Tag Archives: Labyrinth Learning

We Loved Working with the Students at Suffolk County Community College

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Suffolk County Community College
Teachers at Suffolk County Community College found our eLab materials to be very beneficial for the students in their Intro to Computer Applications classes.
Source: Wikimedia Commons

We can write all we want about the benefits of our eLab Course Management system but, truly, the proof is in the pudding. That’s why we wanted to share a recent case study in which Labyrinth Learning partnered up with instructors at Suffolk County Community College to help with ongoing issues experienced with their Intro to Computer Applications course.

The course is a prerequisite for certain educational tracks and is recommended for many others. The challenge, typical of any educational setting, was that students entered at different levels and while some were flying through course material, others lagged behind or failed altogether. Plus, instructors were concerned that students “sailing through” the course weren’t necessarily retaining the materials. Another challenge was that with hundreds of students to serve, it was difficult to keep up with and return assessments in a timely manner.

One instructor used the eLab course materials, one opted to use both the materials and the course management system and the third instructor stuck to the typical routine using a popular computer text book. The instructors who chose the eLab options were thrilled with how easy it was to familiarize themselves and set up the course materials.

Within a short amount of time, they noticed a significant difference in the classroom, including:

  • Improved student performance
  • A narrowing of the achievement gap
  • More independent working
  • Greater concept and materials retention
  • More streamlined and timely assessment feedback for students

Both instructors plan to continue using Labyrinth materials in their future courses.

Take your cue from Suffolk County Community College and partner up with Labryinth Learning. We’ll provide the eLab materials and the course management system to improve student performance and outcomes in your classrooms.

Enhance Your Lessons With Images on Microsoft Word 2013

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how to insert images in Microsoft Word 2013
Source: Wordprocessing.about.com

As an educator, your job is to make instructional materials as palatable as possible for your student audience. The tricky part is that that audience consists of a variable mix of learning styles. For that reason, it’s important to use visual information wherever possible in addition to your lectures and text-based learning materials.

Learning how to insert images in Microsoft Word 2013 will allow both you and your students to produce more interesting and engaging resources for class projects, presentations, and other professional applications.

  • Insert your cursor or tap in the area of the Word document where you want the picture to be inserted.
  • Go to the Insert tab in the Illustrations section and then click on the Pictures button. An Insert Dialog box will appear where you clicked on the document.
  • You can now insert a picture from your hard drive, a CD or a flash drive. Choose the picture you want to insert, click on it and select Open. You can also double click on the picture.

The image is now inserted into the document. You can also choose to insert online images you have the rights to by clicking Online Pictures in the Insert tab and then searching for the image using the appropriate keyword. Use a similar technique using Clip Art by searching for a particular image in the Office.com field.

Contact us at Labyrinth Learning for more regarding tips on how to insert images in Microsoft Word 2013.

How Computer Literacy can Prepare Students for the Workforce

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computer literacy
Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Those who are able to use computer programs effectively are referred to as “computer literate.” While the ability to use computers was a specialized skill several decades ago, it is now nearly essential for students who wish to find a place in the work world. Here is look at a few benefits of being computer literate when trying to enter the workforce:

  • Basic computer skills will help students through the classes they take in college, which will prepare then for the workforce. Many college courses are now at least partially computer-based.
  • Knowing more advanced software, such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel, will set your students apart from candidates who have only basic word processing skills.
  • The more efficiently an employee can use a computer, the more work they’ll be able to get done in a day. Productivity is a valued skill in today’s workplaces.
  • Knowing how to use the internet makes communication easier. Harnessing the power of social media and instant messaging services enhances the ability to work remotely, which is becoming more common in recent years.
  • Employees with great computer skills are often placed in leadership roles, where they can help other employees boost their computer skills.

The benefits of being computer literate are never-ending. We are dedicated to providing students and instructors with the software they need to enhance learning in their subjects, and also bolster computer skills. Contact us at Labyrinth Learning today to learn more about our selection of software.

Learn the Helpful Options in the eLab Course Management System

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eLab course management system
Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

One major advantage of partnering with Labyrinth Learning is the ease, convenience and malleability of our eLab course management system. Flexible options abound when it comes to teaching any of the eLab courses offered because our system allows easy accessibility with the same licensing key. Depending on the textbook selected, there are three different eLab courses available:

Course-in-a-box: This requires no additional setup. This selection includes pre-built lesson plans, assignments, and tests. All these options plus the additional pre-populated learning devices allows you to easily make your selections with no complicated set-up tasks. No modifications are necessary unless you choice to implement them, though additional customized tests and assignments can easily be added if you desire.

Custom course: This option comes complete with easy to use online tools so you can quickly select the lessons, pre-built tests and assignments you want to include. While we do offer a wide variety of accounting education resources, we realize some instructors need the option of being able to create their own instructional guides and exams. Our eLab management system allows this to be done on the course-in-a-box selection and the custom course option.

Our build your own system is perfect for instructors who prefer total control over their eLab course content. You have complete flexibility over what content to include, and there are no preloaded exams, assignments, or lesson plans.

Are you interested in learning more about the Labyrinth Learning eLab course management system?  Please contact us today for additional information.

Join Us at the Mining for Success Conference in Denver

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2014 NCTA Denver Conference
Source: Ncta-testing.org

The 2014 NCTA Denver Conference is quickly approaching. Scheduled for September 3-6 this year, this is the perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge of fair and objective testing procedures while interacting with others instructors from across the nation.

This year’s National College Testing Association Mining for Success Keynote Speaker is Jack Buckley. Buckley serves as the head of College Board’s research department and had an important role in redesigning the SAT.

Another highlight will be the conference sessions, which include presentations on topics including:

  • Ensuring Academic Integrity with Online Proctoring
  • Inevitable Cheating Incidents and How to Avoid Them
  • Searching for Gold in Every Student

A number of sponsor workshops, including sessions with Castle Worldwide, ProctorU, and Scantron will also be offered.

The following information will come in handy when planning your stay at the conference:

  • Denver Marriott City Center will serve as the official conference hotel, with rooms priced at $145 per night, plus taxes.
  • You can register on the day of the conference for a total of $280 per NCTA member, or $330 per non-member.
  • Registration will be held from 2:00 – 6:00 pm on September 2nd, with the 2014 NCTA Denver Conference officially commencing at 8:00 am the next morning.

Labyrinth Learning is dedicated to helping you transform your classroom for more efficient learning. Contact us today to learn more about our materials and resources for college instructors.

Teaching Payroll Accounting Using Microsoft Excel

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using payroll accounting in Microsoft Excel
Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Many businesses are continuing to use Microsoft Excel for accounting. This user-friendly program is perfect for everything from invoicing to bookkeeping to inventory spreadsheets. Many people have started using payroll accounting in Microsoft Excel because of its simple template setup. This template allows them to easily update and access payroll records and information. While there is a time investment at the beginning, the payoff is its ability to quickly determine the amount of revenue going toward human resources and the ease with which payroll accounting personnel can enter all necessary data.

Labyrinth Learning offers a complete package of Microsoft Excel 2013 textbooks, as well as online teaching tools for students beginning to explore this versatile program and those seeking to learn the more advanced features. We also have all three levels of the Microsoft Excel FastCourse available.

All our Microsoft Excel textbooks include end of lesson exercises which can be worked multiple times until the student feel comfortable with the tasks. The various online teaching tools include video tutorials, instructor assessment materials and specialized training tools. For those planning on using payroll accounting in Microsoft Excel in a more corporate setting, these textbooks and online tools are approved for the Microsoft Office Specialist certification examination.

Your students will be on the fast track to success when they learn the accounting features of Microsoft Excel. For more information on Microsoft Excel and other interactive teaching tools we have available, please contact us at Labyrinth Learning today.

Explain Computers and Technology With Silver Series

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Labyrinth Learning Silver Series
Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It’s easy to assume that everyone is already computer literate in this day and age, but there are still people who need help when it comes to the basics. As in instructor to these beginners, you have to ensure that they get access to clear, specific examples and step-by-step tutorials.

The Labyrinth Learning Silver Series is a great start for total newbies. This series covers computers and technology in a way that’s easily understandable, thanks to its carefully constructed explanations.

With 15 handbooks and two support DVDs, this series is one of the most comprehensive learning resources beginners can use to develop their computer literacy. From general information on computers and introduction to Microsoft Office 2007, to lessons on Windows 7 and a background on PC security, the series covers everything essential in basic computer knowledge. There’s also a handbook dedicated to the OS X Leopard if the students are more inclined to use Mac computers.

Of course, not all learning materials are the same, and you can tell which is the best among different options after trying them out. To verify if this series is a good fit for your students, you can request for a product demo of the Labyrinth Learning Silver Series, or contact us with your inquiries.

Help Students Get Creative with Our Media Arts Teaching Resources

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teaching resources
Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Though the majority of your students have never known life without the internet, many don’t have photography, graphics, or web design skills. Labyrinth Learning offers several easily understood media arts teaching resources, including digital photography and web page design. Except for basic computer skills, no prior knowledge of either subject is required:

  • Welcome to Digital Photography, 2nd Edition: It can be a very daunting experience trying to determine which digital camera is best suited for a student’s particular need. The comprehensive book explains in detail what to look for when purchasing a digital camera. It teaches how to use many of the automatic features which come standard on the majority of today’s cameras. The second section of the book explains the hows and whys behind the customized manual settings including shutter speeds, self-timers, and file formats.
  • Web Page Design with XHTML/CSS: Coding is often a foreign language students are afraid to learn. This student friendly textbook has been designed with the author’s workflow learning approach coupled with Labyrinth Learning’s effective instructional technique. This ensures students learn both website coding along with the basic fundamentals on how websites work, file organization, and that ever important final step — how to make a functioning website live.

Do you want to provide your students with some of the best media arts teaching resources in the field? Please contact us at Labyrinth Learning for assistance.

How Our Accounting Basics Solution Facilitates Learning

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accounting solutions
Accounting Basics from Labyrinth Learning

When teaching accounting courses, financial information must be conveyed in a clear and concise manner. Here at Labyrinth Learning, our Accounting Basics solution offers an easily understood introduction for students who wish to gain general accounting knowledge but may not be working toward an accounting degree.

Often students want accounting basics to utilize as part of their job, for personal finances or to be able to understand the importance of accounting  while taking a course like QuickBooks.  While things like cash flow and payroll accounting are the responsibility of the accounting department, it is valuable to all to be able to read a ledger sheet, track business performance, and understand the basics of profit and loss.

Labyrinth Learning provides this new basic accounting solution.  It begins with a comprehensive overview. This particular program introduces a fictional business and the accounting cycle they follow. Each new topic also includes detailed explanations so each student understands how the process works.

This is solution provides practical and easy to understand accounting basics, along with practice sets at the end of each chapter, an ongoing end of chapter problem which builds off the previous obstacle, and a scenario at the end of the course allowing students to put their recently gained knowledge to use.

For more information about our Accounting Basics textbook along with our many other interactive teaching tools, please contact us at Labyrinth Learning today.

Learn Why Payroll Accounting is Important for Students

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teaching resources
Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Like so many other occupations, accounting has now become a career choice with specialized fields. There is specific training for areas including construction accounting, tax accounting, and one of the most security sensitive: payroll accounting. When teaching students payroll accounting, it is important they understand how having a separate payroll accounts and an accountant assists in maintaining proper internal controls:

  • One reason to separate the payroll account is for reconciliation simplicity and time management. When payroll checks and taxes are paid out of the same bank account as routine general ledger invoices, it generates numerous transactions which in turn makes monthly bank statement reconciliation more complicated and time consuming.
  • Internet identify theft and online scams in relation to payroll services is rampant these days. By creating a separate payroll account, which is linked to the company’s main banking account, money can easily be transferred to cover payroll with an additional protective layer of security guarding against fraud and theft.
  • A payroll accountant is privy to personal information including social security numbers and financial legal proceedings such as wage garnishment. Employing a separate payroll accountant who understands the confidentially requirements helps keep internal controls in place and ensures only authorized personnel have access to private payroll files.

For accounting instructors, Labyrinth Learning has a new solution available: Payroll Accounting: A Practical Real World Approach by Eric Weinstein. For information on our other outstanding curricula and teaching aids, please contact us today.