Tag Archives: e-learning resources

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.

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

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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.

Take Advantage of Our Comprehensive QuickBooks Pro 2014 Set

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QuickBooks Pro 2014Learning (and teaching) QuickBooks has never been easier than with the QuickBooks Pro 2014: Comprehensive Set. This package includes everything your students need to learn QuickBooks and utilize its applications in real world settings. Built for the benefit of both the student and the instructor, QuickBooks Pro 2014 gives you the resources you need to reduce prep time and create the most effective instruction sessions.

At Labyrinth Learning, we love the QuickBooks Pro 2014 set for the following reasons:

  • A “Behind the Scenes” feature makes connections to accounting principles, giving your students a better understanding of the way that QuickBooks works.
  • The material has been approved for the QuickBooks Certified User Program, so your students can enter their exams well prepared.
  • The new, expanded payroll section in QuickBooks 2014 offers more detailed instructions for entering payroll from an outside source than precious versions.

As an instructor, you are bound to find QuickBooks Pro 2014 convenient and effective. Several features serve to simplify the instruction process, so you can spend more time addressing students’ questions and less time fumbling with software:

  • An included e-lab license gives you access to pre-built course material which you may choose to use.
  • The e-lab grading tool allows you to upload student assignments for instant assessment. You can also manage grades with e-lab.

If you’re interested in learning more about QuickBooks Pro 2014: Comprehensive Set, as well as our other software instruction packages, contact us at Labyrinth Learning.

Teach Students the History of Accounting

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history of accounting
Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Accounting is undoubtedly a very important field, but students sometimes struggle to become engaged with the material in their early accounting classes. A great way to increase interest in the subject is to start your Accounting 101 class with a discussion of the history of accounting. This discussion sets the stage to learn basic accounting principles, framing the subject matter in a light that is more likely to hold student attention.

A one-class discussion of the history of accounting could include the following high points:

The early use of double-entry bookkeeping by Venetian merchants

This system was first described by Luca Pacioli in the 1400s. He included in his description details about the use of debits and credits in ledgers. Today’s accounting systems still rely on these basic systems, and your students will be interested to know where they originated.

The rising need for advanced accounting systems during the Industrial Revolution.

Corporations were developed during this period, and more sophisticated accounting systems were needed to manage shareholders’ interests in firms.

The creation of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the 1930s.

When this commission was created, it became mandatory for publicly-traded companies to file reports with the SEC.

The Impact of the 2001 Enron scandal on the accounting industry.

Following this event, tougher restrictions were placed on consulting accountants to deter future scandals.

If you’re looking for a great way to teach your students the history of accounting, as well as its advanced applications, contact us at Labyrinth Learning.

Help Students Learn Windows 8.1 Skills

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Essential Window 8.1 Skills One of the most important subjects of education in this day and age is the ability to use computers and computer software. For example, learning Windows 8.1, which is Microsoft’s newest operating system, will help make it easier for students to perform computer-related work. The best way to do this is by using the Essential Window 8.1 Skills textbook.

The Essential Windows 8.1 Skills textbook is an excellent introduction of Microsoft’s new operating system and provides a great overview of all of its new features, which include full-screen apps and the touch screen-friendly approach of tiles. The textbook will help students learn Microsoft’s new interface and boot operations as well as how to work with files and programs, manage photos and music, interact online via social media, and more.

The textbook accomplishes this through nine different lessons that require minimal reading in order to reach as many students as possible. The skills needed to use Microsoft’s new operating system will be developed with hands-on exercises. There are two options for how the Essential Windows 8.1 Skills textbooks is available – you can purchase it as a physical textbook for $52 or you can download an e-book version complete with video instructions for only $31.25.

To help your students get the absolute most out of Microsoft Windows 8.1, you’ll want to use the Essential Windows 8.1 Skills textbook to provide in-depth knowledge on how to use the operating system. For more about learning Windows 8.1, contact us at Labyrinth Learning today.

Enjoy the Benefits of Word 2013 CourseCARD

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Word 2013 CourseCARDWhether you’re completely new to Microsoft Word or just to Microsoft Word 2013 (the latest version), the Microsoft Word 2013 CourseCARD is a great resource to have by your side. As a quick start guide for beginners, this particular CourseCARD offers well-explained information on the Word interface, along with essential functions and features you need to know for creating and formatting your documents.

The guide is composed of three sections: Quick Reference, Basic Topics, and Advanced Topics. Quick Reference goes over the Mini Toolbar and the different Ribbon tabs, while Basic Topics and Advanced Topics cover matters of increasing complexity — anything from inserting symbols to creating building blocks.

Aside from these, you also get access to Top Productivity Tips and Solutions, a page full of tips on how to make templates, apply effects on text, and customize Word, among other topics.

Priced at only $6.50 if purchased online, the Microsoft Word 2013 CourseCARD is an affordable and practical way to help you learn how to use Word 2013 efficiently and effectively. Please take note that a digital copy of this resource is not available at the moment. However, it comes in textbook form which can be delivered straight to your doorstep after you have placed an order.

We offer other CourseCards for various software applications that Microsoft offers. To learn more about our products, please contact us at Labyrinth Learning with your inquiries.

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.