Category: All Blogs

 
Database software is a very tricky choice for any institution to make, if you are just starting out or are an existing institution. Often institutions find themselves in situations where they either have a huge amount of data and no database management software or have heavily invested in a database software only to find they won’t have any need of it. Institutions are also often guilty of storing their data in different places rather than in one single place, for example, student information ends up getting stored in the filing cabinet along with the teachers and the managing staff information. Parent communication and contacts ends up getting stored in the email providers like Gmail or Yahoo while all the finances end up getting stored in ledgers or Tally. It’s a Herculean task to make any sense of the data being stored so widely and generating any insights. Before we discuss what their advantages are, let’s get into what exactly a database software is.
 
What is Database Software?
 
Database software is the phrase used to describe any software that is designed for creating and managing  the information stored in databases. At times referred to as database management systems (DBMS), database software tools are primarily used for storing, modifying, extracting, and searching for information within a database. Database software finds its use for a number of reasons in any industry – from keeping your bookkeeping on task, compiling client lists to running your online Web site.
 
Why Database Software?
 
A database software’s primary function is to provide an organized mechanism for storing, managing and retrieving information. A database helps you bring all the information you have stored in spreadsheets, documents and emails together in one place.
 

• Makes it easy to collect and share information
• Organizes your information better than spreadsheet
• Manage data centrally to avoid data duplication or data loss
• Access real-time and accurate data, all the time

 
How to classify Database Software?
 
There are various types of database software. But primarily, the type of database management software depends on the method of storage (single or multi file), or the purpose of its use for an institution.
 
The basic types of database software can be distinguished from each other by the type of their storage. Databases have the following two main types :
 

 

• Single file Database software(also called as flat-file).
• Multi file Database software(relational).

 
Both single and multi file database software are used for accommodating various storage needs. A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) supports both single and multi file option, for example Fedena, whereas non-RDBMS supports only a single file for all the storage.
 
However, if the requirement for managing data is simple, for example you just need to manage small records of your teachers or managing staff i.e their names, addresses and telephone numbers, a non-RDBMS software like MongoDB or any standard spreadsheet program will suffice your need.
 
Database management softwares are also classified based on their purpose of use and fall into the following categories:
 

• Operational Database.
• External Database.
• End User Database
• Distributed Database
• Data Warehouse Database
• Analytical Database
• Hypermedia Database

 
Choosing the right Database software to manage your Institution’s data is a very critical decision and to help make that decision it’s a really good practice to first find the answer to : What are your requirements from a database management software?
 

 
Education softwares can work wonders for students of all ages; and especially for young children. How? Technology is giving a new meaning to education. Education softwares can help children get the best possible learning- with the presence of technology in every household, it’s not a mission impossible. Children as young as kindergarten goers are so fluent with iPads and other tools. So, why not make the most of this fluency with providing them educational software that’ll help to learn in the most comfortable way. Let’s delve further into how education softwares are going to do good to the little learners.
 
The benefits of using education softwares are as follows:
 
The primary benefit of using educational software in classroom is that it offers students, a wide variety of options for learning, solve academic problems, connect with classmates, have complete control of their experience.
 

• Education softwares are more beneficial to students with disabilities. Particularly those who have visual, hearing and motor disabilities and they require own space and time to learn things.
• Children, nowadays, spend much of their day’s time in front of the computer. They are fascinated with technologies and softwares. Their interest and involvement in education softwares can help them learn faster and effectively.
• When students are encouraged to learn through educational software, they are actually motivated to gain confidence and improve self-esteem. They are sure of themselves to learn on their own without much help from parents or teachers.
• When students are exposed to technology and education softwares at a very young age, they develop a good attitude towards it.

 
The benefits of education softwares might vary from student to student and also depends on the kind of educational software chosen. Technology and computer are here to stay. It’s on the parents and teachers to provide students with the right amount of exposure to educational software to optimize learning.
 

 
In an era where educational resources like tablets and Blackboard based courses are as common today as hard cover books and three ring binders were 20 years ago, thousands of degree-seeking students choose to participate in online learning. Take a look at the state of online education in America, plus get tips for adapting to an online learning environment.
 

 
The source: onlinebusiness.northeastern.edu
 
About the author:
 
Megan Barnes  is a freelance journalist and researcher that is passionate about education and technology. She is particularly fascinated by the way technology is reshaping the educational landscape and she enjoys sharing her research and ideas online.
 

Australia has always been a popular destination for tourists and students equally. Studying in Australia is surely not an inexpensive option; but when it comes to world class education, Australia is a hotspot. Below find the top cities for higher education in Australia that attracts thousands of students from all over the world.
 
Sydney:

Sydney, known as the city of fireworks, is also the financial and economic hub of Australia. It’s equally ideal for students looking out for cities for higher education in Australia with its very good quality of living.Sydney’s famous higher institutions for education include the University of New South Wales, University of Western Sydney, University of Sydney, the University of Technology and Macquarie University. With wide variety of culture to offer, Sydney is surely a hotspot for students from around the world.
 
Melbourne:

Melbourne boasts a very strong diverse student’s community along with being named as cultural capital of the country. Quite a number of famous universities makes the city one of the most popular cities for higher education in the world. Surely, University of Melbourne and Monash University to be mentioned. Other includes Deakin University, Victoria University, RMIT University, La Trobe University and Swinburne University of Technology. Alongside, its scenic natural landscape, exciting nightlife and good weather attracts students to the city.
 
Canberra:

Both University of Canberra and Australian National University are counted among top 100 universities in the world. This capital city of Australia boasts a good and diverse student community and also a high level of employability among graduates, thus, making it one of the most sought after cities for higher education to not just Australians, but non-Australians as well!
 
Brisbane:

Due to its close proximity to the Gold Coast, Brisbane is a popular tourist destination. Students, too, flock to Brisbane to study at some of the best universities like the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University. As one of the popular cities for higher education in Australia, Brisbane has a lot to offer- amazing weather, beautiful beaches, nightlife; thus, a likeable city for global students.
 
Adelaide:

Adelaide is known for its low cost of living, as compared to other big cities of Australia. A dynamic cultural diversity to look out for, Adelaide is home to the very famous University of Adelaide. Also present are University of South Australia and Finders University for higher education.

 
It’s not just athletes and actors who doesn’t have time to go for regular high schools, are benefiting from virtual high school; slowly a good bunch of regular school goers are also considering the benefits of a virtual high school. Indeed, a whole new experience in attending a classroom with students from different parts of the world! Why would you then leave the comfort of your home when the education you want is coming to you?
 
Prominent universities like Stanford University, Indiana University, George Washington University have already joined this emerging trend, offering online classes to students and virtual high school diploma programs. A lot has been invested for the upliftment of virtual education off lately. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have donated $20 million to develop online courses and supportive tools and applications for them.
 
Virtual high schools around the world
 
The Virtual High School, started in 1996 was one of the first virtual high school to function. The school has 850 students registered from 13 states, allowing students from around the world to come online and learn together. A similar kind of model can be seen at Electronic High School in Utah, USA where teachers and students communicate with each other through online chat and email, after the completion of assignments. Not just the communication part, Electronic High School does not offer typical curriculum; instead, teachers create class content and with the help of high school students, develop graphics and web pages for the content.
 
E-School in Hawaii uses a multi-user community called MOO in their school, whereas, Fraser Valley Distance Education School, Canada uses real-time instructions for the learning of 500 students. The Internet Academy in south Seattle allows its students to go, either for class with a group or individually. Students who opt for group sessions sit in chat room and discuss questions and assignments. Whereas, individual students submit their projects and assignments via mail, chat or even communicate through telephone conversations.
 
How virtual high school is beneficial?
 
We all know, how comfortable and at ease students can be if they study at their own pace. Without holding back a class, the student has the liberty to listen to an audio lesson many number of times for more convenience. Moreover, the easy access to variety of other sources of information during study takes virtual learning one step ahead to actual classroom learning. Students from rural or non-city areas can opt for specialized courses that are otherwise not available to them.
 
The financial advantage of virtual high school cannot be ignored too. With every passing day, schools are getting overcrowded and expensive at the same time. This is where virtual high school concept can help students to attain their degree minus the skyrocketing expenses, as online education neither require infrastructure upgradation nor any other cost involved in maintaining an actual school.
 
Home schooled students gain a lot through virtual education as they can learn foreign languages and stuffs that may not be an easy cup of tea for their parents. Virtual high school is definitely a  big plus point for students who are unable to attend schools due to unavoidable circumstances to carry on with their education.
 
The concept of virtual high school still might sound new to many while, some consider it ineffective for students for it might give undue advantage to students learning online. But those who have already joined the bandwagon, would stand by the ease with which education can be imparted through this method. Still, we have wait and see how virtual education unfurls its wings to bring about new changes in education.
 

 
Using software and apps in college is definitely a smart way to stay organized. There are quite a number available, but you have to choose the one that’ll give a boost to your learning and productivity in college. In this article, we highlight for you, 5 such apps that are sure shot help to your learning in college.
 

 
Dictionary: There are a lot of apps for students in college dealing with vocabulary. Dictionary is a free app that gives you lot of information like origin of a particular word, synonyms, antonyms, search history, a thesaurus, etc. The app also allows purchase options of an encyclopedia, a medical dictionary, etc.
 

 
Pocket: Pocket is still not hugely popular when compared to other apps for students. But it is indeed a great help to bookmark articles, online content, videos which can be viewed later, on convenience. Available in both iOS and Android, Pocket is free to download and lets you use your bookmarked stuffs even without internet.
 

 
Evernote: Students have to do a lot of things in their college life and hence, it becomes difficult to keep a count of all the things done in daily life. Evernote is one of the few effective apps for students that helps you keep a track of things by letting store files, images, web pages, notes, audio and other lot of things. Moreover, Evernote allows users to get access to all stored files anywhere, anytime.
 

 
Quizlet: A good study apps for students who are looking for flashcard study sets on various topics which are mostly created by students only. Plus, student users are allowed to create any subject that’s not covered in it. Using audio and images in flashcard sets is easy with Quizlet, thus adding variation to the learning process.
 

 
Kindle: Reading, whether it’s for pleasure or academic purpose, is easier with the Kindle reading app. The concept of digital reading is taken to another level with the Kindle app as it lets you to look up to the definition of any word you are not sure off, using the built-in dictionary.
 
If you have any other app working wonders for you in your college life, do share with us in the comment section below.