How Much Do Computers Cost

How Much Do Computers Cost How Much Should You Spend on a Computer? ChaptersEssential IT EquipmentChoosing IT EquipmentProfessional Budgets v. Personal BudgetsThe Average Costs of IT ComponentsThe price of a computer can vary between £200 and £4,000 because each computer can have a very specific function. While this might seem like quite the investment, how much should a computer cost?Did you know that, on average, a business spends 16% of their budget on their IT systems?Whether you’re buying a new computer for an individual or for business purposes, your budget for IT equipment can vary a lot.So what devices are we talking about? What is a reasonable price? What extra costs do we need to consider?In this article, you’ll find the answers to all these questions. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 ( 17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free! Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsEssential IT EquipmentChoosing between a desktop computer and a laptop is often the first question you’ll ask yourself. It can be difficult to choose between portability and comfort when working. Of course, the computer isn’t the only thing you need to consider when it comes to working. Let’s have quick look at the other components you need to consider.You can get so much work done with the right computer. (Source: StartupStockPhotos)Screens and PeripheralsWhen you buy a computer, there are a number of things you have to buy in order for it to work like a screen, a keyboard, and a tower, at least. If you’re buying a notebook, all of these are built into one.In general, it’s a good idea to get your harddisks at the same time since you’ll need them to quickly and effectively save your data.You’ll also need to consider:A sound card, to listen to music, use Skype, and eve n watch films.A specific monitor with/without a built-in webcam.A card readerA CD/DVD writer.Accessories: Keyboard, Mouse, SpeakersThere are other accessories you might need to consider buying for your computer such as:Bluetooth keyboard, if you’re going to do away with cables and wires.Wireless, wired, or gaming mice, depending on your needs.A power cable.If you’re making videos or if you like watching series and films on your computer, a good set of speakers might be a must.For more info about computers, check out our complete computer guide  and if you're undecided between a Mac or a Windows computer, have a look at our guide.Other IT EquipmentSometimes there’s equipment that you wouldn’t typically think of:A photocopierA printerA scannerThese items can be useful. Of course, these are an ongoing investment as you have to buy ink cartridges and paper. A household could spend around £100 a year on them.Of course, you can also pay for an extended warranty in a lot of places that can set you back about £40.Choosing IT EquipmentThe IT equipment you choose depends on a number of factors including your needs, what’s available, and your budget. Here’s some useful advice for those choosing what to buy.A computer for work doesn't need to be the same as a computer for personal use. (Source: StartupStockPhotos)Define Your NeedsThere are a number of reasons for buying computer systems:Research and studyWork or managing a businessUsing social mediaFor fun and gamingTypical IT functionality like word-processingTo improve staff productivityThere are many different PC brands and some have a better reputation than others. A lot of people know that computers running Microsoft Windows are usually better for playing online but Apple is famous for graphic design. If you travel a lot, you might want to take a lightweight MacBook over an Asus laptop, for example. The most common laptop brands include:AsusDellHPLenovoAcerMacThe two main OS you can buy are Apple or Mic rosoft, check our comparative guide. You can also see if you need a PC or a laptop.Work Out the Pros of Each DeviceThe goal, when choosing computer components, is to find the best value for money. If you use your computer every day, you might want to favour quality components. On the other hand, if you rarely use your computer, it’s not worthwhile spending a fortune on it.For example, computers for professional use won’t be of the same quality (or price) as those for personal use. This is normal because professionals demand more!For example, if you want to play games online, you’ll want to focus on the processor (dual core or quad core?) and graphics cards: you’ll want something like a 1.7GHz Intel Core i7 (or an Intel Core i5, at least). In terms of graphics, you probably will want at least 4gb of RAM. Of course, you’ll want at least a Full HD screen, too.Making Your ChoiceThere are three main criteria when choosing IT equipment:Performance needsDevice storage capacitiesB udgetYou can compare different models and prices online. Some brands and stores also offer promotions when buying PCs, such as including Microsoft Office for free. There’s always a way to save a few quid.Given that I work from home, I have to make my decisions mainly based on performance and my needs. It’s important that to be able to replace any component as my needs change. I also need a resistant, portable, and reliable computer that won’t constantly crash. While I use a PC, there are a number of Apple products that have caught my eye as a replacement.Some people find the MacBook Pro quite heavy and can sometimes take its time when opening programmes. I would personally opt for a second-hand MacBook Air. You can get older models for half the average price. They’re also very light and easy to transport.Professional Budgets v. Personal BudgetsFor professionals, IT systems are a work tool. According to a URSSAF study, 97% of self-employed workers have a computer and 54% of t hem have both a desktop PC and a laptop. That means that the two are used in complementary ways.If you work from home, you may need one or several computers. (Source: Free-Photos)Of course, you may need cloud storage (with some services offering up to 1Tb of storage). Computers for professionals range between £500 and £2,000 on average.Buying a computer for yourself is different from buying one for a business. If you only need a computer to do PowerPoint presentations, you can get very affordable entry-level laptops. If you need specific programmes like iMovie on the MacBook Pro, you’ll probably need to spend a bit more.You also need to choose components based on your needs. It’s probably not worthwhile investing in a photocopier if you have one at work. An individual will usually spend between £200 and £1,500 on their computer.On average, an individual can expect to spend a few hundred pounds on computers. How much are you willing to spend?If you are new to computers, you m ight want to consider taking computer courses so you have a better idea of how you are going  to use your computer - that way you will know what you need when buying your computer.The Average Costs of IT ComponentsIt’s difficult to put together an exhaustive list of IT components and their price given how many brands and formats there are. We’ve got a few average prices for you. We need to take the main purchases into consideration:LaptopsPCs with a screen, keyboard, tower, and mouseAccessories like speakersBasic printers. You should check out the official websites and get reconditioned and refurbished models from the manufacturer without having to buy from private sellers.Your budget is definitely not going to be pennies. (Source: 127071)You also need to consider repair costs. On average, someone changes their computer four times throughout their life. However, in some cases, you have to get them repaired. You might need to:Repair a hard driveRestore lost dataReplace a broken m onitorReplace a PC caseUpdate antivirus software or firewallPC repairs can cost anywhere between £30 and £150 per hour. That should be enough to make you take care of your hardware.Did you know that Macs are less susceptible to viruses?You should be safer with Apple, then. However, it can cost you much more for repairs and replacing components.There are also all-in-one desktop computers available if you're short on space but don't need to take your computing outside of the house. These can still connect to peripheral devices but come as a single unit.If you're putting together your own computer from scratch, your motherboard (the main circuit board) will be one of your most important decisions as this will define the maximum RAM and CPU speed you can have in your personal computer. It will also define how many ports you have for expansions and other devices. A laptop computer can't install anywhere near as many upgrades as a desktop. In fact, this is why it's more common to have a gaming desktop rather than a laptop as you can futureproof it more easily.For those not particularly familiar with computers, it might be worthwhile investing in tablets as they're far more intuitive and better than a home computer for casually browsing the internet.You should now have a better idea about buying computer equipment for you or your business. Make sure you take your time when deciding what to buy. Make sure to check out our other articles on different computer brands, which operating systems you should choose, and which type of computer you should choose.

Tips on How to Learn Italian Fast and Effectively

Tips on How to Learn Italian Fast and Effectively Brooke Neuman Do you want to learn Italian fast, yet effectively? In addition to taking Italian lessons with an experienced teacher, there are other ways to speed up the language learning process. All it takes is some creativity, dedication, and practice. Below are five fun tips and tricks on how to learn Italian fast. Find our Borrowed Italian Words Believe it or not, you already know quite a bit of Italian! There are the obvious words like pizza, paparazzi, and graffiti. But did you know about cello, cupola, and stanza? Just like a game of hide and seek, see if you can recognize and identify these words in everyday life! Once you start looking for them, you’ll be surprised by how much Italian you actually know. Watch Italian Television and Movies Another way to learn Italian is to watch Italian television and movies. The dialogue can happen very quickly and sometimes be difficult to follow, so its always a good idea to watch with English subtitles. When watching, be sure to pay attention to how the actors pronounce words and phrases, and follow along with the text. Also, repeating what you hear can help to improve your pronunciation! Subscribe to Italian Blogs and Magazines Find an Italian blog or magazine that highlights one of your favorite hobbies or interests. If you enjoy sports or travel, for example, find a magazine or blog that’s dedicated to that subject. Since you’re already familiar with the topic, you’ll be able to easily identify common words and phrases. Becoming Italian Word by Word is a great place to start. They cover Italian vocabulary, current events, and history. We also recommend checking out Live Like an Italian, a blog devoted to Italian lifestyle, culture, fashion, art, travel, and gastronomy. Theres always something new to learn and a yummy recipe to try out!  When youre trying to figure out how to learn Italian fast, remember that reading in Italian will not only help you expand your vocabulary, but it will also help you perfect your grammar skills. Write Your To-Do List in Italian Want to practice your Italian writing skills? Just like when learning any new language, you must take gender, conjunctions, and accent marks into consideration when  writing in Italian. An accent mark put in the wrong place can alter the entire meaning of a word or phrase! Try writing out your daily to-do or grocery list in Italian. This is a wonderful way to practice basic vocabulary and brush up on your writing and grammar skills. Throw an Italian-themed Night Who said that learning Italian can’t be fun? Bring your friends and family in on the fun by throwing an Italian-themed night! Cook an authentic Italian meal and watch an Italian film (remember the subtitles!). This is an excellent opportunity to practice your Italian vocabulary and pronunciation. Greet your guests with a friendly Benvenuto al mio partito! (Welcome to my party!),  and encourage your friends and family to test out their own Italian speaking skills by labeling common household items and food in Italian. Learning how to speak Italian doesn’t happen overnight. So watch movies, play with words, consider taking private lessons, and above all, have fun!  These are just a few tips about how to learn Italian fast do you have any tricks youve used to further your knowledge? Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

When to Visit Porto

When to Visit Porto When Is the Best Time to Visit Porto? ChaptersWhen Should You Go to Porto?When You Should Go to Porto: Events throughout the YearHow Long Should You Spend in Porto?“To Travel is to Live” - Hans Christian AndersenPortugal is one of the most popular countries when it comes to holidays. With its typical little streets, relaxing on the beach by the Atlantic Ocean, and Azulejo, there’s a broad Portuguese culture to discover and Porto embodies it all!Portugal welcomes 11.5 million tourists a year and a good number of them go to Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Portugal’s second city.This is hardly surprising, with wine cellars, cruises along the River Douro, and the historic centre, Porto’s perfect for a city breaks or longer stays.Just like most European cities, certain times of the year are better than others.So when is the best time of the year to visit Porto?In this article, we're going to look at when you should visit Porto, when the weather's at its best, events going on in the city, and how long you sho uld spend visiting Portugal's second city. IrineuPortuguese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GabrielaPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanaPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouisePortuguese Teacher 5.00 (2) £27/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RodrigoPortuguese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BlancaPortuguese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CarolinaPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (6) £11/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhen Should You Go to Porto?Porto is in the north of the country away from Lisbon and its trams and the heat of the Algarve. However, it still has some great attractions and fewer tourists. The cost of flights may also decide the best time to visit Porto. (Source: Gellinger)Visiting Porto is always a good idea, but there are a few things that you’ll need to consider before deciding when to go to Porto. Be it your budget, time constraints, work, what you want to do there, you need to consider several things before you plan your trip.According to the WeatherOf course, Porto is famous for having better weather than in the UK (Where isn't?).  While the winters aren’t bitter, certain seasons are still better than others.Like any good travel guide will tell you, the summer in Porto is warm and bearable thanks to the Douro river running through the city. However, everyone will have their preferences in terms of weather.In short, the best months to visit Porto are:AprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberWe wouldn’t necessarily tell you that the other months are out of the question, but December, January, and February are the coldest of the months of the year and als o when it rains the most.On the other hand, the hottest months are July, August, and September. If you want to go for a swim, you’ll want to go between June and October when the water’s welcoming.Find out more about the different areas of Porto.According to the SeasonThe second criterion you need to consider depends on the influx of tourists. The north of Portugal is becoming more and more popular thanks to flights from budget airlines making the region more accessible. Places are always nicer when they're in bloom. (Source: Nachnuch)Porto has seen an increase in tourism in recent years, making some periods very busy. Even if it’s nowhere near as busy as other tourist destinations, certain times of the year are better than others when it comes to getting places on a cruise down the Douro or a Port-tasting session in a wine cellar. After all, Port wine is from the city and many tourists will come just for that!As you’ll have understood, the most popular times of the year coincide with the best weather and the holidays across Europe (July and August).  If your objective is to visit Porto and its monuments like the Lello Bookstore and the Stock Exchange Building and you’re not that bothered by the weather, you’ll want to go when it’s not too busy.Spring is a great time to go to Porto and you can enjoy the charming old town with too many queues. It’s often beautiful in Porto!You might want to get Portuguese tutorials before you go!When You S hould Go to Porto: Events throughout the YearThe weather and other tourists aren’t the only criteria you need to consider when you visit Porto. Portugal’s second city has plenty of cultural events throughout the year for you to enjoy. With festivals, concerts, and other gatherings, when you visit Porto could be decided based on what’s happening in the city. You might want to visit Porto for a particular event. (Source: ruineves)As you’ll have understood, Porto is quieter in the winter. With concerts, festivals, and local events, you can enjoy even more Portuguese culture!  Of course, there are plenty of times throughout the year when you can enjoy Portuguese events.With so much going on throughout the year, why not make sure you’re there for them?If you’re interested in the busiest times of the cultural calendar, go during May, June, or July. You also need to think about how long to spend in Porto.Find Portuguese courses online.How Long Should You Spend in Porto?Porto is, as you’ll have gathered, a city with plenty of things to see and do where something’s always going on. You might be travelling with your family, partner, or friends, but struggling with planning what you want to do there.  Again, when you decide to go will also dictate how long to spend there. The amount of time you spend in Porto depends on what you want to do. (Source: olafpictures)If you’re heading to Porto in summer, you’ll need a bigger budget. In winter, things are cheaper but it's also colder. Generally, an influx of tourists leads to higher demand and, therefore, higher prices.Keep in mind that if you’re staying for a week, you’ll need more money for accommodation in Porto and transport in July than in October.However, if it’s the only time of the year you can go and you’re on a strict budget, have you thought about reducing the amount of time you go for?Porto in summer is worth it, though!On the other hand, it’ll be easier to find accommodation on a budget and visit the beaches without too many tourists. In this situation, you probably won’t want to go in the water as it’s around 15 degrees colder than in the summer.So what do you reckon?What you want to do and see in Porto will dictate how long you spend there. There are plenty of things to do i n Porto in winter including the wine cellars in Vila Nova, shopping in the old town, and visiting the monastery, for example. That said, if you want to do things like go for a cruise down the Douro and get some nice photos, you should go in summer.Since Porto is one of the nicest cities for a long weekend, it’s not great when it’s raining. Don’t forget that a lot of people visit Portugal for the sun!  That said, you can always enjoy a glass of Port after a walk along the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. You’ll always find something to do in Porto!Going to Porto is a great idea! However, what you want to do, your budget and the type of holiday you want will affect the best time to go! In short, there's always something going on in the summer but it’s cheaper and quieter in the winter.Don’t forget that Porto is a lively city throughout the year! Boa tarde!Whether you're visiting Portugal for the coastline, wine tasting, Roman ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or just as part of a trip around the Iberian Peninsula, it might be worthwhile to learn some of the language first. Fortunately for you, there are plenty of talented Portuguese tutors on Superprof!  There are three types of tutorial available, each with its advantages and disadvantages: group tutorials, online tutorials, and face-to-face tutorials.Group tutorials are great for those on a budget as you can share the cost of the tutor's time with the other students in attendance. However, you will get less one-on-one time with your tutor and receive more generalised tuition. It could be useful if you're going to Porto with a group of friends who'd all like to learn Portuguese!Similarly, online tutorials are good if you're on a budget as the tutor doesn't have to travel and can, therefore, charge less per hour. If you both have a webcam and a decent internet connection, you can get Portuguese tutorials from anywhere in the world. Your tutor might even be from Porto and happy to show you around the cit y once you get there.Finally, face-to-face tutorials are between you and the tutor. This is the most costly type of tutorial but it's also the most cost-effective. With these tutorials, you can get bespoke Portuguese lessons and learn exactly what you need to know. They'll work with your strengths and weaknesses and put together a course that will work for you!

Microeconomics Online Tutoring - Economics Tutors

Microeconomics Online Tutoring - Economics Tutors Microeconomics Help from Expert Online Tutors As the recent financial crisis demonstrated, trying to understand how the economy works can stump even the brightest minds. If you are having trouble completing your homework or preparing for your next test, Tutor Pace has online Microeconomics tutors who can supply your demand for help. Each tutor is an expert in their field, and we have tutors standing by 24/7 who are ready to help you. We Cover Everything You Need to Know Whether its supply and demand or consumer and producer theory, our tutors can untangle the web of terms and concepts that comprise Microeconomics. All of our tutors have experience taking difficult ideas and making them simple to understand for students. Monopolies, welfare, and equity will all be second nature once you work with Tutor Pace. Personalized Microeconomics Tutoring Unlike some other online tutoring companies, all of our tutoring sessions are a one-on-one interaction between a student and the tutor. You can get Microeconomics help anytime, 24/7, to help you complete you chapter homework or focus on a specific concept that gives you trouble. Tutor Pace gives you access to excellent tutors, a huge resource library, and recordings of your previous tutoring sessions in case you need to go over the lesson again. Its just another way we help you achieve your best grades ever.

Private Lessons Dont Need to Be Expensive - Heres How to Save

Private Lessons Dont Need to Be Expensive - Heres How to Save Suzy S. Want to learn how to play guitar? Speak a second language? Step up your selfie game with new photography skills? These days, there are plenty of ways to get started and many routes to reaching your goals. But if you want the best learning experience, theres no question that hands-on lessons and classes are the way to go. Sure, youve got options for online programs and video series that cost next to nothing. But for most students, working with a teacher one who will hold you accountable, correct your mistakes in real-time, and customize your lessons just for you is  well worth the price. Worried about your budget? Heres the good news: private lessons dont need to cost an arm and a leg! Keep reading to find out some of the ways our  budget-conscious students decrease their costs and make room for music lessons, language lessons, and more. Opt  for  online. Many TakeLessons teachers and tutors offer online lessons and our research has shown that, on average,  students taking online lessons spend  20% less than those taking in-studio lessons. Its a convenient option for both student and teacher: theres no need to commute anywhere, which saves you money on gas or public transportation. Moreover, online lessons allow you to work with teachers from all across the U.S., giving you more options for finding the right teacher, at a lesson price that works for you. Money-Saving Example:  If youre in a major city  and want to find cheap lessons, you might see  a teacher charging $35 for a 30-minute lesson, while an online teacher in another location might charge $25  for the same duration. If you take lessons once per week, this saves you $520 over the course of a year. Here are some example  prices from TakeLessons teachers: Teacher:  Julia H. Lesson location:  In studio  Seattle, WA Price:  $35 for a 30-minute lesson Teacher:  Kevin M. Lesson location:  Online Price:  $25 for a 30-minute lesson Choose your teacher based on price. For some students, finding a teacher who offers the right availability is important. For others, price is the most important. Thats why we leave it up to you:  we let our teachers set their own prices, so you can find the one that best suits your needs. And with our handy search filters, finding those teachers is easier than ever. Once you run your initial teacher search, youll be able to see their starting price for lessons immediately; click into their profile to see how their rates change by location and duration. Money-Saving Example:  If budget is a concern, even a $5 difference will add up over time. In fact, if youre taking weekly lessons, this saves you $260 over the course of a year. Keep in mind, though: the price a teacher sets doesnt indicate whether one is better than the other.  Your specific needs and goals should also influence your decision. Aiming to be the next breakout singer? Working with a vocal  teacher in Los Angeles or New York with experience in the industry might be non-negotiable for you. For others, you  might work best with a teacher who doesnt have 20+ years of experience, but is still enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Here are some examples of  how violin  lesson prices can vary by teacher: Teacher:  Leanna L. Lesson location:  In-studio Austin, TX Price:  $35 for a 30-minute lesson Teacher:  Megan  C. Lesson location:  In-studio Austin, TX Price:  $25 for a 30-minute lesson Adjust  lesson length frequency. Yes, learning a new skill takes time. But that doesnt mean you need to cram it in as a beginner! While some students  can certainly benefit from an hour (or longer!) lesson, most teachers agree that starting with a 30-minute lesson, once per week, is perfectly fine. (You can always bump it up when youre ready!) A shorter lesson time gives you the opportunity to really gauge your interest in the subject, without overwhelming yourself or overcommitting. Its also ideal for younger students, who have a shorter attention span and tend to get antsy during lessons. Another option, although risky, is to switch your weekly lessons to every other week. Heres the kicker: if you must go this  route, most teachers will recommend upping your commitment to practicing outside of the lessons. To stay on track, youll need to supplement your lessons with other learning methods, such as online classes or  apps. Money-Saving Example: If youre looking for cheap lessons, consider booking a 30-minute timeslot to start. Youll likely see a $10-$15 difference in price compared to the 60-minute timeslot, which saves you $780 over the course of a year. Here is an example of guitar lesson prices based on lesson length: Teacher Brian P. Lesson Location:  In-studio Culver City, CA Price:  $40 for a 30-minute lesson $45 for a 45-minute lesson $55 for a 60-minute lesson Shop around for your materials and gear. Most hobbies require some additional purchases: instruments and books for music students, cameras and software for photography students, mats and workout gear  for yoga students, and so on. And those materials  can add a good chunk of change to your learning expenses, theres no doubt about it. The good news is, its totally OK to start out slow and postpone  the pricey purchases until later, after youve been learning for a while. As a beginner music student, for example, it’s not necessary to buy a brand new top-of-the-line instrument.  Used instruments can be just as good as new ones, depending on how well the previous owner cared for it. Younger students can also rent instruments from local music shops. Ask your friends or family if they have extra instruments they arent using, or look on eBay, Craigslist, or Amazon for used instruments at heavily discounted prices. Your teacher  can also be a  great resource for this;  before you book your lessons, feel free to use our  Ask a Question feature  to get their  insight and recommendations. Hold yourself accountable. The best way to save money on lessons is to avoid wasting your money. Weve shared how to stop  wasting money on language lessons, specifically, and that  also applies to music lessons, art lessons, and everything else! Hold yourself accountable and commit  to practicing in between your lessons. As you practice, take notes of what youre struggling with, so you can review it  with your teacher. And during your lessons, stay focused! Youre paying  for your teachers time and expertise, so make the most of it. Mastering a new skill can be a  fantastic  experience. And when youre speaking Spanish fluently, performing a killer guitar solo in front of a crowd, or simply feeling confident at karaoke night, youll realize those lessons were money well spent. Thousands of students have started new hobbies  and  reached their goals with TakeLessons teachers will you be next? Photo by  Andrea Rose Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

If You Have a Job Why do You Need to Use LinkedIn - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / If You Have a Job… Why do You Need to Use LinkedIn - Introvert Whisperer If You Have a Job… Why do You Need to Use LinkedIn? Most of the commentary about LinkedIn usually has to do to with job search, yet those with a job can also benefit from the use of LinkedIn, if they have any plans for career growth.   Four things you can accomplish with LinkedIn easier than ever before are: Nurture your existing network Expand your network Extend and reinforce your personal brand Entertain career opportunities = Get Recruited Do you know what your next career step is? I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" CLICK HERE! Let’s look at why these things are important to anyone with career growth goals. 1. Nurture your existing network. Your relationships with your co-workers can help you in countless ways. They can help you negotiate the political waters, educate you on multitudes of things and help you accomplish projects.   You can’t do it alone.   A key commodity we trade off as part of our relationships is information.   Your co-workers and others you know outside of work will always benefit by introducing them through LinkedIn to people you think they could benefit by knowing.   Additional advantages come through sharing valuable information about your profession or industry that you will get shared with you by your LI connections and groups you join. 2. Expand your network.  Who can’t use a few more relationships?   All of us can.   The people we know today will come in and out of our life (although keeping track of them or finding them again in LinkedIn is a great feature) making it important to constantly be meeting new people.   It’s all too easy to get in our jobs and ignore the outside world, but you can’t afford to do that anymore.   You need to make connections to your peers in other companies and perhaps even other industries.   You can more easily find these people in LinkedIn groups.   If you’re sitting there wondering what you would do if you met a peer at another company, I think the best action is to benchmark with each other.   It will expand your creative thoughts about your work when you can see other best practices.   The boss will think you’re brilliant. 3. Extend and reinforce your personal brand.  You can’t and shouldn’t hide your expertise.   Many people either think their work speaks for itself or that talking about their expertise is bragging.   First, you can’t count on who will observe your great accomplishments, so it is your job to help people know what you’ve accomplished.   Second, bragging has many characteristics to it, but mostly it is boastful, arrogant and excessive. You are smart enough to avoid doing that obnoxious behavior.   By extending your brand on LinkedIn, you help people to understand who you are in more depth rather than simply categorizing you based on your profession.   In LinkedIn, you can define your brand all over the place in your profile and you can weigh in on your industry and profession in LinkedIn groups, which will further allow people to see what you bring to the party.   This also gives you valuable visibility. 4. Entertain career opportunities and get recruited.    A well constructed LI profile and active group participation on LinkedIn can garner you ongoing recruiting inquiries.   Of course, this does great things for your ego, but it is also good to help you understand what’s out there that can help support your career direction.   You can easily become too enmeshed in the dynamics of your current company; and sometimes need a reminder of your worth.   Certainly, when the time comes for you to look for a job the effort to launch your job search will be greatly reduced if you already have a pipeline of interested companies. LinkedIn is a great, professional website that can support you in all facets of your career from job search to career growth and into business ownership. Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.   Grab yours by visiting: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential.

How Parents Can Help Children Prepare for Assessment Tests

How Parents Can Help Children Prepare for Assessment Tests How Parents Can Help Children Prepare for Assessment Tests These days, helping your student strengthen his or her test-taking skills takes on new meaning if you live in a state that has adopted the Common Core State Standardsand the standards newly aligned assessment tests. Two consortiums are currently creating the next generation of assessments to measure students progress toward college and career readiness (the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) and the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC)). That means that the standardized tests that your child has taken in the past will look very different as early as this year. In addition, school curriculums and expectations of students are significantly different than under the previous state standards. How can you help your child do his or her best on assessment tests? Here are several trusted tips to share with your child to help him or her have the best chance for success on these or any important exams: Read all questions carefully and follow the directions. On any test, it is critical that you identify each question being asked before rushing into solving or answering the problem. Narrow down choices. If you are unsure of the answer to a question, eliminate choices that do not make sense or are obviously incorrect (for example, answers that include words such as always and never are red flags). When working on math problems, eliminate extra information provided that has nothing to do with the question being asked. If you get stuck on problems, mark them and move on. You can return to them later if you have time at the end of the test, but dont waste valuable test time spinning your wheels. Pace yourself. At the outset of a test, do a quick calculation of how many minutes you have for each questionand give a little extra time for essay questions. Try to leave a few minutes at the end of every test to revisit skipped or troublesome problems. Draw out problems to help yourself visualize them better. Minimize test anxiety by keeping things in perspective. Remind yourself that tests are simply how teachers can evaluate what you know. The best form of test preparation is to keep up with homework and in-class work. What can you do to prepare your student for Common Core-aligned assessment tests? Here are a few suggestions: Talk with your childs teacher about how you can ease your childs transition to school work and tests under the Common Core State Standards. Continue to emphasize the importance of thinking criticallyan area of elevated importance under Common Core. Ask questions about what your child reads and learns. Encourage him or her to talk about how he or she feels about stories, current events and more. Have your child explain his or her thinkingin both math and reading. Embrace technology in your household. The new standards focus heavily on the skills needed by todays 21st-century digital learners and incorporate research and media skills into all content areas. As always, one of the best ways to help your child do his or her best on any exam is to equip him or her with good study skills and habits. It is also important that you stay apprised of the curricular changes that are happening in your childs classroom and understand how those may impact the tests that your child takes. Stay in touch with your childs teacher on the best ways for you to support your student in the era of Common Core.

Dont Confuse These Words!

Dont Confuse These Words! I recently wrote  a post about common mistakes people make when learning English.  It got me thinking about many  words that are commonly confused for English learners.  Maybe its because the words look alike or sound alike, but often they have completely different meanings and could sound a bit silly.  We dont want to sound silly when were asking to use  a pen, right?BORROW vs. LENDThis is  one of the most common confusions for Spanish speakers.  This is because in Spanish, the same verb, prestar, is used for both borrow and lend.  Just try to remember: borrow=take, lend=give.  So, if we want to take something from someone (and of course give it back), we use borrow.  If you are giving something to someone (temporarily), we use lend.Can I borrow your pen?(Can I take your pen?)Can you lend me your pen?(Can you give me your pen?)You can borrow my pen.(You can take my pen.)I can lend you my pen.(I can give you my pen.)When in doubt, try filling in the sentence with take and give , and see which makes sense.  For example, if you try saying, Can I give your pen? that doesnt sound right, so we would not use lend.  Then, try saying, Can I take your pen?  That makes sense, so we know we use borrow.CLOTHS vs. CLOTHESThese nouns look similar and have similar meanings, but there is a difference in pronunciation.  To understand their slight differences, lets take a look at the meanings of these three words:Cloth  |klôTH|: fabric; the material used to make clothes.  This is an uncountable noun.Pronounced with short /o/ and soft /th/Example: I bought some cloth to make a dress.(pl. cloths |klôT?Hz, klôTHs|):  pieces  of fabric; the material we use to make clothesThis is a countable noun.Pronounced with short /o/ and soft /th/Example: I used two cloths to clean the kitchen.Clothes  |klo(T?H)z|: things we wear to cover our bodies.This is a plural uncountable noun.  It has no singular form and cannot be used with numbers.Pronounce with long /o/, hard /th/, and / z/ sound at the endExample: My clothes are in the washing machine.DEAD vs. DIEDeath is never a fun topic of conversation, but it can be improved  with the correct use of these words.  In Taiwan, my students often said things like, My grandmother is die, or She dead last year.Lets clarify:  Dead  |ded|  (adjective): no longer aliveRemember that we use the be verb with adjectivesExample: My fish is dead.Die  |di| (verb): to stop livingRemember that since this  is a verb, we need to use the correct tense.Example: My fish died yesterday.So, when you  are discussing this unfortunate topic, just  remember which one is the  adjective and which is the verb.EXPERIENCE vs. EXPERIMENTThese words are easy to confuse because they sound so similar, but they have completely different meanings.  Many native Spanish speakers confuse them because the noun, experiencia can sometimes mean experiment.Experience  (noun): there are a few different ways to talk about experience:Skill, practical knowledge , backgroundExample: She has a lot of experience, so she got a job easily.Event, incidentShe traveled to Chile.  It was a great experience.Involvement, participation, contact withThe new job was his first experience  with business.Experiment (noun): a scientific procedure to discover, test, or demonstrate somethingThe class did an experiment to see if a plant would grow without sunlight.ADVISE vs. ADVICERemember that advise means to give advice  or a suggestion to help  someone.  With these two, people usually mix up the pronunciation, so lets practice:Advise: the second syllable has a hard /z/ soundMy teacher advised me to  take a class with LOI to improve my English.Advice: the second syllable has a soft /s/ soundMy teacher gives a lot of good advice.Time to put it all together!  Complete the sentences and write your answers in the comments section.Its getting cold!  We should buy some _______ to wear this winter.We will all ___ someday.When she went to University, she had to ______ money from her parents.The ______ got really dirty when I used them to clean the oven.My mom gives good ______ about raising children.Scientists conducted an __________ on mice to learn more about the disease.The dog I had when I was little is ____ now.My friend asked me to ____ him my car for the weekend.They didnt hire her for the job because she has no __________ in the field.They always ______ you to wash your hands.Want to make sure youre not confusing any more words?  Sign up for a class with LOI, or check out these posts for more practice:say vs. telljob vs. workhear vs. listenspeak vs. talk