*Update: The overhauled USAJOBS site is back up and running. Log in, update your profile and saved searches.
USAJOBS search and apply functions offline during the transition
OPM will transition to the new USAJOBS over the Columbus holiday weekend. During the transition nearly 5 billion rows of data will be extracted, validated, and subjected to integrity testing to preserve the applicant resumes, seeker profiles, and agency job postings in the current system.
The USAJOBS search and apply functions will be "offline," beginning at 5 pm EDT on October 7, 2011, which means no searches can be conducted and no applications can be submitted via USAJOBS. Daily transition status updates and general employment information, however, will be available on USAJOBS.gov. So, if you were planning to jump start your federal job search in the new fiscal year, you might want to schedule it for October 12th!
USAJOBS Student Jobs
Feds Hire Vets
You can still keep up to date through Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
The Army Resume Builder site lists this announcement: APPLICANTS please note that while USAJOBS is down, 6-12 October 2011, you WILL NOT be able to apply (self-nominate) to any announcement. During this period access will be limited to creating/updating your resume and viewing the status of submitted applications only.
Comments, recommendations, +1 and reaction box selections are always welcome.
Recently I attended an ABIC (Army Basic Instructor Course) Refresher Course...reasons why are for another blog post, so any way back to how Google Docs saved me. On day one we are issued this stack of papers as a Student Reference and a CDROM. On day two we are assigned a specific common core/general knowledge class that we will present in the ABIC/TRADOCian method.
We develop a training outline, then develop a question outline, prior to giving our presentation. We are given access to a computer lab in another building before and after class but I head back to the office as we are down to the wire before the big TRADOC QAO Accreditation visit. Google Docs is not accessible from .mil domain so it never really saves me on the computer I use at work when I need a product that I save in my Google Docs.
For some reason, the CDROM was blank after using at work and we were required to submit a printed copy of the training outline to our evaluator. Because I saved, created, and modified my requirements in Google Docs, I knew if I needed the data I could access the information with my tablet or my phone.
While I was frustrated in the walled learning environment, which included a ban on cell phones, I enjoyed working with the great group of NCOs who taught the course and those who were students in the course as they prepare for their military instructor positions for the leadership and technical aspects of the Signal Corps. Would I do it again? Not unless I am required to do so and the course is implementing the Army Learning Concept 2015 or following the pilot using iPads and mentors.
Hopefully, the course improvements will adapt more of the tenets of ALC 2015 before FY 15 as FY 12 starts next Saturday, 1 October 2011.
What is iCivics?
From the About page: iCivics (formerly Our Courts) is a web-based education project designed to teach students civics and inspire them to be active participants in our democracy. iCivics is the vision of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who is concerned that students are not getting the information and tools they need for civic participation, and that civics teachers need better materials and support. You can download the handout (.pdf), see What is iCivics in Prezi by Jeff Curley, or visit the iCivics and explore on your own.
A special section for teachers to search or browse curriculum units via games, web quests, lesson plans and by state, grade, and state standards. Below is the brief description of the games with links organized by topic. From the site you can select the topic or time tab.
You can register (with your Facebook account or email) and save your progress, educators can create accounts and share lessons, or you can opt out and just play and explore. You also have an option to make and impact and donate your points to an impact project.
Citizenship and Participation
Activate
Do you have a great idea about how to make positive change in your community? In Activate, you campaign for an issue of your choice.
Cast Your Vote
What issues do you want to ask candidates about? In Cast Your Vote, you choose the questions in a debate, rate their responses, and vote for the candidate of your choice....
Immigration Nation
Do you know how people become citizens of the United States? In Immigration Nation, you'll find out as you guide newcomers along their path to citizenship. Good luck!
Responsibility Launcher
Have you ever wanted to knock some civic sense into someone? In Responsibility Launcher, you can ...
The Constitution and Bill of Rights
Argument Wars
Ever tried to win a disagreement? In Argument Wars, you will try out your persuasive abilities by arguing a real Supreme Court case.
Do I Have a Right?
You’ll run your own firm of lawyers who specialize in constitutional law.
Budgeting
Counties Work
Do you want to make your community a better place to live? In Counties Work, you decide about the programs and services that affect everyone!
People's Pie
Do you like to control your own money? In People’s Pie, you control the budget of the federal government!
Separation of Powers
Branches of Power
Do you like running things? Branches of Power allows you to do something that no one else can: control all three branches of government!
The Executive Branch
Executive Command
Ever wanted to be President for a day? In Executive Command, you can be President for four years!
The Legislative Branch
LawCraft
Want to make some laws? You can in LawCraft, where you play a member of Congress from the state of your choice.
Represent Me
In Represent Me!, you work as a legislator trying to meet the needs of your constituents.
The Judicial Branch
Argument Wars
Ever tried to win a disagreement? In Argument Wars, you will try out your persuasive abilities by arguing a real Supreme Court case.
Court Quest
In Court Quest, people from around the country need your help to navigate our court system. Listen carefully to each case, so you can guide them to the right place!
Do I Have a Right?
You’ll run your own firm of lawyers who specialize in constitutional law.
Supreme Decision
Ever wondered how the Supreme Court really works? In Supreme Decision, you help cast the deciding vote.
So whether you are an autodidact, celebrating Constitution Day, remembering 9/11 or just like to tinker with games that may enhance your knowledge, check out the iCivics site...there is something for everyone.
Comments, recommendations, +1 and reaction box selections are always welcome.
