At Essential Training Solutions, we are very proud of our training material and are confident of their ability to help you reach your educational goals. However, our testimony alone has insufficient merit and consequently we are pleased to be able to provide you with the following independent reviews.
Reviewed
by Sandra Goodman, Ph.D. The content of the CDROM version includes features not available with the paper-based version - Question Bank, Case Studies, Glossary (N.B. 1/1/00 Glossary now included in manual) and System Introduction - but both versions offer the user a wealth of information, depending upon their choice of access, i.e. via computer or normal reading. The main menu of the CDROM contains about 15 distinct topics covering all aspects of aromatherapy, including Introduction, History, Methods of Extraction, Methods of Use, Safety, Properties of Essential Oils, Chemistry, Professionalism, Index of Essential Oils, Blending, Carrier Oils, Conditions and Treatments, Case Studies, Question Bank and Revision and Exam Tips. Each of these topics is covered in great detail: for example, with the Index of Essential Oils, the user can click on any of the oils within the index to view a page of all its properties. Similarly, with Methods of Extraction, the viewer can delve in detail into the various techniques whereby aromatherapy products are produced, i.e. by distillation, expression or hydro-diffusion (percolation). In the Methods of Use section, the viewer can go through a detailed discourse regarding the many methods in which essential oils can be used, ranging from baths, bidet/Douche/Sitz bath to massage, steam inhalation and tissue/handkerchief. The viewer can choose to view each screen individually by clicking the Forward button, or can select the Methods Screen, which calls up an alphabetical menu of Methods, which can then be selected directly which contains the instructions for that particular method. In the Case Studies section, there is a menu of interactive cases, whereby the patient's condition is described, followed by multiple choice answers. Selection of the incorrect option results in a bright red screen with an explanation; the correct answer shows a green screen with the explanation. The same format is followed with the question bank of some 500 questions taken from all sections of the package. All in all, highly useful information for the person requiring detailed information at their fingertips. A few minor drawbacks were that the CDROM takes up 60MB of space on your hard drive, is sometimes slow changing between screens and the initialisation process on boot up takes quite awhile. Also, it is a pity that there is no facility to print what is displayed on the screen; perhaps that will become available in future updates.  Essential Reflexology Reviewed
by Geraldine Giles The sections on the CDROM include History, Principle, The Treatment, Safety, Hand Reflexology, Anatomy and Physiology, Case Studies, and Revision and Exam Tips. Each of these is clearly and professionally presented, and provides a solid basis in generally accepted principles for reflexology. A clear Conditions section gives detailed information on 72 common conditions addressed by reflexology. Clicking on links throughout the package will take you to related material, and the test questions are carefully planned and give useful feedback if you choose the wrong answer. The CDROM also has an excellent reference section for any therapist to refer to for conditions, and a guide to the holistic approach to treat the conditions. This is well-constructed and search tools are handy, intuitive and reliable. This package is excellent and would be a very useful aid for use at home in between contact sessions as reminders and preparing for the next session. It is very interactive, and searching for information is extremely easy. I worked my way through the manual next, which was clearly sectioned and laid out, with plenty of space to add your own notes. Each section contains clear diagrams and revision questions at the end, so it would be possible to use the manual on its own if you did not have access to a computer. Sections in the manual mirror those presented in the software package, but without the bonus of clear links between sections and easy navigation to take you straight to the area you want. Similarly, the manual has reinforcement and revision questions at the end of each distinct section - with the distinction that the software package makes full use of its potential for interaction, so that learning using the computer is far more stimulating and fun. A reference section at the back of the manual includes a number of useful foot and hand charts, a thorough Glossary and detailed answers to the end-of-section questions. The Anatomy and Physiology section covers most areas, leaving room for tutors to develop students further. While containing much the same basic material as the manual, the computer package has much additional information and is a far more thorough training aid. In particular it gives much more detailed information on actual treatment techniques, through the use of video clips built into the package, showing and explaining treatments in progress. If you don't have a computer, the manual on its own is not so informative, but if you do, the manual is a good backup away from the computer. Overall the CDROM concept was excellent and fun, and by far the best interactive tool I have come across for supporting a reflexology course. A beginner could certainly develop the theory side and have an overview on the practical using the CD, and the manual would be useful when there was no access to a computer. The two packages support each other well, but if I had to choose, the CD is much better value for money and a far better independent aid to professional training. About the Reviewer Geraldine Giles is Education and Training Officer for the Association of Reflexologists, and oversees standards and accreditation for reflexology training schools in the UK. In addition she is Principal of the Oxford School of Reflexology and a practising reflexologist herself. Essential Anatomy & Physiology - The Elementary Guide Reviewed
by Andrew Coleman MA Ed(HP) MILT RNT RGN This is a 'no-nonsense' package that gives the student a basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Great for first-timers but also an excellent revision tool for those whose Anatomy & Physiology knowledge is tucked away in a dusty corner of the brain! Essential Anatomy & Physiology Reviewed
by Sandy Paul QARANC(V), DIPHEMS, DIPHENS, RM,RN(A) The package takes into account the fact that we are not all computer wizards and to that end, even technophobes would be able to access the information contained on CD Rom. Installation is simple (if you know which drive your CD player runs on) and the introductory tour gives you every mouse click. It is 'noise free', making library study without the need for headphones easy. Simplicity of use aside, Essential Anatomy and Physiology is just as it says, an essential part of any educational package as its contents are aimed at level 2 study but would be just as useful for older school children studying biology. It has none of the gruesome photographs that some textbooks contain but with detailed graphics, none of the important landmarks are missed. It deals with each of the body systems and allows the student access to each organ giving its role and function. Physiology is well presented and inter-links easily to the section being studied. Teaching and learning are a vital part of the eductional process and this software is also available as a ring bound hard copy. Both sources contain quiz questions at the end of each section, which help both teachers and students to evaluate knowledge gained and to plan further study. This software
package encourages you to study as its easy to read bite size chunks
do not overwhelm you but lead you through the body and its systems;
allowing you to tailor learning to your own needs. Whether you
are a beginner in the Anatomy and Physiology field or just wanting
to delve more deeply into the subject, this is a definite recommend.
As a staff nurse I use this package regularly, my old text book
stays on my shelf! Essential Anatomy & Physiology Reviewed
by Andrew Coleman MA Ed(HP) MILT RNT RGN Overall Essential
Anatomy & Physiology is an excellent package, either in paper
format or CD-ROM. It's depth of information and the clear way in
which it is presented allows the student to read and understand
the subject matter in a non-threatening and, dare I say it, a fun
way. It is also a great teaching tool enabling the tutor to plan
and present a continuous flow of material to the students. Excellent
information, excellent presentation and excellent value for money!
Essential Anatomy & Physiology Reviewed by Massage World July/August 2002 A welcome addition to Anatomy and Physiology – The Elementary Guide, this disc is 300% larger, taking a deeper look into all the body systems. Even a non-technical person will have no problem loading up the disc with the simple instructions given. Once installed you are ready to go and the system introduction shows you how to move freely around the package. There is over 475 questions; the ones I attempted awarded me with a tick for the right answer, which gave me a sense of achievement - great for exam revision. For those who
would rather work from text than on screen, the manual version
includes everything that is on the CD Rom. For
any questions about this review, please contact:
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