Free resources for AP students

Welcome AP students and AP teachers!

Here's a small taste of what Mr. Robertson's Corner blog has to offer to both AP students and AP teachers looking for quality teaching and learning materials:

Broad coverage of AP-relevant disciplines. The blog explores core AP subjects - from U.S. and world history, government and political science, to economics, English, science, and math - all in one place, making it easy to find targeted content for multiple courses.

In-depth, essay-style analyses. Posts like the recent detailed biographies of Gerald Ford and Nelson Rockefeller, or explorations such as the Democratic Peace Theory, model the kind of nuanced, evidence-based writing AP readers look for. These essays include clear explanations, historical context, and thoughtful argumentation - perfect for honing reading, writing, and research skills.

Explicit test-prep guidance. “Test prep” is one of the blog’s stated focuses, with strategies for critical thinking, essay construction, and content review that directly support AP exam preparation.

Interdisciplinary connections & project ideas. Posts like “How to connect subjects and experiences” offer PBL-style and thematic-unit approaches that parallel AP Seminar and Capstone frameworks, helping students develop transferable skills across disciplines.

Teacher-focused resources & philosophy. On dedicated pages (e.g. “Aaron’s teaching philosophy” and his CV), AP teachers can gain insight into effective pedagogical approaches, find guest-speaking opportunities, and even adapt classroom activities directly from Aaron’s own practice.

Student well-being support. A whole page is devoted to mental health resources for students, acknowledging the stress of AP courses and providing strategies and links to help maintain balance during rigorous study periods.

Regularly updated content. New essays and reflections appear frequently (often multiple times per week), so both teachers and students always have fresh material to explore and discuss.

Free and easily accessible. No paywall or subscription is required - anyone with an Internet connection can use the site in class, assign readings, or review posts at home at no cost.

Opportunities for personalized support. With pages for “Tutor in Sioux Falls,” “Connect with Aaron,” and testimonials, students and teachers can arrange one-on-one help or classroom visits, adding a human element that many online resources lack.

What to Look for in a Website That Provides Quality Resources for AP Students and AP Teachers

As Advanced Placement (AP) courses continue to grow in popularity, so does the demand for high-quality educational support. Both AP students and teachers need reliable, accurate, and accessible tools to help master course material and prep for the rigorous AP exams. But with thousands of websites claiming to offer the best “resources for AP students” and “resources for AP teachers,” how can you separate the truly useful from the digital noise?

Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you should look for in a quality AP resource website - whether you're an ambitious student or a dedicated teacher.

1. Alignment with the College Board Curriculum

The most important factor in any AP resource is alignment with the official College Board curriculum. A good website will clearly indicate which AP courses it covers and how its materials support the Course and Exam Description (CED) released by the College Board.

For students, this ensures they’re studying the right content. For teachers, it provides confidence that their supplemental materials are consistent with what their students will be tested on.

Checklist:

• Explicit reference to College Board standards.
• Up-to-date content for the current school year.
• Course-specific practice questions based on real exam frameworks.

2. Comprehensive, Subject-Specific Content

General study tips are helpful, but AP success requires subject-level depth. A strong website should offer comprehensive coverage for individual AP subjects such as AP U.S. History, AP Biology, AP Calculus, and others. This includes:

• Topic breakdowns
• Sample questions with explanations
• Study guides
• Review videos
• Practice tests

For AP students, this means they can find everything they need in one place. For AP teachers, it allows them to pull reliable supplemental content to enhance their lesson plans.

3. Differentiated Tools for Students and Teachers

A website that serves both audiences should make it easy to navigate between “resources for AP students” and “resources for AP teachers.” These two groups have different needs.

Students need:

• Study guides and flashcards
• Timed practice tests
• Exam strategies
• Video tutorials
• Mobile accessibility

Teachers need:

• Lesson plans
• Editable worksheets
• Slide decks
• Assessment tools
• Analytics for student progress

A good website will not lump everyone together but instead tailor its content and tools to the user's role.

4. Credibility and Author Expertise

Not all AP content online is created by qualified educators. Trustworthy sites will provide information about their content creators - preferably certified AP teachers or subject matter experts. They may also partner with school districts, education nonprofits, or even the College Board itself.

Look for:

• Author bios or credentials
• Citations of sources
• Testimonials from other teachers and students
• Partnerships or endorsements

5. Interactive and Adaptive Learning Features

Static PDFs and outdated blog posts aren’t enough anymore. Today’s best AP resource platforms are interactive and adaptive. They use technology to personalize the learning experience based on a student’s strengths and weaknesses.

Examples include:

• Practice quizzes that adjust difficulty in real time
• Dashboard analytics that track student progress
• Gamified elements to boost engagement
• AI-powered tutoring assistance

These features are especially valuable for students studying independently or teachers managing large or mixed-ability classrooms.

6. Affordability and Access

Many students and schools operate on tight budgets. High-quality doesn’t have to mean high-cost. The best websites offer a mix of free and premium content or institutional licenses that make access easier for entire classrooms.

Ideal platforms:

• Offer free practice questions and lessons
• Have transparent pricing for additional features
• Provide school or district discounts
• Don't require long-term contracts

For teachers building their own curriculum or students studying on their own, access to affordable resources can make all the difference.

7. Community and Support

The best AP resource websites also build community. Look for platforms that offer user forums, teacher support groups, student Q&A sections, and responsive customer service.

For students, this might look like peer discussion boards or live tutoring options. For teachers, it might include online communities where they can exchange lesson ideas, classroom strategies, or tech tips.

Final Thoughts

When searching for top-tier resources for AP students and resources for AP teachers, don’t just settle for slick marketing. A great website is:

• Aligned with the AP curriculum
• Rich with subject-specific content
• Differentiated by user role
• Created by credentialed experts
• Interactive and adaptive
• Affordable and accessible
• Supported by a helpful community

Whether you're preparing for a 5 on the AP exam or guiding students to reach their academic potential, choosing the right resource can make or break your AP experience. Use the checklist above to find a website that truly supports your goals.

Resources for homeschool parents

Welcome homeschool parents!

Here's a small taste of what Mr. Robertson's Corner blog has to offer to homeschool families looking for quality teaching and learning materials:

Wide-ranging, interdisciplinary content: Mr. Robertson’s Corner covers history, philosophy, critical thinking, math, science, the trades, business, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, the arts, social sciences, test prep, and much more - allowing homeschool parents to draw on one source for multiple subjects and learning styles.

Multi-level support (middle school through college): Posts and resources are explicitly aimed at middle school, high school, and even undergraduate students, making it easy to find age-appropriate materials for each stage of a student’s education. From time to time, Mr. Robertson's Corner offers learning resources for elementary students, as well.

Homework help and test-prep guidance: The blog offers concrete homework-help strategies and test-prep insights - particularly valuable for parents guiding students through advanced courses like AP or standardized exams.

Clear teaching philosophy and methodology: A dedicated “Aaron’s teaching philosophy” page lays out pedagogical approaches that homeschoolers can easily adapt, helping parents structure lessons with proven techniques.

Dedicated mental health resources for students: An entire section on mental health support provides articles and external links, enabling parents to address social-emotional learning (SEL) alongside academics.

Engaging narratives and real-world applications: Through reflections, stories, and case studies, the blog brings abstract concepts to life - a boon for homeschool curricula that emphasize contextual learning.

Opportunities to connect with an experienced educator: Options for one-on-one tutoring, Catholic speaking engagements, and direct “Connect with Aaron” contact empower parents to seek personalized guidance or enrichment sessions.

Support for faith-based education: Coverage of the Catholic faith alongside secular topics makes the blog especially attractive for families integrating religious studies into their homeschool plan.

Completely free, easily navigable online resource: All content is freely accessible, searchable, and organized by category - ideal for budget-conscious homeschoolers seeking high-quality materials without subscription fees.

Regularly updated, with fresh content: Frequent posts (e.g., biographical essays, thematic analyses) ensure parents and students always have new material to explore and discuss.

What to Look for in a Website That Provides Quality Resources for Homeschool Parents

In the world of homeschooling, the right resources can make all the difference. Whether you're new to teaching your kids at home or you're a seasoned pro looking for fresh material, finding a reliable online hub is essential. But with thousands of sites claiming to offer the best resources for homeschool parents, how do you know which ones actually deliver?

This guide breaks down exactly what to look for when evaluating a homeschooling website, so you can spend less time searching and more time teaching.

1. Clear Focus on Homeschooling Needs

A quality website tailored to homeschool parents should demonstrate a clear understanding of what homeschooling families actually need. This includes:

• Lesson plans that align with various age groups and learning styles.
• Curriculum guidance - whether for structured classical homeschooling or unschooling.
• State-specific legal info about homeschooling regulations and requirements.
• Support for parents navigating both academic and emotional aspects of homeschooling.

If a site feels too broad or watered down, it’s probably not optimized for the unique challenges of home education.

2. Curriculum Variety and Flexibility

Every homeschool family is different. A strong resource site should provide access to a variety of curriculum options, not just promote one method or publisher. Look for:

• PDF downloads, interactive worksheets, and video lessons.
• Subject-specific content: math, science, language arts, history, art, etc.
• Materials for different grade levels - from preschool to high school.
• Support for special education or gifted learners.

Sites that allow customization or suggest ways to mix and match resources are especially valuable for homeschool parents building their own educational path.

3. Ease of Navigation and Organization

A cluttered or outdated site wastes your time. Good homeschool resource websites are user-friendly, logically organized, and easy to search. Look for:

• A clean menu layout with categories by subject, grade, or theme.
• An efficient search function with filters.
• Clear descriptions and previews of each resource before download or purchase.
• Mobile responsiveness for use on phones or tablets.

The more intuitive the site, the quicker you can find what you need and get back to teaching.

4. Expertise and Credibility

Quality resources come from people who know what they’re doing. When evaluating a site, ask yourself: Are the materials created by certified educators or experienced homeschoolers?

• Is there transparency about who runs the site and their qualifications?
• Do they reference up-to-date educational standards?

Credibility matters, especially when it comes to teaching core subjects or preparing for college admissions.

5. Community and Support

Homeschooling can feel isolating. A strong website should offer community features and parent support, such as:

• Active forums or comment sections.
• Access to live Q&A sessions or webinars.
• Printable planners and checklists.
• Articles and blogs on homeschooling strategies, time management, and self-care.

Some of the best resources for homeschool parents come from other parents who’ve been through it and share their wisdom online.

6. Affordability and Transparency

Homeschooling can get expensive fast. Quality websites often offer:

• A mix of free and paid resources.
• Clear pricing - no hidden fees or surprise subscriptions.
• Free trials or sample downloads.
• Honest reviews and user ratings.

While not everything valuable has to be free, a site that balances affordability with quality is a win for any homeschool budget.

7. Regular Updates and Fresh Content

Education changes, and so do kids' needs. The best homeschool websites are updated regularly with:

• New lesson plans tied to current events or seasons.
• Updated legal info by state.
• Fresh blog posts or user-submitted ideas.
• Active email newsletters with highlights and teaching tips.

Outdated or abandoned sites won’t help you stay ahead of the curve.

8. Secured and Ad-Free Experience

Safety and focus matter, especially when kids are involved. Trustworthy sites that provide resources for homeschool parents should:

• Be secure (look for "https").
• Minimize or eliminate ads that distract or lead to inappropriate content.
• Avoid clickbait and prioritize user experience over monetization.

A professional, distraction-free platform keeps the focus where it belongs - on learning.

Conclusion

Finding reliable resources for homeschool parents doesn’t have to be a gamble. By looking for clear focus, curriculum variety, ease of use, expert backing, community support, affordability, fresh content, and a secure experience, you’ll know when you’ve found a site worth bookmarking.

Homeschooling is a full-time job. Your resource site should feel like a trusted teaching partner - not just a content warehouse. Make sure it earns a place in your daily routine by offering tools that truly support your homeschool journey.

How to attain your GED

The process of attaining a GED: A pathway to opportunity

Education plays a fundamental role in shaping an individual’s future, opening doors to personal and professional growth. However, not everyone is able to complete high school through traditional means. For those who left high school before graduation, earning a General Educational Development (GED) credential provides a second chance to obtain a valuable certification. This essay explores what a GED is, how to prepare for it, where to attain it, and why it is important for individuals seeking to improve their economic and social opportunities.

What is a GED?

The acronym "GED" stands for General Educational Development, a credential designed to demonstrate that an individual has high school-level academic skills. It serves as an equivalent to a traditional high school diploma and is recognized by employers, colleges, and institutions across the United States and Canada. The GED was first introduced in the 1940s to help World War II veterans who had not completed high school transition into civilian life. Today, it serves a broader purpose, allowing individuals who did not graduate from high school to validate their educational knowledge and enhance their career prospects.

The process of studying for the GED

Successfully attaining a GED requires preparation, as the exam assesses a broad range of academic skills. The test consists of four main subject areas:

• Mathematical Reasoning – Covers algebra, geometry, and basic arithmetic skills.
• Reasoning Through Language Arts – Tests reading comprehension, writing skills, and grammar.
• Science – Includes topics in life science, physical science, and earth and space science.
• Social Studies – Encompasses U.S. history, civics and government, geography, and economics.

Individuals preparing for the GED can use a variety of study resources, including official GED practice tests, online courses, adult education centers, and GED preparation books. Many public libraries and community colleges offer free or low-cost study programs. Additionally, online platforms such as GED.com provide study guides, practice exams, and personalized learning plans to help individuals prepare at their own pace.

How and where to attain the GED credential

To attain a GED, individuals must register for and pass all four sections of the exam. The official GED test is administered at authorized testing centers across the United States and can also be taken online for those who qualify. To find a testing center or register for the test, candidates can visit the official GED Testing Service website (GED.com).

Before taking the exam, test-takers must meet state-specific eligibility requirements, which often include age restrictions and residency requirements. In most cases, candidates must be at least 16 years old and not currently enrolled in high school. Some states also require individuals under 18 to obtain parental consent or provide proof of withdrawal from high school.

The importance of earning a GED

For those who did not earn a high school diploma, obtaining a GED can be a life-changing achievement. The GED opens up opportunities for further education, better job prospects, and personal growth. Without a high school diploma or its equivalent, many individuals face barriers to employment and higher education, limiting their potential for success.

Economic and career benefits

One of the most significant advantages of earning a GED is the improvement in job prospects. Many employers require a high school diploma or equivalent for even entry-level positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a GED or high school diploma tend to earn higher wages and experience lower unemployment rates compared to those without one.

Furthermore, a GED serves as a stepping stone for further education. Many trade schools, community colleges, and universities accept GED holders, allowing them to pursue associate or bachelor’s degrees. Higher education often leads to better-paying jobs and increased career stability. Some GED recipients also use the credential to qualify for vocational training programs that offer specialized skills in fields such as healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades.

Social and personal growth opportunities

Beyond economic benefits, earning a GED also has social and personal advantages. Many individuals who earn a GED experience a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem, knowing they have achieved an important milestone. This achievement can lead to a greater sense of personal fulfillment and motivation to pursue further education or career advancement.

Additionally, having a GED can serve as an inspiration to family members, particularly younger siblings or children. It sets a positive example of perseverance and lifelong learning, reinforcing the value of education. Moreover, individuals with a GED often experience greater social mobility, as they gain access to professional networks, college environments, and job opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach.

Conclusion

The GED serves as an essential alternative for individuals who did not complete high school, offering them a second chance to gain a credential that can transform their lives. By studying diligently, utilizing available resources, and passing the exam, individuals can unlock greater career and educational opportunities. The economic and social benefits of obtaining a GED extend beyond personal success, contributing to stronger communities and a more educated workforce. For anyone seeking to improve their future, earning a GED is a powerful step in the right direction.

Summer learning opportunities

Introduction

Summer vacation can be a wonderful time for students to relax and rejuvenate, but it can also be a valuable opportunity for continued learning in enjoyable and engaging ways. Here are several ideas and resources for middle school and high school students to make the most of their summer break while still enriching their minds. Discover various projects, games, simulations, reading, travel, and hands-on opportunities.

Project-based learning: Encourage students to embark on a summer-long project aligned with their own interests and passions. This could include starting a garden and documenting the growth process, building a model rocket or solar-powered car, creating a short film or podcast series, writing a story, or designing a website to showcase their original artwork or writing.

Educational games and simulations: There are plenty of educational games and simulations that make learning interactive and fun. Platforms like Khan Academy, Quizlet, and Prodigy offer a wide range of subjects and activities tailored to different age groups. Additionally, exploring historical simulations like Civilization or scientific simulations like Universe Sandbox can provide immersive learning experiences.

Summer reading challenges: Organize a summer reading challenge where students set goals to read a certain number of books or explore specific genres or authors. Provide reading lists tailored to different interests and reading levels, and incorporate discussions or creative projects based on the books read. Consider partnering with local libraries or bookstores to enhance access to reading materials.

Travel and cultural immersion: Encourage students to explore new places and cultures, whether through local day trips, camping adventures, or, if feasible, national or even international travel. Encourage them to keep travel journals, learn about the history and culture of the places they visit, and engage with locals to gain firsthand insights. Virtual travel experiences can also be valuable alternatives, allowing students to explore museums, landmarks, and cultural sites from the comfort of home.

Hands-on STEM activities: Engage students in hands-on STEM activities that foster creativity and problem-solving skills. This could involve conducting science experiments, building robots or circuitry projects, exploring coding and programming languages, or participating in maker workshops where they can design and create prototypes of their inventions.

Community service and volunteer work: Encourage students to give back to their communities through volunteer work and community service projects. This could involve participating in local clean-up efforts, volunteering at animal shelters or food banks, or organizing fundraisers for causes they care about. Not only does this foster a sense of social responsibility, but it also provides opportunities for personal growth and leadership development.

Online courses and workshops: Explore online learning platforms that offer courses and workshops on a wide range of subjects, from academic subjects like math and history to creative pursuits like photography and graphic design. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer courses taught by experts in their fields, allowing students to explore new interests and skills at their own pace.

Conclusion

By offering a diverse variety of opportunities for learning and exploration, students can make the most of their summer break while still having fun and preparing themselves for the academic year ahead. Encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning can make summer vacation a time of growth and enrichment for students of all ages.

YouTube as a powerful learning tool

YouTube is a wonderful resource for learning and research. It is not just a video sharing site for music and other entertainment. What are some examples of the kinds of learning resources available on YouTube for students of all ages looking to take their content mastery to the next level? How can they make use of YouTube's powerful search engine to find unique documentaries, how-to videos, lectures and speeches, debates, interviews, valuable primary sources, rare footage, and more?

YouTube indeed offers a vast array of educational content suitable for learners of all ages and interests. Here are some examples of the types of learning resources available on YouTube and tips for utilizing its search engine effectively:

Documentaries: YouTube hosts a plethora of documentaries on various subjects ranging from history and science to technology and culture. To find documentaries, users can use specific keywords related to the topic they are interested in, such as "documentary history," or "documentary science." Of course, the more specific you can be, the more helpful your search results will be. If you happen to know the name of a particular documentary you are looking for, try that to see if it's available.

How-to videos: YouTube is an excellent resource for learning practical skills through how-to videos. Whether it's cooking, DIY projects, programming, learning musical instruments, math problems, science experiments, gardening, or various hobbies, there are countless tutorials available. Users can search for how-to videos by using keywords like "how to [insert skill or activity]."

Educational channels and lectures: Many universities, educational institutions, and individual educators share lectures and educational content on YouTube. Users can subscribe to channels dedicated to their fields of interest, such as TED-Ed, Khan Academy, CrashCourse, and Harvard University, among others. Additionally, searching for specific topics followed by terms like "lecture," "tutorial," or "educational" can yield valuable results.

Speeches, talks, debates: YouTube is a treasure trove of inspirational speeches, motivational talks, insightful discussions, and debates by thought leaders, experts, and public figures. Users can search for speeches and talks by entering keywords related to the topic or the name of the speaker they are interested in. Many conferences and events also upload their sessions to YouTube, providing access to valuable content from around the world.

Educational playlists and channels: Users can explore curated playlists and educational channels on YouTube, which organize content around specific subjects or themes. These playlists often compile videos from various sources, providing a structured approach to learning. Users can search for playlists by typing keywords related to their area of interest followed by "playlist" or explore educational channels dedicated to their fields of study.

Tips for effective searching on YouTube:

• Use specific keywords related to the topic you are interested in
• Utilize filters to refine search results by relevance, upload date, view count, and more
• Explore related videos and channels suggested by YouTube's recommendation algorithm
• Verify the credibility and reliability of sources before relying on the information provided
• Engage with the YouTube community by commenting, liking, and sharing valuable content

By leveraging YouTube's powerful search engine and diverse content offerings, students of all ages can enhance their learning experience and take their content mastery to the next level.

Learning about world cultures

Understanding world cultures: Why it matters for middle and high schoolers

Why is it important for middle school students and high school students to learn about world cultures? What are some ways in which students can learn about different cultures?

Introduction

There is no doubt that the world is becoming increasingly interconnected. As a result, understanding different cultures has become essential for success in school and beyond. Learning about world cultures can provide students with an invaluable sense of global awareness and empathy, as well as an appreciation for diversity. Let’s take a closer look at why it’s important for middle school and high school students to learn about different cultures and how they can go about doing so.

The benefits of cultural awareness

Being culturally aware provides students with multiple advantages in their studies and personal lives. For example, those who are familiar with various cultural practices may be better equipped to understand the various perspectives that shape historical events. Having this knowledge enables them to more easily comprehend complex concepts related to social studies, history, literature, anthropology, politics, economics, and more. Furthermore, having a firm grasp on cultural dynamics can help students approach their studies from an informed perspective.

In addition to academic benefits, learning about different cultures can also give students a greater appreciation for diversity and help them develop empathy towards others. When students gain insight into different lifestyles, customs, beliefs, and values around the world, they are better able to recognize the similarities between people of all backgrounds - even if those people come from vastly different environments or speak entirely different languages. This enhanced level of understanding helps foster meaningful connections between individuals regardless of where they come from or what they look like.

How students can learn about different cultures

There are many ways in which middle schoolers and high schoolers can learn about world cultures right in your own homes! Watching movies set in other countries or reading books written by authors from other nations is a great way to start building cultural awareness. Additionally, attending virtual or in-person events hosted by foreign institutions or organizations - such as museums, universities, or embassies - can provide insight into international culture, as well as allow you to meet new people from all over the globe! Finally, online courses related to global culture taught by experienced teachers or professionals are also excellent resources for learning about world cultures in depth.

Conclusion

Learning about other cultures is vital for any student looking to succeed academically - as well as personally! It opens up opportunities for exploration both near and far; encourages open-mindedness; highlights our shared humanity; and allows us to appreciate diversity in its myriad forms. With so many ways available today - from simply reading books set overseas to attending events hosted by international institutions - it has never been easier, nor more important, for middle schoolers and high schoolers alike to explore world cultures!

Is college becoming obsolete?

How attending college or university may be becoming obsolete due to lower-cost alternatives with greater flexibility and targeted skill building.

Introduction

In the digital age, is college or university still a necessary part of life? With advancements in technology and online learning, is attending college becoming obsolete? It's a question that many parents, teachers, and students are asking as they consider their options for post-secondary education. Let's take a closer look at how this shift is taking place.

The shift to online learning

There has been an increase in the number of people enrolling in online courses and programs over the past few years. With the ease of access to high-speed Internet and more affordable tuition rates for online courses, it is becoming easier for students to pursue their educational and training goals without having to attend college or university. Online learning offers flexibility with the ability to work at your own pace, learn from anywhere in the world, and often times pay far less than traditional on-campus tuition.

Employers’ perspective on education

More employers are beginning to embrace alternative forms of education such as coding boot camps and specialized certifications that may be more applicable to their business needs. The reality is that higher education isn't always necessary when employers are looking for specific skills related to a particular role or industry. Employers often view these certifications as evidence that an applicant has mastered certain skills without having gone through traditional routes such as attending college or university.

Alternatives to college

Alternative educational programs such as coding boot camps have become popular among those who want to acquire valuable tech skills quickly without having gone through a four-year program at college or university. These boot camps provide hands-on experience, which makes them attractive options for those who want to get into tech faster than traditional educational methods can offer. In addition, there are apprenticeships available which allow individuals to learn while they earn money on the job. This gives young people who may not have had access to higher education another way of gaining knowledge and experience while earning income instead of spending money on tuition fees.

Conclusion

As technology evolves, so too does our approach towards education and career advancement opportunities evolve with it. Traditional paths such as attending college or university are being questioned by many because there are now more accessible alternatives available that don't require exorbitant amounts of time or money spent on tuition fees. Despite this shift towards alternative forms of education, one thing remains true - the need for hard work and dedication in order to succeed academically, no matter what route you take, remains unchanged!

Learn how to code for free online

Online learning platforms for middle school students to learn coding

What are high-quality examples of online learning platforms where middle school students can learn how to code on their own time and at their own pace?

Introduction

As technology continues to become more essential in our everyday lives, it’s important to teach middle school students how to code. By learning how to code, these students can gain a deeper understanding of the technology they use and have a better chance at succeeding in their careers. But where should they start? Fortunately, there are high-quality online learning platforms that make learning coding fun and easy for middle school students. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Codecademy

Codecademy offers interactive courses that teach students the basics of coding, such as HTML and JavaScript. It also offers comprehensive classes on the fundamentals of Python and SQL. The platform is divided into different sections based on difficulty level, so students can start with basic coding concepts and then move on to more complex topics as they become more comfortable with the material. Codecademy also offers personalized guidance from experts who can provide support when needed.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy provides free educational resources for middle schoolers interested in learning coding principles. The platform has courses that cover everything from basic programming concepts like variables and functions to more advanced topics such as machine learning and data structures. Khan Academy also has an extensive library of videos and tutorials that can help students understand difficult concepts more easily. Additionally, the platform's user-friendly interface makes it easy for students to find the resources they need quickly and easily.

CodeHS

CodeHS is an online learning platform designed specifically for middle schoolers who want to learn coding fundamentals in an engaging way. The platform includes courses on web development, game design, mobile app development, robotics, and much more. CodeHS also offers interactive lessons with step-by-step instructions so students can learn at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated by complex concepts. Plus, CodeHS offers support from experienced professionals who are available 24/7 if assistance is needed while working through a lesson or project.

Conclusion

Learning how to code is an incredibly valuable skill for middle schoolers today; not only does it equip them with technical knowledge but it also helps them develop problem-solving skills that will serve them well in their future careers. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality online platforms out there designed specifically for middle schoolers looking to learn coding principles in an engaging way - including Codecademy, Khan Academy, and CodeHS - that make learning this important skill fun and accessible for everyone!

Personal finance resources for students and teachers

Personal finance simulation games

The following links provide detailed descriptions and reviews of, along with discussion questions for, personal finance simulation games.

"Build Your Stax" personal finance game - You have 20 years to make as much money as you can through seven different types of investments. As the game goes on, you'll be confronted with unexpected expenses that pop up in real, everyday life, costs like home repairs, family emergencies, and speeding tickets. Sometimes, you might gain money unexpectedly, too, like winning a prize or contest, or finding money on the ground.

"Time for Payback" personal finance game - Your ultimate goal is to survive to the end of the game, meaning you graduated college, managed to juggle all your priorities, and found employment with a starting salary that adequately covers all the debt you accumulated during your college years through your various choices and decisions. Will you make it?

"PlaySpent.org" personal finance game - Can you survive financially for one month? This is a very eye-opening, thought-provoking simulation. The decisions you'll have to make, and the situations you'll encounter, mirror everyday real life for a lot of people. You'll learn a lot about yourself, including your spending habits, your goals and ambitions, how you reason through decisions, and what you're willing, or not willing, to sacrifice.

"Monopoly" as a personal finance game - On the surface, it may appear that Monopoly is an awesome game when it comes to teaching entrepreneurship, and it is, right? But Monopoly is also wonderful at teaching us some things about personal finance, if we dig a little deeper.

Essays and reflections on the benefits of living simply, saving, and strategizing

The Minimalists - Meet The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who present a compelling case that getting rid of all the clutter in your life - the clothes you never wear; all the stuff in your basement, closets, and/or storage unit you're not using; the long hours you're working and mounds of debt you're taking on in order to keep up appearances and look "successful" to all your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and perhaps even family members ("Keeping up with the Joneses"), etc., etc. - can help you live a more meaningful, purposeful life. Learn a little bit about their personal journeys and how they, in turn, learned these valuable lessons in some pretty hard ways.

Dave Ramsey and The Minimalists - Learn how personal finance guru the legendary Dave Ramsey approaches the subject of money in comparison to The Minimalists. We'll discover that they arrive at the same conclusions, but perhaps just take slightly different perspectives to get there.

Building your own personal economy - Written in May 2020. If the coronavirus pandemic can teach us anything from a financial standpoint, it's that we each need to focus on building our own personal economies. We can't trust, or rely on, other people, politicians, or broken-down systems to do that for us.

Strategies for saving money

The envelope budgeting system - a timeless, classic strategy for easily paying the bills while paying yourself - if you're willing to cultivate and maintain a little discipline.

Browse our "Shopping" category - a collection of previous blog posts offering all sorts of tips and strategies on how to save money on groceries, dining out, car insurance, cell phone expenses, Christmas gifts, and a lot more!

30 Easy Ways to Save Up to $1,000 - presented by Dave Ramsey and his team

How to Save Money: 22 Simple Tips - presented by Dave Ramsey and his team

How to Save Money Fast - presented by Dave Ramsey and his team

Complete personal finance curriculum for your classroom

Next Gen Personal Finance

Practical Money Skills - sponsored by Visa

Practical Money Skills curriculum for students with special needs

Personal finance vocabulary

Personal finance vocabulary list - a good starter list for high school students of common vocabulary terms, along with brief definitions and practical examples for each word.

Difference between stocks and bonds - a great blog post with easy-to-understand explanations about these two different forms of investments.

Living on your own, paying taxes, credit cards, understanding your paycheck, more

Getting Started Teaching Personal Finance - an awesome article written for Edutopia by Kailen Stover, a family and consumer sciences teacher in Colorado. From the article: "Lessons on credit and credit cards, taxes, and how to find an apartment and make the rent are invaluable for high school students. Here is a beginner’s guide to building hands-on and real-world opportunities into personal finance education."

Anatomy of a paycheck - a great video lesson, only a little over five minutes long, given by Sal Khan over at Khan Academy. In this video, Sal breaks down all the expenses and deductions that come with your paycheck. You may have heard of, or have already used, Khan Academy before. Launched by Sal himself, a Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) –educated former hedge fund analyst, the Khan Academy is a free online education platform. The Web site features an extensive variety of courses and tutorials in areas like math, science and engineering, computer programming, arts and humanities, economics and finance, test prep, career exploration, the college admissions process, and a lot more. Within the economics and finance course offerings, Khan has a subcategory devoted to entrepreneurship, featuring exclusive interviews and conversations he conducts with top entrepreneurs and business leaders.

If your school/district or home/family has a BrainPOP subscription, look these subjects up on BrainPOP for great video lessons, quizzes, games, and other learning activities:

• Credit Cards
• Taxes
• Budgets
• Comparing Prices
• Mortgages
• Debt
• Banking
• Interest

Lyndhurst STEM Club for Girls

Back in July, I received this very thoughtful e-mail from a Ms. Stacey Martin over at the Lyndhurst STEM Club for Girls. I replied to her a couple days later. This note from Ms. Martin and her students is just one reason why I started, and continue to keep going, this blog. This project has truly become a labor of love for me. It really means a lot to me when I hear from others about how my writing and research has helped them in some way. Of course, I happily fulfilled the request of adding the link they sent me. Check out the Lyndhurst STEM Club for Girls website when you find a few moments. The site features a lot of great information, ideas, statistics, and STEM resources for students, families, and educators. It's very well-organized and easy to navigate.

All the Best,

Aaron


Good afternoon Mr. Robertson!

I have a quick thank-you for you, from the girls in my Summer STEM club! We got some awesome resources thanks to the 'Fun Links & Learning Resources' you have on your website MrRobertsonscorner.com. Everyone was having a lot of fun with the science activities we found and I think it's going to be an excellent tool... They thought you might appreciate hearing how helpful your page was for our group =) So thank you!

One of the girls in our club (her names Kristie!) found this really good resource for Educational Science Games she wanted to share with you -- www.uscareerinstitute.edu/library/educational-science-games .

Kristie suggested we could include this in our note as a way of saying "thank you!" She was thinking it could be a good addition to your Fun links and Learning Resources, so I was wondering if you'd be able to add it? She would be so proud to see that her suggestion was useful, and it could help other people out there using your site this summer, like us...

Thanks again for your help, Mr. Robertson even if you didn't know LOL.. If you're able to use Kristie's science game link I can have her check out your page next week ! She'd be so proud to see it... Have a good weekend and enjoy the rest of the summer!

Sincerely,
Miss Martin (and Kristie L.)

Learning how to read a ruler

Recently, I worked with a middle school student on learning how to read and understand a ruler (or tape measure) for a STEM -related course the student was in. I'd like to share these two wonderful resources here so that you / your students can learn how to effectively read and understand a ruler or tape measure, as well. My student's classroom teacher shared these same resources with me, and they were extremely helpful. At the age of 39, even I learned a couple things that I either never really knew or simply forgot!

After this awesome video, check out the link that will take you to an interactive game you can play to test your skills at reading a ruler. There are different settings you can try in the game.



https://www.rulergame.net/new-english-ruler-game.php

Learning at home school COVID closures

Learning at home during school COVID closures

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to rage on, causing what appear to be mainly larger urban school districts to make the decision to close in-person learning, whether for several days/a week at a time or for longer periods, many students and families find themselves suddenly left without a solid, reliable learning plan in place. Some districts and individual educators are trying to do all they can with the virtual tools and other resources they have at their disposal, while some districts and individual educators are simply closing shop altogether. As one parent whose daughter's large urban school district recently closed for a week told me, "Some teachers are going above and beyond, while others are treating this like a vacation. They're not meeting with students virtually, and they've assigned no work." And a high school in a nearby district decided to cancel semester final exams altogether because of COVID-19.

 

The data are pouring in on how COVID-19 has impacted learning for K-12 students.

Whether you're a student reading this, or a parent, guardian, other relative, or fellow educator deeply concerned and frustrated by this truly tragic situation of lost time and learning, I offer a number of resources, ideas, and strategies here, in no particular order, to help you design your own at-home learning plan when you find yourself not provided with one by your school system and/or teachers. The following suggestions can also certainly serve to enhance and reinforce the assigned learning from school if you are, hopefully, receiving regular instruction virtually.

BrainPOP - I make use of BrainPOP, a subscriber-based learning platform, quite frequently during my typical day in the classroom. I highly recommend it. With a very clean layout that is easy to navigate, the BrainPOP family of websites offers young learners video lessons on a wide range of curriculum-aligned subjects, as well as quizzes and activities that can be completed for deeper engagement with, and understanding of, the material presented in the video lessons. Check the BrainPOP homepage frequently for various specials and discount offers that run from time to time. You can purchase your own home-based subscription, or see if your school or district already has a subscription that you can use to log in with. A very high-quality, fun, and engaging learning tool.

"Art for Kids Hub" on YouTube - For a fun and engaging resource, check out the "Art for Kids Hub" channel on YouTube. It features step-by-step instructional videos on how to draw all sorts of things.

Think about possible careers and professions - Check out this career readiness resources page I put together a while back, featuring previously-published posts here on this blog, as well as content from other sites. If you're thinking about entering a trade and you reside in Wisconsin, learn about the Wisconsin Apprenticeship System.

Explore volunteer opportunities - Check out this previous post I wrote about the many benefits of volunteer work. Volunteering can provide a wealth of opportunities for learning new skills, strengthening skills, making meaningful connections through networking, gaining new perspectives, sharing talents, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Prepare for the ACT and/or SAT - It's never too early to begin preparing for these tests. Check out this page I put together a while back with various resources, ideas, and strategies to help you prepare for these very important college admissions tests and ultimately get the best score(s) you can. If you start early enough, even years earlier, then your preparation work won't feel like a burden, you'll perhaps even improve your overall grades and performance in your classes, and you most likely won't have to worry about retakes! And yes, these tests are still relevant.

Learn a new language, or make the time and effort to strengthen and deepen your existing language skills - The ability to communicate in another language is a highly-desirable, and hence marketable, skill to have.

Learn, practice, and master cursive handwriting skills - Two wonderful and free resources are ConsistentCursive.com and K5learning.com. ConsistentCursive.com is a course created by cursive handwriting expert David DiGiovanni, who has over 100 videos on YouTube teaching cursive. You can check out his videos and follow his YouTube channel @PerfectBiscuits. K5learning.com offers an extensive variety of cursive worksheets readily available for download.

Research a country - Is there another country whose people, culture, cuisine, history, language, and economy capture your curiosity? Gather facts, photos, and relevant video links, and put together a nice presentation on your chosen country using a slide deck format like Google Slides or PowerPoint. Give a presentation to your family just as you would to your classmates or any other audience. This is a wonderful learning opportunity allowing you to build on a variety of relevant life and career skills, like research and fact-finding, conveying information and ideas, public speaking, writing, creativity, and educating others. For more fun ideas, check out this post on how you can travel the world without leaving home.

Let's plan a trip! - I took this idea from a wonderful social studies course by the same name (Let's Plan a Trip!) that I assisted in during my district's summer school this past summer (you can read more about that here). Similar to the above idea of researching a country, but with a slightly different focus. With this idea, you research one or more countries as if you're getting ready to actually visit them as a tourist. Where will you stay? How will you get there, and how much will this transportation cost you (for example, your flight ticket)? Who will you bring with you on the trip? What's your overall budget? What kind of activities and sightseeing would you like to do?

 

Take courses on Udemy - Udemy is an awesome site. You can read my review of this wonderful learning platform here.

Learn financial literacy - Financial literacy is so very, very important. Learn how to save and budget. Learn how to plan for emergencies. Learn how to spend wisely. Learn about investing and preparing for retirement. Understand how the decisions you make today about money will impact the rest of your life, either positively or negatively. The earlier you begin learning these crucial lessons and begin implementing good strategies and habits, the better for you and your loved ones. The personal finance category here at my blog helps keep track of my posts about money, saving, wise spending and looking for deals, retirement planning, etc.

Work on SMART goals - Use this precious time to write and begin work on career-related, education-related, health and fitness -related, and life goals using the SMART goal format.

Khan Academy - (www.khanacademy.org) Launched by Sal Khan, a Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) –educated former hedge fund analyst, the Khan Academy is a free online education platform, with instruction by Khan himself, all by video. The Web site features an extensive variety of courses and tutorials in areas like math, science and engineering, computer programming, arts and humanities, economics and finance, test prep, career exploration, the college admissions process, and a lot more. Within the economics and finance course offerings, Khan has a subcategory devoted to entrepreneurship, featuring exclusive interviews and conversations he conducts with top entrepreneurs and business leaders.

TED Talks - (www.ted.com) Featuring brief talks via video by a plethora of business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, writers, philosophers, scientists, and subject matter experts of all kinds, TED bills itself as “Ideas worth spreading”. From its Web site:

TED is a nonpartisan nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 110 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.

Documentaries - Every so often, I enjoy borrowing documentaries on DVD from my local public library on a variety of subjects. I'll also check out the offerings from time to time on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and the History Channel. If you love the game of baseball, and its fascinating history and legendary characters, I highly recommend Ken Burns' Baseball. I've loaned out a couple of times now another documentary by Ken Burns called Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies, which not only explores current therapies to combat this dreadful disease, but also takes us through the history of cancer fighting and the pioneering doctors and scientists whose groundbreaking work and ideas have gotten us to where we are today. Through documentaries, I've learned about Milwaukee's Italian-American community, the 2008 financial crisis, the lives and times of captains of industry, the education system, the history of American cars, and, now that I work in schools and usually with a number of special education students throughout the day, various learning and emotional and behavioral challenges. Most recently, I've enjoyed a couple documentaries on Netflix by The Minimalists.

Make sure to work your local public library into your learning routine - Speaking of libraries, are there book clubs or reading programs you can join? Makerspace opportunities? Upcoming speakers and presentations that capture your interest? Art contests? Possibilities and opportunities are virtually endless at the good ol' local public library.

Conversations - That's right, conversations. Simply talking with others. Interested in exploring a particular career? Wondering how college life is like and what the college admissions process entails? Looking to take up a hobby? Curious about how a particular product is made or how a process works? Fascinated about what it's like to serve in the military and wanting to learn more? Wanting to meet new people and get more involved in your community but not sure where to begin? You can get some answers to these and other questions by striking up conversations with people you already know. Examples include your parents and siblings, your friends' parents and siblings, teachers, coaches, classmates, neighbors, your employer and co-workers, aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents.

Newspapers and magazines - Keeping up with events and developments in the broader world around you can potentially prove beneficial for you in numerous ways. Having a decent working knowledge base of news and trends in technology, the economy, government and politics, business, trade, education, and world affairs can position you ahead of the competition in the workplace.

Explore AmazingEducationalResources.com - This website, now listing nearly 2,000 resources, was first launched in the early days of COVID-19, back in March-April 2020 or so. My blog is listed on the site, too. You can search by grade level (Pre-K on up to Adult Learning) or by category/academic subject. You'll discover a large, assorted variety of learning games, lesson plans, video content, ideas, and activities to engage with. Most resources listed in this powerful and growing directory are free, while some you'll have to pay for. Other resources may offer a combination of both.

Worksheets, worksheets, and more worksheets - There are many websites out there offering worksheets, workbooks, complete lesson plans, learning activities and games, etc. Here are some sites I'm familiar with in my daily work, and can, therefore, highly recommend: Education.com, MathWorksheets4Kids.com, TLSBooks.com, Math-Aids.com, and WorksheetWorks.com. Some of these sites are free, while others are subscription-based at very reasonable prices.

Television - Not all TV is brain-rotting. In fact, some of it can have quite the opposite effect. Check out this list of The Top 15 Educational TV Shows for Kids of All Ages. 

 

What are some other ideas, resources, and strategies that can be utilized during these tragic times of school closures and lost learning? What are we missing here? Please feel free to share in the Comments section below!

Career guide for persons with disabilities

Technology to Jumpstart Your Career: A Guide for Persons with Disabilities

Photo credit: Pexels.com

Persons with disabilities are historically underrepresented in the workplace, but the good news is that things are looking up. As the National Science Foundation reveals, technology is accelerating disability inclusion in the working world. If you are a person living with a disability, you can harness the power of cutting-edge innovations to improve your job opportunities and climb the career ladder. Presented by Mr. Robertson’s Corner, the following guide explains how persons with disabilities can use cutting-edge tools to get ahead in their professional lives.

Leverage technology to start a home-based business

Commuting to an office can be difficult if you have a physical disability that impedes your mobility. Why not work from home by starting your own business? Rolling Without Limits offers a list of home business ideas for disabled persons, from online trading to selling handmade crafts on Etsy.

When running a home-based business, the right software and hardware can make things easier. For example, a voice-activated assistant can help with everyday tasks like dictating messages. Small Biz Daily provides a roundup of useful technologies for home-based businesses, including time tracking tech, cloud-based storage, and collaboration apps. These innovations will save you time by streamlining your daily operations.

Whatever business endeavor you pursue, consider how you can use your disability to your advantage. Tuts+ explains that you have a competitive edge thanks to the unique life experience you possess. Make the most of it. For example, you may have a one-of-a-kind perspective on problems in your community or be able to identify unmet needs that you can address with a special product or service.

Rely on internet innovations to hire freelancers to support your business

Many entrepreneurs get hung up on the idea of doing it all themselves. The fact is that if you take a total DIY approach to your business, you're bound to burn out. Hiring freelancers such as web developers via online platforms can help alleviate the burden. If you’re unsure of freelance web developer rates, do a little research online; on average, freelance web developers make between $15 and $30 per hour, though these rates will vary.

Collaboration is also critical when managing a freelance team. Technology can help here too. Invision App provides a list of the top collaboration tools for remote workers. Options include the chat app Slack, video conferencing tool Zoom, and project management tool Trello. Git Lab explains that these technologies can support asynchronous communication, which may be necessary for remote teams.

Gain the skills you need to thrive as an entrepreneur via remote learning

Starting your own business can be scary at times. Equipping yourself with the right knowledge and skills will help quell any anxiety you may be having. According to the World Economic Forum, remote learning opportunities have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. This is excellent news for people with disabilities. You are no longer reliant on physically accessible spaces to get the education you need.

You can rely on digital education to sharpen your accounting skills, improve your leadership abilities, or enhance your marketing knowledge. There are many opportunities for growth. Technology doesn't just connect you with digital classrooms. It can also help with the practical aspects of learning. For example, if you have impaired vision, a screen reader can help you get information from your computer screen so you can keep up with your classes.

As a person with a disability, you face unique challenges in the working world. However, you also have a one-of-a-kind perspective that you can use to your advantage. The right technologies can help support your business’s success.

2020 was the best year of my life

From chaos, order. From noise, silence. From downtime, the opportunity to learn, learn, and learn. Here's how I made 2020 work for me.

Aaron S. Robertson 

Around a couple of weeks ago, I was having a phone conversation with my financial advisor. Actually, we were meeting on Zoom, one of the new things I learned how to do in 2020 (I'll get to that a little later). During our conversation, we landed on the subject of 2020 for a little bit. I told her that I felt kind of strange for saying and feeling this, but 2020 was actually perhaps the best year I've ever had, for a variety of reasons. She told me that I actually wasn't alone in feeling this way. She's been hearing the same talk from others.

Yes, it's true. And sure, I've occasionally joined family, friends, co-workers, and the social media and meme universes in generically bashing 2020. After all, there can be no ambiguity about it - it was, generally speaking, one hell of an unusual and chaotic ride, and that's quite an understatement. But with chaos comes opportunity, and the more I reflected on the year as we arrived closer to its end, the more I really am convinced that 2020 was indeed perhaps the best year of my life. With all the mayhem the year introduced, I sought to forcefully and skillfully match it with just as much order and clarity.

"You never knocked me down, 2020. You never got me down." --

World middleweight champion Jake LaMotta (1922-2017), the "Raging Bull,"

in reference to Sugar Ray Robinson never being able to knock him out.

  

Chaotic and uncertain times, and life in general, are what you make of it. Never forget that. It's all what you make of it. You can't always control every outcome and event, but you are always able to be in full command of your response. And I actively chose to take advantage of all the havoc and the down time it brought with it this year to learn new subjects, sharpen skills, gain new insights, take my strategic thinking abilities to the next level, become familiar with newer technologies, and make new connections.

Here are the main highlights of my 2020 -

At the end of February/beginning of March, I started the envelope budgeting system as one of several key strategies I would go on to implement throughout the course of the year to gain better control over my finances. While I was somewhat familiar with the concepts behind this old-school system for many years, it wasn't until I started assisting students in a high school personal finance class last semester that I finally committed to trying this out. And it has helped me immensely. Check out this post I wrote back on March 4 about the envelope budgeting system. This goes to show you that you're never too old to learn anything. I was learning this system right alongside high school students. And it's working for me. 

When schools closed and went online back in March for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, those of us who were working as hourly aides suddenly found ourselves wondering about our job security. Will our hours be cut? Will we be laid off and forced to hit the unemployment line? These were real and sincere questions we were facing. But to our pleasant surprise, the school district I have the privilege and honor of serving committed to keeping all of us working our regular schedules. The deal was that, when we weren't meeting with students online, we were expected to work on professional development activities and document our progress to HR. For me, this took on the form of reading a number of books and articles, writing reflections and essays (some of which became blog posts that I will share at the end of this post), watching a variety of training videos, and fulfilling continuing education requirements for my substitute teaching license. I'm very grateful to my school district for keeping us working. I'll never forget it. Not only was I blessed to be able to continue earning my regular income, but I was also given this incredible opportunity in all this chaos to deepen my understanding of various issues, challenges, trends, and debates in K-12 education today, along with learning new strategies to aid me in being more effective in the classroom. It was certainly time well spent. I learned things that I might never have been able to learn otherwise with my "normal" work schedule, simply due to a lack of time and opportunity in the typical day. Aides I know in other school districts weren't as fortunate. They either had their hours cut or were laid off outright.

At the end of April, while reminiscing on my childhood, I published this piece on figure skater Oksana Baiul. I caught her attention on Twitter for it, which was a fun surprise, and we ended up tweeting back and forth a little bit that day. Some day, I would love to interview her (you can check out my noteworthy interviews here). I'm sure she has a lot of valuable advice and insights to share with youngsters, particularly girls and young women, about chasing their dreams.

In mid-June, I had a phone conversation with one of my former professors. A political science professor from my days as an undergraduate student at Cardinal Stritch University, he has taught now for many years at the U.S. Naval War College in Rhode Island. I sought out his counsel on the subject of my doctoral dissertation. Originally, I wanted to do my dissertation on something in the realm of organizational culture, but I decided to take a new direction, and I was looking to return to my roots in political science. He planted a seed in my mind: China. With U.S. - China relations growing increasingly intense and China's power on the rise, many scholars predict we have entered, or will soon be entering, a new cold war. Some are speculating that we could eventually see actual combat. The seed he planted in my mind during this discussion would soon sprout into some viable ideas for my dissertation studies.

Summer: I traded in my usual summer itinerary of Milwaukee Brewers games, car shows, outdoor live music, the church festival scene, backyard barbecues, and the Wisconsin State Fair for the opportunity to learn all I could about China - its Communist Party leadership, Confucian philosophy, economy, artificial intelligence (AI) goals, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), general history, how it's managing the COVID pandemic, its relations with other countries, etc. I did a lot of reading, watching documentaries, and so on. Simultaneously, I did a lot of research in the field of International Relations, becoming familiar with its key theories, concepts, and debates. I joke that I discovered just how much of a bitter realist I am. Among many other works, I finally got around to reading in its entirety The Prince by Machiavelli, and I even fit in The Art of War by Sun Tzu and the History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides.

August: I discovered the Web site Udemy.com. Udemy, in short, is an online learning platform allowing you to take video courses on a wide variety of subjects taught by experts from all over the world. You can read my full review of Udemy for more detailed information. I highly recommend looking into it. Anyway, among other courses I took, there were several in the field of International Relations taught by Dr. Kamil Zwolski. Kamil teaches at the University of Southampton, in the United Kingdom. His courses are informative and engaging, and they really complemented and enhanced what I was already learning up to that point. Kamil and I have started a correspondence, and we connected on LinkedIn and Twitter. Starting this month, in January, I'm taking a six-week seminar-style course he's teaching on International Relations theory. To show you how committed I am to the subject, I have to be up by 4am for six straight Saturdays so that I can catch him lecturing live at 11am his time in the UK! He recently launched his own Web site and blog devoted to the subject of International Relations, which you can check out by clicking here.

Learning new technologies: Working in education, I had to quickly become familiar with tools like Google Meet and Zoom on the fly. I also had to learn some other meeting apps and online communications tools for things like doctor appointments and professional development webinars. These are all tools and resources I never really had to use or think about before the pandemic hit. Now I know how to use them. Another learning opportunity in the chaos.

An education in viruses and the immune system: I probably learned more than I ever need or want to know about viruses, but, nonetheless, I'm now more educated on the subject. Actually, I found most of it to be quite fascinating, for someone who's usually not very much interested in the natural sciences. I also learned a few new things about the immune system, including the vital roles that Vitamin D and zinc play in it. Now, it always seems like the go-to vitamin for boosting one's immune system is Vitamin C. That's the one vitamin we frequently hear and talk about. No doubt, C is a key building block for the immune system. But, perhaps due to marketing gimmicks and packaging, C has managed to take too much of the spotlight, drowning out other vitamins and nutrients that are also important for immune system health, particularly Vitamin D. No wonder we're all deficient in it.

Dr. House: Near the end of the year, I rediscovered the TV series House on Amazon Prime. Prime has all eight seasons. Man, I love that show. I share House's dark humor, sarcasm, deep thinking, and eccentricities. Or does he share mine?

Bobby Fischer, chess, and checkers: At the very end of the year, literally within the last couple of weeks or so, I finally saw the 2014 movie Pawn Sacrifice, starring Tobey Maguire as the eccentric, reclusive, and demanding Bobby Fischer, who defeated Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union in 1972 to be crowned world champion of chess. Here's an interesting article from BBC.com, written in 2011, about Bobby Fischer. I was never interested in chess, and Bobby Fischer's name barely registered in my mind prior to seeing the movie. I now want to learn the game. It's on my radar to study one of these days soon. In the meantime, I rekindled an interest in checkers.

 

Here's a full-length HBO documentary on Bobby Fischer from 2011. It's entitled Bobby Fischer Against the World.

 

 

In closing, here are those blog posts I mentioned earlier that I wrote as part of my professional development regimen at the end of last school year. Happy reading, and Happy New Year! Here's to you and your loved ones for a safe, blessed, and prosperous 2021!

ADHD

Dyslexia

Emotional Disturbance

Fun activity with your favorite song

Fun activity with a favorite video game 

The real purpose of K-12 education

Building your own personal economy

The success and beauty in failure

Building intergenerational connections

Reading comprehension skills

Udemy review

As promised in a previous post, "My summer 2020," here is my detailed post about an online learning Web site I discovered over the summer called Udemy.

As I explained in that prior post about my summer, I recently decided to change course for my Ph.D. dissertation. Rather than studying and writing about organizational culture, I decided to return to my political science roots (political science was my major for my bachelor's degree) by exploring China in the context of international relations (IR). More specifically, I'm interested in China's artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, and how China's quest for dominance in this realm, among others, may lead to a significant shift in IR, including the possibility of a cold war that some experts predict. This change of course happened as the result of a couple in-depth, thought-provoking conversations I had in recent months with a former professor of mine from my political science studies as an undergrad.

Anyway, a couple months ago, back in August, as a part of my dive into international relations (IR), I discovered Udemy.com. Now, I had seen quite a few ads and mentions about this site across the Internet in the past, but I suppose I never gave it much thought. Finally, one day in August, I caved in and decided to take a closer look to find out what this site is all about and what it has to offer. I'm really glad I did that. What a really neat site. 

So, what is Udemy?

In a nutshell, Udemy is an online learning platform that brings teachers and learners together from all around the world through video lectures, discussions, and downloadable resources like selected readings, notes, slides, and even e-books. Now, when I say "teachers," I use that term broadly here. I'm not talking specifically about licensed K-12 educators or university professors, although some of them certainly are. Many of those who are teaching on Udemy are professionals working in a particular field or industry. They possess expertise in a subject, and they're simply passionate about teaching that subject to others. They may be engineers, filmmakers, lawyers, photographers, Web developers and computer programmers, investment bankers and financial professionals, intelligence analysts, artists, architects, business executives, negotiators, Microsoft Excel pros, etc., etc., etc.

Even you can teach on Udemy, and earn income doing it. Here's how. 

How much do these courses cost? 

The vast majority of courses on Udemy have a cost. Some are free. The paid courses will get you a certificate of completion at the end, among other perks that we'll get to shortly. The free courses do not offer a certificate.

Now, if you browse through the site, you're going to see that many of these courses carry a price tag of $90-$100 or more. Don't be alarmed. The site often runs days-long sales at deep discounts. All the courses I've purchased so far were at these sale prices, ranging from $11.99-$13.99. 

What are the perks that come with the paid courses?

• Online video content
• Certificate of completion
• Instructor Q&A 
• Instructor direct message
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Free access to the course for life, including any updates made, and no matter if you paid full price or a sale price
  

The free courses only come with the online video content.

My experience with Udemy so far

Since August, I've taken several courses, most of them taught by Ph.D. professors, on various aspects of international relations. So far, I've brushed up on U.S.-Russia relations, various IR theories, and NATO, all while continuing to explore China's rise. I've even taken a couple courses on intelligence analysis, taught by a retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col.

I'm really impressed so far with Udemy's platform, and I highly recommend the site for anyone looking to build new skills or strengthen existing ones. The site's interface is clean and crisp, and everything is easy to find and navigate through. I can tell that the teachers I've had so far have really put forth a lot of time and effort into their courses. I've even connected with a couple of them on LinkedIn and Twitter. It's money well-spent, and all courses are backed by a guarantee.

There's so much to explore here. When I find some additional time one of these days, I have several other courses waiting for me to start. I purchased them all in another big sale recently. They include, among others, the art of negotiating, an intro to international security, the fundamentals of submarine engineering, and even a course designed by a business professor who promises the equivalent of a complete MBA degree's worth of education all in his one course.