: The Symantec Partner Program focuses on providing enterprise partners - such as proven Internet security experts, value-added resellers and other channel partners - with the expertise and resources necessary to plan, implement and manage complex security architectures for their customers using Symantec security solutions. In addition to comprehensive sales expertise and award-winning technical support, Symantec offers enterprise partners extensive fee-based training and certification on the operation and installation of Symantec solutions in four technical areas critical in today's networked environment: virus protection and content management, firewall and VPN technologies, intrusion detection systems and vulnerability management. For more information or to sign up for the Symantec Partner Program, partners should visit www.symantecpartner.com.

About Symantec: Symantec, the world leader in Internet security technology, provides a broad range of content and network security software and appliance solutions to individuals, enterprises and service providers. The company is a leading provider of client, gateway and server security solutions for virus protection, firewall and virtual private network, vulnerability management, intrusion detection, Internet content and e-mail filtering, remote management technologies and security services to enterprises and service providers around the world. Symantec's Norton brand of consumer security products is a leader in worldwide retail sales and industry awards. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has worldwide operations in 38 countries. For more information, please visit www.symantec.com.

New online database publishes online college rankings.

The new Online Education Database just published their 2007 online college rankings. According to them, "Online higher education is growing, but a lack of transparency is preventing it from reaching its full potential. Even though online colleges are now receiving increased respect from top employers, diploma mills and the like limit the prestige of a legitimate online degree. We think more transparency is a good thing; a set of objective, quantitative rankings — however imperfect — should help shed some light on the relative attractiveness of the most popular accredited online colleges.

These rankings have been produced by OEDb, a database of accredited online education programs. In our rankings we included the most significant degree-granting undergraduate online colleges that operate nationally, as determined by our selection criteria. To our knowledge, these online college rankings are the first of their kind." Click here to read the rest of this article and view their rankings.

A North Carolina Contininug Education Program is challenged by budget cuts.

Today's post comes from The Independent Tribune. Smaller budget expected for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in 2007-08. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s operating budget is getting tighter this fiscal year, but its leaders also expect to get less money from the state in 2007-08 because of a 3.7 percent decline in enrollment. After record-enrollment increases from 2003 to 2005, RCCC’s enrollment has leveled off given the improvement of the local economy and availability of more jobs, said President Richard Brownell. And since state-operating funding is tied to enrollment, RCCC stands to receive $400,000 less during the 2007-08 fiscal year. RCCC’s 2006-07 state operating budget stands at $25.5 million. Click here to read the remainder of this article.

Adult Learners Tend to Rely on Cash and Employer Assistance.

A recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education states, "Adult Learners Tend to Rely on Cash and Employer Assistance to Pay for College, Survey Finds."

"Most students in adult, continuing-education, and professional programs at American colleges and universities rely on personal savings and employer-provided tuition assistance to pay for their education, according to a new report based on a survey of 25,000 current and prospective students."

"Of those surveyed, 50 percent said they used or planned to use cash and nearly half (48 percent) said they used or planned to use tuition assistance to pay for at least part of their college courses, while about a quarter identified federal student loans (28 percent) and scholarships (22 percent) as financial resources. Responses in those categories overlap because most of the respondents used at least two financial sources."

OCHEA annual conference in Newark, Ohio next month.

Gatlin Education Services will be attending the Ohio Continuing Higher Education Association's annual meeting being held in Newark, Ohio on March 15 -16th. OCHEA is a not-for-profit organization of accredited, non-profit, degree-granting institutions of higher education in Ohio dedicated to human resource development through continuing education.

Mississippi online high school experiences rapid growth.

This post comes from the Clarion Ledger. Enrollment in Mississippi’s Virtual Public School that lets high school students learn via online classes has seen rapid growth. "Projections are the 2,500 to 3,000 students taking online classes now will climb to 10,000 students in a couple of years." This is according to Mississippi Superintendent of Education Hank Bounds. Click here to read this entire article.

New online Pay Per Click Marketing course now available.

We are pleased to announce the immediate availability of another great online career training program. This nationally recognized Pay Per Click Marketing (PPCM) online course and training program has been developed because of the high demand for Pay Per Click marketing specialists. Pay Per Click Marketing (PPC) is a sub-set of Search Engine Marketing, and refers to a specific type of advertising where you pay a search engine every time a potential customer clicks on your ad. These ads appear on search engine results pages and sometimes on the pages of sites within a search engine’s network of partners.A job in the paid search industry can be unbelievably lucrative.

As noted recently by Jennifer Laycock of Search Engine Guide, "There are quite literally more jobs than there are skilled marketers and salaries can skyrocket to almost embarrassing levels." This extreme demand means Pay Per Click Marketers can pick and choose their jobs and/or clients. Experts in select specialties such as Pay Per Click Advertising are currently enjoying even higher demand than usual, as advertisers out-bid each other to have their site shown for popular keyword searches on Google, Yahoo! and MSN. This online certificate program is offered in partnership with major colleges and universities.

Search engine optimization (SEO) online training program now available.

We have two more new online career training programs to announce this week. The first course is our search engine optimization (seo) online training program. Search engine optimizers (SEOs) increase their company’s Web site traffic by improving its search-engine page rankings. This is an especially important task in today's Internet-driven world, where many customers first learn of an organization and its products or services through the Web. Indeed, this SEO program was created in direct response to the skyrocketing demand for paid search engine industry professionals. Because of a shortage of experts in this area, many top SEOs receive multiple job offers. This 3-part program will teach you how to tailor your website to achieve better search engine ranking, incorporate dynamic technology such as Flash, and make the most of your website’s content. Go here to learn more or to find a school offering this program.

New Search Engine Marketing certificate program now available.

We are pleased to announce the immediate availability of another new online career training course. Our Search Engine Marketing training and certificate program has been developed in direct response to the skyrocketing growth of the search engine industry. Search Engine Marketers improve their company’s search engine page rankings.

Because of a shortage of qualified personnel in this relatively new field, many Search Engine Marketers receive multiple job offers. This comprehensive program will show students how to create, monitor and maintain successful search engine rankings, take advantage of pay-per-click advertising, and much more. This Search Engine Marketing program combines both the Search Engine Optimizing and the Pay Per Click Marketing programs into one extended program. Go here to learn more or to find a school offering this program.

New Fine Arts Training online certificate program now available.

Gatlin: online career training courses is pleased to announce the immediate availability of another new online certificate program. Our Fine Arts Training certificate program will help you build a foundation in drawing and painting, deepening your knowledge of the fine arts. You’ll begin by looking at art through the ages in its historical contexts, and learning how to analyze it, critique it, and assess what techniques the artists utilized. The class then moves on to introductory drawing, figure drawing, and oil painting. Along the way, you will learn about critical concepts such as line, mass, perspective, and composition, all under the guidance of our expert instructors. This program is instructor-led, project-based, and completed at your own pace. Expert faculty provides critique and feedback on projects within 1-2 business days, helping you build a creative portfolio for prospective employers. Go here to learn more or find a college offering this program.

Video game art online certificate program is now available.

Gatlin is pleased to announce the newest edition to our online career training courses catalog. Our new Video Game Art online certificate program is designed to help gain the skills and knowledge to get you started as a digital artist in today's fast-paced game development industry! This Video Game Art program builds technical and artistic skills in 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and animation using Autodesk Maya and Photoshop. Challenging, practical projects put you through your paces, helping you develop a high-quality portfolio of game art. Experience mentoring and feedback from an industry-leading faculty of game art professionals. This program is instructor-led, project-based, and completed at your own pace. Expert Faculty provides critique and feedback on projects within 1-2 business days, helping you build a creative portfolio for prospective employers. Go here to learn more or to find a school offering this program.

Troubles Grow for a University Built on Profits.

Today's article comes from the New York Times. The University of Phoenix became the nation’s largest private university by delivering high profits to investors and a solid, albeit low-overhead, education to midcareer workers seeking college degrees. But its reputation is fraying as prominent educators, students and some of its own former administrators say the relentless pressure for higher profits, at a university that gets more federal student financial aid than any other, has eroded academic quality. To read the rest of this interesting article click here.

Wedding planner online training and certificate program now available.

We are pleased to announce the immediate availability of Wedding Planner our newest online career training program. Wedding planners are in demand as more and more sophisticated brides discover they cannot be the bride and the wedding planner on the day of their wedding. The Wedding Planning Certificate Program is perfect for the individual who wants to immediately start making money as a wedding planner.

Whether you plan on working part-time, planning only a few weddings a year, or a full-time career, this program will provide all the tools necessary to work as a professional wedding planner or start your wedding planning business. To address the demands of the industry this program is created for real-world application including experiential learning. This includes role-playing, vignettes and other ways to practice for actual business objectives or work settings in the day-to-day of wedding planning. Go here to learn more or to find a school offering this program.

Criminals, CEOs, and First Graders Share Online Education Experiences.

As Online Classes Go Mainstream, Individuals and Business Leaders Learn How to Use Them And How to Avoid Scams!

Mount Jackson, VA (PRWEB) -- With the mainstreaming of online education, individuals and businesses are learning how to take advantage of economical, convenient education. "It's not just individuals who are considering the viability of online education," says Susan Deane, author of "Online Education: Is It for You?", who was recently interviewed on The Inside Business Success Show, "many businesses are using online classes as an economic way to train their workers." To read the rest of this interesting press release click here.

McGraw-Hill Higher Education Extends Reach of Online Testing.

McGraw-Hill Higher Education, a premier provider of print and digital teaching and learning solutions for the post-secondary and higher education markets, and Respondus Inc., a leading provider of assessment tools for learning management systems in higher education, have entered into an alliance that will make hundreds of McGraw-Hill test banks available in Respondus format at thousands of colleges and universities around the world. To read the remainder of this article click here.

Online charter school facing legislative struggles.

This article comes from TheWorldLink.com. The Oregon Connections Academy, a Scio-based virtual charter school, has been up and running for less than two years now, but it's already on pace to become one of the largest schools in the state, with about 1,200 students so far, who live everywhere from Bandon to Burns.But that growth could screech to a halt in just a few years, if lawmakers don't reconsider a bill passed in the final hours of the 2005 legislative session.That bill requires at least 50 percent of the students at an online charter school to live in the district where the school is based. To read the rest of this article click here.

Online Classes: Opening a Door to Primary Education.

This is an interesting article by the Ecommerce Times.......Now that online classes have made significant headway in the college arena, K-12 educators are beginning to give the concept a closer look. Internet-based classes can serve a wide range of uses, from supplemental courses for advanced placement students to full-time online schools for kids with special needs.

Click here to finish reading this article.

Blackboard offers patent pledge.

Learning management system provider Blackboard Inc. has pledged not to sue users of open-source eLearning software. Blackboard holds a patent on LMS technology that critics say is overly broad and will stifle innovation in eLearning software. Academic computing groups say they welcome Blackboard's pledge but fear it doesn't go far enough. Click here to read the rest of this article.

Continuing education departments continue to turn to Gatlin for online programs.

Gatlin Education Service's online career training courses continue to be in high demand across the country. One of the primary reasons we continue to grow is related to the challenges faced by continuing education and extension offices around the country. An article by the Contra Costa Times explores the challenges faced by UC Berkeley Extension. To read this interesting article click here.

Free online course aimed at the architecture, engineering and construction industries.

QuakeWrap has launched its first free online course aimed at the architecture, engineering and construction industries. The course titled, “Using Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) to Repair and Strengthen Structures” allows professionals to gain knowledge and earn continuing education credits. Through the AEC Daily's Online Learning Center, QuakeWrap offers a practical way for obtaining ongoing, state-of-the-art, and up-to-date continuing education free-of-charge.

The course can be downloaded 24 hours per day, seven days per week allowing users to participate in the learning experience at the convenience of their home, office, or while on the road. During the hour-long course, participants will receive an overview of characteristics and advantages of using Fiber Reinforced Polymers to repair and strengthen existing concrete, masonry, wood, and steel structures.

AEC Daily is registered with the American Society of Landscape Architects as a provider of Continuing Professional Education programs for landscape architects. This one-credit course qualifies for HSW and for BOMI Institute Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit for RPA, FMA, and/or SMA graduates. AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members' behalf.

Online education makes big gains!

According to Eugene Scott of the Arizon Republic enrollment for online courses are projected to reach about 1.7 million U.S. students this year, more than three times those enrolled in 2002. The number of online students represents nearly 10% of total students enrolled in postsecondary education nationwide, according to the reference book, released in fall 2006. To read the remainder of this article click here.

PBS & WGBH/Boston to Collaborate On Major Online Professional Development.

NORFOLK, Va., Jan. 26 -- PBS today announced a collaboration with the WGBH Education Foundation's Teachers' Domain, bringing Teachers' Domain's state-of-the-art online science courses to PBS TeacherLine's national online professional development service for educators. The announcement was made today by PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger at the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) annual meeting in Norfolk. To read the entire announcement click here.

Legislation Offered To Study Distance Education.

Today's blog post comes from the Chronicle of Higher Education. Ever the critic of distance education, Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers, Republican of Michigan, has introduced legislation that would require scientific scrutiny of online learning. The Independent Study of Distance Education Act of 2007, H.R. 412, would direct the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study comparing distance-education programs to classroom instruction. The same measure was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2005 but was killed during House-Senate negotiations. In an interview with The Chronicle last year, the congressman talked about diploma mills and his concern that some distance education institutions could confer meaningless degrees.

"As a scientist, I strive to base my policy decisions and voting on reliable studies and data," Representative Ehlers said in a written statement released on Tuesday. "Unfortunately, when it comes to the Higher Education Act and distance education, there is no scientifically correct, statistically valid study of the quality of online distance-education programs as compared to campus-based programs." -- Andrea L. Foster

On-line learning in Spanish is coming to U.S. soon.

Here is another interesting article from the Green Tree Gazette. The Fundacion Universitas Iberiamerica, or Funiber for short, is coming to America to offer advanced master’s and doctoral degrees and continuing education to Spanish-speaking students here.

Sergio Abramovich, Funiber’s New York director, claims there is no political agenda. This has nothing to do with the immigration issues or controversial propositions in California requiring schools to deliver or not deliver primary education in Spanish. Nor is it paranoia about subcultures refusing to assimilate. To finish reading this article click here.

Attend eLearning Africa this coming May 28 - 30th, 2007.

Attend eLearning Africa 2007, the second International Conference on ICT for Development, Education and Training, will take place from May 28 to 30, 2007 in Nairobi, Kenya under the Patronage of the Kenyan Minister for Education, the Hon. Prof. George Saitoti.

The title of the conference is Building Infrastructures and Capacities to Reach out to the Whole of Africa, reflecting the significant efforts of African countries to set up their national and regional ICT infrastructures to create access to education, training and services for all. At the same time, they are working to provide the capacities for all stakeholders to efficiently exploit the huge potentials advanced telecommunications technologies offer for the benefit of Africa.

Wireless Devices: The front door to students’ lives.

This great article is from the Green Tree Gazette. University marketers looking for a front door to students lives will find it in mobile wireless devices, according to the 2006 Alloy College Explorer Study. “Students are spending a total of eleven hours of each day engaged with media and are constantly on the go,” says Dana Markow, vice president of youth and education research at Harris Interactive, which helped research the study. To read the entire article click here.

Gaming advances as a learning tool.

eschool News says, "Educators increasingly are using sophisticated computer games to snag and hold the interest of the "digital natives" in their classrooms, but some teachers have trouble accepting the educational value of making learning fun. This obstacle cannot be found in the cutting-edge learning environments described in this report, starting with one game-augmented course that has kids learning before they even know it." Click here to read this entire article.

Kentucky program creates online learning plans for all students.

From eSchool News staff and wire service reports.......

You could call it "MySpace" meets "Monster": Kentucky has introduced a web-based program that will help students map out their academic careers and give them an idea of what career path they'd like to explore--all while teaching them how to write a resume and apply for financial aid.

The program, called Individual Learning Plans, is a revamped version of the Individual Graduation Plan, a system the state introduced in 2002 but that failed to catch on with students. The new program, run by Toronto-based Career Cruising, is already earning raves. "I've already had more kids in the last week say things about this than I've ever had in 13 years of education," said Todd Mullins, a guidance counselor at Oldham South Middle School.

Each student will have his or her own page, complete with test scores and the results of surveys designed to help students figure out what they're interested in. "It's pretty cool," said Ray Grijalba, 13, an eighth grader at Oldham South who said he wants to be an engineer. "I've been looking at the money you make and stuff."

The site also allows parents to log in and check on their child's progress. Parents can leave students a message on the site or send a note to the school's guidance counselor. The plan is available in both English and Spanish. To read the rest of this article click here.

Online Courses Demonstrate Use of Seven Principles.

This article from the International Journal of Instructional Technology examines Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education when applied to online courses. It is important to validate that these findings developed originally for face-to-face instruction apply also to online learning. Click here to read the full article.

The League for Innovations 10th anniversary conference in New Orleans.

The League for Innovation in the Community College has announced the location and dates of the 10th anniversary of the Innovations Conference. Over the past 10 years, they have featured some of the most innovative, thought-provoking, and cutting-edge programs featuring leaders and trendsetters in the community college field. The conference is being held this year from March 4 - 7th in New Orleans. Click here to learn more or to sign up.

Freight Broker Training Program demo is now available.

This will be the last in our series of posts about our new online Freight Broker Training Program for a little while. Students are saying a lot of good things about this program already. Interested students can try a free demonstration of this course by clicking here.

Great continuing education conference for California Educators.

The Association of Community and Continuing Education (ACCE) an organization of California Community Colleges is holding the annual meeting February 21 - 23, 2007 at the Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California. Interest parties can read their mission statement to learn more about the organization.

AutoCAD 2007 online training program is now available!

We are pleased to announce our AutoCAD 2007 online training program is now open for enrollment. This nationally recognized AutoCAD 2007 online course and certification training program is an essential tool for those seeking AutoCad Certification. AutoCAD 2007 is used many industries including mechanical and civil engineering, architecture, and facilities planning and management. More employers using AutoCAD, and need workers skilled in AutoCAD, than any other CAD system. Textbook and student software included!

Launch of our new freight broker training program is a huge success!

The launch last week of our new freight broker training online program was a great success! More students signed up for this training program during the first week than any other brand new program we have developed recently. This Gatlin Education Services EXCLUSIVE online program provides students with the necessary skills to succeed in the freight brokerage and logistics business. Freight Brokering is currently one of the top home-based businesses as well as the largest growing sector of the transportation industry, according to Entrepreneur magazine.

A recent search at MSN Careers shows eight job openings posted in the past three weeks for freight brokers. Virtually all of the salary ranges show the potential to earn six figures! Freight brokerage is an ideal business for anyone with good organization skills and a desire to work with people. If you’re a self-starter who enjoys fast-paced work, you’re perfect for freight brokering. Our program is open enrollment and financial aid is available for qualified students.

UCEA Workforce Development Forum 2007.

We want to give equal time to our University and Community College partners. The next conference we recommend you consider attending is the (UCEA) University Continuing Education Association's, "2007 Workforce Development Forum" is entitle, "Connecting, Creating and Competing: Advancing Economic Development with Education and Training." It will be held January 10 - 12, 2007 at the Hyatt on Sarasota Bay, Sarasota, Florida.

A Surprising Secret to a Long Life: Stay in School.

James Smith, a health economist at the RAND Corporation, has heard a variety of hypotheses about what it takes to live a long life — money, lack of stress, a loving family, lots of friends. But he has been a skeptic.

“If you were to ask me what affects health and longevity,” says Michael Grossman, a health economist at the City University of New York, “I would put education at the top of my list.” Click here to read this great article by the New York Times.

First conference of the year we recommend attending.

We intend to feature a number of Education conferences this year. The first one we are featuring is the 4th Annual NACCE Conference being held January 8 -11 in Orlando, Florida. The National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) was created to establish entrepreneurship education as a core offering to foster economic development through community colleges. NACCE focuses on increasing economic development through entrepreneurship education and student business incubation at the community college level. Collaboration through NACCE had begun to increase entrepreneurship education and student business incubation for participating community colleges.

Six ed-tech trends to watch in 2007.

We are going to finish our posts for this year with another article from eSchoolnews. Accroding to them, "Educational technology at last has progressed to the point where differentiated, individualized instruction clearly is possible for students anywhere on the planet. It can be delivered at any time, in just the right form, with whatever frequency might be required. This has long been the dream of educational technologists. And today the dream has come true--at least in terms of the technology. The barriers to universal access are no longer technical; they're political and financial.

So while governments and society grapple with the challenges of making what's already technically feasible universally available, let's take a look at what's next on the ed-tech horizon. Here are six emerging ed-tech trends that could have a significant impact on schools and colleges in 2007. " Click here to read the remainder of this article.

The top 10 ed-tech stories of 2006: Part 2

In this two-part special retrospective, the editors of eSchool News highlight the ten most significant educational technology stories of the past year. Click here to read part two of this series.

eSchool News presents the top ten tech ed stories of the year, part 1.

One of our favorite sources for information about eLearning trends has been eSchoolnews. They just posted part 1 of the top tech ed stories for the year and you can read it by clicking here.

We will be posting almost daily in 2007, so please bookmark our blog and tell your friends and co-workers about it!

Happy Holidays!

Gatlin Education Services: online career training courses

Ruling: Schools must archive eMail.

eSchool News online recently reported that, "according to new federal rules that went into effect Dec. 1, schools, businesses, and other organizations are required to keep tabs on all eMail, instant messages (IM), and other digital communications produced by their employees. " To read the entire story click here.

Training Experts to Convene at Online Educa Berlin

More than 2,000 participants from 86 countries are expected at the 12th Online Educa Berlin, the world's largest international conference for ICT-supported learning and training. The event is taking place at Berlin's Hotel InterContinental from November 28 - December 1, 2006. Gatlin Education Services is one of the U.S. based participants. To learn more about this international conference click here.

Number of students taking online courses rises!

According to a recent AP article posted by CNN.com roughly one in six students enrolled in higher education -- about 3.2 million people -- took at least one online course last fall, a sharp increase defying predictions that online learning growth is leveling off. A new report scheduled for released Thursday by The Sloan Consortium, a group of colleges pursuing online programs, estimates that 850,000 more students took online courses in the fall of 2005 than the year before, an increase of nearly 40 percent. Last year, the group had reported slowing growth, prompting speculation the trend had hit a ceiling. To read the entire article click here.

Virtual-school enrollment explodes!

From eSchool News, "Enrollment in K-12 online courses in the United states has exploded in the past year, increasing by as much as 50 percent in some states, according to a new report from the North American Council for Online Learning (NACOL). " To read the entire article click here.

Gatlin course author to be honored by the Queen of England!

Tom Whittaker, the first person with a disability to reach the summit of Mount Everest, will be awarded the Most Excellent Order Member of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. Tom is the instructor for our, "Seven Steps to Leading High Achieving Teams" program. Click here to read the full story.

How to pay for distance learning!

Education and training can give your career a tremendous boost. Chances are pretty good that your employer will help pay for classes that enhance your career.

In many cases your employer may be willing to help pay for a distance-learning class that improves your skills. And even if your company can't help, the government often can. Professor Michael R. Simonson, distance learning expert, explains why funding a distance-learning program might be easier than you thought.

Q: How can I convince my employer to pay for my distance training?

A: Many companies and organizations provide qualified employees with support for education. First, it is important to know your company's existing policies. Start by asking your HR representative about any subsidies available for work-related training. If an employer is reluctant to accept distance education, try providing them with as much information about your proposed course of study as possible. With a little extra work, it is often possible to convince a skeptical employer that distance education not only provides quality learning that makes employees more qualified, it also permits the employee to stay in the workplace and not have to take days, weeks, or even years away from the job. You might also point out to your employer that many distance education programs stress the applicability of the course material to the workplace.

Q: Are there any government grants that would help me pay for a distance-learning program?

A: That depends on the program you choose. Start your search for financial assistance at the school, college, or university where you plan to enroll. Scholarships and student loans are available, but most can only be applied toward courses at accredited institutions. Most such institutions will have an office dedicated to finding financial assistance for students who need it.

Branding Options For Distance Learning Programs: Managing The Effect On University Image.

This is a very interesting article on branding by Nita Paden and Roxanne Stell of Northern Arizona University.

Abstract:

Although university goals for adding distance learning programs vary, decisions about development and marketing of the programs can have an impact on traditional on campus programs and influence overall perceptions of the university. As universities develop distance programs, it is important that (a) there is a clear understanding of the university’s brand image and the elements contributing to that image; (b) the university ensures that the distance program maintains/improves the image of the university; or (c) the university makes a decision to develop a separate identity/brand for the distance program that will stand on its own merit and not harm the university’s image if it malfunctions or fails. This paper explores issues relating to the application of branding strategies to distance learning programs.

To read this entire article click here.

Online catalogs bring in more enrollments.

At Gatlin Education Services we have been surveying where the students of our partners come from each year. This year we have noticed a significant increase in the amount of students who find their desired Gatlin course via their school's online catalog instead of the school's traditional paper catalog. This trend is consistent with what others have shared at national conferences like the UCEA and the ACHE.

If you work at an educational institution, it is important to make sure you take these things into consideration to maximize your potential to convert these potential students into enrollments.

1. Make sure students can find your contact information and how to register on your main landing page.

2. Provide compelling copy that concisely describes each course.

3. Make sure you have someone who is knowledgeable about your courses answering the phones and return calls the same day.

4. Make sure your department’s home page can be accessed in less than three clicks from your institution's home page.

5. Search engine optimize your HTML page titles with course related keywords, if your website design allows you to.

Following these simple steps will help students and you to get the most out or your online catalog.

Online Courses Fuel Growth in Continuing-Education Programs,

Online Courses Fuel Growth in Colleges' Continuing-Education Programs, Survey Finds.

Online-course enrollments now account for about a fifth of all continuing- and professional-education enrollments at the typical college or university, and online courses continue to attract more students to continuing education, according to a new report. The report, which is based on a survey of 43 nonprofit institutions, predicts that online continuing-education enrollments will grow by about 20 percent each year for the next few years.

"What gets a lot of attention in this area is the for-profits, but just in our sample, we have about 175,000 enrollments, so that's a big chunk of the market," said Sean R. Gallagher, a senior analyst at Eduventures Inc., the research and consulting firm that conducted the survey and produced the report.

A 2005 report issued by the Sloan Consortium, a collaborative of colleges that offer instruction online, estimated that online enrollments reached 2.35 million nationwide in 2004, the most recent year for which survey data is available.

The 43 institutions that participated in the Eduventures survey are part of the company's Continuing and Professional Education Program. About three-quarters of the participating institutions are public, and the rest are private.

The typical continuing- and professional-education division offers 150 for-credit courses, eight degree programs, and 24 noncredit courses online. Fully online courses and programs dominate the online continuing-education market, but about two-thirds of the colleges surveyed also offer hybrid courses, which combine online and classroom instruction.

About half of the institutions surveyed said they outsourced at least some aspects of their online continuing-education operations. About a quarter of the colleges had licensed noncredit courses from a third-party provider, and some had completely outsourced their noncredit online operations.

The report is available only to members of Eduventures' Continuing and Professional Education Program, and those interested in more information should contact Eduventures.

Colleges eye LMS patent fight.

eLearning patent awarded to Blackboard Inc. draws ire of competitors, schools From eSchool News!

Learning management systems (LMS) provider Blackboard Inc. has sued a smaller business rival over a patent it was issued in January covering its LMS technology. The patent, and subsequent lawsuit, have significant implications for the future of eLearning at colleges and universities nationwide. Critics say Blackboard's patent is overly broad and could stifle innovation in the eLearning industry.

To read this entire article click here.

New freight broker training course to be released this fall!

Gatlin Education Services announced today it has reached an agreement with Brooke Transportation Training Solutions (BTTS) to begin offering a freight broker / freight agent online career training course beginning this fall. The course will be offered exclusively through Gatlin’s partnership with major colleges and universities.

The program will provide students with the necessary skills to succeed in the freight brokerage and logistics business. Freight Brokering is currently one of the top home-based businesses as well as the largest growing sector of the transportation industry, according Entrepreneur Magazine and The Wall Street Journal.

“BTTS reminds us of ourselves in that they are forward thinking and respected in their industry,” said Stephen Gatlin, founder of Fort Worth-based Gatlin Education Services. “It’s really a classic win-win situation. We did our homework and believe BTTS is the best in the business. We are looking forward to a strong partnership and providing students with the most comprehensive education possible.”

Designed by successful freight brokers, the course prepares students to be the dealmaker between manufacturers who need goods moved and truckers who can move those goods. The instruction includes licensing, operations, job requirements, transportation industry trends and prospects(?), legal issues, benefits, ensuring cash flow, finding shippers, and more. Upon completion of the course, participants will be ready to join the $400 billion-plus shipping industry.

Freight brokerage is an ideal business for truck drivers who want to advance in the industry, entrepreneurs in search of a profitable home business and military veterans, who are provided government subsidies to take the training.

“The fact that Gatlin chose us to work with is an honor,” said BTTS President Jeff Roach. “Freight broker professionals are in high demand, because regardless of the economy, goods will always need to be shipped. A motivated and disciplined freight broker or freight agent with proper training can build up a very lucrative business. If you’re a self-starter who enjoys fast-paced work, you’re perfect for freight brokering. You’ll just need a little guidance, which is where we come in.”

Established in 1989 by Stephen Gatlin, Gatlin Education Services is the largest provider of Web-based, instructor-supported training to community colleges and universities. Gatlin’s courses are open enrollment, allowing interested students to start their desired training immediately. Gatlin’s online career training courses are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations.

Brooke Transportation Training Solutions (BTTS) prides itself in delivering the nation’s premier freight broker training. BTTS prepares students to succeed in the freight brokerage industry, as well as in life, by arming them with intense training, motivation and invaluable freight broker and transportation industry contacts.

$1.3 Billion Dollars slated for vocational education.

excellence reported, "lawmakers have approved a bill that guarantees federal support for vocational education through 2012, stymieing White House efforts to funnel the $1.3 billion that goes toward voc-ed programs each year into other areas. That's good news for the roughly 15 million students who take voc-ed classes, many of which increasingly rely on technology to prepare students for 21st-century careers".

Each year hundreds of students eligible for this type of assistance take Gatlin Education Services courses. If you are a Gatlin partner educational education institution and you seeking new avenues for reaching students in your community, contacting your local vocational rehabilitation office is a great way to serve these students in your community.

Gatlin Education Services partners with Walgreens!

Gatlin Education Services announced today it has reached an agreement with Walgreens that will give students an important leg up in the job market. Walgreens will offer its externship program to students in several Walgreens districts who are taking Gatlin’s pharmacy technician online career training program provided basic qualifications are met.

Gatlin’s nationally recognized pharmacy technician program is available at hundreds of continuing education departments at community colleges and universities across the United States. This blended learning online program teaches the necessary skills to gain employment as a pharmacy technician in a hospital or retail setting. The course aims to provide high school graduates and individuals seeking new careers the skills and knowledge that will enable them to qualify for entry-level positions in pharmacies as well as prepare for the mandated national certification.

Walgreens supplies interns with 80 to 160 hours of hands-on experience that includes assisting pharmacists with prescriptions, answering patient questions about medications and a bevy of administrative duties.

Gatlin and Walgreens initially expect to enroll about a dozen students in the internship program every month, with that number doubling in a year’s time. More than 8,600 individuals have expressed an interested in Gatlin’s pharmacy technician course this year.

“The pharmacy technician program is one of our most popular offerings,” said Stephen Gatlin, founder of Fort Worth-based Gatlin Education Services. “The added benefit of having a valuable internship will continue to put Gatlin students a step ahead in an ultra-competitive job market. The partnership with Walgreens will not only open doors for students, but will also pave the way for similar advantages with our other programs.”

Gatlin Education, YMCA & TCU (part 2)

A previous post noted our excitement in working with the YMCA and Texas Christian University to provide free online training for those most in need of improved job skills. We are pleased at the response we have received and note with pleasure this recent media report about our efforts. The video report showcases our VP of Service & Operations, Candice Claxton, and a big thank you goes to all the Gatlin employees who are helping to keep this effort ongoing. Thanks to CBS 11 TV for their coverage.

To view the report please click here.

Computer delivered education may be a key stroke.

Here is a great article by By Jon Boone of the Financial Mail.

Like so many other technologies that rode high during the dotcom mania before crashing ignominiously back to earth, e-learning is enjoying a revival. Those who were burned first time round will feel a queasy sense of deja vu at hearing the advantages of computer delivered education: it is easier to tailor around the diaries of busy people and it can be used to train very large numbers of people all at once.

Paul Palmarozza, president of Intellexis, speaks for many in the industry who have less misty-eyed view of its potential. "About 25-30 per cent of training is now done through e-learning. At the time of dotcom people thought it would completely take over but I think we now know it will get to about 20-40 per cent and stay there."

The learning interfaces are improving too with companies making them more interactive and making better use of video and graphics. All of which can add to the cost of e-learning, making it substantially higher than the old classroom model. Estimates vary but developing just one hour's of e-learning can cost up to Pounds 20,000.

In the world of financial training e-learning's second coming has been helped by the belief of US regulators that better trained employees will be less likely to bring the company to its knees in a mire of scandal. The multiple-choice, box-ticking nature of computer learning and assessment at its simplest lends itself perfectly to companies trying to find cost-effective ways to ensure very large numbers of their staff are Sarbanes-Oxley compliant. The same is true in the US for anti-money laundering regulations brought in with the Patriot Act.

At the the higher end of the market technology has become part of financial institutions' basic expectation. Jonathan Shaw of 7city says his company now routinely records classes that can be watched online for those who were not able to make the session.

E-learning also makes it easier for students to take their work wherever they chose. 7city says it has seen a 300 per cent increase in the number of downloads of recorded lectures via podcast and webcast over the past six months. Companies looking to raise the general level of financial competence of their workforce are not, Mr Palmarozza says, interested in squandering large amounts of their employees' time with three-day training courses.

"They want short, sharp courses that are tailored to the specific needs of their company and where the learning process can continue in their own time." But financial trainers are not just disinterring the old thinking and technology of the late 1990s. The best providers have realised that computers do not replace teaching, they merely improve it when it is done with a bit of careful thought. "Blended learning" is thus the buzzword for combining teaching and technology. Experts continue to hold forth in front of classrooms of executives, but some of their traditional functions have been hived off to computers. So, students will be expected to prepare for relatively straightforward subjects by learning from the computer rather than a trainer charging by the hour.

It also allows for continuous assessment of how students are progressing. Mr Palmarozza: "It is now pretty standard for us to run a computer pre-test before the course to see what areas need to be the focus. Another test afterwards can show both the students and their company that they have achieved value for the time spent."

Gatlin Education, YMCA and TCU partner to provide free on-line training.

Gatlin Education Services announced yesterday a partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth and Texas Christian University that will offer the economically disadvantaged an opportunity to improve their job-related skills. The program began on June 19, 2006. Gatlin provides free access to its series of online career training courses to qualifying participants at the YMCA’s AMAKA Early Childhood Learning Center in the Butler Housing Community, 1501 Stephenson Street in Fort Worth.

The material will be available to students from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday evenings until they complete their coursework. The computers utilized for the program were recently donated by TCU’s Office of Extended Education. Ranging in value from $1,295 to $1,595, Gatlin’s online courses cover a wide array of subjects including healthcare, business, Internet training and design.

“What we’re providing is a golden opportunity for people to better themselves at no cost, and that’s a chance you can’t get every day,” said YMCA Program Director Ronda Broxton. “You can learn how to be a webmaster, graphic designer, pharmacy technician or veterinary assistant with out having to pay the high cost of college tuition. All we ask is that you show a commitment to follow through with the program.”

The YMCA will supervise and administer the program, and TCU will issue completion certificates to participants. The class size is limited to eight students at a time, with spots opening as participants finish the training. The courses are self-paced, and take an average of 90 days to complete, though students are not given a deadline to finish the training.

“We’re very excited to contribute our part to such a worthwhile community endeavor,” said Stephen Gatlin, founder of Gatlin Education Services. “YMCA and TCU are known for giving back to the community, and it’s something we value as well. When this program becomes a success, we intend to utilize our relationships with colleges and universities to offer similar opportunities in neighborhoods all over the country.”

Mt. Everest mountaineer is instructor for Gatlin's new leadership training course.

Gatlin Education Services is pleased to announce the creation and release of “Seven Steps To Leading High Achieving Teams.” This course is our most technologically advanced course to date.

Tom Whittaker, the author of the course, is the first disabled person to reach the summit Mt. Everest. The course features Mt. Everest video presentations from Tom in Flash 8.0. To experience how great and unique this course is click here. You must have Flash 8.0 to view the demonstration. To download Flash 8.0 click here.

You can now receive a Certificate in Leadship and Team Building from a Community College or University near you! To find the education institution nearest you offering this cutting edge course click here.

Employers Warm Up To Online Education!

Online education is entering the mainstream, according to some higher education analysts, and its growing popularity with employers is part of the reason. Increasing the knowledge of their workforce is a prime benefit for employers, and many companies are finding ways to support employees who want to continue their education or earn advanced degrees online. To read this entire article by Kimberly Merriman of HR Magazine click here.

Online continuing education trends blog evolving.

Over the past year we have been pleasantly surprised by how popular our blog has become! Running a corporate blog that is unbiased is very hard to do but we have tried our best to provide high quality information.

A lot of readers have asked us to provide more detail about Gatlin Education Services's products and services. This is in line with the content and trends of most corporate blogs. We are going to continue to provide timely information about on-line continuing education trends but at the same time we are going to give you more insight about our products and services.

If you have comments or suggestions for improving our blog, feel free to visit our web site at Gatin Education Services and send us your suggestions.

Daryl Clark
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Gatlin Education Services.

Education conference we recommend and will be attending in April 2006.

We recommend and will be attending the following education conference in April 2006.

1. The 91st University Continuing Education Association conference being held April 9 - 12 in San Diego, California.