My blog find of the week is from Technology News and Reviews, and I regret that I can't find the author's name.

He or she writes about the necessity of continuing education, about how education from prestigious colleges and universities is a foundation only. Bill Gates is the example used.

"Take Bill Gates, for example. In spite of his phenomenal success behind Microsoft, still admits that the partial education he got from Harvard is invaluable. And even kid that he's the most successful among Harvard's drop-outs. However, what we have failed to see is that Gates has an unquenchable thirst for learning new things, trailblazing on new technologies, and outwitting his business competitors by getting ahead in acquiring or even inventing new knowledge. This is continuing education."

An unquenchable thirst for learning new things. I love that. Do you have it?

Are you a jazz cat?  Swing University at the Lincoln Center offers adult education in jazz, baby.

Classes are taught by some of the best musicians and scholars jazz has to offer, and cover song form, the uses of ensemble and soloists in performance, and significant events in jazz history.

What are you doing in January to edify yourself?

Women's shelters across the country are havens for women who find themselves in need of a helping hand, a safe place, someone who cares. Designed to help women get a handle on life again, at least one, Renaissance House in Sierra Vista, Nevada, also requires women to earn their GED before leaving.

Shar Porier wrote about the house for The Herald.

"Sixty-five percent of these women have no high school diploma or GED. So, that is part of the program, as well. They have to get their GED's to graduate," said Lou Anne Sterbick-Nelson.

To help them in that endeavor, a back room at the gallery houses a number of computers so the women can study and polish their computer skills to be competitive when they re-enter the job market.

Earning a GED is one of the most important things a person can do to get back on track in life. Do you have a story to share about earning your GED with the help of a shelter? Talk to us.

In New York, the State Board of Regents is considering alternative options for teachers seeking certification. Jennifer Medina wrote about the possibilities Sunday for The New York Times:

While New York has had some alternative certification programs in place for years, like Teach for America and New York City Teaching Fellows, students are still required to take classes at education schools during the summer, nights and weekends to earn a teaching certificate.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan wants schools to focus "more on hands-on classroom work, similar to medical residencies that aspiring doctors must complete."

Personally, I'm in favor of experiential learning. What about you? Are you seeking a teaching certificate? Do you prefer traditional or alternative class?