According to a national census in 2000, almost twenty percent of the population in America speaks a language other than English in the home. With this fact in mind, it shouldn’t be surprising that that there are a lot of children in school who may not speak or understand English very well. In fact, in some schools, one out of every four children is an English language learner. Unfortunately, this situation presents challenges for both students and teachers.

For the teachers, English language learners usually require more individual time, attention and creative teaching. And, if the class is large, providing these things can be a difficult task. For the student, the language barrier makes everything from asking questions and learning the material to socializing with other students a constant struggle. That is why building basic speaking, writing and reading skills is such an important part of working with English language learners.

One of the best ways to develop reading and oral comprehension skills is through computer programs. With a computer program, a student can listen to words, play games and read entertaining material with interactive activities. In addition to entertaining and teaching the student, many of these programs can generate progress reports for the teacher and help children become proficient computer users. They can also be used independently which frees up a little of the teacher’s time.

There are also good strategies for developing writing and speaking skills in the classroom. For example, if you want to accelerate a student’s speaking skills, be sure to ask them questions that require more than a yes or no answer and encourage them to share things about their culture with the class. This exercise enriches the class’s understanding and builds confidence in an ELL student. As they learn, keep in mind that grammar mistakes can be a sign or development rather than signs of failure.

The best way to develop writing skills is simply through practice. Start off with letter-tracing worksheets and slowly move to free-hand words and sentences. Have the kids write things that they want to like stories or notes to friends and parents. That will help them see how useful the skill can be and encourage individual effort.

ELL students definitely have a harder task than English-speaking students when it comes to education because they are struggling to understand and master the English language in addition to learning the new material covered in the curriculum. On the other hand, teachers need to careful to give the English-speaking students sufficient time and attention too.

If you are looking for an effective tool for teaching English language learners, Scholastic (http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/zipzoom/) has just the thing you need. More than 7,500 children have used and loved Zip Zoom English. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

English A level distance learning is a stimulating and rewarding experience. English A level study requires in depth understanding of the subject. Distance learning education courses provide the same quality education as traditional on campus study with the flexibility of self paced instruction, no physical attendance and a convenient examination system. An A level English course enhances the understanding and appreciation of the English language. The course provides very useful communication skills. English A Level distance learning courses recommend a prescribed set of textbooks and suggested reading list. Most of English A Levels have special entry requirements. Candidates for A Level are required to have a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C and above.

Overview of English A level course

A level in English can be learned through a two year course. The first year is described as AS level and the second year is described as A2 level. Generally, each half of the A Level is split into three units. Examinations are normally in June, but you can appear for some parts of the A Level in January.

AS level English is designed to provide a thorough grounding in the subject. Students learn various features of spoken and written English and are able to comment on their stylistic effect in a knowledgeable way. Students are expected to write on a variety of issues and for different audiences in the AS coursework.

The second year covers advanced features of linguistic style and skills. Students are given an opportunity to focus on an area of personal interest in the A2 level English coursework. As a result they develop English language editorial skills and versatility in writing style.

English A Level Distance Learning Courses

ICS, International Correspondence School, offers over 200 A level distance learning courses ranging from leisure courses to degree qualifications. English A level is one of them. They also offer a 10% discount when you enroll online. Apart from ICS, Oxford Open Learning and Kingston College also offer distance learning courses for English A level. These distance learning courses are linked to nationally recognized qualifications. Accredited qualifications are important while applying for a job or considering higher education. English A level qualifications are highly rated by employers and are required for most university degree courses in English language or literature. They are useful for students even in later life.

English A level distance learning, home study or correspondence courses offer educational and professional advancement for students while allowing them to manage full-time professional and personal responsibilities.

Jim Zorn is web master of the Guide to Distance Learning. Please visit to learn more about online colleges and universities, distance learning degrees, majors and courses offered.
http://www.guide-to-distance-learning.com/index.html

Several universities have recently started offering distance learning in agriculture programs that make it easy for you to get qualified in agricultural engineering and allied sciences from the convenience of your own home. Some of these include agronomy, turf-grass management, plant pathology, horticulture, hydroponics, weed sciences, pasture management, animal nutrition and husbandry amongst several other agriculture-related disciplines.

In recent years, there has been an ever-increasing demand for salaried agricultural and food scientists for conducting lab research in a variety of areas that directly impact the food and agriculture industry. There has also been a rise in demand in recent times for qualified staff for managing the technically challenging aspects of agribusinesses. Let us take a look at some of these distance learning in agriculture programs, and the courses they offer.

Kansas State University

This University distance learning in agriculture program is accredited by the Northwest Association of Colleges and Schools. It offers a master’s degree program in Agribusiness that is geared towards advanced learners. If you plan to register for this program, you would be required to make two one-week on-campus visits annually, for the duration of the course.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers an online B.S. degree in General Agriculture, through the Universities’ Extended Campus. To be eligible for applying for this course, you would have to complete educational instruction worth a full year of biology and two terms of chemistry, all having lab components. The University is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.

University of Illinois Online

University of Illinois Online offers the following distance learning in agriculture programs:

Professional Development Sequence In Dairy Science (Certificate)
The program is open to undergraduates and students with a bachelor’s degree. Classes are conducted via the internet.

Online Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education
This is a professional degree for students who wish to become high school or community college instructors of agriculture programs. The minimum requirement is a four-year degree in agricultural education or allied fields of study.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University offers a Master of Agriculture online degree program that is intended to prepare individuals for a fulfilling career in natural resource management, plant sciences, poultry sciences and life sciences. This is a non-thesis degree program. Texas A&M University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Delivery methods include videoconferencing over the internet and CD-ROM presentations for interactive learning. There are no residency requirements.

University of Georgia (Center for Continuing Education)

The University of Georgia offers a distance learning in agriculture certification course on the Principles of Turfgrass management. This course was originally designed and developed in association with the Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA).

Iowa State University

Iowa State University currently offers two masters degree programs:

Master of Agriculture
This degree aims to provide graduates, who are professionally involved in the agricultural and food system with advanced training in the science, technology and business of agriculture. The course also emphasizes leadership development and the use of statistical analysis.

Master of Science in Agronomy
This distance learning in agriculture program emphasizes the development of technical skills involved in crop management, soil and water management, and pest management. It is a non-thesis degree. Both these programs are delivered in the state of Iowa via the Iowa Communications Network, and in the U.S. and Canada via the medium of the internet.

Jim Zorn is web master of the Guide to Distance Learning. Please visit to learn more about online colleges and universities, distance learning degrees, majors and courses offered.
http://www.guide-to-distance-learning.com/index.html

Masters degrees in distance learning are conferred by a number of colleges and universities. The Master’s program is offered in various subjects including Education in eLearning, Teaching Online Specializations, Instructional Design for Online Learning, etc. Master’s degree specializations provide effectiveness and expertise in diverse educational settings like traditional, corporate as well as online education. Admission requirements for Master’s degree courses in distance learning are a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or internationally accredited university accompanied by GPA of 2.7 or higher on the scale of 4.0. Minimum 3+ years’ work experience in educational settings after graduation is essential.

Description of Masters degree programs

Masters degrees in distance learning prepare students in using internet resources effectively. These programs also teach how to use distance learning technology in delivering education with focus on how to construct effective instruction materials and rich learning environments for a variety of learners. The programs cover all the minute details like multiple distance education modalities, assessment and evaluation, distance education strategies for different learners from various backgrounds. At present Master’s degree programs offer specializations in mainly three fields, which are Adult Education, Instructional Design and Distance Learning Technology and Administration of institutes offering distance education courses.

Universities Offering Masters Degrees in Distance Learning

University of Maryland University College offers a Master of Distance Education online. This is a 36 credit hour degree program consisting of seven core courses and four elective courses. This course is designed for employed educational professionals to prepare them to be competent enough to manage distance education enterprises within educational, Government and non profit organizations. Course work includes planning, budgeting, development, delivery and support of distance learning and distance training programs.

Touro University offers a unique online post graduate degree program in Education eLearning, which has no residency requirements. This program prepares students for leadership qualities in the field of distance learning with a focus on elearning. Students gain expertise in various tools and technology for delivering distance education.

The University of Phoenix Online is the largest accredited private university. It provides a number of Master’s degree programs in Education. Master of Arts with specialization in Adult Education and Distance Learning is one of them. This program covers adult learning theories, multiple distance education modalities, instructional design, assessment and evaluation techniques, tools and technology associated with distance education.

Masters degrees in distance learning provide an enriching experience on a personal as well as professional level. They are helpful in achieving career goals and professional advancement.

Jim Zorn is web master of the Guide to Distance Learning. Please visit to learn more about online colleges and universities, distance learning degrees, majors and courses offered.
http://www.guide-to-distance-learning.com/index.html