How Congress Helped Create the Best Online Schools

Progress in education has always needed federal funding in order to flourish, and online education is no different from traditional schools.  In 2006, Congress enacted a budget bill that allowed colleges to qualify for federal student aid which offered online education.   Thus far, this has amounted to a dramatic shift from traditional to online classes and the best online schools are only in existence because of this new federal funding. 

Over the past few years, more traditional colleges have expanded their programs to allow distance education students to take courses from home.  This has since increased to full for-profit online schools that offer many different degree programs to their students.  Federal funding has benefitted these programs drastically, as well-connected educators have relied on many Congressional Republicans who were sympathetic to their entrepreneurial ethic.  Previously before this bill, restrictions existed for federal funding to online courses, putting a cap on the funds that traditional schools could receive if they offered online courses.  As soon as Congress passed this bill promoting online education, online schools popped up around the country as they could now receive federal funding; furthermore, traditional schools began to offer more online classes.

The Bush administration lifted this restriction for online education as a way to reach out to nontraditional students who would otherwise be unable to earn a degree.  This was one of the best solutions to the educational system that Congress could make, considering that in a few years a recession would hit the country, causing a heightened demand for higher-level education.  Despite the mountainous debate that occurred in response to this bill regarding the quality of nonprofit traditional universities, the new online colleges proved their worth in only a few short months.  After the bill passed, online education took off as some of the current best online schools, such as University of Phoenix, sought to prove their worth to Congressmen around the country. 

The original 50 percent rule which restricted funds to online schools was only enacted in 1992 after investigations showed that some of the for-profit trade schools were little more than diploma mills which “harvested” federal student loans.  After many of these myths were dispelled from the online community, the industry has grown tremendously, as many online schools currently enroll more students than traditional schools.  With over 2,500 schools now offering federal student aid, students around the nation now have the opportunity to earn associates, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the best online schools.  Rural, military, and working students have been found to benefit the most from these changes in federal funding, as the nation has rushed to expand online higher education. 

While debate still ranges over the underlying motives of online schools, the success accounts from students have told a different story. 

Why Attend a Top 10 School?

Attending one of the top 10 best online colleges seems like a obvious choice for any distance-learning student, but many students are still struggling over the curriculum and costs that come with attending a high-rated school.  Rankings of distance-learning schools are different than traditional universities and colleges.  These schools are typically ranked on their historical value and the worth of their diploma.  A whole different slew of factors go into the rankings of online universities.

The top 10 best online universities typically comprise the schools that are the most cost-efficient while still retaining a worthwhile degree program and accreditation.  Schools that are cost-efficient typically appeal the most to students who are currently working , have families, and simply cannot afford the high cost of attendance for most public and private traditional schools. Many online universities which are accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council have managed to keep their costs low, sometimes running only $6700 for a 30-hour degree program.  Depending on what major you wish to attain from an online university, this may be a resourceful and economic way to save money (not to mention time).

Schools that feature and boast low costs are bound to be on top ten lists as they appeal to students around the country.  Furthermore, these schools offer the same quality education as schools that charge 50% more in cost! 

Additionally, the top online universities feature student-friendly programs; traditional schools do not need to worry about the hassle students must undergo to get in touch with a professor since they can simply go to their office hours.  Online universities, on the other hand, require more devoted professors who will be able to answer questions thoroughly through e-mail or phone calls, readily available to help students who may have different lifestyles than traditional students. 

Most online students have families and another career already, which makes it difficult to attend classes.  The fact that these students are making the time to complete their education or attain an additional degree is motivation enough for most professors to devote higher amounts of time after normal business-day hours to work with their students.  This caliber of professors helps boost rankings for many schools, since word-of-mouth by students is one of the best ways online schools are distinguished from each other. 

Attending a top ranking school not only helps your future career, but helps you understand that school does not have to be about attending the cheapest institution solely to bring in a higher paycheck.  You can find quality educational outlets that do not consume your savings and you can put these degrees to work within the career world.  Furthermore, just because a school costs less than others does not mean it has any less substance in its curriculum.  Attending one of the top 10 best universities will prove this to you and help establish that every other student who attended these schools had the same experiences you will. 

100 Free and Useful Web Tools for Students Abroad

By Tara Miller

Studying abroad can be one of the best and most enlightening experiences you’ll have when you’re in college. You’ll get a chance to learn about another culture, see far away places and maybe even become fluent in the local language. While studying abroad can be fun, it can also be challenging if you aren’t prepared. Here are some tools to help you manage being away from home, including ways to keep in touch, make sure you can finance your trip and ensure you’re complying with all the legal issues involved in overseas travel.

Reference Sites

These sites can offer a range of resources to students abroad, from information on how to stay safe to places where you can talk with other students.

1. Transitions Abroad: No matter what you’re doing overseas, from working to going to college, this site offers resources, links, articles and advice.
2. Study Abroad Student Handbook: Learn how to choose the right program, maintain your health and safety while away and return to the states without any legal trouble from this great online handbook.
3. GoAbroad: Find information here on everything from rail travel abroad to how you can get a cell phone that will work in your host country.
4. IIEPassport: On this site you’ll get access to resources about places to travel, how to get health care, scholarships and more.
5. Study Abroad.com: This site will help you learn about all the study abroad programs out there, from high school to graduate college.
6. Study Abroad Directory: Visit this site to learn about the wide range of study abroad resources and a programs out there.
7. International Student: Learn about scholarships, engage with other students and learn about health concerns from this site.
8. NRCSA: Language center listings, test prep and loads of information on study abroad programs around the world on this site.
9. Study Overseas.comHere you’ll not only find program listings but a great selection of helpful online magazines as well. :
10. TransWorld Education: Visit this site to learn about insurance when you’re away, get tips and tricks, and read the study abroad webzine.

Government and Safety Tools

U.S. citizens can make sure they’re traveling safe and with all the proper documentation through these sites.

11. U.S. Department of State: From getting your student visa to finding out about safety conditions in your host country, you’ll find all the information you need here.
12. Emabassy.org: Curious where the U.S. embassy is in your host country? Find listings for all embassies around the world on this site.
13. Students.gov: Pay a visit to this site to read about government resources and programs for students abroad.
14. Center for Disease Control: Learn if you might be ask risk for certain diseases and health conditions through the bulletins and advisories on the CDC website.
15. International Driving Permits: Hoping to drive while you’re away? You’ll likely need a special license. Learn how to get one from this site.
16. U.S Customs: Make sure nothing you’re bringing back home with you will cause you trouble by reviewing the customs regulations ahead of time.
17. International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers: Here you can learn who and where to get medical help while you’re away.
18. GotoMyPC: If you’ve forgotten something at home or need to access your home PC, you can do so easily with a free trial of this program.

Keeping in Touch

Make sure your friends and family know you’re safe and what you’re up to with these free tools.

19. NetCafeGuide: Use this site as a resource to find out where an internet cafe is near you, so you can always be in touch.
20. Skype: This popular service is a great way to make free or cheap international calls to those you care about or just to chat online.
21. Rebtel: With this service you’ll get an alias number that will let you make dirt cheap international calls.
22. Nimbuzz: Check out Nimbuzz to learn how to make free calls and instant messages from your mobile phone from anywhere.
23. Fring: Download Fring to your mobile device and start enjoying free talk and chat.
24. Meebo: With Meebo, you can access your MSN, AIM, MySpace and Yahoo chat from one place.
25. Pidgin: From this service you can access virtually every instant messaging account out there, making it easy to chat with all your friend no matter what they use.
26. eBuddy: Check out eBuddy to access your chat services from your computer or mobile phone.
27. PostalRates: Want to send something home? This site will help you determine postal rates no matter where you are.
28. WengoPhone: Use this free softphone to keep in touch with everyone dear to you without spending a fortune.

Traveling Overseas

See all that your host country has to offer by using these resources to make travel easier no matter where you’re calling home.

29. Hostelworld: Though this site you can find cheap, quality hostels to stay in so you can enjoy seeing the sights while you’re away.
30. Hostels.com: Another hostel service, this site allows you to search for and book hostels just about anywhere.
31. SERVAS International: Through this program, you can get to know a country even better with travel plans that set you up with great local families.
32. Eurotrip: Make traveling through Europe much cheaper by reading up on discounts and deals on this site.
33. Hosteling International: The U.S. division of this organization can help you find reliable hostels around the world.
34. Routes International: Through this site you’ll find great airfares, hostel reservations and more.
35. STA Travel: Get discounted rates on all your travel needs from this student travel site.
36. Student Traveler: This site is geared towards the student studying abroad, and offers a range of information on travel planning and reservations.
37. Student Travel Resources: With ticket deals and information, this site makes it easier for students to enjoy travel on a budget.
38. Eurorail: For those studying abroad in Europe, this site makes it simple to purchase rail passes for extensive travel.

Travel Guides

These online guides can help you learn what sites can’t be missed and what parts you may want to avoid while you’re seeing your new city.

39. Lonely Planet: On this site you’ll find guides for destinations around the world, as well as a great online community where you can ask important questions and get answers.
40. Frommer’s: From deals to tips and tools, this site has a lot of travel advice to offer.
41. Fodor’s: Here you can find helpful forums, information on deals and even travel news updates that could affect your safety.
42. TripAdvisor: From booking a hotel or flight to getting advice on the best tours, this site is a great one-stop resource.
43. Let’s Go: Check out the free guides on this site to learn what to do and see in your neck of the woods.
44. Rough Guides: Travelers on a serious budget should check out this site to learn the best ways to see it all and save big.
45. WorldReviewer: Give this site a try to read reviews about places around the world and find out if you can get a great deal on a trip.
46. WikiTravelPress: Want a travel guide but don’t want to pay a fortune? This site allows you to print a guide for only the cost of paper and ink.
47. Virtual Tourist: Learn from the experiences of others what sites are worth visiting on this great travel community hub.
48. RealTravel: Want to know what real people though about a hostel or a landmark? You can find out on this site that organizes opinions from people all over to give you a better picture of where you’re going.

Fitting In and Having Fun

Check out these online tools to learn what’s going on where ever you’re staying so you can get out and learn more about the local culture.

49. Cultural Training Resource: Visit this site to learn how to prepare to live in another culture.
50. Zvents: No matter where you are in the world you can use Zvents to keep up-to-date on concerts, movies and more.
51. Time Out Worldwide: This popular guide goes global on this site, allowing you to find the best things to do anywhere.
52. Event Guide: Click anywhere in the world to learn what cool things there are to do from culture to clubbing.
53. Eventful: Here you’ll find listings of concerts, festivals and other community events.
54. Art Museums Worldwide: Learn where the best spots to indulge in culture are in your area from this site.
55. WorldWideArtResource: Find theatres, operas, literary readings and more through this directory.
56. World Heritage Center: Why not try to see some of the greatest sites in the world if you’re nearby? Here you can find a listing of UNESCO’s world heritage sites and how to visit each one.
57. FestivalFinder: In many communities, local festivals are a great way to learn about the culture, meet new people and get a real feel for life abroad. Find out about them from this site.
58. Google Maps: Make sure you don’t get lost no matter where you decide to live with this helpful mapping tool.

Documenting Your Stay

What would a semester abroad be without something to remember it by? These tools will help you organize and share pictures, writing and memories about your stay.

59. WordPress: Get a free blog from WordPress to record your thoughts and post pictures for your family and to act as your own record of your travels.
60. Twitter: Give little updates about what you’re doing each day through this microblogging tool.
61. Picasa: This Google program allows you to upload, store and share all your photos.
62. Flickr: While bigger accounts will cost you, this site is still a great way to share pictures with those back home and ensure they’re backed up just in case.
63. WhirlPad: Check out this site to start your own travel themed blog.
64. BlogAbroad: Join this blogging community to share your experiences overseas.
65. myfamily.com: Set up a family site and you can share your photos and thoughts with your family privately.
66. Scrapblog: With this site, you can create an only scrapbook of your experiences.
67. Scribd: Want to write a lengthy report about what you’ve experienced while away? This site lets you do so and allows you to publish it online so all can see.
68. Travelblog: Whether you’re traveling all over or just traveling to one place for an extended stay, this site offers a great blogging community.

Language Learning Tools

If you’re not already fluent, these tools will help you start learning the native tongue of your host country.

69. BBC Languages: Check out this free site to learn a little bit of Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Greek or a number of other languages.
70. iLoveLanguages: Want to find great resources to help you learn another language? Pay this site visit.
71. soZeity: This is a great resource for those who use Skype and also want to learn an other language.
72. iTunesU: You’ll find a large number of language lessons available for free through this educational iTunes offering.
73. OCW Finder: See if there are any open courseware offerings out there that can help you learn a language or about the culture of your host country with this tool.
74. LiveMocha: Learn to speak the language before or during your stay with this tool that puts you in touch with native speakers.
75. Language Learning Library: From French to Japanese, you’ll find a number of free resources on this site to help you learn the basics.
76. FreeLanguage.org: This site is home to loads of free language learning resources.

Language Translation and Reference

Prevent any misunderstandings and make your stay a little easier with these great resources for translating and looking up any words you might not know.

77. WordReference: Look up words in Spanish, French, German, Russian and Italian on this great reference site.
78. Google Translate: Google offers this simple tool for translating phrases or webpages.
79. BabelFish: Try out Yahoo’s version of translation on this site.
80. WorldLingo: This basic translator should meet most of your translating needs.
81. Translate2: This site offers a wide range of languages and translations to English with everything from Finnish to Hindi listed.
82. Reverso: Check out Reverso to get quick and simple translation services for several major world languages.
83. YourDictionary.com:Looking for a great online dictionary in a foreign language? This site can help with a comprehensive directory of dictionaries.

Financial Tools

These helpful tools will help you manage your budget while you’re away, find funding, and keep your finances in order no matter where you’re at.

84. Oanada: If you need to do some currency converting, check out this great online tool.
85. Xe: No matter what you’re converting you’ll be able to do so here.
86. Wesabe: With this tool you can keep track of your finances at home and try to stick to a budget in your host country.
87. Mint: With services that make it easy to track your accounts, this tool will let you always make sure you have enough to get by.
88. Study Abroad Loans: Visit this site to learn about where and how to get loans to pay for your studies.
89. Study Abroad Funding: Check out this resource to learn more about where you can get the money for foreign study.
90. NAFSA Financial Aid: There may be government programs out there that can help you get cut down your expenses while away. Check out this site to find out more.
91. Fynanz: Through this site you can get private loans to help you fund your education.
92. GreenNote: Tap your family and friends for small contributions to your study abroad fund with this site.

Social Networks and Online Communities

Visit these sites to chat with other students who have already or who are currently going through the experience of studying or traveling abroad.

93. Facebook: If you don’t already have a Facebook account, it may be a good idea to get one. You’ll be able to easily keep in touch with friends at home and with friends in your host country once you return.
94. MobiFriends: The main Mobissimo site offers great deals on travel, but the MobiFriends community lets you ensure you find the best things to do while you’re away.
95. Diversity Abroad Forum: Here you can read questions and posts about everything from keeping in touch with family to staying safe while away.
96. Study Abroad Forum: This site is a good resource for those who are studying in English-speaking countries.
97. BootsnAll: This travel site is a great place to find information about low cost travel in just about anywhere in the world.
98. International Student Forum: Learn more about other students’ experiences and share your own on this study abroad forum.
99. Student.com: Check out this social network that offers communication between students of all kinds.
100. TripSay: Find out more about your location and other places in your host country through this community.

100 Best Free iPhone Apps for College Students

By Tara Miller

College students today are swamped with social calendars, budgeting nightmares, job searching, party planning, sports, study abroad, food shopping, and of course, studying. On top of everything, students need to stay extremely organized if they want to keep up with classes and maintain a little sanity. Our list of 100 best free iPhone apps for college students can help you do it all, including reviewing for tests, storing your notes, sharing grocery lists with roommates, staying healthy, mixing drinks, getting a date and graduating on time.

Study Help

These language tutors, flash card packs, and art history resources will help you with last minute cramming and consistent vocabulary practice wherever you go.

1. Sparky: Sparky lets you browse SparkNotes easily on your iPhone.
2. Mathemagics Lite: Use this tool to figure out squares, complicated multiplication problems and more.
3. Free Spanish Tutor: This tutor features native speaker audio, puzzle games, multiple choice quizzes, and more.
4. USA Presidents: Review names, numbers, dates, political parties and other facts about the U.S. presidents when you have these virtual flash cards.
5. History: Maps of the World: Find detailed maps of Africa, Europe, Asia, the U.S., the Middle East and more.
6. Word of the Day Lite: Expand your vocabulary with this app.
7. Art Lite: Study the histories, works and significance of artists like Leonardo da Vinci, van Gogh, Cezanne and more.
8. Brain Tutor 3D: Anatomy and pre-med students can study the brain terms and more with this app.
9. planetFacts: Find out mass, diameter, orbiting speed and other information for the planets.
10. Free French Word of the Day: Practice your French with this app.
11. StudySets - Psychology Lite: Psych students will appreciate this bundle of psychology learning resources.
12. Vocabolistic: Look up words or hide the definition to quiz yourself with Vocabolistic.
13. Answers: powered by Yahoo! Answers: This app opens your iPhone to the Yahoo! Answers portal so that you can ask questions about anything.
14. Pocket Lawyer Lite: Law and political science students can use this real-life law reference as a study tool, too.
15. gFlash + Flashcards and Tests: Create your own flashcards and share them with study partners.

Staying Current

Keep up with the news stories that affect your time at school and relate to your classes.

16. NYTimes: Get your news from the New York Times online for free.
17. BBC Reader: Keep up with the top stories in Europe and globally with this app.
18. HuffingtonPost.com: Access the authoritative, but sometimes snarky, stories from the Huffington Post.
19. NPR Addict: Do your homework before class or talking with professors by getting your news from NPR.
20. Variety: Stay current on entertainment news with Variety’s app.

Classifieds

Look up apartments and more with these tools.

21. Apartments by ForRent.com: Look up apartments to rent in your college town here.
22. CraigSearch v1.0: Search Craigslist from your iPhone. Includes standard search options.
23. Apartments: Apartment guide’s app will help you locate properties in your area.

Shopping Deals

Save money when you find coupons and deals on books.

24. Yowza: This app uses GPS to find coupons for stores in your area.
25. Dial Zero: Get connected to customer service lines for credit cards, health insurance companies and more.
26. Book Bargain: Find deals on books from Amazon and other online stores.
27. Flashlight: Turn your iPhone into a flashlight that shines white, red, green or blue light.
28. Relax Alarm Clock Lite: Wake up on time to soothing guitar music, the sound of birds, bamboo flute music, and other options. This app also lulls you to sleep for a quick nap.
29. iHourglass Free: Time practices tests, study breaks and more with this tool.
30. TouchCloset: Keep your closet organized on your phone by cataloging photos and shopping lists and picking out your party clothes ahead of time even when you’re away from home.

Local Guides

Learn more about your college city or the town you’re visiting with these tools.

32. Pizza!: Find the closest, cheapest pizza near you.
33. Free Wi-Fi finder: Use this tool to find places you can bring your laptop to study.
34. FastFood - Top Restaurant Finder: This fast food directory will connect you to cheap, satisfying food quickly.
35. Have2P: Find nearby restrooms and flag businesses that do not have open restrooms.
36. Fandango: Find local movies and tickets here.
37. iRecycle: Find local recycling stations here.
38. WhosAround: Use WhosAround to find friends who are in the same area as you. Supports messaging, profile photos and more.
39. Local Concerts: Find out when and where your favorite bands are going to play with this free app.
40. Local Picks by TripAdvisor: USe this app when traveling or if you live in a popular vacation destination. You can look up restaurants, bars, and other spots that are favorites for the locals.
41. Slifter Local Shopping: Use this app to look up stores that carry whatever it is that you’re searching for.

Partying and Social

This list of free apps has everything you need to be the life of the party at college.

43. Drunk-Dial: Spin the dial on your app to get free drink recipes.
44. Who Called?: If a phone number doesn’t pop up when someone calls you, do a reverse lookup and find out what the caller wanted with you.
45. Love Poem Generator: Prove to your date that college guys can be romantic when you use this tool.
46. Birthday Notification: Rely on this tool to keep track of all of your college friends’ birthdays.
47. Drinking Games Free: Look up drinking games to play at your next party.
48. Spin the Coke: This version of Spin the Bottle involves a Coca-Cola bottle.
49. a.k.a. Your Favorite Name Generator: Come up with fake names for theme parties and more.
50. 5800+ Drink and Cocktail Recipes Free: Never get bored with mixing drinks when you have this directory of cocktail recipes.
51. Beer Brands: Catalog your favorite beer brands and keep up with microbreweries and emerging brands.
52. Hello Vino - Wine Pairing Guide: Impress your guests by making appropriate wine and food pairings.
53. Perfect Date: This guide to the perfect date helps you with conversation and more.

Reference

Keep these reference tools close so that you’re prepared to discuss constellations, the periodic table, or world facts.

54. USA Factbook Free: This reference packet is great for anyone in a civics, history or political science course that covers the U.S. Access key documents, lists of the flags, state capitals and other stats.
55. Stars: Anatomy students can use this tool as a resource when studying constellations.
56. The Chemical Tough: Lite Edition: View the periodic table when you download this free app.
57. Formulas Free: This app brings you free calculus formulas.
58. iQuotations: Look up quotes to use in papers or just as general inspiration.
59. Math Ref Free: Get free reference packs for geometry, algebra, trig, derivatives and more.
60. AllTheCountries: Get facts about literacy rate, economy, population, area and more for every country.
61. Your Rights: Use this app for political science courses or just as backup when you get into trouble at school.
62. iTranslator: Study abroad students and panicked foreign language students can use this tool to connect to Google Translator, Babel Fish or Free Translation.
63. Quickpedia Lite: This app makes it easier and faster to use Wikipedia.

Games and Quizzes

Prepare for the GMAT or your next Xbox championship tournament here.

64. GMAT Practice Quiz: Use your iPhone to study for the GMAT when you use this tool.
65. Xbox Achievement Guide: Become the ultimate Xbox champion on your hall when you have this tool.

GPS

Find your way around town with these valuable GPS apps.

66. GasBag: Find the cheapest gas nearest your location.
67. Take Me Home, I’m Lost!: If you’re too new in town or just too confused, use this app to find your way back home.

Health and Fitness

In college, it’s easy to forget about your health. These free apps will help you eat right and find the time to exercise.

68. Restaurant Nutrition: Make healthier decisions even when your friends want to eat out.
69. Stress Reducer: Listen to the ocean through a virtual shell to relieve stress.
70. Am I Pregnant Quiz: This pregnancy quiz is currently free and could save your sanity.
71. Natural Cures: Try these natural cures if you’re too broke to go to the doctor.
72. iMapMyRun: Track your runs, including pace, location, speed and overall progress.
73. Sleep Diary: This app helps you get back on a normal, healthy sleep schedule.

Organization

Stay organize with these tools, which help you manage task lists, homework, shopping, errands and more.

74. myHomework: View your homework lists, project task sheet, test schedule and more with this organizer.
75. Blackboard Learn<: Access your school’s Blackboard system from your iPhone with this app.
76. Evernote: Take picture, text and audio notes that are searchable with Evernote.
77. AppGmail: Quickly access your Gmail account and view it as a wider display with this app.
78. ShopShop: Keep a running shopping list that tracks your purchases and marks them off.
79. Smart ToDo: Manage a to-do list with notes and due dates with this app.
80. To Do’s: This app lets you customize your to-do list according to priority level, ordering and more.
81. A Personal Assistant: This free organizes your accounts, including online shopping, banking, Netflix and more. It also tracks cell phone minutes, frequent flyer miles, travel itineraries and more.
82. Organizer Lite: View several organizers in a single, streamlined display with this app. You can manage a calendar, birthdays, appointments, contacts and more.
83. mySticky Lite: This iPhone version of Mac’s sticky notes let you tack reminders and lists over a virtual bulletin board.

Search

Let your iPhone guide you in general searches, job hunts and more.

84. Inquisitor: This super fast search tool also makes suggestions for your searches.
85. Last.fm: Search music, artists and more with Last.fm for the iPhone.
86. Repairpal: This app will help you find auto repair shop and support.
87. Job Search: Indeed.com’s search application lets you find jobs by location and job description.

Miscellaneous

This list of free iPhone apps includes laundry guides, an ebook library, recipe guides and plenty more tools to make your life at college more exciting and organized.

88. MyGPA Calculator: Calculate your GPA per semester and cumulatively.
89. BookShelfLT: Check out ebooks for your iPhone.
90. Salsa: Practice for your ballroom dance class or for a night out.
91. Laundry Pro Free: Look up North American and European laundry symbols and figure out how to care for your different garments.
92. wikiHow: How to and DIY Survival Kit: Survive anything, including a hotel fire, long fall and nuclear attack, when you download this pack.
93. Guitar Tuner: Use Guitar Tuner to tweak your guitar and get ready for gigs on campus.
94. Intelliremote: Control your home theater that runs Windows with your iPhone.
95. Free Driver’s Ed: Students practicing for the driving test can review topics and questions here.
96. F-MyLife: This popular tool lets you commiserate with others who’ve had a bad day on F-MyLife.
97. Allrecipes.com Dinner Spinner: Get ideas for cheap, healthy and/or comfort food meals.
98. Hairstyle Lite: Instead of paying for an expensive visit to the salon, try out a new hairstyle by using this free app.
99. iWrecked - Auto Accident Assistant: Log details from your car accident, call for help, take photos of the accident, and more.
100. College Football Live!: Keep up with all the stats, scores and more for college football.

100 All-Time Best Productivity Tips for Working & Learning from Home

By Nicole White

If you’re working or studying at home, you know that the dream of having a home office can quickly turn into a nightmare of distraction and an unhealthy work-life balance if you don’t keep your productivity under control. By following some of these simple tips, you can help ensure that your home office is a productive one. Read on, and you’ll learn 100 of the best tips for getting things done at home, whether you’re working or learning.

Office space

Keep these tips in mind when settling into your office or learning space at home.

1. Set aside a space: Create a designated space, preferably a room to be your workspace.
2. Physically separate yourself: Train your mind to set yourself apart from your home life when working: close your door, and separate yourself from the rest of the house.
3. Invest in a good chair: Get a mesh backed or leather chair to support your back.
4. Pick a quiet spot: It’s obvious, but important. Set your home office up in an area that will be away from the distractions of home.
5. Highlight your accomplishments: Surround yourself with the things you’ve done — diplomas, important photographs, and other reminders of your success.
6. Create a bright and cheerful environment: Make your home office cheerful to avoid stress and stay happy throughout the day.
7. Use a laptop: With a laptop, you have the freedom to work anywhere you’d like to.
8. Have a separate computer: Use a separate computer for work and leisure.
9. Get out: Go to a coffee shop, the beach, anywhere you can get good work done for a change of pace.
10. Put plants in your office: Soak up stagnant air by keeping plants in your office.
11. Use caller ID: See who is calling and avoid answering for telemarketers or others who will waste your time.
12. Keep a dry erase board: Use a dry erase board to keep your tasks and reminders in easy view.
13. Keep things clean: A tidy desk will help control stress and keep you more productive.
14. Consider a standing desk: With a standing desk, you can stay more alert and active in your work day.
15. Stay away from your couch: Sit at a desk rather than working from your couch or bed.
16. Set boundaries: Make sure that those in your home know when you’re working and that you’re not to be bothered.
17. Clear your desk of nonessentials: Put away everything you don’t really need.
18. Get a great coffee maker: Many people love using coffee to boost productivity, so invest in a high quality coffee maker.
19. Use noise canceling headphones: Keep noise and distraction out by using headphones that keep things quiet.
20. Use a separate phone: With a separate phone line, you can keep personal calls to a minimum during your working hours.

Habits

Practice these good habits to stay productive and happy in your home office.

21. Get dressed: Every day, bathe and make yourself presentable enough for a surprise visitor or trip out of your home so you’ll be ready for anything.
22. Stay logged out: Avoid logging into IM, social media sites, and other distractions.
23. Carefully separate work and personal life: Don’t get sucked into working around the clock when you’re at home.
24. Create rituals: Give yourself a daily signal that it’s time to start working.
25. Eat first: Don’t fall victim to low blood sugar — eat before you start working.
26. Get ready for the day: Practice good grooming — change out of your pajamas, have a shower, and breakfast before you get down to work.
27. Commit to tasks: Don’t let yourself slack off if you’re having a rough day, or you may find that you just can’t get anything done.
28. Give yourself a weekly review: Every week, take time to think about what you’ve gotten done.
29. Use distraction reducing tools: Make use of tools that will clear your digital desktop of everything that’s not important.
30. Turn your phone off: Turn off your phone when you need to minimize distractions.
31. Simplify everything: Focus only on what really matters.

Time management

Use these tips to stay on top of deadlines and coursework.

32. Set time boundaries for online use: Limit your online use by setting specific times when you’ll be available to chat and check websites.
33. Keep regular hours: Carefully schedule which hours you’ll work, and which hours are personal time.
34. Work when you’re most productive: If you’re most productive around 1AM, schedule your most important work for that time.
35. Give yourself limits: Always have a finish line for when you have to stop working.
36. Do important tasks early: Take care of important tasks before you get hit by the lunchtime slump.
37. Take sprints: When your timer is ticking, focus and work in a sprinting mode.
38. Schedule fun time: Take time to do the things you enjoy on a set schedule.
39. Unplug and work on battery power: Create a sense of urgency to get things done by working on battery power, where time is limited.
40. Use timers: Give yourself short times to do a frenzy of work by setting a timer.
41. Group your errands: Keep your out-of-office time to a minimum by doing as many errands as you can at one time.
42. Keep emails short and sweet: Master the art of the five-sentence email.
43. Just do it: Practice willpower and keep yourself on track to just getting things done.
44. Be a good boss to yourself: Don’t let yourself become a slacker, but don’t make yourself a slave to work either.
45. Give yourself deadlines: Make yourself accountable by setting hard deadlines for getting things done.
46. Check email on a schedule: Check email just twice a day to keep it from taking over your online life.
47. Get up early: If you start working at noon, you’ll feel cheated and sluggish when 5:00 comes around and you want to stop working.
48. Use short bursts of productivity: Give yourself just a small time of focused work activity to get things done.
49. Ignore distractions: Stay away from your inbox, Twitter, TV, and other things that demand your time.
50. Track your time: Use a time tracking tool to stay on top of what you’re getting done and when you’re doing it.
51. Take breaks: Don’t let yourself get sucked into work. Remember to refresh yourself with breaks every hour or so.

Organization

Follow these tips to help your organization breed productivity.

52. Keep lists: Keep lists that detail daily tasks, hopeful tasks, and anytime tasks.
53. Write things down: Write everything down right as you think of it.
54. Keep a calendar: Stay on top of what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it.
55. Get your to-do list out of your email: Stay organized by keeping all of your tasks in one place.
56. Create a tickler system: Use a tickler system to make sure you stay on top of important tasks and events coming up.
57. Designate days for tasks: Do certain things on specific days to stay on track.
58. Carefully process tasks and information: Have a place for items in your notes and inboxes.
59. Keep notes handy: You never know when inspiration will strike, so keep a notepad at the ready.
60. Keep files: Minimize clutter by creating simple files you’ll actually use.

Happiness

A happy work environment is a productive one, so follow these tips to make sure you’re happy with your work at home.

61. Go out for lunch every once in a while: Even if you mostly eat at home for lunch, it’s good to get out and visit with a friend or colleague occasionally.
62. Remember what it’s like to work in an office: Be grateful that you get to work at home!
63. Listen to music: Keep your creativity flowing with upbeat music throughout the day.
64. Stop working: When your work is done, leave it and don’t come back until the next day. Make notes for yourself if you need to remember something.
65. Work in a group: Study or work with a group of people to support each other.
66. Just say no: If you don’t have the time or resources to do a task, just don’t do it.
67. Get out and enjoy the weather: Take advantage of your flexible schedule and carve out some time to enjoy the weather or special events that you otherwise wouldn’t get if you were working in an office.
68. Do what you love: Do what you love, and you won’t mind working.
69. Reward yourself: When you’ve finished an important task, reward yourself with something quick but enjoyable, like a walk around the block or a check on social media sites.
70. Watch TV: Take advantage of the fact that you can work when you choose, and do what you like at certain times during the day.
71. Develop relationships: Nurture connections and network.
72. Make time for others: Respond to emails, and keep in touch with people.
73. Remember to be grateful: Say thank you to your clients, coworkers, employers, and other people you may work with regularly.

Workflow

Follow these workflow tips to keep everything running smoothly.

74. Outsource: Whenever possible, get someone else to do work for you, like a bookkeeper or delivery service.
75. Stop multitasking: Multitasking is inefficient — focus on one thing at a time.
76. Do your hardest work first: Tackle the work that you’d most like to put off early on, so you won’t be dreading it all day.
77. Set priorities: Keep in mind the tasks that are most important in order to prioritize your day.
78. Take small steps: Don’t try to tackle a huge task all at once: break it down into small, manageable tasks.
79. Make your online life simpler: Reduce the amount of time you spend online by simplifying.
80. Learn to let go: You don’t have to be a perfectionist — just get things done.
81. Make it easy to get started: Give yourself a small way to start up a task.
82. Eliminate unnecessary tasks: Just say no to things you don’t really need to do.
83. Use technology: Fully utilize web meetings, email, and voicemail to communicate effectively.
84. Give yourself daily goals: Have specific goals in mind for every work day.
85. Create an action plan every evening: Before you stop working every day, plan out what you’re going to do the next day.

Parents

Working or studying from home is a special challenge to parents of young children. Follow these tips to stay productive.

86. Hire a babysitter: Consider child care, even if it’s just for limited hours.
87. Make naptime work time: Use your child’s nap times to get work done.
88. Keep your children occupied: Set up an area for your child to play with lots of toys, or even a mini office for them to imitate you working.
89. Take turns: If you and your spouse both work or study at home, switch off times when one works while the other watches over children.
90. Work late at night: If your schedule can handle it, get your work done when the house is asleep.
91. Manage your interruptions: If your baby starts crying, instead of immediately running to tend to it, take a few seconds to write down the task you were on or the thought you were forming, so you can get right back on track.

Health

Follow these tips to keep yourself healthy and productive while working or learning at home.

92. Stay active: Make sure you take time to be active throughout the day, whether it’s a morning walk with your dog, or a trip to the gym.
93. Give your eyes a break: About ten minutes of every hour, your eyes need to be away from your computer.
94. Keep water at your desk: Stay hydrated and healthy by always keeping water to drink at your desk.
95. Fidget: Don’t stay perfectly still when working at your desk.
96. Stretch: Sitting at your desk all day or all night can take a toll on your body, so be sure to get up and stretch every now and then.
97. Eat a full lunch: Don’t just snack throughout the day; take the time to sit down and have a healthy lunch.
98. Stand up for phone calls: Whenever you get a phone call, get up and walk around the house.
99. Take a micronap: Doze off for a few minutes and wake up refreshed, ready to tackle your work.
100. Be careful not to munch all day: Avoid eating all day while you’re distracted with work: stop to eat instead of multitasking.

100 Free Courses & Tutorials for Aspiring iPhone App Developers

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the iPhone is a big deal and it’s one of the most popular subjects of development these days. Lots of developers are creating their own iPhone apps, and with the right know-how, you can too. Check out our list of courses and tutorials to learn everything that’s important about developing for the iPhone.

University

Here you’ll find iPhone development courses offered by top universities.

1. iPhone Application Programming: Learn about programming for the iPhone from Stanford on iTunes. [Stanford]
2. Introduction to iPhone Application Development: Use this course’s posted slides to get a crash course in iPhone application development. [MIT]

Apple Resources

You can learn about iPhone development straight from the source with these Apple documents.

3. Getting Started with iPhone: Here you’ll find a general introduction to iPhone development. [Apple]
4. Object-Oriented Programming with Objective-C: This document offers an excellent guide for object oriented programming. [Apple]
5. Networking & Internet Coding How-Tos: In this resource, you will find lots of great advice for networking and Internet development on the iPhone. [Apple]
6. Getting Started with Audio & Video: Use this document to get started with audio and video features in iPhone applications. [Apple]
7. Your First iPhone Application: This introductory tutorial offers a step by step description of getting started with an iPhone application. [Apple]
8. Getting Started with Performance: This guide offers an introduction to improving the performance on iPhone apps. [Apple]
9. iPhone Application Programming Guide: Get an introduction to the iPhone OS and development process. [Apple]
10. iPhone OS Technology Overview: Learn about the iPhone OS and its technologies from this guide. [Apple]
11. Getting Started with Data Management: Here you’ll find a reference that will help you with data management. [Apple]
12. Security Overview: Get an understanding of the security concepts on the iPhone from this resource. [Apple]
13. Performance Overview: Get a look at the factors that determine performance through this guide. [Apple]
14. Resource Programming Guide: Check out this resource to learn how to work with nib and bundle resources.
15. Getting Started with User Experience: This document offers an introduction to constructing iPhone application user interfaces. [Apple]
16. iPhone Human Interface Guidelines: Follow these guidelines to make sure your iPhone app has a good human interface. [Apple]
17. iPhone Development Guide: Use this development guide to get an introduction to creating web apps on the iPhone. [Apple]
18. Data Formatting Programming Guide for Cocoa: This guide will teach you how to use Cocoa formatters for data. [Apple]
19. Getting Started with Tools: You will find a guided introduction to the Xcode toolset from this document. [Apple]
20. Data Management Coding How-tos: Get answers to common data management coding questions. [Apple]
21. Introduction to Cocoa Application Tutorial: You’ll need at least a base level understanding of Cocoa for iPhone development, which you can check out in this tutorial. [Apple]
22. Core Animation Programming Guide: Follow this guide to get the main components and services of Core Animation. [Apple]
23. Coding Guidelines for Cocoa: In this guide, you’ll learn about naming guidelines for the Cocoa API as well as design advice. [Apple]
24. Getting Started with Graphics and Animation: Follow this guide for an introduction to 2D and 3D graphics and animation. [Apple]
25. Learning Objective-C: A Primer: Check out this document once you’ve worked through object oriented programming and Cocoa. [Apple]
26. Cocoa Fundamentals Guide: You’ll learn about the basic concepts, terminology, and more in Cocoa from this guide. [Apple]
27. Graphics and Animation Coding How-Tos: In this resource, you’ll find lots of great tips and advice for graphics and animation on the iPhone. [Apple]

Getting Started

Get an introduction to iPhone development through these tutorials.

28. iPhone App Development-Where to Start: This tutorial will teach you how to get started in iPhone app development. [The Daleisphere]
29. Bootstrap: Learn a few pointers for iPhone development from this resource. [furbo]
30. Learn How to Develop for the iPhone: This tutorial will show you how to build an alternate page and style sheet for the iPhone. [NETTUTS]
31. iPhone Application Development, Step By Step: In this tutorial, you will find a step by step guide to creating a simple iPhone game. [Open Laszlo]
32. First iPhone Application: Get a brief introduction to creating your first iPhone application. [iPhone SDK Articles]
33. iPhone Dev: Check out this PDF to get a tutorial for iPhone development. [Lucas Newman]
34. iPhone App Development for Web Hackers: Use this tutorial to learn about geo-location features and beginner development tips. [How to Iphone Application]
35. How to Write an iPhone App: This tutorial gives you a basic look at what it takes to write an iPhone application. [Webmonkey]
36. iPhone App Development for Web Hackers: In this article, you’ll learn about web hacking development for the iPhone. [Dominiek]
37. Writing Your First iPhone Application: Bill Dudney will walk you through all of the tools and pieces of knowledge you’ll need to write your first iPhone application. [The Pragmatic Bookshelf]
38. Cocoa Touch Tutorial: iPhone Application Example: This tutorial will show you how to make a very basic Cocoa Touch application with Interface Builder. [Cocoa Is My Girlfriend]
39. Building an iPhone app in a day: Check out this tutorial to see how you can build a useful app quickly. [The Bakery]
40. Seven Things All iPhone Apps Need: Check out this list to see what’s essential when creating an iPhone app. [APCmag]
41. Put Your Content in My Pocket: Learn how to use the iPhone web browser to your advantage from this article. [A List Apart]
42. iPhone Training Course: Become a master at writing iPhone applications through this course. [Rose India]
43. So you’re going to write an iPhone app…: Learn about code reuse, memory, and more from this tutorial. [furbo]
44. Learn How to Develop for the iPhone: Check out this tutorial to see how to build an alternative page and style sheet for the iPhone. [Net Tuts]
45. Developing for the iPhone: This resource will show you how to develop ASP.NET applications for the iPhone. [Dot Net Slackers]
46. Getting Started with iPhone Development: Ed Burnette offers a basic introduction to iPhone development. [ZDnet]

Tools

These tutorials will teach you how to use specific tools in order to create iPhone apps.

47. Make an iPhone App Using the Envato API: Make your own iPhone app with the Envato API with the help of this tutorial. [Net Tuts]
48. Developing iPhone Applications using Ruby on Rails and Eclipse: Learn how to detect mobile Safari from a Ruby on Rails application through this tutorial. [IBM]
49. 14 Essential Xcode Tips, Tricks and Resources for iPhone Devs: Learn how to make sense of xcode with this helpful resource. [Mobile Orchard]
50. Develop iPhone Web Applications with Eclipse: This tutorial will help you learn how to create iPhone applications with Aptana’s iPhone development plug-in. [IMB]
51. Build an iPhone Webapp in Minutes with Ruby, Sinatra, and iUI: You can learn how to quickly put together an iPhone app with these tools. [Mobile Orchard]
52. iPhone Development with PHP and XML: In this tutorial, you’ll get a look at developing custom applications for the iPhone. [IBM]

Details

These tutorials cover all of the important details in iPhone app development.

53. Avoiding iPhone App Rejection from Apple: This tutorial holds the secrets to making sure your iPhone app makes the cut. [Mobile Orchard]
54. Landscape Tab Bar Application for the iPhone: Follow this tutorial to learn about making the tab bar application support landscape orientation. [Cocoa Is My Girlfriend]
55. iPhone Programming Tutorial-Using openURL to Send Email from Your App: This tutorial explains how you can send email through applications, and even pre-fill fields. [iCode]
56. Multi Touch Tutorial: This tutorial will show you how you can respond to a tap event. [iPhone SDK Articles]
57. Create a Navigation-Based Application: This tutorial will teach you how to create and run a navigation-based application from XCode.
58. Advanced iPhone Development: Go beyond the basics with this iPhone development tutorial. [Dot Net Slackers]
59. Here’s a Quick Way to Deal with Dates in Objective C: Get information on dealing with date fetching through this tutorial. [Howtomakeiphoneapps]
60. Navigation Controller + UIToolbar: Through this tutorial, you can learn how to add a UIToolbar to an app. [iPhone SDK Articles]
61. iPhone Asynchonous Table Image: Follow this thorough article to learn about loading multiple images in your iPhone app in an asynchonous manner. [Markj]
62. Localizing iPhone Apps-Internationalization: You can use resource files to display text in a user’s language-learn how in this tutorial. [iPhone SDK Articles]
63. Tutorial: JSON Over HTTP on the iPhone: With this tutorial, you’ll get a step by step how-to for JSON web services through an iPhone app. [Mobile Orchard]
64. Parsing xml on the iPhone: This tutorial will show you how to parse XML using the iPhone SDK. [Craig Giles]
65. Reading data from a SQLite Database: Here you’ll find a quick tutorial for reading data from a SQLite database. [dBlog]
66. How to Make an Orientation-Aware Clock: Through this tutorial, you’ll learn about building a simple, orientation-aware clock. [The Apple Blog]
67. Finding iPhone Memory Leaks: Carefully find iPhone memory leaks by using this tutorial. [Mobile Orchard]
68. Localizing iPhone Apps: MAke sure that your iPhone app is properly formatted according to a user’s native country or region with the help of this tutorial. [iPhone SDK Articles]
69. OpenAL Audio Programming on iPhone: Here you’ll get code snippets, learning, and more. [Gehaktes]
70. 9 iPhone Memory Management Links and Resources: Here you’ll find a variety of iPhone memory management resources that can help you get things under control. [Mobile Orchard]
71. Parsing XML Files: Get an understanding of how you can parse XML files with this tutorial. [iPhone SDK Articles]

User Interface

These tutorials are all about the user interface and interaction.

72. UITableView-Drill down table view tutorial: Check out this tutorial to learn how to make a drill down table view. [iPhone SDK Articles]
73. iPhone Coding-Learning About UIWebViews by Creating a Web Browser: In this tutorial, you’ll learn about UIWebViews through the creation of a browser. [iCode]
74. Design Patterns on the iPhone: Check out David Choi’s guest lecture on user interface design for the iPhone. [New Jersey Institute of Technology]
75. UITableView-Adding subviews to a cell’s content view: This tutorial will show you how to customize the UITableViewCell. [iPhone SDK Articles]
76. Drill down table view with a detail view: Learn how to load a different detail view on the UITabBarController. [iPhone SDK Articles]
77. Extending the iPhone’s SDK’s UIColor Class: Learn how to extend the iPhone SDK UIColor class, and get code samples from this article. [Ars Technica]
78. UITableView: Learn how to make a simple index for the table view with this tutorial. [iPhone SDK Articles]

Building Tutorials

Check out these tutorials where you’ll build a specific app, and learn more about iPhone development along the way.

79. Build a Simple RSS Reader for the iPhone: Get walked through the creation of an RSS reader for a simple feed on the iPhone. [The Apple Blog]
80. iPhone Gaming Framework: This article offers a look at writing code for iPhone game developers. [Craig Giles]
81. Build a Simple RSS Reader for the iPhone: Follow this tutorial, and you’ll learn about building a simple iPhone RSS reader.
82. iPhone Game Programming Tutorial: This multipart tutorial offers a way to learn OpenGL and Quartz for iPhone development. [iCode]
83. Build your very own Web browser!: Follow this tutorial to learn about the process of building your own iPhone web browser. [dBlog]
84. iPhone application development, step by step: Find out how to build the iPhone application NEWSMATCH using OpenLaszlo. [OpenLaszlo]
85. Building an Advanced RSS Reader using TouchXML: Get step by step information for creating an advanced iPhone RSS reader from this tutorial. [DBlog]
86. iPhone SDK Tutorial: Building an Advanced RSS Reader Using TouchXML: This tutorial will help you learn more about iPhone development by building an advanced RSS reader with TouchXML. [dBlog]

Videos

Watch these videos for a visual guide to iPhone app development.

87. Basic iPhone Programming: Check out this video to get started with iPhone programming. [iPhone Dev Central]
88. First Step Towards the App Store: Work towards getting your app in the app store with the help of this tutorial. [You Tube]
89. Hello World: This tutorial will help you learn the basics of iPhone programming. [iPhone Dev Central]
90. UITableView iPhone Programming Tutorial: Watch this video to learn how to populate a UITableView. [YouTube]
91. iPhone App Tutorial 1: Check out this video to quickly learn about Interface Builder. [YouTube]
92. iPhone IB-Your First App: Watch this tutorial to learn how to use the Interface Builder. [iPhone Dev Central]
93. Understanding Source Code: Learn how to get started with development on the iPhone through this video tutorial. [YouTube]
94. How to Make an iPhone App: Create an iPhone app using Jiggy and this tutorial. [YouTube]
95. iPhone Development with Dashcode: Find out how to develop iPhone applications with Dashcode through this tutorial. [YouTube]

Development Resources

These resources are not courses or tutorials, but they are incredibly valuable resources for beginner iPhone app developers.

96. iPhone Open Application Development: This book will teach you how to create software for the iPhone environment. [Safari Books Online]
97. iPhone GUI PSD File: Use this set to get a comprehensive, editable library of iPhone UI assets. [Teehanlax]
98. 31 iPhone Applications with Source Code: Teach yourself how to create iPhone apps by taking a look at the code in these. [Mobile Orchard]
99. iPhoney: Using iPhoney, you’ll be able to see how your creation will look on the iPhone. [Market Circle]
100. 35 Free iPhone Icon Sets: Check out this resource to find a great variety of iPhone icons.

How to Create Your Own Online Course: 100 Tools, Guides, and Resources

Perhaps you have a special skill, talent, or knowledge-base that you want to share with others, and maybe you’ve heard that teaching online courses can make you a little extra money. The resources below will help you discover how to combine both what you have to offer and what you wish to gain by guiding you through creating and establishing an online course. No matter what age of student, subject you want to teach, or size of the class, you will find resources and information to bring your class online.

Learning Management Systems

Learning Management Systems host your online class and provide a place for students to receive and turn in assignments, class communication, and more.

1. Moodle. This free and very popular course management system allows you to design a course for thousands or only a few students and gives access to creating forums, wikis, databases, and much more.
2. Blackboard Learn . Blackboard is used by many institutes of higher learning, as well as other organizations, as a source of online classroom management.
3. eLearningZoom. Take advantage of the free trial to see how this application works for education, organizations, and businesses.
4. Nicenet’s Internet Classroom Assistant. Set up your course here and have access to conferencing, scheduling, document sharing, personal messaging, and link sharing.
5. FlexTraining. This e-learning system offers a low-cost solution to providing online training and education. The home page also offers plenty of thinking-points for considering a learning management system.
6. Backpack. While not specifically a learning management system, this app is great for organizing groups and sharing information–and is available at no charge for the basic services.
7. OPEN Learning Management System. This open-source management system helps online teachers with course building as well as class management activities such as creating a syllabus, discussion forum, file uploader, a grade book, calendar, and more.
8. Manhattan. This free system is run on Linux and is currently being used at many colleges and universities for their online education programs.
9. ATutor. ATutor is an open-source web-based management system that is easy for administrators to install and easy for instructors to utilize.
10. .LRN. .LRN was developed at MIT, is currently used in a wide range of educational settings, and is open-source.

Resources for Getting Your Class Online

Read these articles to find out everything from using a free blog to host your class to selecting and implementing a Learning Management System.

11. How to Teach an Online Course using WordPress. This article clearly outlines how you can use a free WordPress blog to create a simple online class.
12. How to Create Your Own Website to Support an On-line Course: tips, hints and practical information. If you want to design a website to support your online course, then check out this article that gives technical step-by-step directions.
13. How to Set Up an Online Class Using WebCT 6. Find out how to set up your class with this Blackboard application.
14. How to Write a Free Online Course to Promote Your Website. This article offers suggestions for creating an online course as a marketing tool.
15. How to Create a SCORM Compliant Quiz. Learn to make quizzes that work seamlessly in your online environment and effectively measure student progress.
16. Online classrooms for FREE?! A Review of Free Online Learning Management Systems (LMS). This article takes a look at several different free learning management systems and offers suggestions for ease-of-use and other criteria.
17. White paper provides advice for implementing an LMS. This article offers a synopsis of a white paper that offers suggestions to get your LMS going with few problems and also includes where to access the white paper for free.
18. Learning Management Systems (LMS). Find many resources to learn about the various LMS available and help you choose the right one for your online course.
19. 7 Tips for Selecting a LMS. These seven tips will put novice online course developers at ease when considering an LMS.
20. LMS 2.0: How to Select an Advanced Learning System. Read this white paper to learn what to consider when selecting a system for your course.

Resources for Developing Your Class

You may have plenty of great ideas for your class in your head, but you will need to translate those ideas into approachable tasks for the online environment. These resources will help you do that.

21. Excellence in Online Teaching and Learning. Click through these selections offering advice and information on what a good online class should provide and how to create an online learning environment.
22. SCORM Explained. Learn what SCORM is and why it may be important to your online learning environment.
23. How to Develop Your Online Course. This article offers a wealth of information and points of consideration when developing an effective online course.
24. Sloan-C Events. Many of the workshops listed here are perfect for learning how to set up your online course.
25. E-CLASS: Creating a Guide to Online Course Development For Distance Learning Faculty. Written by a professor, this article offers an in-depth look at how you can start a distance learning class or program within an institute of higher learning.
26. Develop Online Courses. This self-paced online course offers information that you may find helpful when first developing your online course.
27. Nine Tips for Creating a Hybrid Course. If you will have students in a combination of face-to-face and online classes, this article offers plenty of suggestions.
28. Planning online courses. While this class requires a fee to take, it teaches both new and experienced instructors how to get their course online.
29. Writing online courses. Pay to take this class that brings together the best in teaching methods and technology to help you learn how to write a quality online course.
30. Tips for Developing Media-rich Online Courses. From thinking about the learners’ perspective to providing regular feedback to content preparation, this article helps you create an engaging, media-rich class.

Resources for Teaching Online

Find plenty of suggestions to enhance your teaching skills and to learn about special issues for online teaching with these resources.

31. How to Teach an Online Class. These steps provide plenty of information on various aspects of teaching, including creating a syllabus, creating lessons and tests, and student contact.
32. How to Set Up an E-Course. The advice here provides helpful ways to ensure your online class goes smoothly with tips on welcoming students, setting up "office hours," and more.
33. Online Courses - Tips for Making Them Work. This veteran online educator shares her experience and offers suggestions for creating an online educational environment that promotes student learning and satisfaction.
34. Tips for Training Online Instructors. Whether you will be hiring someone to teach your online course or you will be doing it yourself, this article offers plenty of good advice on how to make sure the teacher is prepared and equipped to teach online.
35. Six Tips for Students’ Online Success. This article offers advice for ways to acclimate students to an online learning environment after leaving a traditional classroom setting.
36. Teaching Online: Tips and Advice. This site offers a listing of helpful resources that cover such topics as tips and opinions, teaching with technology, journals for teachers, and discussions.
37. CTDLC: Teaching Tips. From the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium, get links to information on what students want from online teachers to what students say about online assessment to preventing cheating in online classes.
38. Teaching Tips Index. This site is full of resources that any teacher, online or in the classroom, can use and range from preparing lesson plans to creating a syllabus to using inclusive language.
39. Tips and Tricks for Teaching Online. This resource includes help with everything from designing the online course to assessment ideas and even includes some Blackboard tutorials.
40. Tips for Teaching Online. This article offers great advice for such aspects of online teaching as keeping the lines of communication open, coping with workload, and using discussion as a tool.
41. Teaching Online: Tips and Tricks Part 1. From creating a sense of community to contact with the instructor, this article offers plenty of sound suggestions for making your online teaching experience a positive one.

How-to Videos

Watch these videos to get help with everything from creating your class in Moodle to using audio and visual media in your class to best teaching practices.

42. How to Create an Online Course in Moodle!. This video shows how to get started creating your course with Moodle.
43. How to Create an Online Course in Minutes. Using eLearningZoom, this video tutorial will walk you though the initial course set-up.
44. Best Practices in Online Education. Learn how UMBC motivated and stimulated students in this 2-hour presentation on best practices.
45. Second Life: NC State Classes Go Virtual!. Learn how two classes at NC State successfully incorporated Second Life into their structure.
46. Narrative Forms in the Digital Classroom. Discover how this literature class at Vanderbilt University utilized online technology to teach students how to improve their critical thinking and composition skills.
47. Opencast Project Open House at UC Berkeley. This 1 hour video presentation discusses using audio and visual media as a tool for learning, including online learning.
48. Earth Internet Solutions. Watch this video to learn how Earth Internet Solutions can help you get your class online.
49. Tips and Tricks for Teaching Math Online. Whether you are planning to teach math or not, this PowerPoint presentation offers great suggestions for keeping online students engaged.
50. Teaching Excellence Workshop Session 4 - It’s Showtime!. Watch as these instructors discuss tools used to enhance their online teaching.

Resources from the Student’s Perspective

Good educators have the ability to put themselves in their students’ shoes in order to understand how best to reach them. These resources provide information about what makes a good online learning environment for students. Make sure your online classes provide plenty of these opportunities or even point your students to these links.

51. How Students Develop Online Learning Skills. From online discussions to instructor techniques to connections with fellow students, you will find lots of information about how online students learn best.
52. Tips for online courses. Texas A&M offers these tips to students taking online classes to ensure they get the most out of their experience.
53. Survival Tips for On-line Courses. These ten tips offer sound advice for students in general as well as online students.
54. The 7 Mistakes Distance Learners Make. Help ensure your students don’t make these mistakes while taking your online class.
55. Study Tips for Distance Learners. These tips include suggestions such as "Check your email at least once a day" and "Demonstrate good communication skills."
56. 7 Success Strategies for Distance Learners. These basics can apply to any student, but even more so for distance learners.

Creating Content

If you need help creating content for your class, check out these resources.

57. OER Commons. Get free content for K-12, college-level classes, and other educational courses at this invaluable resource for online instructors creating their own courses.
58. Quia. Access online text books; create educational games, quizzes, and other online activities; and get unlimited math questions that cover hundreds of topics.
59. The Online Books Page. Find a free text for your class among over 35,000 available at this site.
60. Open Courseware Consortium. Why reinvent the wheel when you have access to so many great classes already developed. Check out the open courseware classes on the subject you hope to teach and see about incorporating them into your class.
61. Cool School. This Canadian company will develop dynamic content targeted for K-12 for your online lessons available for a fee.
62. Federal Resources for Educational Excellence. Browse through the many available resources here which include primary documents, photos, videos, and animation in subjects ranging from jazz to American literature to astronomy–and they are all free of charge.
63. Biz/ed. This British site offers educational materials for students and educators in the fields of business, accounting, economics, travel and tourism, and sports and recreation.
64. Mrs. Glosser’s Math Goodies. Find math lessons, worksheets, and more at this site.
65. Distance Learning Center: Creating Online Content. The resources at this site from Community College of Allegheny County offer suggestions and links to places that will help you create content for your online class.
66. Guide to Create Content. If you want to stream digital media for your online class, learn how to do so with this resource.
67. Topmarks. Another British website, this one finds teaching resources and educational websites based on the criteria you select. They find content for early education through adult education in a variety of subjects.

Helpful Tools

Use these tools that range from catching plagiarism to reference materials to assistance with organization.

68. CopyCatch. Find out if students are plagiarizing their work by using this application.
69. Alphabetizer. Paste any list into this tool to immediately create an alphabetized list easily.
70. Writeboard. Create online text documents that can be edited and shared with this tool that also integrates with Backpack.
71. WordCounter. See if your students’ 1000 word papers are actually 1000 words with this online word counter tool.
72. Google Alerts. Find new information on your research topics or ideas for new classes by receiving email updates on any topic through Google Alerts.
73. Bartleby.com. Access several handy reference books for your own personal use or to encourage students to use.
74. Connotea. Research is much easier with this tool, specifically designed for researchers, that manages online references.
75. SiteTradr. Find out what sites educators are recommending with this tool that takes the worry out of Internet reading.
76. Nozbe. Keep yourself organized with this application that allows you to keep to-do lists, manage class projects and tasks, get reminders, share with students, and even access from your mobile phone.
77. Notely. Recommend this app to your students. Notely provides tools such as note-taking, a scheduler, homework planner, a calendar, and is made especially for students.

Collaboration Tools

These tools will help keep your online class connected through group projects, communication, and more.

78. Zoho Show. Zoho Show helps students create awesome presentations that can also be shared with others.
79. Campfire. Set up instant chat rooms with your class or study groups using Campfire and help facilitate communication between students.
80. MeetWithApproval. Plan a virtual meeting with your students with this meeting planner.
81. Thinkature. Students can collaborate with each other, organize thoughts and research, and prepare papers and projects with this tool.
82. Wizlite. Students can use this tool to highlight any text online and share with others while working on group projects or collaborating on assignments.
83. ProBoards. Create a discussion board easily and quickly so you can create an area for class collaboration.
84. CiteULike. Share scholarly articles on the Internet or have students research them, then use this tool to store, organize, and share with ease from any browser.
85. Google Calendar. Use this shareable calendar to keep track of assignments, tests, deadlines, meetings, and more while keeping the whole class informed.
86. ThinkFold. ThinkFold allows groups to create interactive, real-time outlines collaboratively.
87. Notefish. Students and instructors alike can save web content on Notefish notes, then organize and share notes with the class.
88. PBwiki. Group collaboration is easy with this popular wiki platform.
89. writewith. For writing projects, this app keeps students working together with shared documents and tasks, discussions, and more.

Distance Education Blogs

These blogs offer the latest information on distance education, including news and information for teaching and learning online. Stay on top of what is happening in the distance education world in order to keep your online courses on the leading edge.

90. Virtual High School Meanderings. This blog looks at the many issues of distance learning, but with a specific eye on high-school online learning.
91. California Dreamin’. Learn about course development, conferences on distance education, and much more with this blog.
92. e-Learning Evangelist. Working in the world of e-learning since the mid-1990’s, this veteran online educator has plenty to share.
93. My State of Flux. Find resources, reflections, and information about online learning in this blog.
94. BestOnlineHighSchools.com. Find out what’s going on in the world of high school distance education by reading the information here.
95. Teaching and Developing Online. This blog offers lots of advice and links to resources to enhance the online learning environment.
96. Thoughts from BFE. The technology director from the only fully online high school program in the US blogs about technology as well as online learning in both high school and higher education.
97. Online Learning Update. This news aggregator offers all the latest trends and developments in online learning.
98. Inside eLearning by Susan Smith Nash, Ph.D.. Find information on creating effective teaching tools such as effectively using visuals in papers and how to use statistics to support your research.
99. Inspiration for Education. The news articles and interviews here offer uplifting stories that usually revolve around online education.
100. Michelle’s Online Learning Freakout Party Zone. Get tips and resources to enhance your online learning environment with this blog.

100 Free Online Lectures that Will Make You a Better Teacher

Great teachers know that learning doesn’t stop as soon as you graduate from college. Teachers learn from their experience, from their colleagues, from their students, and any number of other resources. If you are a teacher looking for ways to expand your knowledge base, here are 100 free lectures you can watch to help facilitate some of that learning.

Creative Learning Environments

Find out how these creative learning environments have inspired teachers and students alike.

1. Ken Robinson, (TEDTalks) - Do schools today kill creativity?. Mr. Robinson shares his perspective with humor in this informative and entertaining lecture.
2. Outdoctrination: Society, Children, Technology and Self Organisation in Education. Sugata Mitra speaks about education and students in remote locations, both geographically and socially.
3. The Global Dimension: Walter Payton College Prep High School. This math, science, and world language magnet school brings the global community into their school to enhance learning.
4. Developing Minds: Learning How to Rebuild a Town. High school juniors and seniors combine economics and government to learn how to put together urban development plans.
5. Around-the-Clock Learning: John Spry Community School. Find out how this school shifted their schedule and spread education beyond the typical school days to help the students get ahead.
6. Interview - Jean Choplin. Students interview the founder of AIESEC, an organization that empowers students and recent graduates to have a positive impact on society.
7. Ivy League Scholar Breaks the Rules, Waives the Fees, and Welcomes Harlem Residents. Watch this video to learn about a professor’s work to inspire learners and the implications on creativity and learning.
8. Global Citizenship post 9/11 - How do they do it in the USA?. Learn how this New York school district teaches with a global perspective in just about all subjects and grade levels.
9. George Lucas: Sharing His Hope for Education at Dreamforce. George Lucas discusses educational innovation and incorporating businesses in the educational process.
10. Starting Over: New School Development Group. Find out how educators in Oakland overcame the devastating results of decay and underfunding to give new life to schools and their students.
11. Ohayo, Portland: Using Foreign Language as a Bridge to Learning. Learn how this partial-immersion Japanese language program in Portland, Oregon teaches more than the basics.

Technology

The following videos demonstrate ways to use technology in the classroom and offer tips, lessons, and information.

12. Rights Management and Educational Repositories. Learn how educators can effectively share resources via technology and stay within the law from this educator.
13. London Knowledge Lab: Learning, Context And the Role of Technology. Explore learning and technology in this lecture given by Professor Rosemary Luckin from the London Knowledge Lab.
14. Using video as a lecture tool. Find out how this professor learned from his students and transformed his lectures based on video-taping the lectures.
15. One Woman’s Wanderings with Web 2.0. This teacher in New Zealand explains how her school implemented technology in the classrooms.
16. Blogging in the Classroom. Find out the benefits of blogging and learn how to set up a classroom blog.
17. The Virtual Classroom: Online Learning. Learn how online classes can complement traditional education for today’s students.
18. RSS in Plain English. Find out why you should use RSS in the classroom and how to do so.
19. SMART Board in Action. Learn how to use a SMART board in this easy-to-understand video lecture.
20. What is a pbwiki? These teachers describe what a wiki is and how wikis can be useful in the classroom.
21. Make Classroom Posters with Microsoft Excel. Learn how to make super-sized posters easily with an Excel spreadsheet.
22. PowerPoints that Rock. This PowerPoint video lecture explains how effective your presentation should be and how to make it something your audience will remember.
23. Social Bookmarking in Plain English. Learn how and why social bookmarking works with this video presentation.
24. Semantic Web: Web 3.0 in Education. Professor Jason Ohler presents his findings on using semantic web in education.
25. Using GPS and Geocaching in Education. Dr. Alice Christie explains how to use GPS and geocaching as an educational tool in K-12 classrooms.

Information for New Teachers

New teachers will love these videos that offer previews to teaching, helpful hints, and even a little humor.

26. The Teachers TV ITE Lectures - What Kind of Teacher Will You Be?. Learn about developing your identity in the classroom as well as what shapes your decisions.
27. Pre-School Teacher Video: Educational Requirements for Pre-School Teachers. Watch this video to learn what kind of education you need to get started as a pre-school teacher.
28. Approach to teaching. New teachers will learn useful tips from this experienced teacher.
29. Empowering New Teachers: Bank Street College of Education. Learn how this college teaches new educators ways to effectively communicate with students.
30. Project Promise: A New Path for Prospective Educators. Professionals making a career switch to teaching learn in this fast-track program how to become effective teachers.
31. Curry School of Education: Early Classroom Exposure Improves Teacher Preparation. Find out how prospective teachers are learning more helpful teaching techniques from actual in-class experience.
32. Teacher-Preparation Overview: A Survey of Top Programs. Learn which teaching programs are the top in the US and why they are rated among the best.
33. Teacher Education Pathway: What New Teachers Should Expect. Focusing on the first year, this lecture offers valuable insight for new teachers.
34. Teacher Education Pathway: Preparing Portfolios. Learn what a portfolio is, why they are important, and how to create an effective portfolio.
35. Top 10 Things You Don’t Learn About Teaching in College. A combination of a real David Letterman top 10 list and a creation by new teachers, this top 10 list tells you what you won’t learn about teaching until you get in the classroom.

Information for All Teachers

From teaching in a multicultural society to tips for teachers to teacher support, learn useful information for teachers in these videos.

36. Lectures: Teacher Education in a Multicultural Society. Dr. Etta Hollins discusses preparing teachers for working more effectively in a multicultural society.
37. RSA Lectures - Stephen Heppell - Learning 2016. Find out what Heppell and other educators think about the future of learning.
38. Classroom Quick Start Ideas. Find out some great suggestions for getting started first thing in the morning or when switching between lessons.
39. Routine in the classroom. This teacher explains what she means by routine and why it’s important to students and teachers alike.
40. Tricks of the Trade: Quieting Your Classroom. Experienced teachers share their strategies for getting control over a noisy classroom.
41. Tricks of the Trade: Using Sign Language in the Classroom. Find out how using sign language with younger learners can help with classroom management.
42. Tricks of the Trade: Using a "Fishbowl" for Discussions. Learn how you can use a "fishbowl" to stimulate discussion, strengthen social skills, and promote positive classroom management.
43. On Teaching and Education: Jason Kamras, Part One. This 2005 National Teacher of the Year shares his experiences in the classroom. Don’t miss Part Two of this two-part series.
44. Principal Mentoring: The Push for New School Leaders. With a potential loss of 40% of current principals in the next 10 years, this program of principal mentors has begun to provide a successful influx of new school administrators.
45. Teacher Support: Sherman Oaks Community Charter School. Learn how teachers at this school receive support from their principal in order to have access to continuing education, more planning time, and other important support measures.
46. RSA Lectures - Howard Gardner - Future Minds. Listen to Gardner lecture on nurturing mental capacities for a global world, then hear what a group of teachers say about implementing his ideas in the classroom.

Teaching Specific Subjects

Reading, math, and science are all covered in these lectures that share specific ways to teach these subjects.

47. Teaching Storytelling in the Classroom. Watch children tell stories as a backdrop to educators talking about the storytelling experience.
48. Literature Circles. These teachers demonstrate how to conduct a literature circle using a popular book in this video lecture.
49. The Magic of Math: Continuing Education Adds Up. Find out how this K-5 school in Oregon boosted math skills by incorporating mathematical ideas throughout all the subjects.
50. Teach Area and Perimeter Using Google Earth. Follow along as this fourth grade teacher steps you through this engaging math lesson.
51. Cooperative Arithmetic: How to Teach Math as a Social Activity. Learn from this master teacher as he demonstrates teaching math as a social and emotional lesson.
52. The Abacus-How to Use This Ancient Wonder. Learn how to use both the Japanese and Chinese abacus for teaching ancient math techniques in the modern class.
53. for teachers: Videos (Teaching Evolution Case Studies). Watch the four PBS videos filmed in actual classrooms that provide several strategies for teaching evolution.
54. Geometry using circles and squares. This Teacher of the Year explains her technique for teaching geometry to middle school students.
55. Erosion Science Lesson. This experienced teacher explains how she teaches erosion to her middle school students.
56. Understanding Embryonic Stem Cells Part 1. This is the first of a multi-part video lecture series from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute that describes embryonic stem cells and their role in health.

Special Needs

Whether you work exclusively with special needs students or have special needs students in your inclusion classroom, these videos will teach you a bit about the specific needs of these students.

57. Temple Grandin - Focus on Autism and Asperger’s. Temple Grandin lectures on autism spectrum disorders in the classroom.
58. Best Practices in the Assessment of Autism. This video has a decidedly medical perspective, but offers useful information for ways to recognize autism.
59. Beautiful Minds–The Einstein Effect. If you work with children on the autism spectrum, then you will want to check out this video.
60. Whole Schooling Video Project. Check out the many videos here, organized by category, that address specific needs of inclusion classrooms.
61. Edutopia AT Video. Find out what type of assistive technology is available for students with special needs and learn how this technology can change the learning experience for students.
62. School Matters–Coping with Bereavement. Learn how schools can make a difference while helping students deal with bereavement.
63. Write an Opera - The Voice of Deaf Students. This video presents teachers and hearing-impared students creating operatic pieces worthy of an audience at a popular arts venue in the UK.
64. Wheelchair Design in Developing Countries. Check out the videos from this class at MIT that explores ways in which innovative students help solve problems for those without access to wheelchairs. The class also explores social stigma, operating wheelchairs in less-than-ideal environments, and other issues for those facing physical challenges.
65. Just for Governors - Special Needs. Two British school governors share their experiences with special needs students in their schools and offer suggestions for other schools.
66. Peer-to-Peer Learning: Kids Helping Kids with Autism. Learn how typically-developing children interact with children with autism to help teach social skills.

Arts

From film to music to the nature of creativity, watch these videos to learn about teaching the arts.

67. Art Works: Integrating Creativity in the Curriculum. Learn how this arts academy harnesses students’ passion for the arts while teaching the basics.
68. A Conversation with Martin Scorsese: The Importance of Visual Literacy. Martin Scorsese discusses the importance of teaching and learning visual literacy.
69. Action! Teacher Video - Primary Art. Watch as this teacher discusses how he brought together a professional artist, teachers, and students to result in a positive program that increased student confidence and learning.
70. The Teaching Challenge - The Car Restorer. Learn how this famous car restorer worked with students to help gain a new logo for his company and to teach students about art and inspiration.
71. Music and dance Drive Academic Achievement. This video discusses Opening Minds Through the Arts (OMA) as an enhancement to overall learning in Tucson, Arizona.
72. Learning and Working in the Collaborative Age: A New Model for the Workplace. Learn what Pixar University’s Randy Nelson believes schools must do to better prepare students for careers in new media.
73. Animating Dreams: The ACME Animation Program. Professional cartoonists share their experience and knowledge with students in this program that provides students with skills and education beyond the art classroom.
74. Music Perception and Cognition. Watch the introductory video from the instructor of this MIT class that discusses the psychology of music perception.
75. The Nature of Creativity. Another MIT course, this one offers videos of lectures from this class that explores imagination and innovation as it pertains to art, philosophy, and psychology.
76. The Film Experience. Watch the video lectures here that chronicle the history of narrative film in this class from MIT.

Physical Education and Health Education

Learn new techniques for physical education classes, the importance of sports in schools, or about sexual health with these physical and health education videos.

77. Smart Moves: The New PE. From zip lining to untying a human knot, find out what new activities for PE are great for both body and mind.
78. Student Body: Classroom Exercises Make Learning Lively. Learn four techniques to use in the classroom to get students focused and re-energized.
79. Get out into wilderness and boost your self esteem! Learn how exercising in the great outdoors can help your students feel better about themselves in this British video.
80. Contemporary Activities in K-12 Physical Education. Find new activities for PE classes, why they are important for students, and how to assemble your own curriculum in this video series.
81. Yoga Across the Curriculum. Watch to see what happens when a teacher brings yoga into her classroom.
82. Estelle Morris Meets - Sue Campbell. Sue Campbell discusses the importance of sports in schools and her influence over sports in the British school system.
83. The Teaching Challenge - Kelly Holmes. Watch this Olympic gold medallist teach basketball and listen as she shares her experiences as an athlete.
84. Nature Deficit Disorder: Mother Nature’s Role in Health and Wellness. Dr. Karla Henderson lectures on getting out in nature to promote health and wellness.
85. Sexual Health (Thinking outside the Box: Moving Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) testing out of the Clinic and into the Community). Learn what these two experts say about their research and the importance of public information about STDs.
86. Our Bodies, Ourselves. This lecture discusses pregnancy and women’s health care.

Lectures from Influential Professors

Go back to school with these lectures from college professors at top universities sharing lectures directly from their classrooms that can broaden your knowledge base and provide instruction on improving your oratory skills.

87. Telling a Free Story: Fugitive Slaves and the Underground Railroad in Myth and Reality. Beginning with slave narratives, dive into the culture of antebellum reform by examining the multiple facets of this historic time in American history.
88. Legacies of the Civil War. Explore three strains of Civil War "memory" that affect the US today.
89. Russia: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Listen to Senator Bill Bradley as he lectures at Princeton on his thoughts about Russia from his experience working there.
90. The American Novel Since 1945. Watch these video lectures from Amy Hungerford’s class at Yale and learn about American authors like Flannery O’Connor, Jack Kerouac, and J.D. Salinger.
91. Milton. John Rogers discusses John Milton’s poetry, prose, and his influence on English poetry.
92. Linear Algebra. This is actually 35 video lectures documenting Gilbert Strang’s class at MIT on Linear Algebra.
93. Differential Equations. Learn all about differential equations in this class taught by Arthur Mattuck.
94. Introduction to Algorithms. Watch these videos to learn all about algorithms from Charles E. Leiserson.
95. Introduction to Ancient Greek History. Learn all about Greek history in this video series from Yale professor Donald Kagan.
96. The Paris Commune and It’s Legacy. Explore the history of the Paris commune of 1871 and it’s impact on modern-day France.
97. Photosynthesis - from light to ATP. Learn about light reactions that occur during photosynthesis in this lecture.
98. Photosynthesis - from CO2 to sugars. Continue learning about photosynthesis with this lecture that discusses fixed reactions.
99. The World is Flat 3.0. Thomas Friedman discusses the basis of his books and what he has to say about globalization.
100. How Do We Communicate?: Language in the Brain, Mouth and the Hands. Take a close look at human’s acquisition and use of language in this lecture from Yale’s Paul Bloom.

100 Best Blogs for Those Who Want to Change the World

The world is full of students and visionaries and people who want to make a difference in the world, and many of those people share their knowledge online through their blogs. Whether you want to change the world through environment, humanitarianism, business, or any other way, there’s a blog out there that can offer you guidance and inspiration. Read on, and you’ll find 100 blogs that can help you change the world.

General

These blogs highlight good works in everyday life, around the world, and more.

1. United Nations Good Works: Find out what the United Nations is doing around the world from this blog.
2. Gladwell.com: Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers and other inspirational bestsellers, discusses making a difference, intelligent thinking, and other important topics.
3. Ordinary People Change the World: Find out how regular people can make a difference in the world from this blog.
4. Evange-list: Check out Evange-list to learn how you can use the Web to make the world a better place.
5. The Give Well Blog: This blog will tell you how to get the most change out of your giving dollar.
6. What Do You Stand For?: This blog encourages readers to find a cause for support.
7. A Volunteer’s Guide to Changing the World: Find out how you can change the world as a volunteer from this blog.
8. How I changed the world today: See what this blogger does on a regular basis to make a difference in the world.
9. Kiva Stories from the Field: Read the stories of Kiva fellows on this blog.
10. Blog for Change: Blog for Change will help you learn about causes, connections, and action.
11. The Change Blog: This blog is all about changing the world and changing your life.
12. So what can I do?: Read So what can I do? to find out hundreds of actions you can take to change the world.
13. One Person Can Make a Difference: This blogger demonstrates being a force for change in the world.
14. Skip a Lunch: Skip a Lunch is about making small personal sacrifices in order to help others.
15. Have Fun - Do Good: Have Fun-Do Good is written for people who want to change the world while having fun.

Environment

Check out these blogs to learn about changing the world through the environment.

16. How to Save the World: Dave Pollard shares environmental philosophy and more on this blog.
17. Worldchanging: This blog encourages readers to change their thinking to support a more sustainable world.
18. Change the World: HGTV’s blog will tell you how to change your world without losing your mind.
19. Green Tech: Through Green Tech, you’ll learn about the newest, most innovative green developments in technology.
20. Gristmill: Gristmill is full of environmental news and commentary.
21. Sustainable Food: This blog discusses practices and actions for more sustainable food.
22. GoodGuide: Check out GoodGuide to find products that are safe, healthy, and green.
23. Animal Rights: This blog focuses on the cause of animal rights.
24. Green Blog: This blog helps business leaders choose environmentally friendly solutions.
25. Sustainablog: Check out this blog to learn about sustainability, green business, and environmental politics.
26. Bright Green Blog: This blog discusses alternative energy, wildlife, living green, and more.
27. Stop Global Warming: Read this blog to learn what you can do to help put a stop to global warming.
28. Green Fork: Learn how to eat well and eat sustainably from this guide.
29. TreeHugger: TreeHugger shares green news and sustainable design with a modern twist.
30. Green Inc.: See how your business can be more environmentally friendly from this blog.

Social Action & Human Rights

These blogs highlight human rights and social change.

31. Social Work/Social Action: This blog is written by the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University.
32. Spare Change: Nedra uses social marketing to promote causes including health and social issues.
33. On Social Marketing and Social Change: Read this blog to find news and commentary on social change and marketing.
34. Human Rights Watch: Read Human Rights Watch to stay on top of the latest developments in human rights.
35. Poverty in America: Poverty in America fights poverty and supports organizations that help to end it.
36. Social Citizens: Learn more about social giving from this blog.
37. TakePart: On this blog, you’ll find out how to take action on social issues, human rights, politics, environment, and more.
38. Stop Genocide: Read this blog to find discussion on Darfur and more.
39. Aid Worker Daily: Get humanitarian news and reviews from Aid Worker Daily.
40. Survival International: Survival International encourages support of tribal peoples.
41. Gay Rights: Learn about developments in gay rights, and what you can do to support them.
42. Humanitarian Relief: Check out this blog to learn about humanitarian workers.
43. Global Health: Read the Global Health blog to learn what is being done about health crisises around the world.
44. Social Actions: Social Actions has blogs and community that supports social action.
45. Coalition for the Homeless: On this blog, you’ll learn about programs, advocacy, and ways to can help end homelessness.
46. The Humanist Community: This blog is all about promoting humanism.
47. Women’s Rights: Take action on women’s rights with the help of this blog.
48. Peace in the Middle East: This blog discusses the need, and actions for, peace in the Middle East.
49. Forced Migration Current Awareness Blog: On this blog, you’ll learn about refugees, IDPs, and forced migration.
50. End Homelessness: Find out what you can do to help end homelessness through this blog.
51. Blog for Darfur: This blog is on a mission to save Darfur.
52. End Human Trafficking: In this blog, you’ll learn what you can do to help end human trafficking.
53. iAbolish: iAbolish is the blog behind an American anti-slavery group.
54. Criminal Justice: This blog focuses on actions you can take to support a more fair criminal justice system.
55. Tobi Indyke’s Social Action Blog: Tobi Indyke shares events, actions, and more for social improvement.
56. Education: In this blog, you’ll find out how education can be reformed and improved.
57. Religious Action Center: The Religious Action Center shares how you can tackle world changing action through religion.
58. Immigration: On this blog, you’ll learn about the latest in immigration rights.

Inspiration

Changing the world takes commitment and motivation. Students and professionals alike can find the oomph you need to keep going from these inspirational blogs.

59. Operation NICE: Get inspired to be nicer every day by Operation NICE.
60. Gimundo: Gimundo shares good news and positive stories.
61. Zen Habits: On Zen Habits, you’ll learn about improving your life through simplicity.
62. The Hero Workshop: The inspiration in this blog will help you find your inner hero.
63. The Happiness Project: Check out this blog to learn about facing the challenge of being happier.
64. Abbey of the Arts: Abbey’s blog is a great resource for any artists who are creating for social change.
65. Sublime Goodness: This blog delivers inspiration with stories of goodness around the world.
66. Inspire Me Today: Gail Goodwin writes to help give you the motivation and inspiration to be, do, and create.
67. The Serendipity Factory: The Serendipity Factory celebrates happy discoveries, sharing news, quotes, and inspiration.

Philanthropy & Funding

Nonprofits can find a wealth of useful information through these blogs.

68. A Small Change: Check out this blog to learn about fundraising for non-profits.
69. Marketing for Nonprofits: On this blog, you’ll learn how you can help nonprofit marketing efforts.
70. Give & Take: Give & Take is an aggregator of blogs for the nonprofit world.
71. Tactical Philanthropy: Read Tactical Philanthropy to learn about the Second Great Wave of Philanthropy.
72. Philanthropy Journal: On this blog, you’ll find nonprofit news and resources.
73. Cause Marketing: This blog highlights and analyzes cause marketing promotions.

Health Care

Learn about making a change in health care from these blogs.

74. Universal Health Care: This blog discusses universal health care as a way to reform the health care system.
75. IgniteBLOG: IgniteBLOG offers a convergence of health care, marketing, and technology.
76. The Health Care Blog: The Health Care Blog is incredibly informative about the health care system and reform.
77. Subject to Change: Subject to Change focuses on social change in public health.
78. The Alan Katz Health Care Reform Blog: Learn about health care reform from Alan Katz on this blog.
79. Autism: On this blog, you’ll find news and actions relating to Autism.

Art

In these blogs, you’ll see how art can make a difference in the world.

80. The Groundswell Blog: The artists featured on this blog are a part of social change.
81. Women’s Creative Collective: This collective is a group of women who create for change.
82. Make Art Like You Care: This blogger creates good art and good works for a better world.
83. the Painting Activist: This artist describes the world with a paintbrush.
84. on Social Design.: Check out this blog to find out what designers are doing for social change.
85. art + craft = craftivism: This blog focuses on art and craft for good.
86. Art for a Change: Mark Vallen’s blog highlights art theory and commentary.

Leadership & Business

These blogs examine how business and effective leadership can help the world.

87. All Day Buffet: All Day Buffet supports a business model that is based on investment in people.
88. Leading Blog: The Leading Blog writes to build a community of leaders.
89. Social Entrepreneurship: Nathaniel Whittemore’s blog is all about entrepreneurial ideas that support the greater good.
90. The Greater Good: Learn about new scientific research and compassion through this blog.
91. Fair Trade: This blog highlights ways in which fair trade is working, and how it can be better utilized.
92. How to Change the World: Guy Kawasaki’s blog is all about changing the online world.
93. The Practice of Leadership: This blog discusses influencing the world through leadership.
94. Social ROI: Get inspiration for social entrepreneurship through this blog.
95. Servant-Leadership Blog: Learn about the concept of becoming a leader who serves from this blog.
96. Ecopreneurist: Ecopreneurist offers news and support for green and sustainable business ventures.
97. Chief Happiness Officer: Alex Kjerulf’s blog discusses making business more fun, happy, and profitable.
98. Tworque: In this blog, you’ll find news and commentary on entrepreneurship and innovation in developing countries.
99. Seth’s Blog: Seth Godin can help you learn a thing or two about leadership.
100. SustainableWork: SustainableWork supports the idea of creating sustainable startups and emerging enterprises.

100 Web Tools to Help You Boost Your Resume and Reputation During the Recession

By Sarah Russel

Even if your particular industry or company isn’t laying off hundreds of workers across the country, a recession makes everyone feel antsy about the future. Becoming indispensable is necessary to surviving at work. The competition inside the office is fierce, but it doesn’t even compare to the numbers of unemployed lining up to take your spot. Here are 100 web tools to help you boost your resume and your reputation during the recession, just in case.

Resume Tips and Guides

Get your resume in tip-top shape with these ideas.

1. Clean up your resume in time for spring: Paym Bergson’s guide to decluttering your resume suggests using a new design and enforcing your bottom line.
2. Only include what’s relevant: Only include the job experience and achievements that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. This technique makes it easier for employers to see exactly how and why you’re the perfect candidate.
3. 6 Tips for a Recession-Proof Resume: Let this guide help you stand out from all the other unemployed during the recession.
4. Get a peer editor: Ask a friend who’s in the business you’re trying to break into review your resume. Besides checking for typos and grammar errors, they can evaluate how well your resume will read during the job selection.
5. Keep your resume updated at all times: In this volatile economy, you never know when you might find yourself unemployed. Keep your resume updated so that it’s ready the moment you need it.
6. Resume Writing That Gets Results: Find out which skills and traits you need to highlight depending on your experience.
7. Top 10 Resume Tips: Dana Byrne explains how defining your role on specific projects and understanding how to be targeted and personalized in your resume and communications are vital.
8. Advantages of a Video Resume: It got Elle Woods into Harvard Law, and a video resume may be able to give you the edge you’re looking for.
9. Top 5 Steps to Recession-Proof Your Resume: Tips here include "be a specialist; not a generalist" and "write to the future."
10. Resume Writing Tips: Here you will find tips for picking font, including important information and discarding frivolous information, and more.
11. Make Your Resume Stand Out: Find out what HR professionals look for in a resume.
12. 25 words that hurt your resume: Check your resume against this guide to make sure your resume isn’t redundant or boring.

Freelancing

Freelancing is a good way to diversify your skills, gain more experience, broaden your contacts base, and make a few extra bucks on the side or while you look for something more permanent. Just make sure it doesn’t directly interfere with your current company’s agenda.

13. Client Analyser: Figure out which clients deserve the most attention here.
14. Hourly Rate Calculator: Discover how much you should be charging with this rate tool.
15. Box: Use Box to collaborate with clients and business partners, share files and more.
16. Writeboard: Use Writeboard to collaborate on writing projects without having to commute to clients’ offices.
17. Harvest: This tool helps with invoicing, expense accounts, time tracking and more.
18. Lulu: Publish your writing samples online for free with this tool.
19. MyNewCompany: Free tools through this program include business plan help, a business startup checklist, marketing tips and more.
20. Google AdSense: Make a few extra bucks by blogging when you use AdSense.
21. Work: Learn what it takes to run a business in your field with this set of guides.
22. ProjectStat.us: Keep your projects organized online with this tool, which also lets you update customers in a timely fashion.
23. HelpMeWork: Use this tool to organize credit checks, vacation and holiday pay, taxes, insurance and more so you can get back to work.

Job Boards

Look for jobs on these effective boards.

25. JobPile: Streamline all your job board accounts into one spot.
26. Vault: Search by state, keyword, industry and exact occupation.
27. IMdiversity.com: Minorities can search for minority-friendly employers here.
28. Net Temps: Consider finding a temp job until you land a more stable position.
29. Juju: Use this job search engine to find jobs from multiple sites quickly.
30. Top 100 Job Board Niches - 2008: Make sure you’re on the right job board for your industry.
31. Snag a Job: Snag a Job is a site for those seeking hourly employment.
32. Are the major job boards all they’re cracked up to be?: Determine whether or not advertising on a huge job site is worth it when you read this guide.
33. AllFreelance.com: Find freelance opportunities on this site, which also has tools for branding, customer relations and more.
34. Craigslist: Depending on your industry, you may find that Craigslist is an extremely helpful resource for finding work.
35. SoloGig: SoloGig is another job board for freelance projects.
36. 6 Figure Jobs: If you’ve got the experience and credentials to back yourself up, use this site for executives only.

Social Networking

Social networking isn’t just for kids anymore: it’s extremely important for building up your professional contacts, snagging job opportunities and boosting your brand.

37. LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a very popular social site for professionals to network and collaborate on projects.
38. Ryze: Ryze is a professional-oriented social networking site that lets you share events, find jobs and more.
39. Plaxo: Plaxo tunes you into the stuff your friends are doing on sites like Flickr, Amazon, YouTube, Digg and more.
40. MeetUp: Use this site to network in-person and online with professionals and friends in your city.
41. Twitter: Twitter is a great microblogging site that helps with branding, showcasing your stuff online, and meeting people in your industry.
42. Facebook: There are countless business opportunities available to Facebook members. Create your own profile to network, and then create a group or page for your company.
43. Xing: Xing is a professional networking site that brings together ambitious individuals from around the world.
44. Ziggs: Here you can expand your network, search for jobs, join groups, manage contacts and more.
45. Fast Pitch: Business professionals market themselves and their services on this social networking site.
46. Yorz: Find jobs through this networking community.

Reputation

Build and monitor your reputation with these online tools.

47. Letter to Fall Recruits: Clean Up Your (Cyber)Space: This article directed at law students emphasizes the importance of removing incriminating or embarrassing pictures and blogs online.
48. Digg: Bookmark, rank and review articles on this site to boost your popularity with other users. Just be careful what you digg, and make sure it’s nothing obscene or offensive.
49. Gather: Build up your reputation as a knowledgeable expert who reaches out to the community by keeping up with the discussions on Gather.
50. Furl: Share useful websites to make connections and establish yourself as a go-to person for your industry.
51. Board Tracker: Get directed to the discussion boards that mention you or will provide an opportunity for you to contribute using this tool.
52. Technorati: With Technorati, you can monitor which blog posts mention you, your industry, or your company.
53. Google Alerts: Set up an alert for yourself and your company to find out what others are saying about you online.

Job Search Tools

Let these tools help make your search more effective.

54. Resume formats and samples: Virginia Tech shares these resume formats and tips for job searchers.
55. Indeed: Search classifieds from job boards and newspapers with this search engine.
56. Job Search Test Drive: Get an idea for what’s out there without setting up an account with this Monster tool.

Job Security Tips

Try out these tips and tools if you’re worried about losing your job.

57. In Depth: How to Secure Your Job: Forbes.com’s guide encourages you to boost your profile, take on new projects and figure out ways to save your company money.
58. How Secure Is Your Job in 2009?: Read this article to help you determine whether or not your job will still be there at the end of the year.
59. Job Jeopardy/Layoff Assessment: Take this quiz to evaluate your job security.
60. NASDAQ ticker: Follow your company’s stock to get an idea of how healthy the overall business is.
61. The Best Entrepreneurship Courses in America: Consider going back to school to open your own business or to get promoted within your small company.
62. Surviving the evolving job market: This guide tracks the evolution of jobs like telephone operators, file clerks and more.
63. 7 Jobs for Job Security in a Recession: Consider segueing into one of these industries–if you’re willing to take the risk–that are supposed to be healthy even in a recession.
64. Network Your Way to Job Security: Networking builds your contacts base and opens you up to new opportunities.
65. 8 Tips to Increase Your Job Security: Tips here include "be appreciative," "be indispensable," and "conserve cash."
66. How to Keep Your Job in a Recession: ABC’s Bob Rosner encourages professionals to stay calm, keep their perspective and research the health of their company.

Going Back to School

Consider going back to school if it will propel you to the next level of management or job security.

67. Online Education Database: Search this site for continuing education opportunities that may enhance your job prospects.
68. FAFSA: Find out if you can receive federal aid for your continuing education program.

Branding Tips and Tools

Nurturing a personal brand is vital for increasing your career prospects and getting your name out to the people who matter.

69. Ning: Once you’ve got a veritable following of customers, contacts and associates, create your own social network just for your group using Ning.
70. Wetpaint: This wiki tool lets users create their own websites for free.
71. 10 Ways Personal Branding Can Save You From Getting Fired: Dan Schawbel shares the tips that can make a difference between becoming indispensable at your office and getting laid off.
72. FriendFeed: Create an account on this community site to save a portfolio and share meaningful information with friends.
73. StatCounter: Use StatCounter to generate a report of your blog followers.
74. Career Branding: What’s the Value of Your Personal Brand?: Take this quiz to determine how influential your brand is.
75. CafePress: Create novelty items and promotional items for your brand using this site.
76. TweetBeep: Make sure your brand is receiving positive feedback on Twitter with this tool.

Contacts and Communication

Protect your contacts lists and communication records for backup should you need it.

77. Campfire: Campfire is a team collaboration tool that features real-time chat, so you can hold meetings from your home.
78. Gmail: Use Gmail to search your contacts, save addresses, access email from a web browser, chat, and more.
79. Pidgin: Chat with users from all kinds of instant message accounts from one spot with Pidgin.
80. Highrise: Manage communications with your business partners and clients, track new leads, get instant reminders via e-mail and text, keep an address book and more with Highrise.
81. Famundo: Keep your calendars, files and projects organized on this shareable site.
82. 30 Boxes: This tool helps you remember important dates and contact information.
83. WhosOff: Keep track of who’s out of the office and who’s available for collaboration with this tool.
84. Central Desktop: Share files with this collaboration tool.
85. Loose Stitch: Keep meetings fun and easy when you use this tool for remote access collaboration.
86. ubernote: With this tool, you can send e-mails, update your Twitter account, save contact information and a lot more.

Miscellaneous

Staying organized and ahead of the competition is vital if you want others to recognize your dependability and expertise. These tools will buoy your reputation even while the rest of the economy drowns.

87. Clean up your credit for your job search: This article explains why it’s important to have good credit when applying for a job.
88. 6 Fields That Stand to Benefit from the Stimulus Plan: Consider applying for a job in one of these industries if you’re worried about job security.
89. Jott: Catalog reminders sent via text messages and e-mails with this tool.
90. Nozbe: Use Nozbe to track assignments, stay on top of projects and more.
91. Business-Paper: Manage your business cards through this system.
92. Professional on the Web: Put your profile online using this tool to find freelancing opportunities.
93. Ping Me: Be known as the guy on track when you use Ping Me to send reminders and stay on schedule.
94. Evernote: Keep all of your projects, web clips, notes and ideas organized with Evernote.
95. Zoho: Use Zoho’s free office tools to save your company money and keep all your documents and communications organized.
96. Viapoint: With this organization tool, you can quickly do a people search, search your history to retrieve research, and more.
97. Monkey on Your Back: Send a reminder–in the form of a monkey e-mail message–for regular errands, job interviews, assignments and more.
98. MyMemorizer: This calendar sends you reminders via text message.
99. GoToMeeting: Hold meetings online with this service, saving your company time and money on travel expenses, and letting you get more work done at the office.
100. Spamato: Use Spamato on your work email to block spam. It’s free, too.