LDG blog

A great time for online learning!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Hughson) — Sat, 02 May 2009 13:53:00 +0000

U.S. News and World Report just came out with an article on online learning. It describes the increase in popularity of this type of learning and how the competition could drive prices down. Check out the article at http://spotlight.encarta.msn.com/Features/encnet_Departments_Grad_default_article_OnlineEdOffersAccess.html?Gt1=27001

With the economy in the current shape it is in, many adults are realizing a change in career or gaining better training in their field might be a good thing to take on. Timing could not be better. Typically as the economy decreases, education tends to increase. Get out there and take some classes!

See my FastPitch! Profile

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Hughson) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:14:00 +0000

LDG Blog joins Technorati

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Hughson) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:58:00 +0000

Link to the LDG blog!! If you are in the online learning field, please link to me. I would love to find other like-minded e-learners out there, both instructors of online courses and online students to share their experiences. Come dialogue with me!

The WOW factor in learning

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:50:00 +0000

'The Unexpected Outcome' Is A Key To Human Learning
ScienceDaily (Mar. 15, 2009) — The human brain’s sensitivity to unexpected outcomes plays a fundamental role in the ability to adapt and learn new behaviors, according to a new study by a team of psychologists and neuroscientists from the University of Pennsylvania. Read more about this great study at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com:80/releases/2009/03/090313145952.htm

This is a great new finding on how unexpected information in our brain actually helps us adapt and learn more. We tend to learn more when information is new and different than when it is predictable. So, find some ways to mix up your teaching as an instructor to shock the brains of your students and if you are a student, find ways to learn new and exciting information. Take a class out of the ordinary from what is familiar. Explore new worlds with online learning!

Online education increases in slow economies

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:22:00 +0000

Online classes tend to see greater enrollment as the economy does a downturn. There might be various theories on this. Increasing costs of gas and travel make online classes more attractive since the student can stay home and learn. Another theory on why we see increased enrollment is that a weak economy might trigger the desire or even need to change jobs, gain new career skills, or change careers altogether in order to survive the failing economy. Many people still wake up each morning realizing they are in a dead end job or just in a job with no potential for growth. I think few people can even say they have a career, they plod along to a job in order to make money to pay the bills. Work and life should be fulfilling. Check out the information in this article
http://chronicle.com/wiredcampus/article/3457/universities-see-double-digit-increase-in-online-enrollment-study-finds

Come try some of our great classes, perhaps you may find some fulfillment! www.learningdesigngroup.net

Finding support in the business world

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:22:00 +0000

Starting a new business is a BIG adventure and one that takes dedication and focus. I have been looking for new avenues to spread the word about Learning Design Group,LLC and all of our great classes and it is a full time job doing all that searching and posting!! I was thinking it would be great to start collecting some resources on this blog as people find them, add them to our list here. One site I found for women entrepreneurs that has lots to offer is the Ladies Who Launch website at http://www.ladieswholaunch.com/
There is a wonderful directory of resouces, all sorts of business tools, and even social networking sites.

Can anyone add some other wonderful websites to share on entrepreneurship?!

Do Schools Kill our Creativity

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:35:00 +0000

Check out this wonderful video I found by Sir Ken Robinson about creativity. He has a great sense of humor but really hits some important points about our current education system.

Great video from Sir Ken Robinson at the TED conference discussing the role of creative individuals who do not fit into the tradition mode of learning in schools.

Grant Funds Available for Continuing Education

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:22:00 +0000

I just found this great press release today on funds for continuing education.
September 22, 2008
Author: Grant Team

Grant Funds Available for Continuing Education
Las Vegas, NV ( PostAFreePressRelease ) August 26, 2008 – Continuing education is a vital part of American’s success. Educated citizens are well equipped to find good paying jobs and satisfying careers. USA Grants Inc (http://usagrantsinc.easyjournal.com). invites customers to “think about the future.”

Many Americans are facing the grind of day to day uninteresting, unsatisfying, and sparsely profitable jobs. The economy’s walls are closing in on families as they struggle to put food on the table and gas in the car. People spend a majority of their time working and there is barely any time or money to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

There would be much more potential for people to be successful if they could get good training or college educations. More rewarding jobs and better paychecks lead to happier more satisfied people, not to mention the inevitable fact that it would result in a stronger economy for our entire country.

The average college education is around $30,000 and with the cost of housing and other expenses, this pushes the opportunity to attend full time four year universities farther away from most working American’s. Even attending a few classes is out of a lot of people’s financial realm.

Supporting a family further complicates the financial and time aspect involved in pursuing higher education. Hence, people end up working unhappily and never getting ahead.

One web site stated that on average, “people with a bachelor´s degree earn over 60 percent more than those with only a high school diploma.” With many families struggling to make ends meet, 60 percent more income could greatly improve the quality of their lives.

Many programs are set up to train people in various skills, and in many cases financially support them through the pursuit of furthering their education. These programs (http://usagrantsinc.easyjournal.com/) range from federally funded organizations, drawing money from tax dollars, to various private foundations dedicated to donating money to those in need.

There are different qualifications for each grant; some are designed for women, minorities, or low income citizens, some grants are for individuals pursuing a particular major, or overcoming specific hardships.

With the abundance of different types of grants and the complicated process of applying and writing grant proposals, it is invaluable to enlist the services of a professional grant writer/ research team. USA Grants Inc (http://usagrantsinc.easyjournal.com/). is dedicated to assisting customers along the intricate and sometimes confusing process.

They have compiled all of the research that would take an individual months to research and assist people in matching their criteria with the appropriate donor. They explain the application and write persuasive proposals to help their clients gain the edge in receiving funding.

For more information on grants and grant writing services, visit www.usagrantsinc.com

USA Grant Team
1-877-872-3540
1500 E Tropicana Blvd #214
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Power of Online Education

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:07:00 +0000

People all over the world are taking classes online, blogging, emailing, watching videos on YouTube or other video sites and just spending most of their waking hours online. We truly have the world at our fingertips.

Thanks Detra for finding this great blog about online education. I wanted to be sure to share this with you. From where I am standing, online learning is not going anywhere anytime soon ---- other than gaining improvements! Check out this great article "People Are Finally Waking Up to the Power of Online Education" at
http://www.cluehq.com/blog/2008/01/03/people-are-finally-waking-up-to-the-power-of-online-education/

What color is a word?

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:16:00 +0000

Creative writing is an original composition that travels outside the normal bounds of professional, technical or academic writing. Could you finish the following:

Write a story about a town that ran out of their milk supply.
The best thing in my life is.....
Last week my dog......
Make a list of 10 things that frustrate you and choose one to turn into a story.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I came home from work today and could not believe the message on my machine....

Sound like fun? You can express your creative talents by working with a skilled teacher who can enhance those creative juices inside of you! Sheri Williams will take you through the steps of writing creatively including understanding concepts associated with writing; grammar, punctuation, and formatting; research, ideas, and note taking; outlines; rough drafts; and a final project. Sheri can help you take your writing to the next level---- profit! Join her at www.learningdesignonline.com for this amazing, creative course.

Randy Pausch "The Last Lecturer" dies today

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:17:00 +0000

For those of you who have not experienced "The Last Lecture" by a dying Randy Pausch (Professor at Carnegie Mellon), please take a moment to see this very inspirational video. His message is something we should all hear and take into our hearts. Thank you Randy for giving us all a lifelong message.

Why marketing??

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:56:00 +0000

Marketing is an ongoing process of planning and executing the marketing mix (Product, Price, Place, Promotion often referred to as the 4 Ps) for products, services or ideas to create exchange between individuals and organizations.

Marketing tends to be seen as a creative industry, which includes advertising, distribution and selling. It is also concerned with anticipating the customers' future needs and wants, which are often discovered through market research.

Essentially, marketing is the process of creating or directing an organization to be successful in selling a product or service that people not only desire, but are willing to buy.

Therefore good marketing must be able to create a "proposition" or set of benefits for the end customer that delivers value through products or services. (www.Wikipedia.com)

Our Principles of Marketing course examines those four Ps in a dynamic social, economic, and political environment, with focus on the satisfaction of customer needs while achieving organizational objectives.

Students will learn to understand the theoretical and practical aspects of the marketing function within the modern business enterprise and know how to develop and implement a basic marketing plan. When studying marketing, it is important to apply the newly learned skills in a real-world organization and to be able to appreciate the importance of marketing within the context of a global economy.

You can take this informative course with Nikki Follis. She has worked as a college professor, instructional designer, and marketing specialist and has an excellent understanding of the online environment. Come find her at www.learningdesignonline.com and join in the marketing fun!

People, technology, and ethical behavior: Beginning phase of small business administration

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:19:00 +0000

Businesses of all sizes can use support. The small business is important to our economy as evidenced by the following statistics:

According to the Department of Commerce, the following are different small business statistics that have been gathered throughout recent years.
*Small businesses are responsible for 39% of GNP.
*Approximately 52% of all sales in the United States are from small businesses.
*Statistics and studies show that small businesses innovate more than larger companies.
*Over 54 million people are employed by a small company.
*A recent one year study showed that larger company employement dropped by 0.6% while employment in small businesses increased by 1.1%.
*Small businesses have increased overall employment by 13 million workers in just a recent one year timespan.Currently, there are over 20 million small businesses in the US.(information from http://www.smallbusinesslawfirms.com/small-business-statistics.cfm).

Learning Design Online's small business administration course stresses the importance of understanding diversity in business, which is not only the diversity of employers and employees, but also includes diversity of business itself.

---Learn key concepts associated with the small business world and how each applies to business in general.
---Strategic alliances and partnerships
---Competing in a global market
---Preparing for change
---Understanding management

Sheri Williams brings a wealth of writing and business experience to this fun and engaging course. Sign up today for Small Business Administration at http://www.learningdesignonline.com

Online continuing education, the way to go!!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:58:00 +0000

Online education is the anytime, anywhere format that is catching the adult learners by storm! With gas prices in the $4/gallon range, staying home to learn a new skill or enhance your education is the way to go.

What are some benefits of online learning?

Flexibility - you choose when you want to take a course
Cost effective - no gas, hotel, or other travel expenses needed
Collaborative learning environments are created - we truly are connecting the world
Repeat access to materials- you can re-read materials on your own time
24/7 access - login to your course anytime
Student-centered learning where the student is the priority
You can go to class in your pajamas!

The internet sure has made many of our lives easier. We can telecommute, purchase items online, reserve a book at the library, and even communicate with family members all from the comfort of home or the office. Environmentally conscious people are looking for ways to economize and save our planet. Online courses are an amazing way to connect with the world for a fraction of the cost of traditional travelling.

Design your future, learn with us! Check out our great courses at www.learningdesignonline.com.

New Course in Six SIGMA Green Belt released!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:06:00 +0000

Learning Design Group, LLC is growing and we are going to start featuring some of our wonderful courses in this blog. The first course I would like to feature is "Understanding Six SIGMA Green Belt" by international instructor Adetola Ajibade Asa.

Six Sigma is a business management strategy, originally developed by Motorola, that today enjoys wide-spread application in many sectors of industry.

Six Sigma seeks to identify and remove the causes of defects and errors in manufacturing and business processes.It uses a set of quality management methods, including statistical methods, and creates a special infrastructure of people within the organization ("Black Belts" etc.) who are experts in these methods. Each Six Sigma project carried out within an organization follows a defined sequence of steps and has quantified financial targets (cost reduction or profit increase. (Wikipedia)

Adetola's course offers the basics for the Green Belt certification with an Exam at the end to test your knowledge. This is a great course to get your feet wet if just starting to learn the Six Sigma series. Go to http://www.learningdesignonline.com/ and login to Adetola's course.

Launching the business

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:54:00 +0000

Learning Design Group, LLC started as a concept quite awhile ago and we are pleased to announce our launch. Our marketing site, www.learningdesigngroup.net, has information on our business and a special link for Instructors to get started teaching with us. We are an educational brokerage firm and our goal has been to provide a way for instructors with a passion for teaching and excellent content to have a place to share that enthusiasm.

Marty and I have both been on the student and instructor side of online learning and we strongly believe in the 'anytime, anywhere' component of online learning. We know people out there LOVE to teach and we know adult learners out there who LOVE to learn. Connecting them together is key.

Our courses are non-credit courses aimed at the adult learner and we have divided every course into one of three categories: professional development, academic success, and personal enrichment. One thing we know and appreciate is the interest in learning all humans possess. We would love to be part of that process. Design your future, learn with us!!