The Benefits of Online Continuing Education Training for the Insurance Professional
Posted by Bruce MacMillian
Registered insurance adjusters and agents are required to maintain their professional standing by meeting the requirements of their industry. This includes maintaining proficiency in best practices and knowledge of regulatory changes through the completion of regular Insurance Continuing Education (CE) training. Each state has their own licensing requirements, but all require some form of continuing education to maintain a license.
Each states insurance licensing board usually requires a number of continuing education credits be attained every two years. The training provider must be certified to teach in the state in which the insurance agents are licensed.
The insurance professional now has a couple of options in regards to how they receive their training. In the past training followed a traditional approach; a classroom setting in which a lecture is given and an exam taken. Once the exam is passed the results are sent to the states insurance licensing board to be recorded. When the trainee has completed sufficient credits by the deadline, they receive their license renewal for another two years.
There are certain advantages gained by learning in a classroom environment. Most everyone went through school in a similar learning environment and so it is a familiar venue. Insurance agents and adjusters can meet each other, network, compare notes and discuss the lecture. There are some disadvantages to this learning model, however.
The costs associated with this kind of training are high due to the need to rent classroom space and hire a professional trainer, as well as the associated travel and lodging costs.
Most classroom training is delivered during normal working hours when the professional could be productively at work.
Classes are usually in session during what would normally be the work day. Productivity is lost during this time.
The insurance professional is required to report their training credits to the state insurance board themselves, potentially resulting in lost time away from work.
Online Insurance continuing education training offers an option that counters many of the shortcomings of classroom training.
The training cost is much lower, often a mere fraction of the classroom version.
The trainee can access learning modules at any time when it is convenient. Work day productivity is not interrupted.
Students can move through course material at their own pace.
Insurance adjusters and agents can fulfill their training requirements in one place if they are licensed to operate in more than one state.
Insurance professionals who are licensed in more than one state can receive their accreditation all at once.
Individual insurance CE reminders are sent in advance of deadlines to ensure there is no lapse in licensing certification.
Training credits are reported automatically to the state insurance board by some online providers, provided this is allowed in that particular state.
Insurance companies that sign up their employees for training can keep track of training requirements and monitor the licensing status of each employee through a web interface.
Online insurance CE classes are usually delivered as a multimedia or slide presentation in a computer browser. Most everyone either knows how to use a web browser or can easily learn, as no special training is needed.
Some online insurance CE providers offer multimedia support. Finding a provider that can provide audio training in addition to the slide presentations can be beneficial in that these audio lessons can be downloaded to a CD or MP3 player and listened to while driving.
If youve considered taking your Insurance CE online now may be the best time to do it. Many Insurance CE providers are offering special package deals that offer you unlimited courses for a reasonable price. Not only will you save a lot of time and money, but you can complete your Insurance CE in the comfort of your preferred location and at a time that is convenient to you.
A Perspective Bible Timeline And Preaching The Word Of God
Posted by Neil J Baulch
Not long back I had a retired Pastor reprove me very sharply, for making some interesting points while preaching on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. He was very old school, and he referred to 1 Tim 1.4 “nor to be taken up with with myths and never ending genealogies.. ”
I quietly and respectfully asked him if I had said anything that was heretical or inappropriate to which he answered. “No”. I explained that this Scripture was never meant to exclude genuine enquiry into the Bible, but rather it was targeting the false philosophy of Gnosticism. But he would not have it.
Gnosticism had been so influential in the new Testament times, and the new Testament writings, how could a pastor of 40 years experience not know this. It is important for pastors to know these things, and to teach their congregation in order that they might understand and interpret their Bible well.
Tragically, a large proportion of pastors preach light weight messages, are so very shallow so that the congregation hardly grow in the Bible and interpretation skills. Pastors love to preach ‘moral essays’ and ‘warming affirmations’ because, if we truly ‘love’, others, this is what we will do.
Well, who cares if God’s people are falling through the cracks ‘for a lack of knowledge’ (oracle), what’s really important, is if we are very positive and ‘nice’ to everybody.
The reality is, the more ‘relevant’ Christians become, to the world, the less relevant we all are in actuality, to the world. 
Why do Pastors get stuck in a rut of favorite topics and ‘feel good’ messages? Preachers preach on a verse from 1 John further a part about a victorious one from Luke; topical address from Matthew following on with the true faith of Mary Magdalene or the rigtheousness of Abraham.
We preach a portion from here and another from there, but we need to put it all together in a clear understandable format.
Constantly we are bombarded with new publications and modernist ideas, some of them dangerously leaning toward Liberal theology. We are repeating history, but if we were to teach the basics of Church history, we would be more equipped to avoid repeating that history.
Our role as teachers of the flock is to take the fragments of God’s Word and plan certain together in a beautiful tapestry that the Church can draw on, helping them to understand God, the Bible and the Church.
This is not difficult to attain, if we put in some good prayer and study.
John 17:17 Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. (NAB)
Online Schools- Growing in Popularity
Posted by Jon Greene
The internet and technology have made online schools much more popular than they have ever been before. The internet moves at amazing speeds, and computers are getting faster with each passing day, making online education a great option for many people who want to pursue a higher education. In the past decade, the internet has grown and changed so much that slow connections and outdated computers are no longer an issue as they once were.
Today you can participate in online lectures, do your assignments and take tests online with absolutely no hindrances whatsoever. Going to school to get your degree was never so easy. There are so many reasons why online schools have gained such amazing popularity and probably the most important reason it the flexibility of time.
There are many different reasons that online schools are popular. The most obvious reason is that they are very flexible and allow people to work on their own schedule. Some programs allow you to do the entire course on your own time and turn in assignments as you are able. Even if you find a program where you actually have to participate in an online class at a certain time, you can do that from anywhere you want, and often have many time frames to choose from.
Imagine being able to take classes when you want, without having to worry about rearranging your schedule or whether you have the time to go to classes. If you’re taking a vacation, for example, you can go whenever you want, and do your coursework on the beach for that matter. There is no limit to what online courses have to offer, which is a big reason that so many people are flocking to online schools to further their education.
There is no limit to the kinds of degrees you can get either. From professional certifications to doctorate degrees, there is a program for everyone online. The cost is a benefit too because online college courses typically cost less than traditional programs. You still get the same attention with online schools too, you can communicate with your professor anytime you like through e-mail or chat programs.
You also can confer with classmates, set up study groups and get career advice, all right online. The options are endless. One other thing about online schools is that they are environmentally responsible since you don’ have to commute or use up any additional resources since you take your courses right from your home or anywhere else you may choose to.
A Perspective Bible Timeline And Sharing Scripture
Posted by Neil J Baulch
You can imagine my surprise when recently it an old retired pastor, sharply rebuked me for making some interesting points about the death burial in the resurrection of Jesus, and he quoted a Scripture 1Tim 1:4 “nor to occupy themselves with myths and endless genealogies.. ”
He answered “No”, when I asked him if I had said anything that was heretical. I went on to quietly explain that that particular Scripture was referring to the false teachings and philosophy of Gnosticism, not of genuine enquiry. He could not accept it.
This was a pastor who had laboured in the gospel of 40 years and yet he did not understand about Gnosticism and the problems that Paul spoke of in this passage. A congregation is not going to have much hope of understanding these things if the Pastor does not.
If the many pastors persist in preaching, lightweight and shallow messages to the congregation, the results will always be a people, who do understand their Bible very well. Pastors preach again and again ‘moral essays’ and ‘warming affirmations’, for this is what good Christians do, if they truly ‘love’ each other.
Well, who cares if God’s people are falling through the cracks ‘for a lack of knowledge’ (oracle), what’s really important, is if we are very positive and ‘nice’ to everybody.
The reality is, the more ‘relevant’ Christians become, to the world, the less relevant we all are in actuality, to the world.
Our staple diet from pastors seems to be favorite topics and ‘feel good’ messages. Ministers preach on a verse from 1 Peter as well as a passage about a hero from 1 Kings; topical sermon from Hosea and then the belief in God of Aaron or the humanity of King David.
We preach a portion from here and another from there, but we need to put it all together in a clear understandable format.
These days a flood of new ideas and publications come under various names that have a liberal bent. If we were to be taught the basics of Church history, we then would not be so doomed to repeat it.
Let us correctly prepare the Church to understand God and the Bible, but piecing together the fragments of his Word into a beautiful seamless mosaic.
This is not difficult to attain, if we put in some good prayer and study.
John 17:17 Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. (NAB)
Online Schools- A Popular Choice for Students
Posted by Jon Greene
Online schools have become more and more popular thanks to the advancements in technology and the internet. Today with the lighting speed of the internet and PC’s, online courses have become a fantastic option for pursuing higher education degrees. The internet has expanded so much in the last decade that most of the bugs and associated problems of slow connections and inferior computers have been worked out.
It’s easy to find online schools where you can participate in classes, take tests, and do assignments online without any trouble at all. The growth of the internet has created a world where nothing is holding anyone back from getting the education that they desire. It’s never been easier to get an education as it is with the development of online schools.
There are many different reasons that online schools are popular. The most obvious reason is that they are very flexible and allow people to work on their own schedule. Some programs allow you to do the entire course on your own time and turn in assignments as you are able. Even if you find a program where you actually have to participate in an online class at a certain time, you can do that from anywhere you want, and often have many time frames to choose from.
Also important with online schools is finding the right one. Because it is online you can pick any school you like anywhere. With traditional terrestrial schools if you have a specific specialty you will have to relocate to the school that caters to that specialty. That’s a lot of work and angst and expense. With online courses it’s all right there with a few mouse clicks and keyboard taps.
When you choose to attend online schools, you need to take the time to find the best program for your specific needs. You don’t have to worry about relocating or commuting, so your options are even more expansive. Online courses will allow you to attend a school based in California, even if you live in New York. The programs that you can find online are limitless, as well. You can get a certification, a bachelor’s degree, and even pursue a doctoral program, all from the comfort of your home.
In case these benefits aren’t enough, the cost of online education is much more reasonable for a lot of people, as well. You’ll get the same attention or better attention from these courses, too. You can still connect with classmates and professors through email and chat, and you might even find that the one-on-one interaction is better with online schools. Plus, when you attend an online program, you’re helping the environment because you won’t be commuting or using up other physical resources when you take courses from the comfort of home, or wherever you choose.
Scrap Booking
Posted by Alexis Kenne
Scrapbooking may very well be one of the most creative hobbies that there is. Some people do it as a hobby while others only do it when they have extra pictures to put together. A scrapbook says so much more than a regular album. With a scrapbook, you can add designs, memorabilia, and quotes that will help your pictures to come to life. There is not a better way to capture those cherished memories that you hold so dear to your heart. Scrapbooks themes can consist of a wedding, an anniversary, a newborn baby, a baby shower, a birthday, or a holiday party. If it is a time to be remembered, then a scrapbook can hold it.
When you first purchase your scrapbook, it is nice to have an idea of what type of pictures you are going to put inside of it. For example, if you are making a scrapbook for your baby’s birthday, then you might want to purchase a scrapbook with balloons and ribbons on it. You can find a scrapbook anywhere online, and basically anywhere else that photo albums are sold. There are shops that sell scrapbooking supplies in most every state in America. They are usually small businesses that are located either in a strip mall or on a main street somewhere locally.
One of the things you are going to need is a pair of scissors. Since scrapbooking involves creativity, scissors can come in quite handy. You can use your scissors to cut designs out of construction paper and you can also cut your pictures out into designs. Scissors are a great crafting tool when scrapbooking. Glue is another scrapbooking essential. Unless you plan to use tape, glue is best.
Of course pictures are a necessary thing to have for scrapbooking too. If you don’t have enough to fill the scrapbook, it’s perfectly fine. Many scrapbooks are large and it can take time to fill them. Work on being creative and not on the amount of pictures that you use. Every scrapbook is unique and different, which is what makes them so special.
You might also want to consider the individuality that stickers and letters add to your scrapbook. For example, if your scrapbook theme is for a wedding, then you can buy stickers that have little grooms and brides in the package. You can also find lettering in most every size for your scrapbook. Lettering can save you the time it takes to cut your own letters out.
Are there any small items that you want to add to your scrapbook? Some people will take small things such as invitations or pieces of baby hair and glue them to their scrapbooks. It all depends on your preference. You can spice your pages up by adding buttons, feathers, glitter, paint, or anything else that adds a touch of artistic flair. The more the better!
Scrapbooking can be very time consuming. The fact that it is time consuming makes it a great hobby because you know that you will always be able to do it. The pages can take some time to make in your scrapbook, but once you are done, you will have a masterpiece that you will never forget.
3 Reasons Why You Should Not Take A Biology Degree Online
Posted by Bart Icles
Biology has been an area of fascination for millions of people, not only because it is an area that deals with the study of life but also, it can be a very lucrative and rewarding career. Earning a biology degree is the only way to be equipped with the base knowledge that one needs in order to be an authority in it, and earning higher post graduate degrees is the only way in becoming experts in the field.
Now, earning a biology degree is made even easier and more possible ever since the advent of online studies came into fruition. Yes, you got it right. You can now have your biology course online, even post graduate ones! This is good news especially for people who are dreaming of being biologists someday but really cannot spare a lot of time and resources to be able to achieve their dream.
Of course, before you decide how to earn your biology course (whether online or through conventional means), you should weigh all the pros and cons that you will be encountering. You should not take a biology course online if:
1. You are a very social person and love school spirit and thrive mostly on social interactions, especially with campus activities like organizations, sororities, fraternities, etc. This is because when you take your biology course online, you are mostly on your own, from getting your projects done to studying for your exams. Taking a biology course online is more suited to people who are always on the go and has a huge need for time flexibility and can do things mostly on their own.
2. You love taking instructions and have no problems in having a stern-looking professor breathing down your neck almost all the time. This is because taking your biology course online will let you be on your own, doing activities and projects on your own, in your own pace, in your own time.
3. You are not really serious in earning a biology degree. This is because having a biology course online are for serious students only who can meet the demands of the course without needing a lot of help from other people. Biology courses online are for people who are really bent on acquiring a biology degree and who would do anything in their means just to attain it and hence, make them join the ranks of high-earning biology scientists working in different institutions and are experts in their own fields.
Whichever way you look at it, earning a biology degree is a great feat. Whether to take try earning it online or not is entirely up to you.
Do you go to bed every night wondering just how the recession is going to affect your career?
Posted by Darcy McCarthy, PHd
Recently, there has been a movement afoot of people re-evaluating their careers. The most frequent reason is the harsher economic times that we are beginning to face on a global scale. Layoffs, job cutbacks, and forced retirements are all giving people reason to think heavily about their options and ask questions. In response onlineeducation.org is happy to publish and offer some solutions to a few of these questions.
A favourite quote that truly embraces the time is In a time of drastic change it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists. - Eric Hoffer.
It should be noted that most questions that we receive often relate to online universities, online degrees and what education is available online. A recent trend has shown that more and more we are finding the questions more job related. So, here are the top three questions that we have received to date.
Q. I am employed professionally and have a degree. There are rumors of cut-backs should I continue my education? A. When thinking about going back to school, you need to evaluate your current profession, where you want to be in 5-10 years and whether or not you can afford to go back to school. While there is generally a grain of truth to rumors, I would not quit my job and go back to school full-time. However, at the same time I would be thinking of recession proofing my career. Do some research on what career advancements are available if you get a graduate degree, as well as part-time education opportunities. Lets say that you are a nurse, there are a number of nursing online education areas that you can investigate.
Q. I have lost my job and want to take a look at a new career. How do I know what to take? A. Its time to be a little reflective. Your major considerations should be whether or not you study full-time or part-time (this is usually dependent on your financial situation). Are there any careers that you have a particular yen for? Take some time to write a list of things you would enjoy doing, and things you dont ever want to do. Then go online and start to search. If a career has seven out of the ten attributes you are looking for then see if that industry is hiring. If you go to Monster, Yahoo, Workopolis, job boards, youll get a good idea.
Q. Im not sure if I should go back to school full time, part time (nights and weekends) or online? A. Your main considerations have to be how much time do you have available, and what can you afford? Attending school part-time will take you more time; however, it is also more economical as you can pay for one course at a time versus paying for an entire semester. If both time and money are an issue, then online education is the way to go as you can do it at your own pace and you can pay per course.
With the onset of recession fast becoming a reality, it is wise to remember that layoffs and job loss will happen. Employers are seeking the best person, with the best education for the dollar. They now have the ability to pick and choose so if nothing else, remember that a commitment to bettering yourself through education does at very least indicate an ability to commit to a prospective employer.
Diagnosing Dyslexia The Right Way
Posted by Bart Icles
Before we get down to the business of determining the dyslexia diagnosis, it is important to know the nature of the condition first. Dyslexia is actually a learning disability wherein the afflicted patient would have difficulty when it comes to spelling, writing, and reading. A popular misconception here is that dyslexia is a mental illness, but this is not the case at all. There are actually a lot of dyslexics that are quite intelligent and have forged extremely successful careers. Albert Einstein is one of the smartest dyslexics the world has ever known. In tinsel town, another famous dyslexic is actually Tom Cruise.
Years ago, coming up with an appropriate dyslexia diagnosis was not really possible. This is because people back then were not really aware about this disability. In fact, it was only just recently that more information about the condition has been obtained. This is quite an unfortunate fact because a lot of dyslexics back then had to suffer unnecessarily. A lot of dyslexics back then had to suffer years and years of embarrassment and humiliation, and this took quite a toll on their confidence and esteem. Fortunately, it is never too late for the condition to be diagnosed by the means of screening and diagnostic testing.
The first ever dyslexia diagnosis was given out within just the last ten years. This was the time when the condition was even given a name. Screenings and tests are now used to diagnose the condition. What actually happens here is that the patients are assisted in identifying the symptoms that they are suffering, the severity of the symptoms, and ultimately, the treatment that they need. Dyslexics no longer have to suffer the symptoms on their own because the proper diagnosis is at hand, and readily available treatment is here as well.
If you suspect that you have a family member who just might be suffering from the condition, then do not wait too long to obtain the appropriate dyslexia diagnosis. As soon as you notice symptoms of the condition, such as difficulties in spelling, writing, reading, counting numbers, sequencing items, transferring information, getting and following instructions, as well as confusion in terms of direction when it comes to letters that can be reversed. Examples of these letters would be b and d. The manifestation of any of these symptoms should warrant an evaluation be done right away.
Proper treatment of the condition is indeed possible ” good news to all dyslexics all over the world.
With a Strong Job Market, Massage Also Makes an Enjoyable Career
Posted by Gregg Petterson
Finding a fulfilling job that still manages to pay the bills is easier said than done. In today’s difficult job market, making dreams into reality can be a frustrating challenge. Finding any job is hard enough, much less one that you enjoy doing every day.
But despite the down economy, the field of massage enjoys the fastest growth of all other industries today, according to the US Department of Labor. It’s a satisfying career that has excellent employment potential. The US Department of Labor estimates the field of massage will grow more than 20 percent over the next few years.
The increasing demand for massage jobs are turning many to massage therapy classes and schools of massage for new lives and careers. Not only is there a high demand for work, but massage offers good pay with reasonable hours. Most massage therapists work part-time, but earn more than many full-time jobs. Massage is an ideal job to have while raising a family, attending school, or just if you want extra free time. It also makes an excellent second job, adding substantial income for just a few hours on the weekends.
Some courses focus on more specialize areas of massage, such as maternity and infant massage. Other massage therapy classes and schools of massage offer personal trainer certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. These can be an added specialization to improve your employment capabilities.
Even if you’re already certified and practicing massage, there are always more techniques to learn to better service your clients. Through continuing education programs, you can learn to work with cancer patients, deep tissue, reflexology, and work related injuries.
Beginning a career is all about building your network, and most massage schools make career services a focus of their program. Most people beginning their careers work in hospitals and spas, clinics and nursing homes, which often work with massage schools to find perspective employees.
Once you’ve had your first job, you’ll begin building your network. Most massage therapists eventually work for their own established pool of clients, a network you begin to build right from your very first job. Self-employment is where the real money is at. Some massage therapists have built such a reputation for their work they are able to charge over $60 an hour.
The field of massage is growing. More and more doctors recognize its benefits, subscribing it regularly to their patients. Some insurance companies are even covering it. Massage is becoming common in nursing homes, even in corporate offices. It’s a great way to build the fulfilling career of your dreams.