Tag Archives: online classes

Aug25

Mental Health Day

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Mental Health Day

Hello!! This past Monday, I enjoyed my first mental health day in I don’t know how long. Granted, it wasn’t necessarily my choice but it still counts lol. This weekend, I was in a crazy freak accident – no one was hurt, but my car was so I was out of commission to get to work anyways. I would have loved to have had a mental health day under different circumstances, but I guess I’ll take what I can get? Haha and I used my time off well!

On Monday, I slept in until… SIX AM!!! It was great and definitely beats my normal wake up time around 4:30. Melvin and Penelope weren’t thrilled to have postponed their super early morning outing, but once I was up they got to hang out outside of their hutch almost all day. I also was able to get my car set up for its repairs because who knew auto body shops were closed on the weekend? Not me and it was a big relief to get all of that sorted. Also, I took my car to a mom and pop shop and the owner was just adorable. 🙂

Once I was home from my errands, I got to work doing lots of cleaning and that felt fantastic. When my life was really crazy, it was hard to find the time or energy to do a good deep cleaning of the apartment. I got to do that and more with my day off and I felt so accomplished and proud of my efforts. Maybe I needed this day for me more than I realized because I knew it would be nice to clean, but I didn’t appreciate how nice until I proudly surveyed a sparkling space.

After my chores were done, I completed the last item on my agenda which was finishing my Independent Provider annual training. Every year, we must do eight hours of additional online training to maintain our certification. I was on hour six of mine so I didn’t have too much left to do, but it was cool to not have to do it once I was home from work. I also don’t mind the online training at all because they’re always super interesting and it’s fun to learn something new!

Once all of my checklist for my day off was accounted for, I got to spend the rest of my afternoon FaceTiming with my bestie, Kate, of Live In The Nautical. It was the perfect way to end my Mental Health Day. If you are feeling like you need a day for you too, then I can’t encourage an MHD enough. We all need one from time to time and it’s important to listen to what your mind and body needs!

How do you like to spend a day off? When was your last mental health day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar8

3 Tips For Developing New Professional Skills

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3 Tips For Developing New Professional Skills

Largely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the way that it has deeply disrupted many industries across the professional landscape, a phenomenon that some are calling “The Great Resignation” is currently underway.

Instead of going through the motions in their current jobs or “going with the flow” and sticking to the current trajectories of their careers, many people are now looking for options for developing new professional skills, retraining, and changing jobs or career types outright. Whether you’re interested in getting into mobile applications technology or want to start working in ecological management, here are a few tips for developing new professional skills:

See if your current job is open to offering additional training and certification opportunities:

Many employers will have a budget for training and skill development on their teams and will offer a range of optional courses and qualifications to their employees. Even if your current employer isn’t explicitly advertising these courses, you could go to them and ask whether they would be willing to fund and sponsor you for training that would potentially make you more effective in your role.

The training options that will be on offer within your current job will naturally tend to be things that are related to your current career that your employer deems will make you a better asset for the company. And there will often be some contractual stipulation that you need to stay with the company for a certain number of years after completing the course or else pay the cost back.

Either way, this kind of training can be helpful in enabling you to adjust course in your career, particularly if you’re not in a big rush.

Take online courses and work on them at a consistent time each day:

Today, there are many great online courses to be found, ranging from full-on certificates and online degrees offered by Universities, to more basic certificates and courses in things like the fundamentals of coding or graphic design. Signing up to online courses and spending some time working on them each day at as consistent a time as you can manage can be a great way of quickly acquiring new skills and insights.

Whether you are looking to extend your knowledge or learn something completely new, there is a program online that can fit into the schedule you set. If you are a software testing professional who is looking to progress in their career, for example, the ISTQB test management course could be an excellent thing to have on your resume. Advanced learning shows that you are committed to your job and are always up for learning more, which is what employers love to see.

Work on projects that you’re inexperienced with during your day job or as a side venture:

Some of the best skill development happens or, at least begins, “on the job,” whether at your actual day job or while working on a side business or other project in your own time. Working on project types that you’re relatively inexperienced with but see potential in can be one of the most fruitful and rapid ways of developing your professional skills. It will give you a clearer and more accurate sense of the kinds of topics where further training might be necessary or beneficial.

If you’re unsatisfied with your current job, there is no better time than the present to make changes to a career path that better suits you.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May3

Duolingo Progress

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Duolingo Progress

Howdy! Thanks to everyone’s recommendations to me about the Duolingo app, I have been obsessed for close to two months now. For funsies, I finally completed their French program for an enjoyable review and to sharpen my skills. Although it was tedious, it was well worth the time and effort and it felt good to finish the lessons that I started for a language that I love.

I have now moved onto Duolingo’s Spanish program and have been working on it for the past week or so. Once I complete these lessons, Spanish will be the FOURTH language that I’m familiar with, which is pretty good for an American! I haven’t taken a Spanish course since grade school, which has been over a decade ago, and I am already pleased with the progress that I have made.

My only complaint about the Duolingo app is the new update, where there are now three levels to complete per topic. I wish that they just did more extensive training on the subjects rather than having to go back to each one twice more once you complete level one. Three levels means a really repetitive curriculum, which was confirmed when I tried some of the advanced French levels only to find that it was a lot of the same thing over again.

When people ask me my level of fluency in French, I always reply with “If you transported me to Paris right now, I am sure that I would get along fine”. So, I can’t say that I will complete the additional levels for it. However, if I feel the need, I will certainly go back and give it a go. Spanish, on the other hand, will probably require all three levels of training, as I am completely unfamiliar with the language – despite eight years of it in grade school!!

Which languages are you learning on the Duolingo app? How many languages do you know and how did you learn them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec27

Fitting Self-Improvement Into A Hectic Lifestyle

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Fitting Self-Improvement Into A Hectic Lifestyle

The new year provides us with the opportunity for a new start. This is perhaps why so many of us make vows and resolutions to change and become better people. Do you want to start going to therapy? Or you’re searching for Gyms in Wokingham, or nearby, to work on your fitness? Regardless of your resolution, you get to start a completely clean page. Moving on from the past events of the previous year and heading into a brighter future.

But if, like many of us, you have a relatively hectic and chaotic day to day routine, how are you supposed to fit grand ventures of self-improvement into the equation? Well, the good news is that with a little organization and forward thinking, the world is your oyster and endless opportunities abound! Here are just a few ways to become a more rounded being without throwing your already busy lifestyle into disarray:

Education:

Increasing numbers of people are returning to education at a later point in their lives. There are various reasons for this. Perhaps they want to boost their resume. Maybe they want to explore subject areas that they don’t have much previous experience in. They might even want to specialize their existing knowledge. Regardless of the reason, a return to education doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to commute to campuses, sit in extensive lectures, or attend group seminars. The increasing efficiency of the internet means that you can now engage in distance learning, AKA taking courses online. Take online msc in international accounting and finance, as an example. This course offers everything that a standard degree course would, but you can complete it from the comfort of your own home. This allows you to schedule your education around your existing responsibilities. Perfect!

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 Study up!

Exercise:

While it may seem like you’re run off your feet all day, chances are that you haven’t managed to schedule a proper workout for a little while. Though an exercise class at the gym or a quick circuit of the machines may only take half an hour or so, showering and changing afterwards and the commute back and forth to the gym itself can mean that you’re out of the house for hours at a time. Instead, why not try to exercise at home?

This means that you don’t have to spend time getting to the gym and you can work out before you’d usually shower in the morning or go to bed at night. While you may not have the same equipment or professional trainers at hand, there are several things you can do to ensure that you get your heart beating and energy flowing. Consider exercise apps with tutorials in yoga and Pilates, squats, planks, push ups, and sit ups. They will monitor your progress and give you a basic understanding of how to achieve certain positions or poses all straight from your phone.

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#werk

While education and exercise are just two methods of self-improvement, you can see that they can easily be incorporated into already busy lifestyles. Take the same reasoning and thinking to whatever it may be that you want to improve about yourself. You will see positive changes taking place in next to no time!

Dec22

Getting Educated And Qualified Without Quitting Your Day Job

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Getting Educated And Qualified Without Quitting Your Day Job

No matter if you’ve already passed your initial schooling phase in your teens or late adulthood, it is never too late to get educated. Studies show that a considerable chunk of people would like a career change of some sort, and branch off into something that they are more interested in. Sadly, that is not always possible without the correct qualifications or the know-how.

Fortunately, we live in a time where education does not always have to be a completely full-time ordeal. Now, more flexible schedules which allow you to still work at least part-time are more than realistic. Not only that, but you could go ahead and get yourself qualified with some short courses, which take a few weeks or months rather than several years of school. No matter which scenario might suit you more, both are just as feasible for the average person and can be arranged if you just take the correct steps forward:

Getting educated:

Due to the nature of the modern working world, it is not always possible for everyone to take a few years out from work to fully dedicate themselves to studying, while the rent goes unpaid. Working at least part-time is a necessity for a large majority of adults in most countries and, unless you are able to balance working and studying simultaneously, then chances are you won’t be able to indulge in the sweet enriching world of education.

Before you give up completely, you should at least check out the different schedules available, and get familiarized with the different timetables available to see if you could make it work somehow. Always wanted to become a doctor? Go ahead and check the medical school tuition fees, and see if it is something that you could feasibly get invested in. Feel like programming is something which you would like to do as a career? Go and see if you can find local computer science courses. The sky’s the limit, so get out there and start planning your future in a field that you are truly passionate about.

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Knowledge is power!

Short courses for busy people:

If getting involved in any sort of long-term education is a big red flag for you, then there are always shorter courses which still provide you with industry standard qualifications in various fields but take considerably less time to complete. Whether you want to learn how to play the guitar or find out how to publish books, there will be a course out there which will catch your eye.

A somewhat popular series of courses are provided by companies certified by Adobe themselves, which run training courses in the Adobe Creative Suite which can result in you getting the title of a “Adobe Certified Associate”. Not only does it sound prestigious, but it is just as useful as it sounds. Depending on what you are interested in, you can pick up some certificates for any program in the suite that is relevant to your interests. Whether you want to create websites with Adobe Dreamweaver or logos and illustrations with Adobe Illustrator, courses as short as one week could get you on the right path to becoming a full-fledged professional somewhere down the line.

It is never too late to start some type of further education. Gather information on your program, study hard, and reach for the stars!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Sep27

Why It Is Never Too Late For School

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Why It Is Never Too Late For School

The initial decision to forgo post-secondary education does not have to spell doom for your aspirations in the long term. Of course, having a day job, family, and other obligations makes it hard for people to fit college into the picture. However, where there is a will, there is certainly a way. Do not let anything weigh you down and inhibit your dreams. You are not alone, either, as an increasing number of people are giving academic life another chance. No matter what stage of life you are in do not rule out school just yet: Education has no expiration date.

Getting back on track:

Fear and uncertainty are perhaps two of the most common factors that hold people back. Yes, studying is a huge commitment, but it does not matter that you didn’t start right away. It is much better to make your way to the finish line late than never. Moreover, being an independent adult can have its advantages. In all likelihood, you are in a better position to bear the financial burden of education and fund the studies. It might be possible to even entice your employer to cover the costs.

The list of reasons to go to the party late goes on. Nowadays, with advances in modern technology, you have more options than ever before. A vast ocean of information and education resources lies right at your fingertips. You have a chance to take advantage of online lessons, tutorials, and courses. Even prime, world-renowned universities offer such opportunities to people across the globe. If classes online or in person make you nervous, you can also always hire a private tutor to play it safe and sound.

Do not miss a thing:

Furthermore, many successful professionals have that sense of reaching a point where just focusing on the career does not cut it. After all, college graduates tend to have a higher income and access to better career opportunities compared to those without a degree. Most employers seek individuals who are well-qualified and possess expertise in a certain field. What is more, the pay gap is only getting bigger and bigger.

Getting into college is also a great way to expand your skill list. Critical thinking, analytical capability, problem-solving, community service – all of which look amazing on your resume. These skills enable you to set yourself apart from the crowd in the job market, land a promotion, and get a foot in the door. It also helps that you network with colleagues and professors. Thus, with a degree, older workers find it much easier to compete with the ambitions of a digital generation.

But, greater financial stability is not the only reason to consider school. Namely, years of intensive learning and research are no cakewalk, but studying can be a pleasurable and fulfilling experience. You are also able to gain a sense of self-validation and actualization as you meet loads of new people and soak in new ideas and knowledge. Your brain enters full-swing mode and you feel the inner curiosity being awakened. It is (Almost!) always preferable to give school the old college try than to deal with constantly feeling like you’re missing out.

Give it a go:

Furthering your education could be the driving force behind a positive change. So, if you feel higher education is right for you, show initiative and perseverance and do not shy away from taking the plunge. Pave your own path to success and do not just let the chips fall where they may. Improve your employability and advance up the career ladder quicker. As you embark on the journey of self-empowerment and personal growth, you will witness the benefits spilling over to all areas of life.

As someone who went to college later, I can testify to all of the above. But, of course, college is not always right for everyone – and that’s okay!! The option is there, and it is up to you to see how it fits (or doesn’t) in your lifestyle.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Sep27

Survival Advice For Newbie Nurses

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Survival Advice For Newbie Nurses

Is there an ideal career? Well, for the people who want to help others, nursing is an excellent place to start. The pay is solid, the people are amazing, and the work is fast-paced and varied. Okay, so that’s a positive take on the industry. But let’s face it – nursing comes with lots of negatives. But, they don’t have to get in the way of your ideal career if you know how to cope.

As it happens, there is a list of coping mechanism below which should come in handy. For all you newbies, here’s how to survive on a ward:

Get Plenty Of Sleep:

The shifts will come thick and fast, and they won’t stay the same. Sometimes you’ll have to work during the day and other times at night. There are even times when nurses work a variety of each per week. A lack of sleep, then, is a realistic possibility. But, not getting seven to nine hours a night is a sure-fire way to feel run down and depressed. Whether you are on the evening shift or not, make sure that you find ways to catch up on your 40 winks. The art of napping is something every nurse should learn.

Bond With Colleagues:

Apart from laughing and joking more, your colleagues can have a significant impact on your work life. Take being totally swamped at work and you haven’t ate or, god forbid, used the loo in nine hours. The people who don’t have friends at work have to struggle through until the very end. Colleagues who like and trust each other will have your back so that you can slip away to use the facilities or grab a quick power snack before hitting the pavement again. Bonding with colleagues helps with everything from checking patients to finishing early. Some will even cover a Saturday shift so that you can go out and let your hair down if they’re really nice!

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Study:

Why on earth would you study when you’re working 80 hour weeks? Okay, so the thought of enrolling in a university course isn’t appealing. However, an online RN to BSN degree program has lots to offer. First, it fleshes out your resume and adds another string to your bow. Even as a qualified professional, it never hurts to have an extra qualification in this day and age. Also, it gives you something to look forward to. Having a balance between life and work is essential, and an extracurricular course promotes a healthy mental attitude. There is no better way to keep going than the thought of a promotion (And straight A’s for days!).

Be Healthy:

It’s ironic, but medical professionals are the ones who are often the most in need of health advice. From eating junk food to drinking caffeine, doctors and nurses cover all of the bases. Poor physical health leads to poor mental health, and that can lead to a meltdown. Also, it’s hard to continue working when your body feels like it will break at any moment. Eating healthy foods, such as fruits and veggies, is an easy way to promote better health and well-being. Also, lay off of extreme amounts of coffee and energy drinks.

So, that’s a healthy diet, lots of sleep, and a balance between work and personal life? Just what the doctor ordered!

Featured Image By: Flickr

Jun28

Is Now The Right Time To Get Into The Healthcare Industry?

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Is Now The Right Time To Get Into The Healthcare Industry?

Healthcare businesses are booming at the moment. So, it isn’t hard to see why starting a firm which delivers patient care is so tempting. The problem is, that even though the landscape appears good now, it may not be in the future. Sadly, entrepreneurs see a ‘sure thing’ and dive in head first, only to have things turn sour shortly after. For obvious reasons, you don’t want this to happen! It’s essential that you think before you act. With that in mind, here are the pros and cons of starting a healthcare business in 2017:

Pro: It’s Easier To Obtain Qualifications

Most people think that they need seven years of medical training before they can open the doors. Or, they believe that some need to pay their dues. The reality is, that qualifications are a lot easier to come by today than ever before. Yes, lots of medical professionals do spend years training to get a foothold in the industry. But, it’s also possible to do it online. With courses such as healthcare administration bachelor’s degree online, there is no base that you can’t cover. As an added bonus, online classes tend to be less expensive and more convenient for a busy schedule. Getting your Physical Therapy CEUs or even an associate’s degree to get started might be more obtainable than you think.

Remember that there are also other positions available in a medical setting that might not require a degree like making deliveries to different floors, janitorial work, reception, and kitchen staff. These are all integral roles in a medical facility too. You might even find a position for a medical answering service in Houston (or your local area) to further enhance communication between the facility and patients. These are all excellent options if you thrive in a fast paced and person centered environment.

There are also roles in the medical field that would be perfect for the computer savvy. This is an especially viable option should you be squeamish around blood! Medical device software development could be where your skills lie to boost efficiency and ensure the efficacy of treatments. Data management or facility management could also be considered for a role in the medical field without being hands on.

Con: Industry Is Complex

The problem with starting out as a novice is the complexity of the industry. Simply put, there is a lot to deal with on a daily basis, and that is only the tip of the iceberg. To provide an extensive care package, it is essential to keep up with the latest trends and attend seminars. You will also need to review your practices to ensure that they are up to date, not to mention the logistical side of things. Sure, it is possible to learn as you go, but it is extremely difficult. If you’re going to succeed, you need tons of brainpower and the drive.

Pro: Returns Tend To Be High

If you’re savvy, the returns on your investment can be significant. The reason for this comes down to low startup costs. Normally, new businesses have to fork out a lot of money to break even, but healthcare firms don’t follow the same rules. For example, there is no need for an office if you provide care to people in their homes. Plus, there is no reason to hire a plethora of workers, either. As long as you can keep the initial cost down, there is an excellent chance that you will be in the black. Dwindling down the expenses with managed care contracting can also be a huge help, which is something you would benefit from exploring further.

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#stackingpaper

Con: Everything Is Changing

A few years ago, the Affordable Care Act came into action and changed the industry. Now, the Trumpcare legislation is about to come into effect, and everything will be different again. Some people will see this as an opportunity, which it is in some respects. Others, however, will understand that the industry is on a knife edge. Taking the gamble now could pay off, or it could leave you with nothing. Regardless, it isn’t worth the risk until you know more.

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Are you up for the ever changing challenge?

Featured Image By: Flickr

Jun2

Education You Might Not Have Considered

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Education You Might Not Have Considered

It’s a competitive world out there and even if you’re more than qualified for the position that you’re interviewing for, you can lose out to someone equally qualified who has that little bit extra. No matter how old you are, it never hurts to learn new skills or earn new qualifications to boost your career. You don’t have to quit your job and go back to school full time to get a Masters. Nowadays, there is more than one way to develop desirable skills to revamp your resume:

Short Courses/Workshops: If you’re not too sure that you’re ready to get back into learning right away, you can test the waters by checking out short courses or one-day workshops. Short courses may cover any area from soft skills such as communication and leadership to industry-specific skills like accounting, web design, or photography – so you’re guaranteed to find something that will be useful for your career. If you’re not sure which courses might be useful for your current job, then you can still learn something by taking a short cooking course or signing up for a series of yoga classes to better understand the teachings.

Online Education: Some of the most prestigious universities in the world now offer college courses through the Internet to anyone who wants to take them. Additionally, you’re more likely to find a specialized qualification such as lean manufacturing courses online than you are through your local college class listings. Not only do online courses save you on the cost of commuting, but they give you far more options.

As we have learned from the pandemic, online schooling can be difficult. It might be the isolation, lack of motivation, or maybe your internet that freezes every hour. Difficult as it is, your education is important and you can learn more about bettering your experience through online searches and discussing with your friends and teachers.

Volunteer: Taking time out of your busy schedule to help others can boost your career for several reasons. First, volunteering gets you out of your comfort zone and teaches you how to communicate with empathy. Second, it gives you valuable experience in a field that you hope to enter, which will make it easier for you to gain experience or a full-time job in the future. Finally, it shows potential employers that you are willing to go beyond what is required of you and that you are passionate enough to go for what you want in your own time.

Enroll in Your Community College: You need a certain motivation to complete online courses or learn skills in your spare time. If you feel that you could do better in a more structured environment, you can take a course at your local college for a term or even go for a full degree if you are ready to commit to it. Any credits that you earn at the end will have real value when hunting for jobs or eventually pursuing your formal education even further.

Group Language Clubs: Knowing a second language is invaluable in any job, but some people might not do well learning by themselves with an app. You should try finding a club that meets in your area and practice with a real teacher and other hopeful learners. Even a basic understanding of another language is better than nothing!

Ready, get set, and learn yourself to the finish line of a better job or further in your education!

Featured Image By: Soft9000

May26

5 Important Considerations Before You Sign Up For That Online Course

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5 Important Considerations Before You Sign Up For That Online Course

Are you thinking of signing up for an online course? Maybe you have your eye on one already, or you just think that this would be a good option for you instead of going to night school or taking a part time course. Online courses can be a brilliant option for certain people, but they aren’t right for everybody. Here are 5 important considerations you need to make before you sign up:

Will You Get Support?

You don’t want to sign up for an online course only to be left completely in the lurch when it comes to asking questions. You don’t necessarily need direct contact with the person who created the course. A simple forum, speaking with other students could be a great way to clear up any confusion that you have about the work ahead of you. In some cases, you may get direct support with the course creator to ensure that you get the most out of the course. Make sure that you know what the support is like before you sign up.

Do You Get A Real Qualification?

Some online courses can give you great information, but you don’t actually get a real qualification at the end of it. Consider whether you need a real qualification. If it isn’t important, then it won’t matter so much. However, if it is, you need to make sure that the qualification is legitimate and that you can do something with it afterwards. Doing an online hospitality degree is a popular option, as you get a real qualification once the course is over.

Will This Bring Value That You Can’t Find Elsewhere Online?

The internet is vast and full of resources that just about anybody can use to learn to do anything. Some resources are more in depth than others. Once you’ve found a course, you need to consider whether this will bring value that you can’t find elsewhere online. For instance, if you want to learn how to build websites, this isn’t information you necessarily need to pay for. You can learn this using YouYube videos and other resources, and by practicing yourself. It’s not something that you need a qualification for to be good at, although you will need to make sure you’re good at it to make money from it!

How Well Do You Learn In Your Own Time?

Some people just aren’t good at learning in their own time. They like to watch TV, read a book, relax…they just can’t find the time to sit down and do the course they’ve bought. If they have the course forever, it often gets put off until they realize that they bought it years ago. If you’re a person who can motivate yourself, then this could be a great option. If not, you may be better off signing up for a night course!

Is It Good Value For Money?

Courses can vary wildly in price all over the internet. A cheap course doesn’t mean it’s bad and an expensive course doesn’t mean it’s good. You need to be sure you’re getting value for money, whatever your budget is!

Ready, get set, learn…online!

Featured Image By: Flickr