Why All Businesses Need Blog

Like it or not, the internet has transformed much of the way that we live our lives – from socialising to shopping and to running our businesses. However, getting your business online is only half the battle, while a great social media profile and effective online portfolio may do the business well enough, there’s much to be said for long-term strategy.

Much of holding people's interest in your business is related to Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), which is concerned with ensuring that Google prioritises your website or online presence as much as possible in search listings. While the right keywords will often do the trick, for Google to really keep your head in the game, and for you to engage regularly with customers, you’re going to need a regular.

Blogging is a form of engagement with customers and clients that works on a very base level of communication. By writing and publishing regular blog posts on topics and news relevant to your business, you’re not only establishing that you’re active in your industry, but that you’re also an authority. As Jayson DeMers writes for Forbes, regular blogging actively humanises your brand while also generating regular interest and custom for you in the bargain.

Blogging for your business also shows that you care. Consumers are more likely to approach a business or brand that is regularly engaging with their customers, rather than one that only offers a cold, solitary storefront? In a day and age where customer engagement and accountability is more transparent than ever, it makes perfect sense to make the most out of the current online climate – if you’re running a business regularly, but barely do any blogging, it may be time to reconsider.

Top 6 Reasons To Use Blended Learning

Just in case you missed our previous blog post, Blended Learning is a formally structured educational programme where students use online course material combined with class-based teaching. As Blended Learning programmes take place both inside and outside the classroom, learners have greater freedom when it comes to how they plan, structure and carry-out their sessions - it’s easy to see why this type of teaching is becoming increasingly popular.

Here at Hexis Plus we think it’s great so let’s take a look at our top 6 reasons to use Blended Learning:

1) Keeps learners interested.
Blended Learning offers variety, private study, classroom teaching and the freedom to negotiate the course at whatever speed suits the learner. Students are far more likely to treat the learning process as a positive experience and not a restrictive chore. There is no “wrong” method to how the course is taken, the student is in control.

2) Personalisation of lessons.
Every student is different and blended learning Some learners may pick up information quickly using auditory skills,others might need to read material a few times to fully grasp a concept. Both types of learner are accommodated with Blended Learning and are subsequently empowered to reach their maximum learning capacity.

3) Data collection of a system.
Figures released by The eLearning Industry in 2015 showed that while 47% of teaching was still training room based in 2015 there has been a positive shift towards the adoption of Blended Learning. They’ve also found that 29.1% of training hours utilised Blended Learning in 2015, proving that more professionals are realising it’s valuable as an effective teaching method that maximises administrative efficiency and gathers real time data from all over the world.

4) Less admin, less paper.
The practicality of not having heaps of course material to lug around cannot be underestimated. Electronic devices are convenient, lightweight and user friendly. Learners are able to easily download teaching materials onto their device from any location, making Blended Learning extremely cost effective

5) Easier sharing of resources.
Many learners get distracted in a classroom setting when studying alongside their peers. This issue is partially removed by moving some of the learning experience online with blended learning. Online facilities make marking, sharing data confidentially and accessing course material easier.

6) Convenient and user friendly.
The convenient availability of a digital device that can be used for study at home, on the bus, in the car or stretched out on the sofa, away from peers, is a practical advantage offered by adaptive technology.


The hands on administration is minimal with the online section of Blended Learning, analytics are recorded with real time data and upload/downloads.

Here at Hexis Plus, the advantages of Blended Learning come as no real surprise, especially when you consider all it offers. We facilitate training to help with a smooth transition to Blended Learning and to allow students the best personal and technology based learning experience on the market.

Powerful Work Opportunities For Graduates

Hexis Plus, London’s premier learning and development company for tutors, is proud to announce that The First Annual London Tutoring Conference will be taking place on Saturday 3^rd September 2016 at Work.Life in London Fields. Running from 10am to 4pm, this event will be comprised of inspirational TED Talk style speakers from the education industry and interactive workshops covering everything from marketing and tutoring to leadership and management.

Technology from the Hexis Plus system, aimed at all types of educators, will also be made available and it is one of the most advanced learning management systems on the market, and will be given away free of charge to every ticket holder at the event. UES Tutoring London commented on the technology: “…After our trial we are now looking forward to using this [learning management system] in our upcoming training sessions…” and Hertsaid Charity reinforced this view by saying, “…This [learning management system] has a ton of features. You have got something very impressive here...”.

Hexis Plus aims to combine a passion for education with state of the art technology which, in turn, will bring prospective tutors and tutoring companies together - ultimately creating a new generation of learners. According to recent research from The Guardian newspaper, tutoring is a £6 billion industry with at least 44% of schoolchildren in London receiving private tuition, and a whopping 72% of all children who are prepping for Common Entrance exams using a private tutor. Through special events such as the upcoming London Tutoring Conference, Hexis Plus are recommending tutoring as either a long-term or short-term employment solution for recent graduates and, with the chance to charge as much as £58 an hour, tutoring can provide the job security and stability that many struggle to find. Tutoring companies will also receive a chance to pitch to their prospective clients at the conference, allowing both companies and tutors to network with each other.

Tickets for the first annual London Tutoring Conference are free and are available online here.

Current list of speakers and workshop leaders are: 

• Chris Jones - As a qualified coach, trainer and teacher, Chris founded his company, Hexis Plus, to accelerate the growth of tutoring companies and he will be introducing the event. He will then outline the reasons why students should consider the world of tutoring, discussing many topics including how private tutors can earn between £20-50k per year and how there are great career development prospects for enterprising graduates.He will also be launching some exciting new technology for educators that will be made complimentary to all those who attend.
• Adam Muckle - Adam is president of The Tutors' Association and aims to provide recognition for tutors, reassurance for parents and a responsible, representative voice for the tutoring profession in the UK. He will be speaking about his fascinating insights into the industry of tutoring and what the future holds for this fast growing profession.
• Kobi Omenaka - A London based marketing expert, Kobi works with small and medium Enterprises (SME). He will be delivering a workshop on marketing for graduates who want to go it alone as a tutor or tutoring companies that want tips for improvement. This superb session will give participants a set of tools to increase a tutoring client database.
• Jonny Baker - Jonny is an experienced coach from Worth It Projects who specialises in motivating children and young adults. Tutors often come up against mental walls with their students which impedes learning progress. Jonny will be providing tips and advice for tutors on breaking down a student's barriers and empowering them to success.
• Indira Ghatak - The prestigious Henrietta Barnet School benefited from Indira being a dedicated head of department for many years before she became a successful student mentor and educational author. She will be presenting an opportunity to be apart of her schools based study which coincides with the launch of her latest book, Success In Exam.
• David Mareels - Co-founder of Chiron Tutors, David runs an online marketplace for tutors and a tutor management system which helps private tutors run and manage their business more efficiently. He will be giving a speech on how to get into tutoring and the advantages of the profession.

Calling All Tutors & Recent Graduates!

How does a flexible, rewarding and very well-paid job sound to you in a fast growing and dynamic industry?

If this sounds like an opportunity you’d be interested in, we encourage you to come along to Hexis Plus’s London Tutoring Conference at the start of September! Featuring TED Talk style speakers covering a vast range of informative and fascinating topics, stalls and the chance to pitch to prospective clients, this really isn’t something to miss!

As London’s foremost training company when it comes to tutors, we’re extremely focused on connecting quality tutors and tutoring companies. Our event provides the perfect environment for this to happen!            

  

For those interested tutors/graduates out there wanting a ticket, please click here.

Likewise, if you run a tutoring company, please sign up using our company’s page, by clicking here.

Time:

Saturday, 3^rd September 2016, 10:00 – 16:00

Location:

Work.Life – 1E Mentmore Terrace, London, E8 3PN

The Top 6 Reasons Why Tutoring Is Better Than Teaching

Tutoring is becoming  increasingly popular with graduates and even teachers who are turning to tutoring to free themselves from the time and financial constraints that modern schools put them under.

Let’s have a look at why being a tutor is beneficial:

1)      Freedom

Tutoring takes place outside of the structured education system. Students can come to the tutor’s home or office or even work remotely via e-learning; there is absolutely no requirement to sit in an educational establishment to work. Additional flexibility is added when a tutor is able to work weekends, evenings and even bank holidays - hours that schools can’t offer.

2)   Specialist knowledge

A tutor’s sole focus on a certain subject area allows them to develop in-depth knowledge and insight on a subject they are passionate about. This exclusive focus on one subject area makes tutoring far more effective compared with a teacher who must split their focus between their different school responsibilities.

3)      Method adaptability

A tutor working on a one-to-one basis or with a small group has the time to focus and adapt their teaching style to the learners’ personality so they benefit the most from the learning process. Having more time to focus on individuals in a class delivers better results.

4)      Effective time management teaching

Some students work better with visual tools than auditory techniques. When a teacher faces this type of student in a classroom environment, few concessions can be made - even mixing styles still may not be sufficient for comprehensive learning. However, with tutoring, the teaching and learning process can be customised for the student to maximise enjoyment.

5)       Higher salary

The hourly rate is higher for a tutor than for a salaried teacher. A quick look at The Tutor Pages shows that fees are rising and peak at around £41 per hour (although tutors may charge more if they wish). London fees peaked at around £60, York at £40 and some tutors are charging upwards of £100 for highly specialised areas of work.

6)      Less stress

A tutor is self-employed with the freedom to make their workload as heavy or as light as they wish and to teach in the style that works well for them and their students. Although teaching offers job security, there is no guarantee that the job itself won’t work you into the ground. Tutoring offers freedom, variety and a comfortable teaching atmosphere.    

The Guardian newspaper reports that the proportion of tutored pupils has risen by more than a third over the past decade, from 18% in 2005 to 25% now. In London, 44% of pupils had private or home tuition last year, compared with 34% in 2005. This increased demand has allowed tutors to get more work.

So if you want to escape the pressures of formally managed employment as a teacher and find freedom in self-employment, then we here at Hexis Plus encourage you to take the rewarding leap into the tutoring industry.

Top 8 Online Learning Industry Jargon Demystified

The boom in online learning has led to the rise of a number of related terms. With so many terms it can be tricky to decipher and keep up with what they all mean. For this reason, we welcome you to Hexis Plus’s guide to understanding some of the jargon that is being used by eLearning companies around the world.

eLearning - It’s sensible to start with the term you will see the most. It’s very simple; just like email means electronic mail, eLearning means electronic learning. With bigger and better computer systems being announced every year and with the internet growing faster, some companies are now offering training courses online. This ‘eLearning’ is more cost-effective than regular learning and can also be quicker.  

LMS/LCMS - LMS stands for Learning Management System and LCMS stands for Learning Content Management System. An LMS is a system that a business uses to train their employees; these systems allow businesses to become administrators for their employee’s learning, as well as looking after documents and tracking the online course.

An LCMS is a place where experts can create, store and manage online content. This type of system will have many users as well as various authors and developers who will manage their own content. Therefore, the LCMS manages the content that will make its way onto the LMS.

Quick Stat: Around three-quarters of all companies currently use one form of LMS.

Distance Learning - Not everyone has the ability to attend a college every day and employees cannot always leave their place of work for a week to attend a course. As a result, ‘distance learning’ was created in order to allow these people to ‘learn from a distance’. People using this method will be provided with online tools to learn without having to attend face-to-face sessions.

Blended Learning - Although eLearning is a fantastic development, some companies still like to have the personal touch rather than forcing their employees in front of a computer all day to learn. In these situations, blended learning is used to create a mixture of online and offline learning.

Learning Automation - This term refers to the process of switching any training and learning from face-to-face to online. Just like a business might automate a section of the business, they can also stop bringing in external trainers and start purchasing online courses for their employees.

Flipped Learning - Typically, the basics of everything are taught on a course and then employees will be given resources to research further at home. However, flipped learning completely changes this and lets workers discover the basics online before going into more detail in a course. This method is said to yield better results because a trainer is available to help as more detail is attained.

OAuth - OAuth describes the method that allows internet users to login to a site using a third-party account. For example, some websites will offer users the chance to sign in using Facebook, Twitter, Google or Mail.

mLearning - As the years pass, we are seeing more and more mobile devices that can do just as much as a computer and mLearning looks to take advantage of this. Through mLearning, people have the opportunity to learn via their mobile and tablet devices,  allowing them to learn ‘on-the-go’. By 2017, it is thought that the mobile learning market will have grown to be worth over $12 billion.

So there we have it, eight seemingly difficult terms broken down into simple phrases. It is important that you get to know these words and definitions if you want to learn where the best options can be found and where the different types of learning are offered. Now, you should be in a stronger position to make better-informed decisions for you and your employees.

How Training Increases Customers & Improves Selling

Sales strategies vary from business to business – where The Guardian newspaper has to find a way of appealing to the entire British public, The London Evening Standard only has to be appealing to Londoners. But when marketing your brand, product and enterprise to as wide an audience as possible, you may need to employ more than a little natural gumption to your sales technique.  While many have survived in the world of sales and marketing by their wits alone in the past, there is much to be said for the presence of sales training in today’s business climate.

The way in which we approach customers and the way in which we promote our goods and services has changed dramatically in the past decade. Companies are now expected to connect with their clients directly via social media, to integrate their brands with multi-media platforms and to really think outside of the box when it comes to connecting with the average consumer. Consider that, according to John Rampton at TNW, around 61% of start-ups are now actively engaging in social media marketing. That’s a clear majority!  But how does one get involved? Is there a catch-all solution? No – but there are a wealth of new strategies and techniques that all successful enterprises adopt when expanding their customer base.

Sales and marketing training is seeing considerable growth as enterprises find the need to show greater care for their customers, as well as greater accountability. The way in which we share and consume information is changing all the time and effective strategy and education needs to be communicated to salespeople and marketing experts alike, if they are to continue to grow their profile. Sales training rolls out useful strategy, tried-and-tested approaches to new media, and above all helps to ensure all businesses and professionals are on the same page when it comes to attracting the right custom.

John Eades, CEO of LearnLoft, advises that effective training can be measured and followed easily, stating that continued investment in training alone can vouch for its effectiveness – and that good training can be monitored via regular skills checks and physical practice. We are all built to learn, after all!

Going into sales or marketing without training could leave you at the bottom of the pile – keep up with your rivals by educating yourself on current customer engagement trends and you will soon be growing your client base above and beyond all expectations.

By Graham Pierrepoint

Automated Learning Explained

Many people learn in many different ways and with this variety comes a range of different teaching methods. Automated Learning is one such method and is becoming increasingly popular due to its accommodation of both visual and auditory learners alike. It's helping people of all ages obtain new knowledge in an enjoyable and engaging manner. But what is automated learning? Is it difficult or hard to come by? Not at all – in fact, you may have already come across it in your working life without realising it!

Automated Learning provides users with interactive, easy-to-access lessons and plans to help them better engage with source material. Whilst anyone can read from a textbook or listen to a teacher, information and skills aren’t as necessarily easily accessible. Automated Learning, therefore, seeks to take out the perceived difficulty in learning and adapting new skills by appealing to users’s behaviour. For example, if you are more likely to learn through visual cues, an automated, computer-based learning system will appeal to you through the use of images and even video media. If you prefer to practice what is preached to you, you’ll be given the option to carry out an exercise or two. Rather than throw all learning options at you in one load, automated learning can be adjusted and molded to benefit your own learning patterns and abilities.

Further to this, Shift discusses that there is evidence to suggest e-learning modules can be completed up to 60% quicker than those undertaken in a classroom setting. This certainly makes the case for automated programs offering a more streamlined learning experience. It should also be noted that automated learning can also save businesses considerable money – as Mohamed Reda notes, companies were saving around 50% on learning and training costs by moving to e-learning platforms in 2015.

Hexis Plus offer automated learning facilities for any business means, allowing corporations and small enterprises alike to provide simple, digestible digital education to their entire workforce. Automated Learning is appealing, entertaining and saves you time and money and also ensures that your staff or pupils receive the highest quality education across the board. More and more institutions are turning to e-learning and automated systems – why not get in touch with us to learn more?

By Graham Pierrepoint

Formative Vs Summative Assessment

Here at Hexis Plus we appreciate the value of formative and summative assessments as metres of performance. Let’s look at the differences and attributes of both.

Formative assessment, also known as assessment for learning (A.F.L.)  is used by a tutor to measure the student’s performance and abilities, throughout the course, but not in a stress filled high level risk exam. These assessments: identify the student's strong and weak areas, how much a student has grasped and whether additional attention needs to be spent. They are, therefore, diagnostic.

For example, a formative assessment could be to construct a flow chart about the company sales process.  If student A grasped all but one stage and student B missed out two important stages this is immediately flagged up when the tutor views their charts, but it carries a lesser impact on the overall mark the student achieves at the end of their course.

The tutor can modify their techniques to ensure that students A and B are taught in a style that helps them to retain and communicate the data effectively and the student can give their own feedback about how they think they are doing throughout the duration of the lesson or course.

The Manchester Metropolitan University uses the following forms of formative assessments:

• Participation in role plays.
• To provide a summary about learning something specific.
• Write reports on set tasks carried out and their results and conclusions.
• Verbally present a principle to another student or the tutor.
• Draw a map or flow diagram of a process.
• Take a multiple choice test.
• Participate in a quiz, online or offline.
• A presentation using various forms of media.
• Write a blog post or webpage.
• Performance.

Summative assessment, also called assessment of learning (A.O.L.,) is used at the end of an educational segment to ascertain the student’s knowledge and abilities against a set benchmark or criteria.

So, for example, in the travel industry training is given to meet the Association of British Travel Agents guidelines which are fixed. Subsequently, the an exam sat is of a higher consequence to the student and their career. Nursing also has standards which must be met so the summative assessment will illustrate whether they are competent or not in the theory or practical assessment.

The University of Manchester lists their summative assessment methods on their website and they are:

• An unseen exam in controlled conditions.
• A previously seen exam paper in controlled conditions.
• An open book exam.
• A take-away exam.
• An oral exam.
• A multiple choice test.
• An essay or assignment.
• A dissertation.
• A presentation or practical performance.
• Attendance.
• Participation in lessons.

The results of a formative assessment can be used as preparation for the summative assessments and subsequent further studies.

Hexis Plus appreciates the implementation of both assessment types and we hope to assist you.

By Joanne Hayle

Top 5 Teaching Mistakes To Avoid!

Teaching is inherently subjective. What works for some people, won’t necessarily work for others. Regardless of how your subjects absorb new information, our experienced teachers here at Hexis Plus have compiled a list of the five mistakes that are almost guaranteed to make your learners lose interest. Take heed, note down these tips and your teaching will be improved immeasurably.

1. Not enforcing the rules - The majority of educators understand that laying down the rules is essential when faced with a new class. The mistake many make is enforcing these rules each time they start subsequent lessons. For example, if a learner is punished for talking and interrupting one day but they are unpunished on another occasion, this sends mixed messages.

2. Talking too much - There may be a lot of information to get through but talking nonstop from the start of a lesson to the end is guaranteed to lose you a learner's attention. Try taking breaks, asking questions and creating some enjoyable activities such as quizzes and games.

3. Taking everything personally - In a classroom environment, taking insults and put-downs personally is a recipe for disaster. Getting over emotional clouds your judgement and in turn, lessens the impact of your authority, so try and be as understanding as possible and always take the moral high ground.

4. Shouting - Raising your voice to establish boundaries is acceptable but shouting at a group of learners - or worse at an individual - is one of the most ineffective methods you can employ. Yelling delivers a message that says you only mean what you say when you raise your voice. Try taking a second to calm yourself down, think about what you want to say and deliver your message with a cool and calm demeanour. In fact, a study by the University of Pittsburgh has found that shouting at children and teens can be just as detrimental to their long-term well being as physical punishments.

5. Hiding your personality - Yes, you’re a teacher and you need to have a certain level of professionalism but you are human and it is important to let your personality shine through. Having fun and being yourself helps to build a relationship with your learners which in turn engages more of them and increases interest in the topics being taught.


No one ever said teaching would be easy but if you avoid these five common mistakes your classroom is more likely to be a harmonious environment that fosters creative learning. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula that can be repeated at the start of every lesson so you’ll find yourself changing and adapting your style to suit your learners. As long as you keep an eye out for what works and what doesn’t, however, you’ll be able to find a teaching style that suits you and the people you're educating.

Have we left anything out? What other mistakes do you think teachers sometime make? Drop us a comment below!.

By Laura Caldwell

Responsive Learning & Its Benefits

Responsive Learning is a method of teaching where a learner is educated using technology and the lesson is customised according to their responses.

These responsive learning technologies look and function professionally and are simple to use. Hexis Plus’ responsive learning system allows you to avoid endless scrolling. The technical matters have been taken care of so a learner sees the data they need in the perfect size and format.

Pros Of Responsive Learning	Cons Of Traditional Methods
JavaScript and HTML 5 tools allow the content to cross browsers with no loss of visual clarity.	With the traditional format, the user is effectively stuck to their desk to complete coursework.
The course only needs to be written once and the material can be tailored to the user, business and industry.	It needs investment / work on adaptations by an I.T. department and is a more limited in format.
Updates can be carried out/rolled out quickly.	Fixed modules require I.T. resources, writing and new roll out.
A one version multi platform roll out is cost effective.	Various versions of the course would impact on resources, turnover and accessibility.
Usage of mobile devices is overtaking desk based hardware at 61% - Q1 2015.	People expect freedom in this technology driven world. 15% of homes are mobile only.
Roll out of a responsive learning management system is automatically adapted for devices.	The visibility of content is diminished when downsized from PC to mobile.
The course content is instantly available globally and is a cohesive tool.	A classroom environment cannot support instant changes.
The content self modifies, for example, an animation on the desktop version can show as a static graphic on a device.	Traditional learning methods simply can’t do this.
This technology aids blended learning (i.e. face to face and online mixed).	Not everyone flourishes in a classroom environment.
Its functionality and convenience make the trainee more motivated.	Limits to enthusiasm include inconvenience, hanging pages, static data, fixed study locations…
A trainee can start an assignment on their desktop, work on it on their smartphone and complete it on their tablet.	Traditional methods are hampered by time and facility limitations, less flexibility and they distract the trainee from core business operations.
The course material is future proof. As technology evolves the course content will reach more platforms.	The traditional teaching methods will lag behind, even more than they do at present.

The United Nations, YouTube and Samsung have adopted effective responsive learning systems, quickly recognising the benefits of using this type of technology to educate their extensive global workforces. Whether your company is large or small, why not undertake staff training using the most effective method available? Hexis Plus would be delighted to help you to maximise your staff’s potential using our top rated responsive learning courses.

By Joanne Hayle