What is the Series 7 Exam?

The Series 7 Exam is officially known as the General Securities Representative Exam. This is the exam that must be taken in order for someone to become an official Registered Representative of a broker-dealer in the USA. The person taking the exam will have qualifications that are needed to be able to make various traders with corporate securities. This excludes commodities and futures however. The exam is held by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) The Series 7 Exam must also be taken to enable a member firm associate to be able to register with FINRA. As expected, results must be sufficient for a pass in the exam before any other principal FINRA exams can be taken. The exam itself goes for six hours. It contains 260 questions in total and 250 of these questions count towards the final score. The exam is maintained and owned by NASD (National Association of Securities Dealers). The types of investments covered in the exam include: - Bonds - Stocks - Options - Open and closed-end funds - Limited partnerships To gain a pass, the exam taker must receive a score of at least 70%. The license granted to all candidates who pass is the Series 7 / General Securities License. This license is a powerful one compared with other securities licenses as it gives the agent permission to communicate with retail investors. Due to this fact many registered broker/dealer analysts, account managers and executives have a Series 7 license. Some states will require license holders to also have the Series 66 or Series 63 license, depending on which state the clients reside in. The test consists of almost 50% of questions on providing customers with investment information. This section also covers making suitable recommendations, of which there are 123 questions on in the exam. That is by far the largest focus of the Series 7 exam. Other sectors consist of processing customer orders and transactions which makes up about 5% of the exam, handling customer accounts and account records contains about 11% of the total exam questions and qualifying and prospecting for customer's questions covers around 4% of the Series 7 exam. Evaluating customer needs and objectives takes up only 2% of the exam with just 4 questions on this topic, whilst 21% of the test covers the topic of understanding and explaining securities markets organization and participants to customers and there are over 50 questions on this subject.

ICT and E-Learning - The Growing Knowledge Economy and How to Staff It

When discussing the term, 'knowledge economy', it is worth discerning exactly what this phrase means and why it is worth understanding its importance today. Primarily, knowledge within a knowledge economy is a product that can be sold, which contrasts - somewhat confusingly - with a knowledge-based ec vedic maths onomy, in which knowledge is a tool. In order to simplify this further, it is worth noting when the term was used first, i.e. by Peter Drucker in his book The Effective Executive in which he examines the differences between a manual worker (i.e. one who works with his/her hands and produces something tangible) and a knowledge worker (who works with his/her head and produces ideas, knowledge and information). In the UK, an examination of the current knowledge economy with an estimation of how this will develop over the next 10 years has been undertaken by The Work Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide answers 'for UK-plc and the public sector'. This year they published the first phase of their Knowledge Economy Programme (available here: theworkfoundation.com). This highlighted the primary differences in the economy today in comparison to 1970, for example: today 50 percent of the workforce are employed in knowledge industries (such as education, high tech services, creative) compared to just 25 percent in 1970 - and today almost 90 percent of the workforce have a qualification compared to just 40 percent in 1970. Subsequently this development of a knowledge economy has in part been stimulated by advancements in technology, communications and the internet which is set to have a continued affect particularly after the recession and the increasing number of fresh graduates. Of the future, one of the primary questions that The Work Foundation asks prior to its phase two Programme is: "What skills will be needed?" This leads me to contemplate the importance of ICT-based courses and e-Learning in regards to staffing a growing knowledge economy. Degree courses that naturally include the usage of Web 2.0 technologies such as social networks and blogs in addition to traditional synchronous face-to-face learning are no doubt the most logical ways to prepare individuals with the necessary skills for tomorrow's workplace. Additionally, promoting independent study, learning without walls, and open content is also the key to increased accessibility and educational equity which should lead to an ever-more cohesive global village.

Find Private Nursing Schools Online

An example of one particular private nursing school is the University of San Francisco which was established back in the year 1952. It is located in San Francisco California and it has an approximate of about 800 students. In order to train the student on how to handle patients and how to associate with the public, the university provides clinical services for the graduates and the undergraduates. Normally private nursing schools work hand in hand with local hospitals where by the students gets to have their first hand experience of the hospital environment. The exposure is the one that makes the private nursing schools unique from the public schools because the private schools always try to ensure that you are well prepared by the time you venture into the job market. The schools are suited with modern skills and learning resource center where by the students are subjected to an environment suitable for practicing their skills and making any needed clinical decision which is healthy in enhancing their individual psychomotor acquisition and acquisition. Team work also plays a very major role in the development of the student's clinical judgment and in their development in each ones professional nursing role in private nursing schools. Both the undergraduates and graduates are provided with a variety of various students organizations where by they are given chances of getting involved with the school matters and any service that is involved directly to the community. On the same aspect, the students also get the opportunity to also be involved with large state and national professional organizations. Private nursing schools also go an extra mile and offer their students immersion programs in a project aimed at improving on areas hard hit by MCH death rates in their respective areas. This can also be viewed as a way of giving back to the community. The programs help in improving the infant and maternal mortality and morbidity especially in the third world countries. For a school like university of San Francisco, the undergraduate students that have enrolled for the Bachelor of Science in nursing are about 600, while about 200 graduate students for the Master of Science in nursing respectively. The nursing schools also go out and offer scholarship for the qualified needy students because it comes a time when you find that even the public universities are full to capacity such that they cannot be able to admit every qualified student.

Online Bachelor Degrees

In a world of internet, mobile phones and innovative technology, fast, dynamic and rapid are just some of the words that can be used to describe the lifestyle of this generation. A lot of people have asked about how fast students can complete online bachelor degrees. With the kind of tools that we have, there are endless possibilities in searching for the quickest degrees online. The premise built in online bachelor degrees is that it's relatively faster than one from a traditional campus setting. There are even accelerated programs that specialize in completing a degree in two years or even earlier. The student's load will be doubled, so instead of taking the typical two semesters annually, accelerated students take a total of four quarters a year. The method of learning is fast and will allow you to be able to handle more modules and subjects. Because it runs a lot shorter than the average online program, summer vacation may be reduced to give way to the completion of the course. Taking an accelerated program is not a simple endeavor. You will have to be engaged the entire year and really instil the necessary self-discipline required to complete this degree. The hard work will pay off eventually, because you will be able to complete a degree in less than half the time of a student in a brick and mortar institution. Being able to graduate faster will open up more opportunities for jobs, promotions, pay raises and whatever you desire professionally. Online bachelor degrees can be accomplished without even having to leave our homes. This means that we can save on rent and transportation expenses, and we can stay in our neighborhood and won't have to quit our day jobs. You can enjoy the benefits of quality education right in the comfort of your own home. With an accelerated online bachelor degree, there is no need for you to rush to class or struggle to hear the professor's lecture; you can now balance your schoolwork and your job while making the most out of your learning. One thing that you have to take note of when enrolling for an online bachelor degree is the college you're going to. You want to make sure that it is an accredited university because this may spell the difference when you're about to apply for a job and the employer asks for specifics. If you really work hard at it, you can complete this in less than two years. An online bachelor degree can be quick, efficient and one big step closer to the career of your dreams!

Important Information About Online Nursing Degrees

Careers in the nursing industry have become more popular as the years go by. There is always a constant demand for nurses, and more people are deciding to take the first step towards this career through nursing education. Before online courses became available, people had to take courses in a classroom which meant traveling back and forth each day. This can become costly and interfere with your daily schedule, especially if you are currently working. Over time online courses became available, and started to grow in popularity among many people. Online nursing degrees are now high in demand and allow you to have a flexible schedule, while giving you the best education possible. Online Courses are Affordable One of the main advantages about taking online courses, is that you will be saving money. Other forms of education could require more money and can become quite costly. For most people, saving money is a major factor when it comes to their education. When searching for online courses to become a nurse, it is important to consider all of your options. Before choosing a course, always be sure that it is going to be affordable and not have additional fees. It is also important to have Internet connection and a computer, as this is a necessity when taking online courses. Consider the Choices Online nursing courses give you the benefit of having a large variety of choices. There are many online nursing programs that will offer you specialized subjects to study such as dental assistants, medical billing, health care management and medical assistants. It is important to choose a school that is accredited. Choosing a school that is accredited and recognized by hospitals and schools, will give you a greater chance of being qualified for all types of health care jobs. Employers are looking to hire nurses who are qualified and have the proper qualifications. Finding an accredited online school is crucial in order to get the most from your experience and be qualified and prepared to be a nurse. Choose the Best Before deciding on which school to choose for your online nursing degrees, always be sure to research into different schools and courses. If you are unsure of which school would be the best choice, you can consult counselors to help you make the right decision to meet your needs. You want to get the best experience you possibly can to ensure you will be prepared to start a career as a nurse. Also, look into the different degrees that are available to you, before deciding which online school to attend. Online nursing degrees can be beneficial to you now and in your future career as a nurse. Research is important before making a final decision on which degree course to enroll in. There are many great options available to you, but you always want to be sure that before you enroll in any courses, you are choosing a school that offers the best education and is fully accredited.

Teaching English Online - How Interpersonal Communication Helps Students Learn English Online

Teaching English online becomes easy and enjoyable for people who have the passion of teaching or develop it. If the student is able to "feel" how much help the instructor is extending, the process of learning the language becomes fast and effective. In many ways, there is a need for interpersonal communication between the one teaching English and the other studying the language. Take Time to Know Your Student It will be easier for you to teach online TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) courses when you and your student are on a personal level. Take time to tell him who you are and give him time to introduce himself to you. This way, you are not only teaching him to communicate in English properly. Aside from you being his teacher, you are assuring him that you are a friend that he can turn to for support whenever the learning process becomes bumpy for him. Always Smile and Enjoy Teaching Smile whenever you have an online English teaching session. Even if your student does not see you, your voice will reflect how you feel about teaching English as secondary language online. Do not let nervousness get the best of you. Speak up, speak slowly and speak clearly. It is important that your student understands everything you say. Remember that it may also be the first time for your student to engage in this type of education. Leave a positive first impression to your students and you will see that teaching English as a Second Language or ESL courses is not that difficult after all. Set the Rules as Early as Possible Inform your students about the rules they have to follow when learning English online with you. Again, because you and your students do not see eye to eye, emphasize how it is important for your students to be attentive at all times. Make sure that you have a hundred percent of their attention once the learning process begins. Find learning strategies that are fun and enjoyable. Always remember that your students' characters differ so be ready for a lot of enjoyable ways to teach ESL courses. Take One Step at a Time Taking things slowly but surely is a reminder for first time online teachers and experienced ones as well. Do not stress yourself on presenting lessons that may be too difficult for you to deliver and too difficult for your students to understand. Stick on the basics. It would also be best if you explain the course all over to your students so that they would know what to expect from you, their teacher and the online course. Landing in speak-English jobs is not that difficult anymore with the rampant use of the Internet. Each day, the number of people from different nations who go great lengths just to learn the language increases. To teach TEFL is a learning process in itself. Students are able to feel the amount of effort and concern of the instructor, making the experience truly worthwhile.

Why Distance Learning Degrees Are Getting Popular Amongst Students

Students are opting for distance learning degrees rather than traditional courses. A peek under the hood of online educational institutions reveals the secret of their success. Convenience With distance education, students have the liberty to decide when to study. It's a lot more adaptable to their personal life than having to attend a regular class everyday at 10.00 AM. They can even work somewhere to gain practical experience or repay their educational loan. Unlike traditional colleges, there is no time limit to complete a course. You can extend your degree course up to any time limit according to your convenience. With no time lost in commuting, you get more time to study and dig deep inside the course material. The classes are organized online which you can attend from your home personal computer. The professors provide study material and allow students to ask questions. Since there is no stress or tension involved in the online studies, you can grasp the subject matter more efficiently than students studying in traditional colleges. Fees Distance learning degrees carry lower fees in comparison to the courses offered in regular brick and mortar educational institutions. The fee structure of online schools and colleges is on lower side because many of the regular college charges don't apply on online colleges. The cost saving with online education programs has opened a new avenue for those who are not in the position to afford regular colleges' fee but want to be a learned man. Accredited degree programs Today almost all of the online universities possess accreditation certificate. Accredited distance learning degrees are equivalent to the degrees offered in traditional universities hence are recognized by the employers. Today there hardly is an online education institution that is not recognized by the government. Students too are aware of their rights and for this reason they seek only accredited degree programs. Accredited distance learning degrees is the latest trend in education. In this time and age, everyone is looking for ways to save time and money. The online education programs provide you an opportunity to earn while you learn. There are many students who have to earn for their families. Also there are professionals who need degrees in order to get promotion. Online accredited degree is a boon for such people. They can pursue their studies without taking long leaves from work. If you are one of them then look no further than an online school.

Establishing a Positive Online Instructional Image

As an online instructor do you consider the virtual or perceptual image you have established with your students? Do you consider the image you portray and how this image is developed throughout the course? If so, how do you manage your image? An online instructor is represented with every classroom posting and every message sent to the students. A virtual image is developed through students' perceptual processing and is influenced by the perceived tone of the instructor's messages, the word choice utilized, and mechanics of everything that has been written. Development of a positive online instructional image is necessary as it has a direct influence on working relationships and how receptive students are to their instructor's guidance, feedback, and support. Within an online classroom students typically become acquainted with their instructor when they read the introduction or biography posted. This presents an opportunity for the instructor to share highlights of their background, which includes their experience and education, as a means of creating an image of being knowledgeable, personable, and a "real" person to the students. The importance of the classroom introduction should not be overlooked as a brief response may be perceived as a lack of caring when it needs to promote a sense of community. This introduction can be enhanced by inviting students to professional social networking platforms such as Twitter or LinkedIn. Instructors should be cautious about utilizing Facebook, if their profile reveals personal information that would have a negative impact on their virtual instructional presence. Instructors have another opportunity to enhance their virtual image through messages posted in the classroom. For online lectures and instructional participation postings instructors can demonstrate their subject matter expertise, which has a direct impact on their credibility. Students also develop a sense of who their instructor is when they review the feedback provided. Your image as an instructor may be that of someone who truly cares about their students' development or someone who demands compliance to their expectations. The challenge when creating these messages is to utilize wording that is professional but does not talk up to or down to students. In addition, the wording should be engaging and utilized as a means of encouraging productive communication, if the goal is to create a responsive presence. Some instructors prefer a direct approach to classroom facilitation and choose to establish an authoritative presence. The online classroom environment requires an instructional approach that bridges the gap between technology and students. Students' engagement in the class is often influenced by their perception of the classroom environment, which is directly affected by the instructor's virtual presence. Should an instructor care about their image? The answer is yes, if the instructor wants to develop meaningful interactions and effective communication. A positive online instructional image helps to build a sense of working together and can increase students' acceptance of feedback, coaching, and guidance provided. Instructors can develop a strong image by paying attention to their communication, their postings, and their interactions. It can be further enhanced through the use of professional social networking. Instructors develop facilitation techniques and practices that are designed to influence the process of learning and students will respond favorably if they have a positive overall perception of their instructor and the instructor's abilities.

An Overview Of Internet Education

Thanks to the Internet, and the age of computers, just about any school a person wants to attend offers at least some of their required curriculum online. There are many fields of study which offer excellent possibilities for future employment, and you can find one, that interests you the most, with a little bit of research. When you know exactly what area of study in which you want to get a degree, you should make a list of questions that should have the answers on the website of the school you are attending. Start by finding out what their job placement ratio is for their previous graduates. Your GPA will be the most important factor in you getting hired after getting your degree, but you need to know how many other people have gotten good jobs as a result of attending that school. Even if you are attending classes online, it will still cost money to achieve your degree. Find out what types of scholarships and grants are available through that school, and any other methods of payment they accept. In some cases, there are job openings for students which provide 'on-hands' experience that can be counted toward semester hours. Many online institutions provide a means of downloading the text that is used for learning the required information, but you should find out before you enroll if you need to buy text books. There could be other supplies and teaching aids that are necessary in preparing for your exams, and these should be listed along with other materials on their web site. In most cases, any testing that is done is through the use of your computer and an online test form. Depending on the degree you are interested in obtaining, there could also be verbal exams which are conducted by an approved instructor, or other personnel from that school. Find out exactly how these tests are conducted, and what verification process is in place to ensure that you are speaking with the proper qualified person. If there is any lab work involved in getting your degree, you need to know exactly what locations are approved for completion of this part of your requirements. In many cases, there are several sites that have been selected and meet the criteria of your degreed program. You might want to visit those locations before enrolling to get an idea of how things work, and talk with any other people who have graduated from that school.

Is An Online Degree Equal To One Obtained From Classroom Attendance?

College or University degree programs appear to be adverstised in all media forms, including television, radio and print. Many of these ads appear for well-respected institutions, such as the University of Phoenix and Kaplan University; and some of them such as the University of Maryland even offer classes online. The advertisements usually emphasize the cost savings achieved by not having to attend a regular college. The internet has certainly changed the way we do many things and education is no exception. A typical and interesting question is why would an Online degree course have more advantage over one with physical classroom attendance? Will a typical classroom environment with a teacher and chalkboard remain necessary? The model of online education appears to entering a new phase as and increasing number of educational institutions put emphasis online courses. It is now difficult to find a College or University that does not feature some parts or an entire curriculum online. With the six degrees of separation quickly decreasing and the world becoming virtually smaller by the minute, you may have certainly heard of or knows someone who has signed up for an online course. Online courses of all kinds, not only of college or university degrees are all over the web as it is a formidable mode of communication - the information superhighway, that can be adopted to educate Online degree courses, as the ads helpfully point out, can be very helpful to those who do not have the choice to attend a traditional college. Traditional college requires daytime attendance in addition to the financial obligations of student fees which can escalate into the multiple of thousands. A typical situation is that of the fan next to me at the baseball game. He is a new father, and his job as an accountant usually allows him to get home no earlier than 10 p.m. At one point, he became worried that his job would become redundant, he felt he needed to broaden his appeal to employers and expand his skills, and diversify away from accounting. He eventually enrolled in Kaplan University for online degree courses in marketing and consumer law. The very fact that he was took an interest in expanding his horizons and transforming himself into a conceivably more valuable employee really captivated his bosses at work. They offered to cover seventy-five percent of his tuition fees in addition to allowing him to leave an hour early every day. How do you choose the online university that is appropriate for your requirements? Should you need to adjust your lifestyle or should their requirements be suited to yours? The first and ultimately important criterion you need in evaluating a potential school would be to look for accreditation. Accreditation in itself is a complex process that is done at regional levels. Proper accreditation can mean the difference between a legitimate degree that gets you a new job and one that isn't worth the paper on which it is printed. With the right resources you can verify your school accreditation with any agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education: Verify that the school in which you are interested, lists contact information for the accrediting agency.In the past, some schools have faked accreditation by citing relationships to bogus agencies, and there should be more to come.Your employers will probably not be impressed by any online degree courses from unaccredited schools. You should also look at the time it takes to complete your online degrees. Some online degree courses allow you to complete your requirements in half the allotted time by allowing you to take as many courses as you want in any given semester. An online university should also be able to provide suitable amenities. The facilities and resources of a regular university should all be available including a library, placement office, the ability to contact professors and online facilities. In fact, there no should be no apparent differences seen between your online degrees and and a regular one,being that the only difference was the mode of delivery.