Education First

As the information technology industry has grown, so have the related educational opportunities. Educational curriculum isn’t always the best gauge of industry changes within a particular field, although the rules which make that fact a plainly evident reality for most industries rarely apply in the modern world of information technology. In fact, unlike disciplines such as medicine, the very nature of the current IT industry promotes the idea that advancements in technology are only truly valid and successful when they are recognized and widely accepted by all. For this reason, IT curriculum is often on the heels of the latest developments, with competition among educational providers also helping to spur the cutting edge component of the coursework.

Lately, another trend is beginning to emerge, with more universities offering specializations in the field of IT. While IT and computer science related programs with specializations are becoming more commonplace than ever, the marriage of IT and education was not always such a happy, fruitful union. Not long ago, computer science curriculum could be summed up in two phrases: network administration and programming. Large scale hardware and software IT implementations were performed by technicians certified by Cisco or Microsoft. These were the certifications one sought after they graduated from college but before attempting to find employment. Now, with the implementation and operation of server based intranet systems having long ago been de-mystified, most IT professionals are going from cap and gown to business casual with few if any stops along the way. The reason this is possible has a lot to do with changes in the educational system’s view of information technology.

Most institutions are moving toward a diverse curriculum that incorporates IT fundamentals with an emphasis on a particular area of specialization. Educational institutions are reacting to the needs of employers in the job market. From the implementation of infrastructures to systems security, an area of study that once might have had a course or two devoted to it now comprises an entire degree program.

The result of these changes in the educational landscape regarding IT is indeed a direct reflection of changes in the workplace. As alterations to the structure of IT management have occurred, so have evolutions in the way IT personnel are educated and trained.

With the internet flooding with new knowledge and resources on not just a daily basis, but on a second by second basis, why are we limiting ourselves to the possibilities of a better education outside of the classroom?

It is tradition and ingrained in many adolescents growing up that you need to go to a good college to get the experience and training you need. Many students cannot afford dormitories let alone living on campus and dealing with the additional stresses involved. Why are we not as a community encouraging our young teens into using one of our newest and greatest tools, the internet, to enrich and enhance our lives with convenience?

With more and more colleges, universities and online educational accredited study degree programs becoming available, the possibilities are growing. When you think back or think forward about your higher education, what factor usually comes into any busy persons mind? Time and cost. Well, attending regular academic colleges and universities is not only time consuming, it is expensive. You need to have the resources to get to class, eat while youre there, while balancing everything else in your life, appointments, scheduling, etc. Now think about utilizing the internet to your best convenience.

By attending an online accredited university, college or other educational certified program, you have many more chances of being successful in maintaining your regular activities and staying less stressed and receiving the same education. Just the time alone that you will save by not having to drive or ride to your institution, is more time you could study, work or spend time with your family. Having the convenience of scheduling your own online education and class structure is the new time management discovery of education.

While many people suffer from dead end jobs and balancing families and work, they feel there is no way to fit in another class or item in their schedule. Think of the single moms, that love their children, want to give them a better life, but have to work twice as hard at a lower paying job just to make ends meet, feeling that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Consider the idea that even taking one class per semester over time will enhance that persons quality of life, making them more valuable to the job force.

Getting your education online can be so much more convenient. Lets face it, we live in a world where we expect to get what we want when we want it. Well, go and get that higher education you have always wanted, feel good about it, and do it on your own time!

Is higher education costing you a fortune? There may be a way to help pay for those costs with the help of education tax credits. What are education credits, who is eligible, and why should we take them? Well, lets start with the first part of the question, and work our way to the end. Education credits are tax credits available for qualified education expenses paid by the taxpayer in the furthering of their education. Qualified education expenses are defined as an expense paid during the tax year for tuition and fees required by an eligible educational institution for student enrollment and attendance. It really doesnt matter how you pay these expenses, only that the expenses are valid. Now, lets give some examples of expenses that are not qualified so that you can determine those that are qualified, and how you account for these expenses. Room and board, medical expenses, student health fees, transportation, personal living expense, insurance, course-related books, supplies, equipment, or any non-academic activity or non-credit course are not qualified expenses. What does this leave? Basically: tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at an accredited college, university, vocational or post secondary educational institution.

If you take a tax deduction for education expenses in any other area of the personal tax return, you cannot use that expense when figuring a Hope or Lifetime Learning credit. If you received tax-free assistance, such as a Pell Grant or scholarship, you must deduct that amount from your qualified expenses; however, most scholarships and Pell grant monies are taxable, so you may be taxed, but you can also get the tax credit. If you make any prepayments of tuition, you can use the prepaid amounts on your current years federal income tax return, provided you have followed all other guidelines.

Now, there are two different tax credits: the Hope credit and the Lifetime Learning credit. What are their differences? Well, first you cannot take them jointly; you must choose one or the other. The Hope credit can only be taken during the first two years of college, as defined by the educational institution, enrolled at least half time and cannot exceed 1500. The Lifetime Learning Credit maximum for 2005 is 2000. This credit can be used for undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees courses. It is not based on a students school workload which means it is allowed for one or more courses at an eligible school. It cannot be taken in conjunction with the Hope Credit, even if your expense exceeds the Hope limitations. If your expenses exceed the Hope limitation the first two years, simply include the excess on your Schedule A.

Your tax credits are also limited by your level of income, and your adjusted gross income totals. The higher the income the less tax credit the taxpayer receives. Credits could be reduced depending on your level of income and how you file, i.e. single, married, etc. So, when figuring these tax credits, you need to consider your current student status, your income levels, and your expense levels as Hope will expire after your second year of higher education. You can take any excess expense deductions under your itemized deduction expenses on Schedule A, when Hope or Lifetime Learning is at their maximums. On a side note, you can not claim either credit for a student named as a dependent on your tax return if you used the Tuition and Fees Adjustment for that same student so it is always advisable to seek professional tax help.

Who is eligible to take these tax credits? You are eligible as a taxpayer or eligible dependent of a taxpayer that was enrolled as a student in an eligible educational institution. If you can be claimed as someones dependent, they will be able to claim the education credit, not the dependent. Generally, dependent students expenses will be claimed by their parents or legal guardians. Now, here is an interesting note: if you are a student, and you cannot be claimed as someones dependent, only you can take the education credit; even if you are not the person paying the expense.

Why would you take the credit? I think a better question would be why would you not take the credit? In case you havent noticed, it can be very expensive to attend higher education classes. For anyone seeking to further their education, receive a degree, and pursue their dream, any federal income tax credit that can be taken, is a helping hand toward achievement of that dream. Today, without furthering your education, youre almost positively sentenced to a lifetime of minimum wage earnings, and struggling to make ends meet. A college education is the fastest route still, to a better life, better wages, and the achievement of the American Dream.

Virtually every teenager will do it; take a drivers education course to obtain their learners permit and eventually an unrestricted drivers license. Most states have requirements that must be met for a teen to get their learners permit.

What is a learners permit?

A learners permit is a special permit issued by a State Department of Motor Vehicles (often referred to as DMV, but some states have varying titles) office for teenagers to begin “behind the wheel” drivers education training. For many states, the average age you can apply for a learners permit is 15. However, there are a few states where you can apply as early as 14 and as late as 16 years of age. Different states have different requirements. For example, there are a few states that have no formal requirements, where as most require initial written testing of driving basics. Six to eight hours of classroom (or approved home training course) is typically required.

Drivers Education Training

Once you’ve achieved your initial learners permit, you can expect to continue your classroom study, but can typically begin your “behind the wheel” training with an adult; usually a drivers education instructor or parent. During this time, most states require a certain number of hours of “behind the wheel” experience. You’ll learn many of the basics, such as: stopping, watching for traffic around you, turning, identifying various traffic signs, how to parallel park and more. Don’t take these for granted! Your initial drivers education training can set an important track for your driving record.

The trip to your local DMV

Once you’ve completed an approved drivers education course, you’ll be issued a license. This varies from state to state. Some allow you to complete a drivers education course while 15, but must wait until you are 16 years of age to obtain a license. Still others impose conditions for a new driver, such as limited hours of driving, driving with an adult of a certain age, etc. Your local DMV office will let you know any special provisions.

Before you get your license, there are some things you should know about that will be necessary to receive your drivers license. DMV offices are very strict about documentation you must present to get your license. You should always check with them first and even get a checklist. Typical items you will need to bring to your local DMV office to obtain your drivers license:

Your original birth certificate, or a certified copy of your birth certificate with a state seal. Be prepared! Simply taking a photocopied certificate will not work for most states. You should be prepared for this very early on in your drivers education training. If need by, contact the state where you were born to obtain a certified copy if you do not have one, or your original certificate.

Social Security Card. Make sure you have your social security card. Most metropolitans have a local Social Security Office where you can quickly go and obtain an SSN card if you’ve lost your original. Again, make sure you have this early on.

Glasses or contacts. You will be required to take an eye exam when applying for your drivers license. Be sure to bring your glasses or wear your contacts to the DMV office.

Proof of completion of a state approved drivers education course. If you are taking a local classroom drivers education course, they should provide you with a certificate. You should always be sure they are certified by the state, if your state requires such certification. If you have taken a state approved home study course, such as a parent taught course issued by some states, or a third party software training course, they will provide you with a certificate of completion.

Proof of insurance. Check with your local DMV. Some states require this, some states may not. You should have the minimum insurance required for your state, usually liability insurance. Be prepared to present proof of insurance to the DMV clerk.

Proof of enrollment in High School. Many states require that you be enrolled in school and have proof of enrollment to obtain a drivers license under the age of 18. Your school will have the necessary form and can provide it for you to take to the DMV office. In cases where you may no longer be in school, and have opted for a GED, make sure you bring your GED certificate with you.

These are the typical things you will need to take to your local DMV office when applying for your drivers license. Of course, each state can vary and you can visit your State’s DMV website for more specific information.

Driver Education Software

More and more states are offering modern alternatives to the typical classroom drivers education courses. Some states offer a parent taught drivers education where students can study and test at home, as well as “behind the wheel” with a parent or legal guardian. Many states are now allowing students to take an approved CD ROM based or online course.

The following article relates not only to nurses but also to those aspiring to enter the noble profession of nursing. We hope you will get some insight into this field.
Although we have used the female reference for nurses throughout this article (“she”, “her”), this is done purely for convenience and in no way reflects the gender status of nurses in today’s society.

Most people assume that once a nurse has completed her education and has become registered, that is the “end” and that no more learning or education is required. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s more to nursing then just tending and looking after patients.

It is highly critical that a nurse maintain and continue her ongoing education and is kept current on her profession. This is an integral part of maintaining her registration.

A nurses life in the 21st century is extremely fast paced. There are medical advances in precedures almost on a daily basis and it is essential that a nurse is kept abreast and is at the forefront of these improvements. This requires a high level of time management and dedication to improve oneself in addition to spending long hours in clinics and hospitals. Of course this is much easier said than done.

It is in the best interests of a good hospital to provide everything needed for nurses to continue their education. A good hospital will also more than likely pay for the education of their nurses. A lack of funds should not be a deterrent to a nurse continuing her education.

Many nurses regularly subscribe to nursing periodicals and magazines to keep up to date with their ongoing education.. Nurses are encouraged to go through the relavent published journals on a regular basis.

Of course let’s not forget that just as important to success is the keeping of portfolios and timely documentation detailing all the training and education received throughout the nursing carreer. This written journal also serves as a method of organizing in an orderly manner, all the continuing education undertaken.

Admittedly, there exists a challenge with regards to access to this education for nurses, namely the expense, since nursing is still not considered to be among the better paid professions. This challenge to accessibility can perhaps be met by employers coming forward and funding the continuing education of registered nurses.

Please be sure to check out the many additional resources available on this topic online.