Friday, September 21, 2012

A Tutorial and Guide to Online Self-Marketing


Your Name 2.0

A TUTORIAL AND GUIDE TO ONLINE SELF-MARKETING

By: Robin Holt McLaren

Options for Websites


In order to get a website you will need 2 things.
  1.        Domain Name
  2.       Hosting

There are 100’s of options for acquiring both.  However, because I am guessing you are asking for help because you don’t know which one to choose I will go ahead and take away all the guess work and just tell you what to do! J


Get domain name. 

1.       Think of a list of names you might want and write them down.  DO NOT GOOGLE them ahead of time or they will be stolen.
2.       Suggestions: firstnamelastname.com, firstmiddlelastname.com, firstnamelastnamespecialization.com *make sure you get a .com!!!
                                                               i.      Make sure that whatever you choose is what you want to use for ALL your online branding (this will optimize your search position).
                                                             ii.      If you want to be associated with a certain specialization you should consider putting that in your domain name, e.g.  adamrufdefenseattorney.com
3.       Click here http://www.godaddy.com
                                                               i.      This extremely popular registrar (possibly the biggest today) offers .com domain names for $9.99 (plus 20 cents) per year ($6.99 plus 20 cents if you transfer from another registrar). They have a web interface to manage your domains, free web redirection (where people who visit your domain will get transferred to another web address of your choice), free starter web page, free parked page or free "for sale" page, and an optional private domain registration where your domain is registered in the name of a proxy company. 
                                                             ii.      You will create a login and you will get information about your domain in an email.  Keep all this information handy!

Get a hosting provider.

1.       Click here http://www.bluehost.com/cgi/info/wordpress and sign up.
a.       You will get a free domain name, but I made you register it with a separate domain registrar in order to make sure that you OWN the name.  Take the free name and just redirect it to your main site. So, if you choose and register firstnamelastname.com on godaddy.com you should get misspelledversion.com on the bluehost site.
My personal preference is to register the name directly with a domain name registrar rather than through my web host. I've heard stories, in the past, of less-than-reputable web hosts that registered the domain under their own name, making them the owner of the domain rather than you (although I don't know if such web hosts still exist today). Registering with a domain name registrar allows me to make sure that I am registered as the owner, the administrative and technical contacts. Being the owner is vital — if someone else places himself as the owner (such as your web host), he can always decide to charge you some exorbitant fee for the use of the name later, and there is little you can do. The various other contacts are less vital, but may still play important roles, depending on your registrar. For example, for some registrars, the administrative contact's approval is required before a domain name is transferred out of a web host (or at least, it used to be). If he/she cannot be contacted, the technical contact is used.
b.      Just follow the directions on the hosting site (bluehost) and go ahead and install WordPress.

Merge the domain and the host

1.       Get your web host’s (bluehost’s) name servers
a.       Fastest way is to look for the information yourself in either the email sent to you by your host when you first signed up with them, or from the documentation on your web host's site. If you have no idea where to get the information, contact your web host and ask them for the "DNS servers" or "name servers" to use for your domain.

b.      The list of name servers will often look like ns1.example.com, ns2.example.com, and so on, where "example.com" will probably be replaced by some other domain name used by your web host for their servers.

c.       Your web host may give you 2 or more name server addresses. Note down all these names. Better still, keep the email or web page containing these names open on your computer so that you can cut and paste them later. You'll need to enter these names, exactly as given, into your registrar's (godaddy.com) system.

2.       Enter the Name Servers into your registrar’s settings for your domain (godaddy.com)
a.       Once you have the list of name servers, go to your domain name registrar and log into their system. You will obviously need the login name and password that you created when you first registered your domain.
b.      In general, try the following to get to the page on your registrar's site that lets you modify the name servers:

                                                                 ·    Find a way to list all your domains in the registrar's site. Sometimes this can be found in a "My Domains" page, or a "Domain Manager" page, or something similarly named.
                                                                 ·    Select the domains for which you want to set the name servers. Sometimes this involves checking a box beside your domain name in the list of names. Alternatively, if you only have one domain name, you may even be able to click the domain name to get to the settings screen.
                                                                 ·    Some registrars have a "Manage DNS" menu link, or a "DNS" button, or a "Nameservers" button. If you see such a link or button, that's probably the one that you will need to click. Basically look for things that say "DNS" or "Name Servers" or "Nameservers", whether to "set" it or "change" it, or "manage" it or some other thing.
                                                                 ·    Once you manage to find the correct page to change your name servers, you will probably see a form that lets you enter things like your "Primary Name Server", "Secondary Name Server", "Tertiary Name Server" and maybe even more (like a fourth, fifth and sixth name server as well). The exact words used may not be the same, but it should mean basically your first name server, second name server, and so on.
                                                                 ·    Put your first name server from your list, usually the name beginning with "ns1", into the "Primary Name Server" field. Then type your second name server, the name beginning with "ns2", into the "Secondary Name Server" field. And so on. A domain name should have at least 2 name servers associated with it. Some web hosts give you more, others only 2. Some registrars allow you to enter up to 6 names, others only 2. If you only have 2 nameservers to enter, but your registrar gives you 6 fields, just enter the first 2 and leave the other fields blank. If you have 3 nameservers to enter, but your registrar only allows you to enter 2, just enter the 2. Don't worry about the fields you didn't get to use, or the extra name servers that your web host provided that you couldn't enter. Your domain will work fine without those extras. They are there to provide a bit of redundancy, so that your site will still work if the first name server fails.

If you cannot find the place to set your name servers, or you don't want to just blunder around the registrar's website looking for the correct option to try, look for the "Help" or "FAQ" documentation on your registrar's site. This is such a basic procedure that everyone needs to do that they are likely to have some sort of guide on their site, if only to avoid having to answer the same question over and over again from their customers.
At worst, if you are completely lost, and dare not poke around in the registrar's site because you're afraid you'll change something you shouldn't, write to the registrar to ask them for help. Don't expect a fast reply though. Some of them take days to reply, and often only to point you to the relevant documentation on their site. As is the case for many other things, if you want something done fast, you'll need to figure it out yourself. Hopefully the tips in this section will give you enough information so that you know what links/buttons to look for and click.
Once you've set your name servers, you're done. Yes, you read that right. That's all there is to it. You'll have to wait a bit, though, before you can access your website using your domain name. Just because you set it at your registrar level doesn't mean that the rest of the Internet knows your domain has a new address. It takes a while, sometimes up to 2 or more days for every machine in the world to catch up with the changes.

Create Your website

You will use WordPress to create your entire website.  WordPress is a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor for your website.  It includes a ton of templates and you can easily make a very nice, simple, clean and professional website yourself.  There is also a million tutorials, videos and help sites available to you.  

WEBSITE ACQUISITION SUMMARY

1.       Buy Domain Name = $9.99 per year
2.       Secure Hosting = $4.99 per month
3.       Merge the two
4.       Download WordPress (from bluehost)
5.       Create and update your very own website!





SELF MARKETING ONLINE


GOAL: CREATE THE CONTINUOUS CIRCLE ONLINE!

Link everything to everything else and especially your website!!!

Getting Started

Build out your entire profile!!!  This is very important.  LinkedIn can also help you manage, build, and keep existing client relationships. I could list ALL the things you need to do in LinkedIn, but someone else has already done this for me!  You should go here http://www.digitalqatar.net/2010/05/26/7-power-tips-for-shameless-self-promotion-on-linkedin/ and follow the instructions exactly.  The most important part is to include links to ALL your other sites and pages.  Make sure you also get the slideshare.net app in there too (after you’ve uploaded something in slideshare.net, of course)
NO Facebook Page : sounds counterintuitive, I suppose, but you should spend more time on other sites.  Also, if you set it up and it’s dead that is worse than not having one at all.
Get Gmail account (you can even get one like firstandlastname@specialization.com through gmail) and Google Plus +: build out your profile!  Whatever you blog about you should share here too (this is really easy if your blog is through Google’s blogspot.com).
Blog (use blogspot through gmail and/or add one in the wordpress editor): Your blog can be about your wins, your research, news about your profession, tidbits, whatever.  Just make sure you post something, anything at least once a month to keep it alive.  You should also add widgets/apps in your blog.  I recommend including LinkedIn, Slidshare.net, and Scoopit!
Slideshare.net: This is awesome!  If you upload a presentation (it doesn’t matter, make a powerpoint resume or upload a ppt. you did for one of your college classes) and you create your account with your name (preferably the same name you use for your domain name) then you will show up in the top 3 search results in Google!  That is some pretty solid optimization and it’s free.  So, you can come up in results based on your name and if they search a subject you create your presentation about and also if they search subject name plus PowerPoint!  Link this site to everything! 
Twitter (not the most important and not really recommended unless you already have one.  If you do make sure to connect Scoopit! )
Scoopit!:  I love Scoopit!  Seriously, this is how you become an expert.  It is a digital online magazine that you curate about any subject and you can link it back to LinkedIn, your blog, your website, twitter…and even facebook!  So, find a topic that interests you or that you want to work in and ‘scoop’ the articles you find online.  For instance, you could create an online magazine about criminal defense and you scoop all the articles that are related to this topic.  It also includes a browser add in that allows you to ‘scoop’ anything on the web, anywhere!  There is virtually no effort involved, but the payoff is huge.  Your name is on it and all the news articles about your topic are now also connected to your name and you are seen as an expert.  How cool is that?!?!
Get memberships in professional groups with an online presence (especially ones that advertise for members or list member names!): need I say more?! J I will say that if you can flesh out your member profile make sure that you do!

SELF MARKETING SUMMARY



Be shameless in self promotion!!!  Link everything to everywhere else and keep it consistent! 



HOMEWORK:

Build out all your profiles.
Keep website updated.
Blog once a month.
Scoop at least a couple of articles a week (easy!!  You can do this in 5 minutes).
Upload some presentations in Slidshare.net.




Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Online College Students 2012! A Marketing Analysis

Comprehensive data on the demands and preferences of online college students.  This report was just released by the Learning House and is a MUST READ report.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6ufnug04pxVU1Itb2E1LXp4SUk/edit



Key Findings in the Report



In spring 2012, Aslanian Market Research and The Learning House, Inc. conducted

surveys with 1,500 individuals nationwide who were at least 18 years of age and

were recently enrolled, currently enrolled, or planned to enroll in a fully online

undergraduate or graduate degree, certificate, or licensure program.

The surveys collected information on motivation for study; type, level, and field of

study; provider institution; preferred schedules; needed services; strengths and

weaknesses of the online format; effective promotional strategies and advertising

methods; and a variety of other topics. Surveys also gathered information on the

personal characteristics and circumstances of online students at the time they

took their most recent undergraduate or graduate course.

Given the recent trend of rapid enrollment growth in online higher education and

strong projections for future growth, we intend to supply information to colleges

and universities that seek to serve online students.

Our findings include the following key observations for institutions to consider as

they work toward building online enrollments:

• Individuals of all ages participate in online education. About 40% of online

students are younger than the age of 30; in fact, approximately one out of

every five online students is younger than the age of 25. We expect this

segment to grow steadily as increased numbers of secondary school and

traditional-age college students gain experience with online courses.

• For-profit institutions do not dominate online education. About two-thirds

of online students attend not-for-profit institutions, and we predict that

percentage will increase as more not-for-profit institutions begin offering

online programs.

• Students who enroll in not-for-profit and for-profit institutions are

more alike than different, particularly in regard to field of study, desired

credentials, and their goals and motivation to pursue online education.

With the exception of age and ethnic background, they share similar key

demographic characteristics such as gender, income, employment status,

and method of tuition payment.

• Although the large majority of online students enroll in degree programs,

certificates attract 20% of the market, and we predict online certificate

programs will steadily grow.

• Institutions that have a near-by campus or service center are highly

attractive to online students. Most online students enroll in institutions

within 100 miles of their home for their online study.

• Most online undergraduate students bring prior credits to their intended

institution and want to receive transfer credit.

• Online students want compressed, shorter terms of study at an affordable

cost from institutions that have a strong reputation.

• Similar to on-campus students, most online students find their program

of choice through visits to college and university Web sites. Online

students rank tuition and fees as the most important information they

seek. Institutions’ Web sites provide the most important communication

channel.

Throughout this report, the trends noted reflect aggregated data, comprised

of both undergraduate and graduate online students. If striking differences

between undergraduate and graduate online students existed, the report notes

such differences. Furthermore, though they are few in number, we also note the

differences between students enrolled in for-profit and not-for-profit institutions

and the differences between younger and older students.

The following analysis of online students outlines the practices and preferences

of these new nontraditional students to help institutions rise to the challenge and

meet the demand for online learning. Please note, however, that the following

data reflect a national survey of such practices and preferences. Individual

institutions should also consider regional data and their positioning in the local

marketplace.

Throughout the report, we have included many recommendations for developing

online programs based on the survey findings and our experience in the field.

These recommendations are presented in gold text at the end of most sections.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Education Management Corporation: Company Analysis

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Digital Blooms Taxonomy Presentation with Links!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

WordPress will have an LMS

WordPress LMS | Learning Management System Built on WP

i just found this out today! how did this escape my attention.  the LMS is not available yet, but the site claims it will happen this summer. well it's hot outside, so it must happen soon. I'm on the email list to find out as soon as it is released. can you imagine the possibilities?! it's free, easy to use, anyone can create and manage their own LMS.  I'm already thinking about a couple of pet subjects i would like to create a self-paced course for. how fun! i can't wait.  did everyone else know about this already?!

p.s. I'm posting from my phone. such a pain to capitalize. it's quicker to just apologize. ;) sorry

WordPress LMS: Possibilities are Endless Sticking with the theme of open source applications, WordPress LMS will be packed with the features that you have come to love with WordPress, including: User Management Course Sign-Up Management Seamless E-Learning Display Multi-Tier Course Structure Interactive Forums/Conversations (Broad or by Course) Course Commenting for Real-Time Feedback Learner Profiles Easy Updating Massive Support Community Thousands of Plugins to Customize Your LMS Educational institutions will also love: Grade Book Feature Built in Quiz Feature Dynamic Calendar That Tracks Course Events Assignments Assignment Submissions Share Files Share Videos Suggest a Feature The best part about WordPress LMS is that you have the chance to suggest some functionality for future releases.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Free Ebook from the eLearning Guild


  • Group: The eLearning Guild
  • Subject: Complimentary eBook: 65 Tips on Managing Projects and SMEs for eLearning
All the ideas in the world don’t matter if you can’t complete your eLearning project. If you don’t identify the core issues, build a good team, and keep the lines of communication open, your project faces an uphill climb.

This complimentary eBook draws on the experience of 11 professionals who are leading sessions in The eLearning Guild’s July 2012 Online Forum, “Managing Projects and SMEs for eLearning: Proven and Practical Solutions.” Let their expertise guide you in areas including Dealing with Stakeholders and Planning Your Project, Choosing and Managing Your Team, Effective Communication, Challenges and Constraints, and Quality Control.

Discover insightful tips to keep your eLearning projects on time and target. Download this complimentary eBook today!

Download now: http://bit.ly/KE5mqz

You do not need to be a member of The eLearning Guild to access this eBook, so please share this link with your network.

Thanks for being part of our LinkedIn group!

Jenny Thompson
The eLearning Guild

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

MOOCs Introduction and Resources

Free Online Enlightenment

If you haven't heard about MOOCs then you are missing out on some great free online courses and the discussion surrounding them.  MOOCs are Massively Open Online Courses and are offered by Ivy league schools, such as Princeton, Stanford, and MIT. Massive, because some courses have over 100,000 students signed up at one time!  Coursera, Udacity, and the Academic Room are examples of the major players in the MOOC arena.  You can find the history of MOOCs here. I have signed up for the Udacity CS101 course about creating a search engine.  The subjects offered through MOOCs are numerous and many are using completion of these courses to bolster their resume and make their applications to Ivy league schools more promising.  The delivery methods are great and it is a fantastic opportunity for Instructional Designers to get a free look at how others in the field are creating online courses.  I highly recommend all online instructors and course creators to sign up and take a course!

What MOOCs Will do:

1) Will make the TV show class free to people.

2) It will allow professors and colleges to be better than the history channel at providing knowledge on history and other topics.

3) It will allow some real pedagogical advances, challenging the notion of a 50 minute lecture. While his Coursera segments range from 7 to 15 minutes in length, Struck notes, that “the long narrative arc is sometimes the critical component to convey in my class.”

What MOOCs Won’t do:

1) Won’t revamp higher education as we know it. “I just don’t think that’s in the cards, Struck says.

2) It won’t kill the lecture completely.

3) Won’t democratize knowledge the way some think it will.

What MOOCs Might Do:

1) Expand wisdom.

2) Broaden empathy – understanding of what other people are feeling.

3) I don’t know, if in the aggregate, it will make us smarter.

4) I’m not sure if it will make teaching a more important part of self definition.

5) It might add to the credentialing frenzy of high school students who want to go to a Princeton or University of Pennsylvania, who see MOOC badges as another way to demonstrate their achievement, similar to AP classes.

More Articles about MOOCs:
EdX: Harvard and MIT MOOC
MOOC Skepticism 
How to Create your own MOOC
Using mLearning and MOOCs to Understand Chaos, Emergence, and Complexity in Education