If you punch above your weight, you do or try to do things that should be beyond your abilities or expected capacity.

Can also be "go to our house" and is an expression of astonishment.

If you "stuff your face", you eat a lot of food.

Example:

He stuffed his face with sweets all day and felt very ill afterwards

If you try your hand at something, you attempt something for the very first time.

Examples:

"After years of office work, she decided to try her hand at pottery."

"I thought I'd try my hand at writing poetry this weekend."

"They're trying their hands at digital photography to capture stunning landscapes."

"Why not try your hand at gardening? It's quite relaxing."

"They're going to try their hand at sailing during their holiday."

If you are trying to 'wrap your head around' something, you are trying to understand something that is very foreign to you.

Examples:

"I can't wrap my head around quantum physics—it's so complex!"

"She finally wrapped her head around the new software update."

"They couldn't wrap their heads around the sudden policy changes."

"Once you wrap your head around it, chess becomes very enjoyable."

"He's struggling to wrap his head around the idea of moving abroad."

Title: Test Your Spelling 3
Topic: General
Level: Intermediate
Information: Choose the correct answer.
Link: https://www.usingenglish.com/quizzes/577.html

Academic cheating seems to be growing at an ever alarming rate. Cheating occurs at every level of education and certification and it includes students, educators, and administrators. Technology has also given cheaters new methods for cheating and, unfortunately, you can find most of these methods demonstrated on YouTube (you can find additional resources on cheating HERE).

Best College Reviews created an interesting infographic about cheating in high school and college that I wanted to share with you. They provide resons for cheating and how cheating occurs among other interesting factoids.

Please take a look at their website to find additional resources on cheating (listed below the infographic).


Source: BestCollegeReviews.org (please follow the link for additional resources on cheating)

It's unbelievable that 2016 is here and the school year is half over, but that also means we are closer to the busiest time of year for those of us in the assessment industry.

I hope everyone has created and follows a secure assessment policy, but if not, John Kleeman, founder of Questionmark, created Ten tips for Securing Your Assessment System, which provides a secure foundation for your assessment system.  It seems security breaches most often occur as we get busy and are more prone to creating shortcuts in our work, but a "system" should help minimize these errors.  Please read John's post in its entirety and address any weaknesses in your assessment security:

What can you do to make your assessment system more secure? How can you avoid a disruptive data breach where people’s personal information is disclosed? Using a vendor who takes security seriously reduces risk, as I wrote in my blog article Eight ways to check if security is more than skin deep. But security involves both vendor and user. This post gives ten good practice tips on how you as a user or administrator of an assessment system can reduce the risk of data breaches.

1. Don’t give yourself or other administrators unnecessary privileges. Follow the principle of least privilege. It may sound counter-intuitive, but most administrative users don’t need access to all capabilities and data within your system. Limiting access reduces the impact of a data breach if an account is compromised or someone makes a mistake. If you are using Questionmark, allocate appropriate roles to limit people to what they need.

2. When someone leaves the project or organization, remove their access. Don’t allow someone who has left your team to still have access to your assessment data.

3. Follow good password security. Do not share passwords between people. Do not use the same password for two accounts. Choose strong passwords and change them periodically. If someone asks you for your password, never, ever give it. And if a web page doesn’t look right, don’t type your password into it.

4. Install all the patches and secure the system. A common cause of security breaches is failing to install the latest versions of software, and attackers exploit known vulnerabilities. You need to be proactive and always install the latest version of system and application software, set up good technical security and follow the vendor’s recommendations.

If you haven’t got the time or resources to do this properly, move to a cloud solution. In a cloud SaaS solution like Questionmark OnDemand, the vendor is responsible for updating Windows, updating the application, monitoring security and ensuring that everything is up to date.

5. Install good quality antivirus / anti-malware software. Reportedly there are nearly a million new or variant malware and viruses produced each day. Protect your computer and those of your co-workers with up to date, professional software to address this threat.

6. Protect any downloaded data. Questions, assessments and reports on results are generally safer on a server or in an on-demand service than on a workstation. If you need to download data locally, set up security procedures to protect it and try to ensure that any download is temporary only.

7. Dispose of data properly. Deleting a file on a computer doesn’t erase the data, it simply erases the index to it. If you use a reputable service like Questionmark OnDemand, if a disk is repaired or reaches end of life, it will be securely destroyed for example by degaussing. But if you download data locally or use installable software to manage your assessments, you need to do this yourselves. A recent study suggested that about half of used hard drives sold online contain residual data. Make sure this is not your assessment data!

8. Be careful about clicking on a link or attachment in an email. Phishing attacks use email or malicious websites (clicking on a link) to collect sensitive information or infect your machine with malware and viruses. Such attacks could even be aimed at your organization or assessment activity directly (this is called spear phishing!). Think before clicking.

9. Be aware of social engineering. Social engineering is when someone tries to trick you or someone else into a security breach. For example someone might ring up and claim to be a student who wants their results, but really is an imposter. Or someone might spoof an email from your boss asking for the questions for the next test to review. Be wary of strange phone calls or emails that ask for something urgent. If something seems suspicious, clear it with a security professional before you give them info or ask a caller to hang up and call them back on an official number.

10. Conduct security awareness training. If you’re not already doing this, organize training sessions for all your authors, proctors, administrators and other users to help them be security aware. if you can, deliver tests after the training to check understanding. Sharing this blog article with your co-workers would be a great way to start.

To see more Questionmark posts click HERE.

Photo courtesy of the Clayton Christensen Institute

Wizer is an educational platform that allows instructors to create quick, easy and fun digital worksheets, to share them with fellow instructors, and to keep track of student performance.

The "FAQ's" below will tell you question types, multimedia resources, login formation, and some of the technology requirements.

As you know, "free" and "time-saving" are important factors to me....

Wizer FAQ's:

Wizer is FREE for teachers. You may build, assign, share and use as many worksheets as you like for free.

As many as you want! The use of the Wizer digital worksheet builder is unlimited. Make as many as you’d like. Please click to ‘share on gallery’ so that other Wizer teachers can see what you’ve created and use it with their students. Your influence is growing!

Yes. Wizer is a community of innovative teachers who create and share their digital lessons. Any worksheet on the public gallery can be used by simply clicking ‘Use’ or ‘Use this worksheet’. This duplicates the worksheet and puts the copy in your account. You can use it as-is or make some adjustments to fine tune it for your students.

When teachers create a worksheet, they may chose to ‘publish on gallery’ to share it with other teachers. Any worksheet shared on the public gallery can be viewed by other teachers for inspiration or used with their students. To use a gallery worksheet, just click ‘Use’ or ‘Use this Worksheet.’

Yes! Wizer worksheets can be completed on any iPad or tablet.

Yes. Any 1-to-1 device that is connected to the internet and has a web browser can be used to create and complete Wizer worksheets. The best browsers are Chrome and Safari.

On the window that opens you can create an assignment for each class. Each gets its own link & pin code so you can later review their answers separately for each class.

Yes. Wizer is integrated with Google Classroom and Wizer worksheets can be assigned to students directly via the green Google Classroom link. The first time you assign a Wizer worksheet via Google Classroom you will be asked to confirm your connection with a few simple steps.

Yes. If your school uses Haiku digital learning platform you can create or use Wizer worksheets, then copy the worksheet link into your classroom pages.

Yes. If your school uses Moodle open source learning platform you can paste worksheet links directly into class assignments.

You can easily add video, audio and images to any Wizer worksheet. Images can be made interactive using the Fill on an Image question type.

Wizer question types: Open answer, multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, fill on an image and tables.

1st part | 2nd part | 3rd part The list of the last eleven household circuit wirings: Three-way switches & light fixture (fixture at start of cable run) Three-way switches & light fixture (fixture at end of cable run) Three-way... Read more

The post 31 Common Household Circuit Wirings You Can Use For Your Home (3) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

1st part | 2nd part | 3rd part The list of the next ten household circuit wirings: Double receptacle circuit with shared neutral wire (receptacles alternate circuits) Double receptacle small-appliance circuit with GFCIs & shared neutral wire Double receptacle small... Read more

The post 31 Common Household Circuit Wirings You Can Use For Your Home (2) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

The circuit wirings in this article show the most common wiring variations for typical electrical devices. Most new wiring you install will match one or more of the wirings shown. Find the wirings that match your situation and use them to... Read more

The post 31 Common Household Circuit Wirings You Can Use For Your Home appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

New Articles Entry: 'Reading English with your child: problems and solutions' has just been added to the Articles area of UsingEnglish.com.

Modernization of the grid will increase the level of personal information detail available as well as the instances of collection, use and disclosure of personal information. Instead of measuring energy use at the end of each billing period, smart meters... Read more

The post Are you concerned about your privacy in Smart Grid? appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Hello, hope all is well with you! It’s our pleasure to share with you two Cyber Monday deals for our new electrical engineers, expiring on December 3rd: 20% on EEP Pro Premium Membership and 30% off on all courses and... Read more

The post Your Cyber Monday in EEP! Save Big on Premium Membership and Video Courses appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Black Friday is gone, but Cyber Monday is here and it’s getting better! Let us share with you two Cyber Monday deals for our electrical engineers, expiring on December 3rd: 20% off on EEP Pro Premium Membership and 30% off... Read more

The post Cyber Monday in EEP! 30% off on courses and 20% off on premium membership! appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Here we are, at the end of 2021, which was extremely intense for all of us. This year will be remembered for many things, but if you ask me, the most impressive was the global loss of common sense, sadly,... Read more

The post Wish you all the strength, courage and clear minds in 2022! appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Black Friday is gone, but Cyber Monday is here and it’s getting better! It’s the Last Day!! Let us share with you two Cyber Monday deals for our electrical engineers, expiring on December 1st: 20% off on EEP Pro Premium... Read more

The post Cyber Monday in EEP! 30% off on courses and 20% off on PRO membership plan! appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

As you should already know, current transformers are used for metering and relay protection purposes. When we are talking about current transformers used for metering, their performance is of interest during normal loading conditions. Metering transformers may have very significant... Read more

The post Four special connections of current transformers in relay protection applications appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Learning and studying have never been easier than nowadays. Since we started the EEP Academy, there are thousands of electrical engineers, students, technicians, and many others who are literally hungry for knowledge and experience. This is where EEP’s contribution comes... Read more

The post Top ten courses on EEP Academy for electrical engineers, technicians and students appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

We would like to announce the launch of our new website. You can find information about all the latest news reports and services. Our primary goal is to keep you in the know on the most recent and upcoming events we are involved in. Be sure to check back often.

Yes, many of today’s power grids are very sophisticated and automated. Every single event and piece of equipment is tracked, controlled, measured, and protected. But things aren’t as bright as it seems. As we can see, it turns out that... Read more

The post Automated, but hackable. Is power grid in your country safe from cyberattacks? appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Online resource featuring activities based on film stills and clips, suitable for KS3 English & Media, Geography, Citizenship and PSHE.

Teachers can now download Film Education's popular How to Train Your Dragon CD-ROM activities aimed at Primary Literacy.

Interactive online resource based on the film, providing opportunities to develop reading skills across multi-modal texts. Suitable for KS3 and KS4 English.

Microsite resource and accompanying free clips DVD suitable for Primary Literacy. Featuring PDFs for a whole-school assembly and homework activities.

Celebrate the film’s release on DVD and Blu-Ray with additional study materials for KS4 English and Media

Our resource on Me and Orson Welles suitable for English, Media, Film and Theatre Studies has been awarded a Learning on Screen Award 2011. Request a copy now!

Online resource for KS2 Literacy, Science and ICT. Interactive tasks suitable for the ICT suite, Assembly Hall & for homework to be used with Film Education's Zookeeper wallchart & CD-ROM.

We’re pleased to announce lower prices on the resource packs in our shop, plus special multi-buy offers. Our packs offer great value and come with a free site license, so stock up for the new term!

This online resource for KS1 and KS2 is suitable for Literacy, ICT, Science, Art and Citizenship. Activities include an interactive e-card to help spread the message about environmental awareness.

The Young Film Critic competition is open for entries from students aged 4-19. The supporting website features all the details, along with a brand new set of classroom resources to support entries.

Online resources to and student workbook to accompany the release of this hard-hitting British drama. Exploring aspects of PSHE, Media and Film Studies the materials are suitable for students 15-19.

Online study materials on Andrea Arnold’s Wuthering Heights, suitable for AS/A2 and equivalent English, Film and Media. Resource features key clips and a downloadable study guide for the classroom.

Interactive online resource on Ralph Fiennes’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, exploring the film alongside extracts from the play text. Suitable for use in English at GCSE and equivalent.

Online resource on Steven Spielberg’s War Horse, suitable for KS3 English, Media and History and KS2 Science and PSHEE. Features interactive learning tools and visual content from archive and the film

Online resource for teachers of KS3, KS4 & KS5 who are interested in using Holocaust related films to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.

Array

Online resource for Mirror Mirror, designed for students of English, Media and PSHEE aged 9-13; this resource features interactive learning tools and visual content from the film

Bookings open for FREE screenings of Fast Girls followed by Q&As with the cast in selected cities this May.  More locations to be announced shortly

Have Your Say about what films we show for your school during this year's Film Week which will take place from 16-26 Oct in Eng, Wales and N. Ireland and 1 - 9 Nov in Scotland and selected UK cities

Online study materials for Red Tails suitable for 13-16 year olds studying Media and PSHEE. Activities explore the film’s theme of racism and its action-adventure genre

Online study materials for Fast Girls suitable for 14 -18 year olds studying Media and PSHEE. Activities explore the film’s theme of teamwork and overcoming adversity

Online resource for the film Salute, exploring the 1968 Olympic protest and featuring activity sheet and online research task. Aimed at students of history, citizenship, PSHEE and English aged 13-18

About brothers during the First World War, this resource is aimed at 11-14 yr olds studying history and English, and features original interviews with the novel’s author and film’s screenwriter

Online  resource for Black History Month aimed at 11-19 year olds. Celebrating BHM, the resource offers a range of approaches to relevant films and focuses on key black actors and filmmakers      

Online study materials on Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, suitable for 7-11 year olds. The activities cover aspects of art, literacy and science. The resource features interactive activities for the classroom or computer suite

Resources on this new adaptation of Dickens’ classic explore the novel’s key ideas in the context of this new film production. Suitable for 13-19 English, media and film studies

Online resource and competition for Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3: Dog Days, suitable for 7-13 year olds studying English and PHSEE, with fantastic opportunity to win an iPad, and £1000 for your school