Find Distance Learning for Editorial Styles MLA and APA

If you are a professional writer or proofreader, or are someone who is interested in taking up the trade, distance learning might be a great option for you. If you are already in the trade, you should know the difference between styles of writing.

Two different schools that provide writing guidelines are the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

You can become familiar with each of these styles by reading their corresponding manuals.

See related post: Devil's in the Details: Distance Learning for Picky Proofreaders

How to Proofread your Own Work

Proofreading is something that not just anyone does well. That's why some people are paid to do it for us, people with experience in proofreading and/or some kind of formal education, such as a distance learning course in proofreading.

However, if you're a prolific writer, hiring a proofreader to review your content can become expensive. In order to make more efficient use of your proofreader, some tips are to: allow some time between writing and proofreading. Proofread your own work at your most alert time of the day. Read your work out loud. Use spell check. Proofread your text for only one type of error until moving on to another one. Take notes on your most common errors.

See related post: Copy-editing and Proofreading Distance Learning

Virtual Worlds, Real Results: Online Learning Programs for High Schoolers

As more young people experience online learning, and as online education becomes more sophisticated, young people's learning experience becomes more translatable into a work context. Given the benefits that online courses and virtual world e-learning provides students, more and more schools have been integrating advanced technology and e-learning supplementation into their curricula.

Therefore, more and more young people are graduating high school prepared not only for further education, but also for a highly
competitive job market that prizes ICT skills above many other skills.

See related post: Master Online Learning in Your Free Time

Online RCA and Other Business Training

Online training is a unique opportunity for any business looking to train employees cost-effectively, conveniently, and fast.

While complementary in-person training in fields like compliance training, root cause analysis, and conflict management can benefit employees and create a more personalized learning experience, online training has been proven strong enough to stand alone if chosen from a robust learning management system course provider.

Some LMSs also provide content creation toolkits and multi-language user interfaces, allowing businesses to create their own training content, and deliver it to employees across the globe, with just a few clicks.

See related post: You failed. What Now? Root Cause Analysis: How Organizations Rebound

You’re Never Too Old to Go Back to School with a Learning Management System

Hate the term, “mature student”? Learning knows no age limit, and these days, it’s never too late to embark on a new knowledge base or career path. You don’t even have to go to an actual school to do it.


The next time you’re searching for something online, search for a Learning Management System. You can work independently in a comfortable environment to learn the skills necessary for professional advancement, or to embark on an entirely new career. You can do so wherever you are most comfortable, not in a classroom where you might feel out of touch or too old for school.


Today’s technology enables you to focus on more effective absorption of material, keep track of your progress and make you feel comfortable. All you need is an Internet connection and a device on which to view the materials. No textbooks, no uncomfortable classroom chairs; just the tools you need to put yourself on the path to greater success.


See Related Post: Embracing a Learning Management System Proves You’re Never Too Old for Education

Post-Recession Blues: How to Kill them

Unemployment is highly stressful and emotionally exhausting, but it can also be an opportunity to reflect on your skills and long-term goals, and take action. If you are unemployed, you might take this time to build on your skills and expand your marketability.

Especially for women, further education helps while seeking employment to fight the gender disparity that remains an active element in the work force. For many women either working, raising children, or seeking employment, an online program is not only the most attractive option, but the only feasible one.

Surprisingly, many women are finding post-recession time to be the most difficult financially. During the recession, men lost more jobs than women overall. However, now that the recession is over, and we are supposedly enjoying an economic recovery, women are losing more jobs. Why is this the case? Part of the reason is government funding—state money has been quickly running out. Government payrolls are shrinking, programs are being cut, and jobs are being eliminated left and right.

The increasingly financially crippling expenses of brick and mortar university education is enough to make anyone seek alternatives, but especially those with mouths to feed, bills to pay, etc.The low cost combined with the flexibility of LMS online courses make it the fastest-growing learning method in the world.

See Related Post: Post-Recession Unemployment and LMS Education

Human Resources Management Faces Huge Challenges with Online Training

In the 21st century the business model has changed and so have challenges facing human resources management in the development of online training courses. The old models are no longer effective, so they need to look for something different for the future, something that will assure the organization of hiring people who have the necessary skills to bring something worthwhile into the organization.

Online training for new employees is something that should become passé because it no longer meets the needs of modern organizational models. Human Resources Management needs to look beyond pre-employment testing and move forward to things that will tell more about the applicant in general—assessment models are becoming more popular and useful in this area. Assessments provide Human Resources Management what testing does not: a look into the way an applicant functions and the way he sees his life in general.

Related Post: Common Human Resources Management Challenges: Online Training is a Major Player

Identify time wasters and find your balance.

Finding the time to complete online training is much easier when we figure out where we are wasting our time.

Learning how to identify time wasters that we engage in and changing our approach is how we find balance. Simply looking at how we spend time playing when we could be doing something more productive is part of the process of balancing. If we stop wasting time online, in the land of email, on social networking pages, and in front of the TV we can then rearrange the time we have to fit in online training courses that will set us up for a much brighter future. This is one area where more people fail when attempting to continue their education through the internet, especially when half of the fun is online ready and waiting.

See Related Post: How to Balance Work and Continuing Your Education with Online Training

Harnessing soft skills in LMS online training

Many organizations suffer the consequences of poor training in the simple procedures of soft skills.

An organization's success depends not only on hard technical skills, but its members' ability to work together effectively. Success can be jeopardized by factors such as inter-staff politics, personal agendas, lack of energy and commitment to organizational goals, and poor communication.

How can your organization avoid these dangers and achieve actionable outcomes with LMS online training?

The purpose of any kind of training is the acquisition of skills. So what kind of skills are teachable? What skills can you expect to nurture in online training? The truth is that all skills, both soft and hard, are teachable--and critical to an organization's success.

Soft skills, or "people skills," are utilized in both professional and personal life, and include all the procedures involved in effective communication. These include listening, engaging in dialogue, providing feedback, functioning in a team setting, resolving issues and conflicts, and contributing in staff meetings.

See Related Post: How to Train the People behind the Skills

Are the results real and Measurable in Online Training Courses?

One of the big issues around online training is perception that measuring and monitoring the effectiveness and substantive results of this training can be elusive.

In other words, turning the training into an actionable outcome is the difference between a pretty screen that your learners will stare at, and a meaningful translation of what they just learned into accountable result.

So as important as it is to develop a great online training course, it is just as important to develop an evaluation methodology to measure the impact of the training. This and effectively interacting with your learner in your online training course are important element.

See Related Post: Online training and actionable outcome and result

How to Gauge the Quantity of LMS Training

Let's face it: management often has a difficult time in gauging the appropriate amount of time to devote to training. One common mistake is to skimp on training. It's rushed through, and ultimately the manager figuratively shrugs his shoulders and concludes that employees will learn the particular skill or topic on-the-job. However, managers should keep in mind that training IS on-the-job.

Training is a critical part of employees' work experience, which delivered effectively, can make an enormous difference in performance, greatly ease the task of performance management, and save an organization an enormous amount of time and money in employee turnover.

There are many causes of failed online training initiatives, which are obviously a huge waste of organizations' time and energy. Many of these causes are related not only to the quantity or length, but also the texture of the training.

Coggno is now offering a free trial for performance review training creators on its learning management system. Create online training for free, whether it be for internal use, for inclusion in Coggno's E-learning Marketplace, or for outside syndication on hundreds of websites.

See Related Post: Quantity Control in LMS Training

MGMT Behaviors to Avoid for Decreased Employee Turnover

Why do employees quit, and how can LMS managerial training help? First, the improper handling of situations is a common way to lead employees to their next job with a company who may be your competitor. When things go wrong, management must step up to the plate and become the leader, rather than the finger-pointer and blame-assigner. Another sure way to kill morale in the workplace is the constant reorganization of staff and shuffling employees around. This only causes confusion and a lost sense of priorities.

The second behavior that management should avoid is the alienation of staff by silence. Oftentimes, management fails to make time to inform staff about the decisions it is taking. Clarity and transparency in management should be consistent in order to keep a healthy employee morale and sense of good communication at work.

The third managerial behavior that effects high employee turnover rates is killing morale by not allowing employees to make any decisions about their work. Employees begin to view their work as only a job instead of developing pride and positive energy in the workplace.

Coggno is now offering a free trial for management training creators on its learning management system. Create an online course for free, whether it be for internal use, for inclusion in Coggno's E-learning Marketplace, or for outside syndication on hundreds of websites.

See Related Post: 3 Managerial Behaviors that Contribute to Employee Turnover

What's Your Most Valuable Resource? Invest in LMS Performance Review

I've already mentioned employee dread of performance reviews; but what about the managers giving the reviews? Surveys report that managers also harbor a strong dislike for performance reviews, oftentimes because an organization's employee performance development is often lacking. Oftentimes, supervisors have a difficult time remembering the major achievements of each employee in a given year, let alone their goals, development, and other contributions.

Short memories on the managerial end and insufficient time spent on goal-setting and performance assessment throughout the year often make annual reviews unfair, inaccurate and worst of all, ineffective. Lack of preparation for a performance review communicates that you do not take the review seriously, and you can safely assume that neither will the evaluated employee.

The cost of using an LMS to manage performance development and feedback is low and even free in some cases, but the value is great. An investment in systematic performance development is an investment in your most precious resource--your people.

Coggno is now offering a free trial for performance review training creators on its learning management system. Create an online course for free, whether it be for internal use, for inclusion in Coggno's E-learning Marketplace, or for outside syndication on hundreds of websites.

See Related Post: How to Give Great Performance Reviews Using LMS Performance Management

Go Armed and Ready to Your Annual Review

Do you have an annual performance review coming up? An LMS prep course could help you make it a success.

Oftentimes people dread performance reviews for all the wrong reasons. You might be unfamiliar with the process, or haven't taken the time to reflect on the work year, or create professional goals for the future. You might believe it's time for a pay raise, but you aren't sure if it's the right time to ask.

The trick is to go prepared. Keep in mind that workplaces do performance reviews differently. While some require that you take time to assess yourself, and later use that assessment as the basis for your review, others focus more on the future, or the past. Find out from your boss before the review for some specifics on how the process works.

Coggno is now offering a free trial for performance review training creators on its learning management system. Create an online course for free, whether it be for internal use, for inclusion in Coggno's E-learning Marketplace, or for outside syndication on hundreds of websites.
See Related Post: Nail Your Performance Review with LMS Prep

Proactive Management for Newbies

A recent poll showed that over half of new managers received no formal training whatsoever before beginning the job. If you're a new manager, be proactive in your own training and transition process. Pick up a course on an online learning platform like Coggno. Free courses include a Sample Negotiation Presentation, Conflict in Workplaces, and L19-Influence. For new managers there are courses such as 6 Steps to a Successful Start as a New Manager, which offers practical tips and strategies to help new managers successfully move into their new leadership role.

Take time to get to know the people you are managing. Even if you have worked beside these people for years, that doesn't necessarily mean you really know them. Find out what's exciting or interesting for them, how to motivate them, and what concerns they may have. If you get to know them as individuals, you will be able to more effectively manage them.

Coggno's LMS combines state-of-the-art tools with quality content to provide managers and all students a memorable and effective learning experience. Coggno is now offering a free trial for management training program creators on its learning management system. Create an online course for free, whether it be for internal use, for inclusion in Coggno's E-learning Marketplace, or for outside syndication on hundreds of websites.
See Related Post: Three Tips for Bright New Managers

Continuously Improve Your Training--And Your Business

Beyond the time and money saved, one major benefit of a learning management system (LMS) is the potential for creating a team learning experience that fortifies your staff unity and efficiency. But how do you train employees for continuous improvement and team thinking? Moreover, how can you create a group learning experience for your trainees?

First, incorporate Kaizen into your company philosophy, and explain and demonstrate the concept in your training. Kaizen, the Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement, is a philosophy which involves all employees, of every rank. It is quite different from outdated hierarchical improvement programs of "command and control". Under Kaizen, all employees are encouraged to make suggestions to improve all processes of a business.

Second, create a team learning experience. For example, introduce your staff to a new product or service, and allow them to practice developing strategies and solutions for that product or service. If the trainees are in sales or customer service, use your LMS to introduce the new product, deliver training on the product, and prompt trainees to work together to develop strategies and solutions to given situations when dealing with clients, and so on.

Coggno is now offering a free trial for training program creators on its learning management system. Create an online course for free, either for internal use, for inclusion in Coggno's E-learning Marketplace, or for outside syndication on hundreds of websites.

See Related Post: Three Ways to Strengthen Your Training--And Your Company

Effective LMS Training with Simple Strategies

Using learning management system training courses, transferring knowledge from the short-term memory to long-term is a process easily facilitated. One of the most effective ways to help learners absorb course material is through repetitive review.

Here's an analogy. Although you have probably parked your car in hundreds of places throughout your lifetime, you probably remember easily enough where it is each time you go to find it. And you just as easily forget where it was parked after you no longer need to find it there.

However, if one day you parked your car in a specific place in the parking lot, and then walked by it several times throughout that particular day, you might remember for days or even weeks where it was on that day.

This is a simple strategy for helping learners put course content into their long term memory. When your trainees learn something new, try to review the main points on the same day. Ask them to take notes on the learning management system material, and allow them to refer back to them as they practice.

Coggno is now offering a free trial for online course creators on its learning management system. Create an online course for free, either for internal use, Coggno's E-learning Marketplace, or for outside syndication on hundreds of websites.

See related post: Practical LMS Training for Long-Term Knowledge

To Homeschool or Not to Homeschool: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself

Considering homeschooling your child? Here are three important considerations, three critical thoughts, before you take the homeschooling route.

First, is everyone in the family on board with the decision to homeschool? This is an essential precondition of homeschooling that both parents (if applicable) are in agreement about the decision. It will prove very difficult for everyone involved if one parent is against it. If this is the case for you, try talking to more people and doing more research on homeschooling. Read up on learning management systems and other learning strategies before bringing up the topic with your spouse again.

Coggno is now offering a free trial for home educators on its learning management system. Create online courses for home use, or for syndication.

Your child's opinion, of course, should also be considered. Is he or she warm to the idea of homeschooling? Ultimately, it's your own decision, but a willing student is always much easier and more pleasant to work with. If your child is absolutely against the idea, you might not have an easy time of it. Remember, no homeschooling is a lifelong one. Most families take it one year at a time.

See Related Post: The Homeschooling Route: 3 Pre-Thoughts Before You Take it

Learn to Manage Your Outsourcing Relationship with an LMS Online Course

A company's executives should approach outsourcing relationships in a way that corresponds exactly to the company's short- and long-term objectives.

A key concept that an LMS course teaches executives is that good ORM involves a proactive strategy in preventing failure. Instead of simply measuring, tracking, reporting measures against targets, and penalizing the service provider, executives should use that information to manage future performance. That way, when systems or processes are showing signs that they are heading towards failure, they can be eliminated or changed before the problem actually occurs. A proactive approach has higher rates of effectiveness than any carrot-and-stick strategy. It will also help to root the major causes of dysfunctional or unsatisfactory outsourcing relationships.

A complete online course in ORM deals with the three areas of concern in BPO transition and ORM, which are management strategy, organizational structure, and IT infrastructure. Management strategy refers to identifying the best service level agreement and relationship techniques for your business process outsourcing strategy. Organizational structure refers to developing the appropriate in-house management, or the oversight structure and mechanisms. Finally, IT infrastructure is the supportive IT infrastructure which enables the monitoring and management of a network of external service providers.

Management strategy involves a critical element: contract management. This includes tracking, measuring and ensuring results, tracking, penalizing and preventing failure, and developing performance measurements. These measurements should not only address current performance, but also respond by providing proactive solutions and predictions. Contract management also involves a quality assurance approach that governs the processes and the service delivery of a BPO group. Remember that the outsourced service provider has a vested interest in achieving results, just like the company is it servicing.

Since service provider contracts are often transitory, they should specify responsibilities and processes of the BPO transition term. Generally, the contract with an outsourced service provider should include provisions for performance management, and the contract language should be flexible, allowing for changes as they become necessary.

See Related Post: LMS Courses Help Proactively Manage Your Outsourcing Relationship

Business Process Outsourcing Demands a Solid Learning Management System

It's never been uncommon for organizations to outsource content development, such as learning programs, management and company training, including tasks such as the production of books, training materials, videos, and other educational materials. Learning management system vendors offer benefits such as flexibility, customization, and cost-effectiveness to organizations using business process outsourcing (BPO).

BPO is quickly becoming the norm among large-scale companies and businesses, and offers some outstanding benefits. But it can also be a complicated venture, which is why strong learning management system or other online company training is crucial for organizing and training employees whose work is outsourced.

Before learning management systems and other online training systems, training employees was a more decentralized process. Oftentimes, companies could not even be sure how much money they were spending on training across their enterprise. The process varied widely from group to group, and company to company.

In relation to the frequency of business process outsourcing taking place, companies are paying greater attention to their learning management system training and other online training systems. Everyone wants to secure a process that works for his or her company, to reduce the cost of training by finding a customized solution and making it both adaptable and repeatable.

Companies who use business process outsourcing can save money if they are able to centralize and repeat the process of training. This is where learning management systems are useful, since they allow users to create and deliver customized training solutions. Companies can make training their own, integrated with their logo and corporate color scheme. Learning management systems that use a pay-per-use business model make it easy to load and reload learning content as required for relevant, up-to-date training. This model allows organizations to help employees gain the skills and knowledge required in exactly the period of time necessary.

See Related Post: Centralized LMS Training for Business Process Outsourcing