Union

At the intersect between education and technology

May, 2018

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The importance of GPA post-university

Many students have been in a classroom when an external client attends to give a presentation about their corporation or job. These jobs are considered the cream of the crop for the student who receives it. Frequently, the job is presented as a dream job that can catapult a career for whomever receives it. The problem is that these jobs or internship positions are never given to students with a below A or less an 80 average, much like being awarded scholarships. Therefore, the issue becomes, how to land a great job with an average GPA?

There is the option to hand in a resume or CV anyway and hope for the best. However, there is a 99% chance of that resume being filed away and forgotten. A more proactive route is to have the company take notice. Grades are the indicator that a student has certain set of skills, but there are other ways to showcase one’s talent or skills through their accomplishments. Even something as simple as throwing a party might land an events student into the industry. Find what you are able to do that goes well with the company’s vision and pitch it to the company to get their attention.

There are many employees who have landed their job simply by wowing their employers – through daring resumes or simply by creating a product or service and sending it their way. Many corporations understand that there may be extenuating life factors that result in lower grades, but it is not a reflection of creativity or drive, which is something that is highly sought after, especially in a world of consumerism where the new gets left behind and the fresh crazy ideas are received with celebration.

Another option to consider could be a volunteering opportunity. For example; if archaeology is the field that is desired, volunteering in the local archaeology society as well as at the local school lab can develop and lead to contacts in the field. These contacts likely having their ear to the ground with what is going on in the desired field and have the connections with hiring people. Another reason volunteering is important is this will enable someone to work full time and volunteer, showing an employer that they can manage two jobs at once, regardless of what their transcripts indicate.

Landing a great job with an average GPA does not have to be hard, nor should it be a situation filled with intimidation. It is essential to remember that many entrepreneurs did not attend school and are highly successful. But, they did have to work hard. In addition, the person across the table in an interview may also have had average grades. Be prepared to prove why you deserve the job and why your transcripts may not reflect your hard work, dream jobs are within your reach.

E-Learning: Education of the Future?

Traditional teaching methods are quickly becoming outpaced by e-learning and what this means for students is that they face a whole new set of challenges. These arise from the sheer variety of learning systems that can be found as well as the different types of learners that exist.

Some students’ preferences may reside in ILT (instructor-led training) while on the other hand, some may find that self-learning through technology has more to offer than traditional learning methods.

As information technology continues to surge forward, the brand new industry built around e-learning appears to yield more value and push the limits of what can be achieved.

Content is becoming more accessible, artificial intelligence is bringing about drastic changes and these days, there are even services that deal in writing custom essays for those looking for the easy way out of doing their assignments. As like everything else, the wide world of e-learning is a double edged sword.

Here are some of the more positive benefits that e-learning has to offer:

Varying types of content

With e-learning, learnersare able to bask in multisensory experiences and gain knowledge via multimedia, whether through videos, educational games, audio books or online courses.

Since there are a variety of different types of learners, a live classroom environment may not be the best solution for everyone. With e-learning, learners have more choices and can make the most out of their learning experience by finding and harnessing the learning style that best suits them. Through the use of multimedia, entertainment can also be brought into the process of learning.

Flexibility and accessibility

E-learners are able to learn at their own time and at their own pace, enhancing convenience.

They can access their content through a smartphone, a tablet or a laptop computer. These learners do not need to be tied down to a specific location and are able to learn remotely. This can also inculcate the habit of lifelong learning.

For learners who are also working, on a training program or are always on a tight schedule, e-learning is a great way to maximize time.

Cost-effective

E-learning can also be more cost-effective when compared to traditional methods. Travel, logistics and course materials can take up a fair chunk of a student’s often humble budget.

As such, with e-learning, a learner’s ROI (return on investment) can be significantly higher than traditional learners.

Quick delivery and updated content

With e-learning, a learner can begin a lesson quickly and follow through at his/her own pace rather than at the pace of a whole group. E-learners also often have the ability to repeat lessons at an unlimited rate.

This is different from learners in the traditional classroom that generally only have the ability to receive lessons in the classroom environment and will not be able to repeat the lesson at their convenience.

E-learners are also often able to access updated content at any time, ensuring that they are always in sync with modern learners.