Abstract
The paper discusses how soft skills are critical for the success of e-education-based students and how these skills are accentuated over time when students must rely on distant relationships in order to sustain and increase their performance in online programs. The paper examines e-education and its implications for learning and explains that teaching approaches that work well in person don't translate online easily. The paper also identifies the need to create interactive communication online despite major differences in time zones. The paper concludes that distance learning's growth potential needs to be seen relative to the challenges that this approach has today and in the future. The paper also shows how soft skills are critical for any student's long-term competitiveness in a career and they are necessary for excelling in a distance learning environment.

Outline:
E-Education and Its Implications on Learning
Global Reach of Web-Based Learning
Web-based Curriculum Development
Web-Based Learning Results and Outcomes
Summary and Conclusions

From the Paper
"In Sloan Consortium (2005) there is ample evidence of distance learning programs reaching parity in terms of participation with in-person programs, and this in large part due to soft skills becoming more prevalent in their development as a result of greater student co-operation in e-education programs. Figure 1 shows this dynamic taking shape regarding the penetration of online courses relative to their in-class and in-person counterparts. 100% in Associates at the Graduate level, which Sloan Consortium defines as a market segment where for every in-person graduate program there is an online one available."

Tags:distance, online, programs, Internet

Abstract
The paper argues that distance learning is vital to the success of undergraduate nursing programs and of invaluable aid to a clinical nurse educator functioning within a hospital setting inasmuch as it permits increased communication and collaboration, offers a fair degree of accessibility and flexibility to students and instructors grappling with time-budgeting issues, and grants the instructors the capacity to develop individualized learning programs for students or practicing nurses who are geographically distant. The paper notes that distance learning is not ideal: it still is only a pale imitation of hands-on experience. Be that as it may, the paper still shows how online courses have the luxury of many different communication modalities and they furnish students and nurses with a convenient opportunity to upgrade their skills without disrupting their careers via returning to school. Last of all, the paper looks at a small-scale study carried out in South Korea that stresses how interactivity is foundational to any strong distance learning initiative. The paper concludes that online courses in nursing offer a wide array of benefits - but can be easily complicated by poor planning and by an inability to appreciate the needs of those using the internet as a learning tool.

From the Paper
"The following paper will argue that distance learning is vital to the success of undergraduate nursing programs and of invaluable aid to a clinical nurse educator functioning within a hospital setting inasmuch as it permits increased communication and collaboration, offers a fair degree of accessibility and flexibility to students and instructors (and current practitioners) grappling with time-budgeting issues, and grants the instructors the capacity to develop individualized learning programs for students or practicing nurses who are geographically distant. Still, distance learning is not ideal: as much as a skilled instructor can link..."

Tags:online, classes, nursing

Abstract
This paper explains that many professors dislike teaching distance learning courses because they feel that they can not get to know their students; however, many of these professors also have a fear of using new teaching technologies. The author points out that distant learning technology via the Internet includes a simple web site, an e-mail address plus the use of chat rooms or other on line get-togethers where students can share their thoughts and feelings. The paper concludes that university professors should be taught how to use technology correctly to ensure successful teaching of distance learning courses so that their abilities and wisdom can be utilized and imparted to various students via the Internet and other forms of distance learning.

From the Paper
"Asking the students to rate a teacher's web site, response time to e-mail and other issues would give a reasonable assessment using qualitative methods of the effectiveness that a particular instructor has in using technology skills. The impact of these technology skills is a little harder to measure. Whether students feel as though they have gotten something out of the course and how much of that relates to the technology that was employed during the course and being required to do things on the Internet is one way that this can be measured."

Tags:distant, face-to-face, chat, research, attitude

Abstract
This paper describes the author's successful experiences working for NGOs in Iran as well as problems with her studies at the University of Toronto. Both of these situations taught her that no matter what, life goes on. The author feels that she is motivated, is a hard worker and is an independent individual, which are the right qualifications to succeed at the distant learning program for a Bachelor's program of Political Sciences and International Relations offered by the London School of Economics External Studies.

From the Paper
"In May of 2006, I returned home to Iran with one goal in mind--I wanted to make this summer more memorable than any other. Thinking of working in my own field of study seemed like a great idea because the United Nations was the first institution that came into my mind, due to the fact that since I first learned about this international organization, I fantasized about working there. Entering such a place to work, especially at such a young age, was difficult, but thanks to my determination, I managed to secure a volunteer job at the UN World Food Program."

Tags:iran, helping hand, negotiation, distant learning, independent

Abstract
This paper explains that the three elements of language " abstractness, grammar, and cultural ramifications " are not unique to human language, but merely more advanced or merely more evident from our perspective than the language of animals. The author points out that chimps and parrots in laboratory settings seem capable of grasping abstract terms (such as "mad" or "bad" or "blue"), generating new combinations of words to express new ideas, and referring to distant events or objects. The paper relates that animals may be more driven by instinct than by learned behavior, yet they show a propensity, in many cases, to learn language.

From the Paper
"Grammar is one of the strictest supposed differences between human and animal languages. Grammar involves the organization of discrete words into complex sentences that have specific required orders and syntaxes. Even human sign language tends to require certain specific syntaxes. While animals appear capable of understanding syntax, there is little evidence that they use it in communication (though it is difficult to prove a negative). According to one influential chimp research, Terrace, "No chimpanzee has learned sign language. They've certainly learned some gestures, but sign language is not just a system of gestures. It's a full, grammatical language with its own systematic grammar, like Latin". The lack of grammar is evident in cases such as that of Koko, one of the stars of the talking-chimp movement."

Tags:abstractness, chimps, instinct, learn, laboratory

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that in the not so distant past, schoolchildren all over the world learned that the planet farthest away from the sun in our solar system was Pluto. The writer relates that they learned mnemonic devices to remember the names of all nine planets, made models and mobiles, all with Pluto orbiting at the very end of their dioramas. The writer then describes that in August 2006, after many years of intense debate, astronomers declared that Pluto was officially not a planet. The writer maintains that perhaps the real question about the usefulness of the new definition of planet will not revolve around Pluto, however dearly the old model may still be cherished in our culture, but how the definition is useful in classifying new solar systems. The writer also points out that the question of roundness and what is meant by clearing one's orbit and other points of contention will continue to generate lively debate within the scientific community and in schools, whatever Pluto's official status.

From the Paper
"To say that Pluto is suddenly not a planet though, of course, is somewhat incorrect, as Pluto has remained unchanged, rather it is the scientific definition and astronomer's perceptions (and voting patterns within the organization) that have shifted."
"Surprisingly, until 2006, astronomy textbooks never had a single, universally agreed-upon definition for the word planet, as the IAU had never established exactly what constitutes a planet, and set specific scientific standards. However, defining a planet, or any astronomical body is always extremely difficult, as the definition must be universally applicable, to all solar systems, not just our own."

Tags:astronomer, solar, system, planethood

Abstract
This paper discusses the vast array of uses of the Internet today, including using it to find general information, to access information, to correspond with people in distant places, to learn, to buy or sell, to obtain software, to make money or to share knowledge. The paper then discusses the use of the Internet by law enforcement and how it can assist in solving crimes, as well as for corrections, parole, and probation.

From the Paper
"Since its initial use as a research program for a specific networking area in the 70s, the internet has evolved into something else more and more versatile and miraculous a tool for virtually all the sectors. It has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate its peerless value in commercial activity as a marketing tool after 1991. It has also proven beneficial in practically all human activity, such as the need for information, long-distance correspondence, obtaining software, employment, travel and exchange of knowledge. It is behind the knowledge explosion in the world today and has facilitated human endeavor in many ways. One area where it has also proven its worth is in law enforcement where it has been enabled law enforcement agencies obtain information and conduct its duties in ways much easier and convenient than before. Since the 90s, internet applications have been quite useful in tasks such as crime mapping, corrections, parole and probation, and in dealing with major events, emergencies and the protection and prevention of crime in communities."

Tags:probation, information, software, GIS

Abstract
This paper explains that the protagonist in Katherine Paterson's "Jacob Have I Loved", Sara Louise Bradshaw, who has a favored twin sister, throughout the book, grows more distant from her family and friends; whereas, the protagonist in Chris Crutcher's "Running Loose", Louie Banks begins as the idealized youth who has a promising academic career, an athletic prowess, good friends, two part-time jobs and parents who love and respect him. The author points out that both Sara and Louie's reactions to the people in their lives, such as Sara's grandmother and Louie's Coach Lednecky, offers them the opportunity to learn about themselves and to gain strength of character. The paper concludes that Louie finds better role models that offer him support and Sara Louise discovers how to escape the isolation in her soul.

From the Paper
"Coach Lednecky and Jasper are racists without a conscious and who Louie had the courage to face up to and this taught Louie about who he was and what he believed in and it cultivated an inner strength that he did not have before when his world was so perfect. Like Sara Louise, Louie did not just lie down but he chose to find another sport to pursue so he became a runner. The other character that helped Louie's character to develop was Coach Madison, who is how more coaches and teachers should be. Louie believes that the worst of things he has endured until he loses Becky."

Tags:soul, coach, grandmother, parents, twin

Abstract
This paper explains that the "Friends of the American Indians" believed that education was the only answer to the "Indian problem" to assimilate Native Americans into Euro-American society. The author points out that, whereas, the mission schools were traditionally located on the reservations, the "retraining" process meant that the government-influenced boarding schools were located off of the reservations, usually many miles away from families, so that many children were not able to see their families for years at a time. The paper relates that, although the tribal traditionalists strongly were opposed to families sending their children to distant schools to learn the "white man's" ways, grinding poverty and the overwhelming hopelessness of reservation life caused many Indian parents to consider the possibility of sending their children to find a more prosperous life.

From the Paper
"Many times the child was not told ahead of time that they would be leaving home to attend the boarding school. This resulted in a child resisting or fleeing home and hiding in the woods or with sympathetic relatives. The child might also runaway upon reaching the boarding school. One student's account is recorded at the Clark Historical Library (1999). He remembered that on the day that he left, his mother pack his lunch, simply handed it to him, and sent him off to a day school he was attending. When he arrived at the school, he was then told that he was to leave immediately. He and several other children were told to get into a truck prepared with a wire cage. The cage was to keep them from fleeing, and they were then driven to the nearest railroad station."

Tags:punishment, retraining, assimilate, families, hopelessness

Abstract
Computers have been slow to become part of American public schools, becoming common only after they had become an integral part of the business world and, later, the home market. However, they are now so widely accepted, that they are an important factor in all educational plans for the new millennium. The paper looks at how computers provide an invaluable and sophisticated tool for teaching. It shows, however, that they must be used effectively, by teachers trained in computer technology and by students skilled in taking full advantage of their diverse benefits. The paper shows the advantages of the presence of computers in the classroom, such as giving classrooms access to distant sources of information, allowing students to learn at their own pace, and permitting teachers to connect curricula in unique and creative ways. The paper shows, however that computers can also limit educational opportunities, perpetuate misinformation and isolate their users.

From the Paper
"Computers can serve a number of specific purposes in the classroom. First, they can allow students to learn at their own pace, allowing them to proceed quickly through material they are able to grasp easily and to slow down, repeat, or seek clarification when they need additional help. Computerized lesson plans can include mini-tests at almost every step, to assure that students are actually mastering the material, rather than simply scrolling through the information. Computers can be used to teach both basic skills and complex, advanced concepts, using a wide variety of audiovisual examples, soundbites, and links to related lessons."

Tags:Microprocessor, lesson, plans, networks