Technology-Driven Job Search Strategies Have Left Many Older Workers Behind

There has been a major transformation during the last decade or so in the way people look for employment opportunities. Hardcopy resumes and cover letters, newspaper ads, and face-to-face interviews have gradually given way to LinkedIn and Facebook profiles and personal websites, electronically transmitted career materials, job boards and web searches, and Skype interviews.

While technology advances have certainly expanded the scope of opportunities for people to take advantage of in finding great jobs, the benefits have not been equal among all job seekers. Research conducted in recent years has shown that, in general, older workers have not kept pace with their younger counterparts in the use of technology to design and execute job search strategies.

This is troubling since there is plenty of evidence that older workers face greater challenges in finding worthwhile employment. Data from the 2014 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Displaced Workers Survey show that people aged 50 and over took 5.8 weeks longer to find employment than those aged 30-49 and 10 weeks longer than those aged 20-29.

Data from the 2015 BLS Current Population Survey found similar results; 44.6% of employed workers aged 55 and older lacked employment after 27 weeks compared to 22.2% for people under 25 years of age and 36% for people aged 25-54.

Can Older Workers Learn to Use Technology-driven Job Search Tools?

Older workers are often stereotyped in ways that adversely affect their ability to find worthwhile employment. These stereotypes include:

• Lack of motivation,
• Less willing to participate in technology training and use,
• More resistant to change,
• Less trusting of superiors and co-workers,
• Less healthy, and
• More vulnerable to work-family imbalances.

Many of these stereotypes do not necessarily pan out upon a closer examination of older worker behavior patterns in relation to employment. In regard to technology, there is evidence that older workers are willing to seek out and use technology tools, but that many face limitations and issues that need to be addressed. Some of these include:

• Poor eyesight and hearing that impede training efforts,
• Memory, recall, and motor skill problems,
• Lack of perspective on technology usage, as opposed to younger workers who grew up with technology in their lives, and
• Less accepting of "learning for the sake of learning" and requiring a direct tie between technology training/use and job search/employment success.

It is clear that technology is a critical component to any successful job search campaign and assuming that older workers cannot or will not take advantage of technology tools does a disservice to this group of people. Training programs that take into account the learning limitations of older workers are becoming more common and should be expanded. In addition, training needs to focus on skills clearly identified with improved employability.

Steven Watson has a wealth of experience as a writer, researcher, and manager within both the private and public sectors. In addition, he has served as a hiring official for several organizations, and has been a certified professional resume writer since 2004.

Check out Steven's job search blog at http://jobsearch-tampabay.com or his web site for professional resume writing and creation of other career materials at 

The Camera and the Influence of Digital Technology

In the study of the camera, digital technology influence comes from a variety of different sources to give rise to modern digital photographic capabilities. Some of these technologies are then advanced in special niches to create new advances in science. One of the best examples of this exchange of digital technology is the CCD or Charge-coupled device. This is the digital technology breakthrough that made the digital camera possible.

When light strikes the CCD surface, it frees electrons to move around and those electrons accumulate in capacitors. Those electrons are "counted" at regular intervals by a circuit which dumps the electrons from each point on the CCD surface. When all of these measurements are combined, a picture can be instantly reproduced as a "virtual mosaic" of the individual point measurements. This is the picture we see. The more points of measurement found on the CCD, the higher the "resolution" of the resulting picture.

When building a highly specialized camera, digital technology such as this opens new doors which are not possible with film based technology.

In dentistry, an X-ray machine can be converted to a digital camera with a CCD which is sensitive to the photons that make up the X-ray spectrum. Instead of imprinting an image of X-ray on film, developing the film and finally reviewing the tiny film image, modern X-ray cameras can instantly display an X-ray image on a computer screen as the CCD processes the array of photon measurements. This not only saves time, but also produces no waste in the form of exposed film and development chemicals. So with this frequently used, specialized camera, digital technology creates improvements in a dentist's practice and protects the environment.

Another specialized camera that benefits from digital technology is the telescope. Traditional cameras, mounted to telescopes collect points of light and expose the film. This can provide more sensitivity than the human eye to faint points of light, but brighter points of light can also obscure fainter ones by "washing out" the image. With the application of digital technology the film camera is replaced by a digital camera using a CCD. The CCD can continue to receive and measure photons indefinitely. This means the process is a continuous measurement in contrast to the more simple exposure of a piece of film. Computers can then electronically filter out brighter sources of light making possible the detection of very faint points of light in the sky and even the study of celestial objects by the detection of the shadows they cast instead of the light they give off. By comparing the light collected over time, digital technology also allows this digital camera to detect distant objects by inferring their presence.

These are just two examples of how cameras are influenced by digital technology. New applications and even new science can result from such seemingly small advances in technologies that don't seem to be related at all. Think on this the next time you examine your own digital camera.

Dave Saunders is a professional lecturer, and lifelong technologist. He enjoys creating interconnections through his writings and lectures to help others create context and see new discoveries and technologies in more a practical light. You can find out more about cameras and digital technology 

Learning To Engage With Science Modules

Creating an environment for learning can seem like a daunting task for new and experienced teachers. Many have given their lives to the profession only to find that every year it gets harder and harder to capture the imagination of a generation of students that relies heavily on modern technology for information and entertainment all in the same. The old archaic methods of engagement still work for some, but for others it becomes imperative that a new way of learning be implemented. The new way might not seem too new in concept, but in application it has truly changed the way many have presented the information of some of the more difficult concepts in science. Relying heavily on science modules that are available for teachers, many professional educators have found a working model for teaching the sciences to middle school and high school students that would otherwise barely get the lessons that are planned.

Think about the traditional routes to engaging your students, and you'll see why it becomes more and more important to look into sprucing up the old style of presenting hard information. Sure, you could go into class and give a spirited lecture, show pictures, and try to get young people to pay attention and study, but those methods seem to be failing to really get the majority of youngsters awake and thrilled to come to class. Instead of going that route often, why not show them? By looking into the available science modules that you can bring into the classroom, you can create a whole new sense of excitement in the sciences.

Science is not always an easy subject to talk about, and as students get older and rise through the different subjects, it can get harder and harder. If you're not sure how to win them over to this difficult category, you simply need to think outside of the box. Instead of always following the same boring methods, try to showcase visualizations through science kits, and bring together everyone in a way that can highlight the beauty and wonder of the universe within a breath.

Learning to engage your students is not a complicated thing in these modern times, if you know how to speak their language. Often times all they need is for educators to take a moment to see what they see and walk in their shoes. If you put yourself in their position for a moment, you'll see how science modules can truly be a positive addition to the classroom.

Lab-Aids is the leading publisher of Middle School and High School Science textbooks, science kits & modules, and all materials. Lab-Aids has been working hard to bring excitement back to the classroom, and help engage students in all learning aspects 

Integrating Modern School Science Materials For Better Learning

Presenting information to today's modern student is crucial to making sure that they are learning even the hardest materials with relative ease. Without finding ways to integrate modern school science materials, teachers are going to have to work very hard to get harder concepts understood by the youth of today. A lot of things have changed in society and modern culture since the last time core curriculum has been updated in national public schools. However, there are a lot of foundations, programs, and concerned teachers that have come together to create different modern additions that can help pad lectures, and assist education professionals in the process of teaching science, math and more.

There are several ways new school science materials can be used to create a better place of learning for students that are in middle school. At that age showcasing some of the harder concepts can be a difficult task for educators. The problem is that some elements of science require more visual direction and stimulation that is not always provided by the school. Teachers can then go towards finding science experiments that can show modern science at work. There are many remade and low cost experiments that can be displayed in front of a class or can be done by students to showcase the principles that are being taught in books and lectures.

Aside from excrement's, there are a variety of online educational modules that students and teachers can use to learn more about several topics that are being taught in middle school today. These science modules have a variety of components, and once a student has gone through each piece, they will have a broader understanding of core concepts that they are studying in textbooks and in class.

There is not just one way to look at learning science in these modern times, and while many are still using a lot of archaic methods to reach young people, it's important to look for other ways to pad the core teaching plans that can be rough to get through. Alongside modules and experiments, for example, school science materials can be added to engage in students to ask questions, and become more curious about the world around them. Teachers should always put themselves in the position of their students for a moment, and by doing so can figure out how to communicate better in order to get more results from the lessons that are required for every subject.

Lab-Aids is the leading publisher of Middle School and High School Science textbooks, science kits & modules, and all materials. Lab-Aids has been working hard to bring excitement back to the classroom, and help engage students in all learning aspects

Early Childhood Education Degrees

Are you considering a career in early childhood education? Very few things compare to the satisfaction of nurturing a young child through these impressionable years, which makes it such a rewarding career path. Here are a few educational avenues you can take. But check your home state for specifics, as each state has its own requirements for future teachers.

Certificate Programs

If you are simply looking for an entry-level assistant position at a preschool or daycare, you can sign up for a certificate program. These programs do not take long to finish and they introduce students to the basics of child development.

Associate's Degree Programs

Associate's degrees are two year programs that go into more detail than certificate programs. Besides the courses in childhood education that are required, there will be general liberal arts and science courses involved as well. When you graduate with an Associate's degree, you can apply for teaching positions at preschools and daycare centers. There are some Associate's programs that offer an emphasis on daycare.

Additional College Degrees

Many colleges and universities offer programs in early childhood education. There are undergraduate degrees, or four year programs, and if you want (or need) to take your education further, there are graduate degree programs in the subject. Graduate degree programs are usually for two years, depending on the workload you are able to take on.

You will most likely need a Bachelor's degree if you want to become a lead teacher in early childhood education. If you get a Bachelors degree, you will learn about instructional methods, classroom management skills, and literacy education. Some programs will have specialized courses focused on preschool.

If you have higher aspirations within the early childhood education arena, you will need to consider a Master's degree. This higher level of education prepares you to be a daycare administrator, supervisor, or special education specialist. You can also teach other aspiring teachers at a higher education institution with a Master's degree.

Doctoral Degree

While this is a rare educational pursuit, some ambitious educational students will want to pursue a Doctoral degree. This high level of education prepares you not just to be a teacher at an institution of higher learning, but you can become involved in educational research or develop curriculum.

If you're not sure where to start looking for a school to start your early childhood education, there is an easy place to start. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education sets the national standards for programs in early childhood education. You can visit their website to search for accredited early childhood education programs in your area.

Kidspace Child Enrichment Center provides a warm and stimulating learning environment for every child they take under their wings. The Vancouver WA Preschool and child care center encourages the development of academic, physical and socialization skills, independence and a positive self-image.

The Essential Requirements In Pursuing An Online Education Degree

People who holds a graduate or master's degree of education can expect a higher salary compared to the ones who only finished high school. A graduate degree holder can increase its income each year. That is why there are many people who strive to pursue their education as a solid investment. Online education enables busy working adults to achieve a higher education while maintaining employment to earn a living.

There are many options for you to begin a career that suits your interests from many online degrees. Education factor grows intensely as the world wide web expands. Each year more and more accredited and well known universities and colleges develops online programs as they join the craze of Internet education. With the vast number of Internet education sources, learning is can easily be attained.

Online education degrees can be the best option in acquiring higher education than enrolling to traditional universities that are hard to get accepted to. Most of the instructors online have unlimited students all around the world so you have a lower chance of being turned away. You can achieve your goals in life without obstacles such as acceptance by considering yourself being enrolled in an online education.

Pursuing an online education degree have essential requirements. Students need to be well-organized who can manage their time efficiently. Reviewing course material independently and effectively is also needed. Students should have a full access to computers with an Internet service and virus protection for the online classes. With the advancement of technologies used, students must be computer literate for them to be able to use email and basic Internet functions. Those technologies are essential because they are used to communicate with instructors and taking or online exams and assigned tasks. For the convenience of students, online education degree programs are transferred or delivered in a web-based format that is available 24/7.

Online courses were developed to cater the needs of people with hectic schedules who wants to continue their education while taking responsibilities at home, workplace and community. Online education was designed with the same rigor as the traditional way of teaching. It follows the same criteria at those achieved at traditional university campus.

This mode of education is more affordable than attending a physical university campus because there are no cost fro traveling or housing. You can choose the most convenient place and time of your learning experience. Pursuing a virtual education a clear view of a wise decision. You will have all the ease of achieving a higher degree online that eventually improved your financial status.

I was sent to a nice school and at that time, after university, a woman was expected to become a teacher or a nurse - prior to marriage. I am currently employed, but I decided to get online education program to further my education. I never get tired of learning new things. I am enjoying my work and at the same time having an online degrees with no conflict on my schedule.