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How Our Auditory System Affects Learning - Underlying Causes of Autism and Processing Disorders

Today, we are faced with many labels or conditions that affect learning. Many have a partial underlying cause in our auditory system including autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, developmental delay, dyslexia, central auditory processing disorder, and auditory processing disorder.

Hypersensitivities to sound may cause an individual to shut out sounds as a defensive mechanism and behave as if he were deaf. On the other hand the same sensitivity may cause another to scream and hold her ears. Learning will be impeded until these sensitivities are normalized.

Another difficulty arises when there is fluid in the ear. Since the Eustachian tubes in young children are more horizontal, fluid can build up and bacteria can form in this warm moist environment. Pressure from the fluid can cause pressure and pain - an ear ache. Repeated ear infections during the first two years of life can greatly affect development of the auditory system. During an infection, the individual hears as if under water and the sounds are not consistent. This in turn can cause receptive auditory problems as well as speech problems. Treating these ear infections without antibiotics or tubes will greatly enhance learning.

Difficulty following oral directions and learning to read using phonics represent just two problems reflected by low auditory sequential processing. When an individual has low auditory sequential processing they cannot remember a series of information long enough to use that information. For example, an individual should be able to look up a phone number or be told a phone number long enough to dial the phone. When parents ask their children to do a short list of chores and within minutes they have forgotten what it was they were to do and they engage in another activity - often play, parents often assume that this is disobedience. It could be disobedience, but it could also be low auditory sequential processing. When a child sounds out a relatively short word, but at the end cannot say the word, it is often due to low auditory sequential processing. Optimally, the solution for these difficulties is not accommodating a deficit, but increasing the auditory sequential processing.

Another major underlying cause for many of these children (and adults) is metabolic - diet / nutrition related. Often these children have what is called "leaky gut syndrome" meaning that nutrients cannot be easily absorbed for use in the body. Many options arise to consider. Elimination diets often remove the offending foods. Other diets work to resolve the issue; some by fixing the leaky gut and others by restoring a balance among nutrients. Families should research the alternatives and find the one that fits their family.

Neurodevelopmentalists look for underlying causes of the missing pieces in development and recommend activities and resources for families, guiding them to solutions.

Maggie operates the Center for Neuro Development in Lakewood, Washington, along with her husband Ronnie. Maggie earned a M.A.in Special Education from Adams State University in 1989. She has been in an internship / independent study leading to certification with the International Christian Association of Neurodevelopmentalists. They offer local, on site services as well as long distance consultation. They work with homeschoolers as well as those who attend school.

Striking the Right Notes to a Successful Career in Music Production and Engineering

Music Production and Engineering (MP & E) is one of the fastest growing fields today with application in almost all aspects of society. Films and theatre, pivotal Indian institutions, demand music specialists for almost every step of production; and practically every Indian firm has acoustic needs - to establish a brand theme tune, for advertisements, as back ground music for corporate events, to play in foyers, etc. - fulfilled only by those knowledgeable in the field of music.

What does it mean to be a music production engineer?

We all know what it means to be an engineer: have an aptitude for science, a strong hold on mathematics, be on top of technology trends, and you're already on your way! But now a days, engineering is becoming merely an undergraduate stamp to put on your résumé, a stepping stone to a further and higher ambition.

Using engineering principles and applying the "engineer's mind," MP&E is that field which combines science and creativity. People involved in MP&E use aesthetics, creativity, and technical knowledge to create a musical production. In short, music production engineers are those involved in every step leading up to the creation of a musical recording. MP&E is cross-disciplinary, using engineering and production techniques to adapt to the music industry's rapidly changing technology and evolving trends.

So is it for me?

Can you pick out harmonies and instruments while hearing a musical track? Can you imagine how various instruments come together to create music? Do you just plain love music and have a knack for science at the same time? Then MP&E may be your thing! However, do beware of a common misconception: just loving to listen to musicis different from 'knowing' music. Most colleges abroad recommend at least two years of intense study of music, including a sound theoretical background, before you join a course in music production. Classical music (Western, Carnatic or Hindustani) tends to have a strong focus on the formation and composition of music, a prerequisite in the composition of sound, so being a student of one of these forms of music is a must.

How can I prepare myself to be in MP & E?

However, there's more to this field then just being a virtuoso instrumentalist or vocalist! As a high-schooler, there are many things you can do to prepare yourself for a career in the music industry. Intern at local recording studios in your area if you are interested in seeing real technology at work. Try to get involved in bands and ensemble playing to experience the fundamentals of team work in a musical setting. Try recording and tracking music using the freeware from trusted publishers such as Sony and Audacity that is available online. It's all about showing initiative, as no class can teach you more than you can learn by trial and error. Did you know that YouTube is one of the biggest platforms of amateur musicians around the world? Embrace the musical side of social networking!

Where can I study MP&E?

MP&E has tremendous scope abroad as well as in India. However, the educational facilities and programmes offered vary greatly due to the demand for courses. One thing is for sure: there's never a lack of options!

Studying MP&E in India

Undergraduate degrees: In India, due to there being few colleges specialising in music, one option would be to do a B.Tech in acoustical /sound engineering, with a dual-major in management studies. The Indian colleges which offer such undergraduate degrees include several large institutes -IIT, NIT, and BITS Pilani. The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune also offers courses in sound engineering. With this training, you can either directly jump into your career with internships or continue your education with an M.Tech in Acoustical Engineering or an MBA.

Diploma courses: Once you complete your B.Tech, you would be well advised to augment your knowledge and education by taking diploma or certificate courses in specific areas in order to jumpstart your career. Several specialised small colleges such as the Sound Engineering Academy (SEA), Kerala, the Audiophile Institute of Sound Engineering, Kerala, the Muzik Lounge School of Audio Technology, Chennai, and the School of Audio Engineering (SAE) institute, Mumbai, offer diploma and certificate programmes specialising in studio work. This is supplementary to your undergraduate degree. You can choose to take courses in a variety of areas, including:

• Diploma in Sound Engineering and Sound Recording: This is generally a one year (two semester) course, taken full time.

• Certificate in Sound Recording: 6 month course

• Certificate in Live Sound: 3 month course

• Certificate in Pro-recording: 2 months

Studying MP&E abroad

Undergraduate degrees: Abroad, MP&E is often offered as a separate four or five year course at the undergraduate level. A prerequisite is to have formal education in physics and mathematics. Scholarships are often awarded to those who show proficiency either in vocalability or instrumentals, and also demonstrate a clear interest in, and knack for, music. The great thing about MP&E and acoustical engineering is that it's a viable option in several reputed universities. Indiana University, Texas State University, and John Hopkins University, for example, offer very interesting undergraduate programmes in MP&E.

Diploma courses: There are also small private schools in the US that offer diploma and certificate courses in MP&E that can be taken in a short period of time, after your undergraduate degree, similar to those diplomas available in India. Here are a few specialised colleges for music production and engineering:

• SAE Institute: The SAE Institute is one of the largest audio engineering colleges in the world, with campuses in 23 countries (including India - in Mumbai, as mentioned earlier). The full-time programme spans nine months, while the part-time takes twice as long. Scholarships are available as well.

• Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences: Located in Tempe, Arizona (USA) this college has only 12 students per class, enhancing the overall learning experience. The programme lasts for 42 weeks and scholarships are available as well.

• McNally Smith College of Music: Looking for a college with a lot of options, reputed staff, and a larger student body? This Minnesota, USA based college may be the right fit.

• Institute of Production and Recording: Yet another Minnesota college, this institute provides rigorous course work and classes to efficiently train you for immediate job placement after earning a bachelors' degree in audio engineering.

Do keep in mind that MP&E is one of those majors with hands-on practical training. It requires constant interaction with musicians, producers, and engineers.

Career Scope - Which Is Better CA, CS, or CWA?

A number of students in today's competitive age are doing multiple courses alongside their regular education. The top professional courses in accounting opted by the majority of students are CA, CS and CWA. There often arises a question as to which among the three is best for career growth.

The answer to this can never be universal. A lot depends on the aptitude, outlook, and the objective of a student in pursuing a particular course. These courses share many similarities in terms of course syllabus, as several subjects are common to the three courses. However, the difference lies in the depth of knowledge that is gained in each subject. For instance, chartered accountant courses are more inclined toward financial accounting, taxing and auditing. Company secretary courses give in depth knowledge on company law while cost accounting deals with cost and management accounting.

Based on your interests, you can choose the course you want to specialize. Make sure the course you select is in tandem with your skills, aptitude, and career outlook.

Chartered Accountants Courses

If you want to make an independent career as a professional accountant, then CA will provide you the best career opportunities. In fact, CA has the highest demand for jobs when it comes to fresher's category. This is because the number of professionally qualified CAs in India is less and the demand is more. This does not mean that demand for Cost accountant or company secretaries is less. They too have good career options only that the avenues for them are not as much as that of a CA. Ranking in the order of demand and the pay package in the professional world, CA would rank first, and CWA and CS would follow.

Company Secretary Courses

If you are a game to laws and legalities, then CS is your best shot to take off your career in this field. Typically, the job would be in an administrative environment with you handling the legal aspects of the company. Company Secretary Training would give you in depth knowledge about the company laws and application. No doubt, that CA and cost accountants students also study corporate law, but it is not as detailed and in depth as a CS does.

Cost Accountancy Courses

If you want to work in a manufacturing environment, cost accountancy aka CWA is your best bet. It teaches you all about cost controlling in addition to accounting techniques. Although, CA and CS also study subjects related to cost and management accountancy, a CWA is the one who is specialized in the field.

How Can I Prepare for Study Abroad?

Studying abroad is an eye-opening experience. People, culture and even the weather differ from what you are accustomed to. However, there are other important details to consider when you prepare to study abroad. Some points are as below -

1) Health 

2) Documentation 

3) Insurance 

4) Accommodation 

5) Money Challenges 

6) Packing 

7) Communication

The above 7 points are the basic but useful points when you are going to migrate yourself into a new country----

1) Documentation - This is main area where the students is really care about. While moving into the other country, passport and VISA are the most critical and important documents that student really need in a foreign country. Keep the photo copy always away from the original documents.

This way, it will be simpler to generate new documents if your original ones are lost or stolen while you study abroad. One copy should be at your home with your parents and one copy should be in the file of student counselor through which you have came to foreign to further studies.

2) Health - Before leaving to any country, Consult your Doctor for the full examination check up and take doctor endurance that you are totally fit for the travelling and you have a good health. Bring along the medical records copy in case of any emergency overseas.

Become immunized as per the host country requirement before your departure.

3) Insurance - Get a reliable Insurance policy before leaving to the host country, that would include the evacuation and repatriation if medical emergency occurs somehow. 

You may also consider a comprehensive travel insurance if you are willing to travel a lot in host country

4) Accommodation - To economize, kindly request on-campus accommodation when you apply for study program. Universities always gives priorities to the foreign students who are willing to study in their country. On-Campus Accommodation may offered for a limited number of days, like for a single semester or 3-4 months. During this, survey the local market to avoid paying expensive rent due to lack more affordable options.

5) Money Challenges - It's a mandatory to develop a realistic budget for your study and stick closely to it. Mark the fixed cost of living and other fixed expenses like rent and other utilities. Always bank the money for extra expenses like entertainment at the end of the week and for shopping stuff.

When you reach the host country, setup and account for any reliable bank with branch offices near to you campus and where you live and also have some money transferred facilities. For safety, avoid too must cash in your pocket.

6) Packing - Pack only what you need to settled in the host country. Avoid bring clothes for a whole year.

Place the appropriate photocopy of your original documents in a separate bag and keep it with you all the times while travelling. Know the weather when you are arrived to the host country airport so that you can wear the appropriate clothing. Remember to bring adapters if your carrying your own electrical appliances.

7) Communication - Regular communication with your relatives, family & with friends is essential while you study abroad. You can buy an international calling card instead to make affordable calls to home

Leaving to study abroad opens your mind to another world. Your experience should not be fraught with lack of preparation and last minute planning, so bear these tips in mind to have a hassle-free departure to your host country.

Getting Licensed Through the Right PCV Training Program

There are numerous courses in the market which have been specially designed to individuals who are seeking for the appropriate license in public transportation. Such career prospects are bright with many transportation companies seeking for qualified and experienced personnel to handle heavy vehicles on the road.

PCV license

The PCV license is a special license that is awarded to those who pass the driving requirements for handling medium to heavy road vehicles such as minibus and vans. The more common PCV training program is its D1 category training course that caters to driving a minibus for public service.

This course must be taken by those who intend to drive a minibus on the public roads servicing the general public. There would be classroom lessons with theory and practical driving instructions to ensure a complete hands-on and knowledge filled qualification at the end of the course.

Most of the PCV license training is emphasized on the practical aspect of the vehicle to be handled such as minibus and taxis which would ply the public highways. Structured instructions that are specific and up-to-date are given to prepare the course candidates in securing the best of exposure to build up a wider experience with the qualification.

There would be varying traffic conditions with different road types at various urban and rural environments to stimulate the course candidates' understanding of the driving needs and transportation requirements by law.

Training

The PCV course is scheduled to be about 5 to 7 days depending on the level. There would be certain outcomes of the course as identified at the start of the course through a Driving Aptitude Assessment.

Such training on PCV licenses at the moment entitles the license holder to drive vehicles that are in categories B and D1 which are not meant for hire with any form of reward. The license holder is however privileged to drive a minibus of a 17-seater capacity if he/she is over 21 years of age.

Those with PCV license of category D or D1 may handle a 9-seater minibus which can be used for hire. Such license holders must have satisfied a stringent medical evaluation and a more advanced driving test. The training would also prepare candidates to consider driving a minibus on a personal basis, a commercial umbrella or a community organization such as the Community Minibus Permit Scheme.

The right PCV training course would prepare candidates to handle the right types of vehicles plying the public roads whether for hire or otherwise.

General View of a HGV Training Course

Those who desire to operate heavy commercial vehicles need to secure the proper license from reputable and appointed HGV training providers in the state. These individuals need to possess the right degree of skills and knowledge in handling such heavy commercial vehicles on the road without endangering any life.

Training courses 

There may be numerous HGV training courses in the market but each one specifies different outcomes and objectives with specific category of vehicles in mind. The right attitude coupled with the latest knowledge and road requirements would be crucial for a successful completion of the HGV training to secure the desired license.

Candidates in such courses must exhibit the right driving approach with the taught driving techniques applied along side the sound knowledge for professional driving. There is also a need to be physically fit as endorsed by the approved medical examination in compliance with the higher medical regulations of HGV license.

The training course for a valid HGV commercial license would include theory in the classroom with a theory test at the end of the course. There would be a multiple-choice section and a hazard perception section in the test to examine the candidates' knowledge and skills on heavy vehicles.

Technology 

The course would be conducted using a lot of technology where the multiple choice test is executed via a touch screen computer and a mouse. The other section of the test also uses a computer mouse button to record candidates' responses.

Both sections of the test need to be passed. The multiple choice section varies according to the vehicle category intended so as to be fair to the candidates. There would not be questions that are outside the scope of the intended vehicle.

But the section on hazard perception applies for all types of vehicles; however, different test categories will impose different pass marks to constitute the total mark of the test for a pass.

Structure 

The HGV course is limited in theory with a lot of emphasis on practical driving. Specific instructions are given pertaining to the practice of handling the identified vehicle. Such an approach would allow the candidates to be familiar with the vehicle while on the public highways.

The training course for a valid HGV license is only 5 to 7 days long although many components are covered during the sessions. Candidates would be run through the different traffic conditions as well as road types in various urban and rural environments.

Turn Your Adapted PE Class Into an All-Star Show

There are plenty of ways to adapt sports for a special education class in physical education. However, simply changing the game and keeping it as real as possible can be boring in some cases. I would like to offer some tips to allow students shine by showing off skills that may not be encouraged in a day-to-day physical education.

Basketball is a very popular sport that most students know. The easiest adaption for a lesson in basketball would be to simply place hoola-hoops in the bleachers. However, working on shooting skills on a lower hoop can get old rather quickly. Why not spice things up and host a slam dunk competition? With the hoop lowered, all students will have the ability to dunk safely without needing to jump. Encourage the students to replicate their favorite basketball players and be as fancy as they like. It is very simple to have peers and teachers be the judges, rating each dunk just like in the NBA. Along with rating student's dunks, it is important to create an exciting atmosphere. Cheering and applause after each performance is crucial, let the students know what they did was amazing. Add some fun commentary, "Holy cow! Did you see that slam?! We have a regular Michael Jordan in class!" Students will feed off of this energy and really get into the game.

With a sport like basketball, there is much more that can be done to allow students show off their talents. The game of "Horse" is always a fun game that promotes creativity. Students can show off their ability to do trick shots that people may have never know could be done. Try hook shots or shooting backwards from various distances, some students may even have their own shot to show off.

Dribbling in basketball and soccer allows for a lot of fancy foot or hand work. We have all seen professionals achieve incredible things when handling a soccer ball or basketball. Granted these students are not professional athletes, we need to encourage them to try these fancy skills. Challenge students to juggle the soccer ball as many times as possible. To make this simple, use a beach ball or a balloon so students will be able to juggle for longer. After students have challenged themselves, you can turn it into a team effort. In groups, they can work together to keep the ball up for as long as possible using only their feet. Teach the students how to use their head in a game of soccer (still using a balloon or beach ball) and add that to the juggling contest. The games will be much more fun adding a little flavor with these skill challenges.

These skills may not be conventional or recommended for a class, but adapted physical education is about allowing the students to have fun with their physical activity. Showing off skills is often frowned upon in these sports, but we have to remember this is physical education. We need to promote the showmanship so students can feel like a real superstar in class, something many children dream of all their lives.

Smart Classrooms - Leading Ladder For Students

What images crop in your mind when someone says smart classroom? A class full of smart students? Well, that's not true. Smart classrooms are ones equipped with latest education technology like Interactive Whiteboards, visualisers, projectors, and much more. They have not only change the perspective of students towards studying but have also help the teachers in preparing dynamic multi-media lessons that interest the students. Learning is more of a fun and less of a burden with the introduction of such digital classrooms.

Benefits of digital classrooms are a lot more than one can ever think of. They are ideal for educating the little angels about the most basic rules of learning and help them in retaining their knowledge. Here are some of the fantastic features that make smart classrooms a need of the present world.

Keep Students Focused

Smart classrooms play a great role in keeping students focused in their class. Such modernized classrooms let the educators take charge of the complete classroom where they may target every student sitting at a time. Educators can interact with all the viewers and thus keep every individual engaged and focused. Moreover, they may also organize student collaboration in smart classrooms which may help the students in building up healthy communication with each other.

Assess Student Understanding

Ditching the traditional tests on papers where teachers used to take days and even weeks to give out the results to the students, digital classrooms let them access every student's understanding and aptitude in an extremely easy and effective manner. Club your smart classrooms with special educational software that may deliver spontaneous quizzes and planned exams enriched with lively images and multimedia content. You get to see instant results which may help you in evaluating the knowledge of students.

Encourage Collaborative Learning

Offering a collaborative learning environment both for teachers as well as students, smart classrooms never fail to attract students with interactive content. Seeing larger than life brighter pictures on an interactive whiteboard along with graphics and three dimensional animations definitely make many jaws drop out of fascination. Interactive classrooms let the students face some of the most modernized equipments launched in the market at a very tender age of their life which make them smarter and brighter.

A step into the world of future, these interactive classrooms create a fun learning environment for the students where they weave their innocent dreams together and paint it on the canvas of life.

Tutoring for Special Needs Children - Help Your Child Read Better

"My child has special needs. He finds it so difficult to read and learn. He is losing grades in school. I sometimes feel so helpless and clueless about his future." Being a parent of a child with a learning disorder, it is very natural to feel this way. But you must understand that reading comprehension of a child depends on his ability to promptly recognize and sound out words, which can get really difficult for kids with attention deficit disorder (ADD-ADHD), dyslexia or similar learning disabilities. Such children usually find it daunting to understand the given text, make connections within a story, and even relate what they read to what they are already aware of.

So, is there anything you can do to help your child read better?

A lot of research done on tutoring for special needs children has shown that kids who are taught multiple reading comprehension strategies and guided appropriately in their use tend to eventually adopt some to use on their own. Fortunately, a number of brain training programs and special education strategies are now available to improve child reading skills.

Here are a few simple tips that even you can use at home as you help your special needs child read and learn efficiently -

Read Aloud to him

As a kid's listening skills are better than his reading skills, your child will be able to comprehend more efficiently if you read the text out loud. Teach him to read the book silently as you read aloud to him. Begin with small passages and increase the time as he learns to maintain focus. If he tends to lose focus, you may provide the text on tape or think of other innovative ways to pair listening and reading.

Engage his Imagination

As your child listens or reads, encourage him to visualize all events in the story and create a movie or picture in his mind. After every few minutes, ask him to describe what he imagined.

Let him find the Five W's

When your kid reads story books or fictions, train him to always look for the five valuable W's in the story - Where did the story take place, When did the event happen, What were the main events, Who were the main characters in each event, and Why did they act the way they did. Also, teach him to pay special attention to charts, captions, pictures, section headings, and similar highlights given in text books.

Ask him to Predict

Whenever you read a book with your child, take small breaks in between to ask what according to him might happen next in the story. It really does not matter if his hunches are wrong. What's more important here is that by asking your child for predictions, you are encouraging him to pay more attention and create meaningful links within the story.

Besides, you must also ensure that you show great interest in whatever your child is willing to read. Encouraging note-taking, increasing word power, translating figures of speech, teaching to read between the lines, building on previous knowledge, and forming reading groups with other similar kids are other tactics that can be used for improving child reading skills. Once your child is introduced to these strategies, he will eventually learn to select the strategies that suit him the best while reading different texts.

Finally, you must understand that every child learns to read at his own pace and a child with special needs might require an extra push to acquire the basic skills. If your kid has a learning disability, he might find a regular classroom setting too frustrating and confusing. To help your little child succeed with his disabilities, it is a very good idea to see which special education programs and brain training programs are the best fit for them.