All posts by lablearning

Effective Ways to Create a Quality Web Page

Teaching Tips & Strategies, , ,
web page design for students
Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Creating web pages takes a lot more effort than it once did – not because it’s more difficult to do, but because you want your website to achieve more in order to stand out from the competition. Not only are you trying to draw in more visitors, you want those visitors to return again and again. Teaching web page design for students will help give them a step up as they go out into the world. The following are a few tips for creating a quality web page:

  • Keep loading times fast – If your website loads slowly, then visitors will hit that back button in a hurry. Obviously, this is not what you want since visitors may not even give your website’s content a chance if this occurs.
  • Make it easy to navigate – Your website should be easy to navigate. This means that visitors looking for a contact page or your blog page shouldn’t have to look very hard. Poor navigation will frustrate your visitors.
  • Make sure your links work – The last thing you want to do is provide links to your readers that don’t work. Not only will this frustrate your reader to no end, it also hurts your search engine ranking; broken links are a sign that your website isn’t being maintained.

Use these tips in order to teach students to create a high quality webpage. Contact us at Labyrinth Learning for more information about web page design for students, as well as our educational media resources.

Instructors can Enjoy the Benefits of Microsoft Access 2013: Essentials

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Microsoft Access 2013: EssentialsMicrosoft provides a number of different software options that are incredibly helpful in accomplishing any number of tasks. Because much of their software is incredibly in-depth, we recommend learning the ins and outs in order to make the most out of it. For example, using the Microsoft Access 2013: Essentials textbook in order to better understand the Microsoft Access program.

The Microsoft Access 2013: Essentials textbook covers a huge range of information for beginners to experts. The first unit provides instruction on how to use the Ribbon interface, how to create tables in Datasheet view, how to create database objects, how to design databases, how to preview and print data, how to format your tables, and much more. The second unit includes instruction on creating relational databases, modifying reports, creating customizable input forms, and more.

In the last unit, you’ll be instructed on the use of complex forms, complex reports, calculated controls, customizing your databases, customizing your user interface and more. All of the text is accompanied by integration lessons. The textbook is available in print as well as an advanced ebook, which also includes direct links and embedded video.

The textbook includes 12 lessons using a step-by-step, skills based approach. You’ll learn real-world focus that will help you to develop skills that you’ll be able to use immediately.

For more information about our Microsoft Access 2013: Essentials and our other in-depth textbooks and eBooks, be sure to contact our team at Labrynth Learning today.

The Promising Future of Accounting

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future of accounting
Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Trying to decide what area to study when going to college can not only be difficult, it can be downright scary. All you have to do is look at the economic landscape – many college graduates are struggling with repaying their massive student loans as well as in trying to secure employment in their chosen field of study. Fortunately, those who are studying to become accountants can feel safe in the knowledge that the future of accounting looks bright.

The new wave of accountants entering the job market have a lot to offer, so it should come as no surprise that they are excited about their future. Accounting students were recently asked about their thoughts concerning the future using Conferences.io, an interactive conference participation software, as well as MBSN (management by sticky notes). Accounting students were also asked what they wanted from their future employers.

Using the Insights to Action process, accounting students provided questions as well as comments on everything from the history of the profession, the future of the profession and the current state of the profession. Much of the information from the presentation was recorded or filmed and has been organized by hindsight, foresight, and insight categories.

Find out what accounting students think about the future of accounting and what they expect from their accounting careers and employers. For additional information on accounting and for information about our educational products and services, be sure to contact us at Labyrinth Learning today.

Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: Essentials is Perfect for Students

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Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: EssentialsAre you looking for a Microsoft PowerPoint teaching tool that will engage your students, utilize real-to-life simulations and extend the learning curve far beyond the basic textbook pages? It sounds like Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: Essentials will be right up your alley.

Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: Essentials

One of the most exciting things about Microsoft PowerPoint is that students can begin applying what they learn immediately. It’s the go-to resource for class projects and presentations so the skills they learn now will benefit them in their other classes as well as when they enter the work world. The new Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: Essentials textbook, paired with the principles of our Labyrinth Instructional Design, increases retention of course materials and allows students to move at their own pace.

The textbook is available in traditional print format as well as an enhanced eBook. The eBook includes all of the information contained in the textbook as well as additional features, like direct links to interactive content and embedded videos. Additional features in the new Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: Essentials textbook include:

  • Lessons that are set up to accommodate both instructor-led or self-paced learning.
  • A real-world focus so students can see the relevancy of the lessons and begin applying them immediately in their own school and/or work environments.
  • Critical thinking exercises that expand on Microsoft PowerPoint applications to provide usable skills like collaboration, public speaking and effective writing techniques.

Contact Labyrinth Learning to learn more about the Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: Essentials materials and our course management software.

College Students will Benefit from Our Essential Computing Skills 2nd Edition

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Essential Computing SkillsIn today’s job market, it is essential that college students develop solid computing skills in order to make themselves competitive candidates for the best positions. The Essential Computing Skills 2nd Edition textbook and learning lab makes it possible for students to learn these skills easily and efficiently.

Essential Computing Skills for college students, by author Russel Stolins, covers a diverse set of topics, from basic use of Windows 8.1, to email, to cloud computing. The highly visual design makes it easy for students to interact with the material as they learn. Videos reinforce concepts, and the interactive tutorials make sure that knowledge is utilized and remembered.

This textbook and the accompanying tutorials use real-world situations to prepare students for computer-related problems they may encounter in the real working world. Students are led through the tutorials, and then given challenging exercises to enhance their learning and measure their progress.

Essential Computing Skills is not just valuable to students; it’s also an efficient and versatile choice for instructors. Instructors have the option of using the eLab course for online training and assessment, so they can spend more time actually teaching and interacting with their students and less time on activities like calculating grades.

To learn more about Essential Computing Skills for college students, and our other brilliant learning solutions, visit Labyrinth Learning. Contact us if you have questions about our software packages or eLab, the system that automates the assessment process so you can spend more time teaching.

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.

Join us at one of Our October 2014 Educator Conferences

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2014 Educator Conferences
Source: Facebook.com/labyrinthlearning

At Labyrinth Learning, we aim to transform classrooms by providing materials that make it easier for instructors to teach, and easier for students to learn. If you’re interested in learning more about our mission and the steps we are taking to achieve it, consider attending one of our 2014 Educator Conferences.

We are going to be attending several conferences coming up this fall. Find the one that’s nearest to you, and make plans to attend today.

  • October 12th – 13th: Hot Springs, Arkansas
  • October 15th-17th: Acme, Michigan
  • October 23rd-25th: Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • October 30th – 31st: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • November 6th – 9th: Baltimore, Maryland
  • November 20th – 23rd: Orlando, Florida

At each of these conferences, we will have a display set up and knowledgeable staff present to answer all of your questions about our software and learning programs, and how they can benefit both you and your students. Take the time to read about Labyrinth Learning’s growth over the last few years, and look over some of our materials. You can also order review copies to see for yourself whether our materials are the teaching solution you’ve been looking for.

Conferences are a great way to spread new ideas and rehash older ones. We’re happy to be a part of these events. You can see our 2014 Educator Conferences schedule on our website. Contact us if you are interested in giving our materials a try or to learn more about our mission.

The Basics of Creating a Database on Microsoft Access 2013

Teaching Tips & Strategies, , ,
how to create a database on Microsoft Access 2013
Source: Databases.about.com

The ability to comfortably navigate and create a database is a relevant job skill. If your students are fluent in database creation and implementation, they will save employers time and money, ensuring the company’s information is efficiently organized. Microsoft Access 2013 is one of the most prevalent database platforms on the market.

The best way to begin teaching students how to create a database on Microsoft Access 2013:

Find an appropriate template. Once Microsoft Access is open, you can search their templates for a version that is appropriate to their desired task, such as accounting, sales, or expenses. Students can search and find a template that works for them.

Name and select the database. Name the database as accurately as possible so it is easy to find and retrieve later. Then select it and open it up. Students may need to “enable” the template in order to use it to its full capacity.

Begin exploring and working with the database. Now, it’s your students’ turn to play around a bit. Have them open the Navigation Pane, which will provide a dropdown list of the tables, forms and reports that are relevant to that particular template. The more they explore, the more adept they will become at creating task-specific databases of their own.

Visit us online to find resources to facilitate your Microsoft Access instruction. We invite you to contact us at Labyrinth Learning to learn more about our educational services.

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.