Archive for July, 2008
Posted by Phyllis Stith on July 27th, 2008
The online learning environment can be either static (asynchronous) or dynamic (synchronous). As a result, students should try both methods to see which format best fits their needs.
In synchronous classes, the professor is the facilitator of the online learning session and speaks to the class through live audio. In like manner, the facilitator is able to present visual lessons that can be easily seen by the students through their computer monitors.
There are two ways to communicate in the synchronous environment, live chat and text messaging. During chat, the facilitator and students are able to speak to the class through a microphone. However, it is important to note that most online classes have security mechanisms which make it impossible for more than one person to speak at a time. Moreover, the facilitator has the ability to either grant or deny permission to those who wish to speak during the session.
Most online classes also give students the ability to enter questions and comments through text messaging. Once a message is typed and entered, all of those present in the class are able to respond. Thus, the facilitator must use effective classroom management techniques so that these messages do not become distractive to the point of interfering with the lesson.
Posted by Jen Zeman on July 27th, 2008
If you are still confused about online degree programs, don’t worry. Alleviate some of that anxiety by doing your homework! If you enter “online education” in Google, you will receive thousands of results. One of the most reliable and reputable sources I have encountered online is elearners. This site contains a vast amount of information regarding online degrees, including a large listing of accredited colleges and universities and the online degree programs they offer. In particular, this site offers a Guide to Online Education that provides users with practically all the answers to all the questions they may have. If you are still not certain an online degree is right for you, eLearners offers a free online test to determine your compatibility with online learning. eLearners also provides links to recent news articles pertaining to online education to continue your research. I found this site extremely helpful while I was researching universities that offered online liberal studies master’s degrees, and I believe you will find it helpful too.
Posted by J.M. Striegel on July 26th, 2008
Are you still apprehensive about diving into the land of online learning? Fearful you won’t know what to do, won’t know where to go, and maybe you are wondering if you can even stick to a routine of studying, participating in class, and reading the materials on the syllabus? You can test drive a car before you buy it, so why not take a few free online classes before you send in that application and course fee?
I’ve previously written about education being portable, and when you can download a lecture from iTunes, I think you have to agree that we are in a wonderful time where the power of knowledge can be harnessed by those who actively seek it. The internet has opened the door to so many wonderful opportunities and information, but it can begin to look like a badly organized junk drawer. The tools are there, they just might be lost in the clutter.
The OpenCourseware Consortium is a free digital publication that attempts to make free online learning a little easier to navigate. Boasting 2,810 courses from 26 sources within a collaboration of more than 200 higher education organizations and institutions, the Consortium hopes to encourage “the adoption and adaptation of open educational materials around the world.” From Tufts University to the Universidad de Sevilla in Spain, there are online course materials just waiting for you to take notice and utilize them.
Don’t forget languages. The Foreign Service Institute offers courses that were developed by the United States government. The site uses text, podcasts, and online forum discussion to teach you Arabic to Yoruba. Adding a foreign language to your resume may open doors to new job options. No employer has ever complained that the employee knew too many languages.
Not only can these sites be helpful tools in assessing whether or not you are ready to return to the halls of academia, they can inspire your course of study. Now, thanks to sites like Lecturefox, you can dabble in courses and topics that you may never have known existed, much less would have been able to pursue within a specific course of study. Who knew you could be so excited about Religion as a Natural Phenomenon?
J.M. Striegel
Posted by mrsgougis on July 25th, 2008
Bright-eyed, full of dreams, with a mind that didn’t entertain failure or impossiblities, I graduated from high school. I was moving onto bigger and better things, but I just didn’t know where those bigger and better things were exactly. It wasn’t easy choosing colleges to go to, but I did, and without an educated decision I made the hugest mistake by attending school out-of-state without taking some precautions first.
Back then gas was $1.19 a gallon, food was affordable, catching a plane wasn’t like standing at an auction block waiting for a tally and a receipt with all those weird costs that the airlines have decided was pertinent to stay in business. There wasn’t as many crowded highways back then, and the financial aid offices were efficient, honest, and cared about their jobs. More scholarships were offered in higher amounts, and the hope and opportunity of an education was much more brighter than now. So, when you or your child was like me, searching for bigger and better things what are some things you should consider before sending yourself or your child to another state, or an in-state institution?
In-State Institutuons
Because I lived in Cincinnati, Ohio I was screaming to get out of the dull, culture-less, and barely innovative city. Cincinnati lacked creativity, pulse, and artistic platforms and I wanted those avenues to achieve being a writer, or a fashion writer. I didn’t live in a state that fostered those talents. Sometimes when you are looking to attend an institution, it is very important that you understand the need to be absolutely sure about what you intend to accomplish in your career. If you know that you are trying to be a fashion merchandiser, make sure that after you graduate, the environment boasts employment opportunities. If you are lucky enough live within a state that offers a cirriculum that will be the catalyst for your career and you also have the opportunity to obtain employment then state in-state.
Also, when you choose an in-state institution there are many benefits. Number one, you may not be far from family. Number two, you will be able to pay less money for tuition. Number three, you could be awarded more scholarships and grants for your particular state since you are a resident and attending an in-state institution. Number four, no airline costs to get home, you may can drive or take the Greyhound which is much more convenient and cheaper. Number five, it is easier to transport your belongings back and forth as you continue your education. Number six, it is easier to keep track of funds, and find employment since you already have a feel for your state or the city’s environment.
The disadvantages to going to an institution in-state remind me of my own difficulties. First of, Cincinnati had English classes, however if I graduated I would not have found any decent employment around. The only place I could have probably worked was Writer’s Digest and even still required writing experience. If I would go as a fashion merchandiser, that isn’t a sought after career in Cincinnati, so actually I would waste my time. Also, if you are like me, starving for a much more mature, driven, cutting edge, innovative, open-minded city, then if your city doesn’t offer that you might want to consider an out-of-state instituion.
Out-of-State
Chicago is an expensive city, and I wish I didn’t have to nearly get put out on the street to find that out. Chicago is an innovative, dynamic city, however if you aren’t rolling with a little loot in the bank then your chances of starting and continuing an education there is slim to negative zero. In deciding to go to an out-of-state institution here’s what you should think about:
- Tuition. Tuition for students out of state is usually a couple thousand dollars more than in-state students.
- Room & Board. Room & Board is also a couple thousand dollars more than an in-state student. Also, you might want to search for off-campus housing and calculate the difference to see if one year’s worth of rent in an apartment is less or more than on campus housing, which gets expensive if the institution has constant tuition hikes and more campus building development.
- Meals. You can choose your meal, however it can get expensive so make sure you understand the costs and how meal cards are applied to your balance.
- Travelling Costs. Remember, some campuses do not allow students to stay the universities during breaks like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or summer breaks, so you might configure into the cost of college how much you will pay yearly to travel to and from home.
- Transportation. If you choose to stay on campus this might not be a problem. However, if you do have a car, you will be charged for a parking pass to use the parking lot where your dorm is. Or, if you were lucky enough to obtain off campus living cheaper, then add in bus fare for however many days you have to go to class, and/or work.
- Cost of living. Really this should have been first. Researching the cost of living of city can help you determine if you are able to find employment, surivive there and live there. When cities like Chicago have a tax bracket of 13.5%, and ten of thousands of people unemployment, bus fare $3.00, then ask yourself, do I have enough saved for myself or my child to be able to obtain a degree in that city?
- Cost of Transportation. Gas isn’t $.99 anymore. You will need to configure the cost of gas that will be spend travelling back and forth to see your folks, or to see your child.
The benefits of being an out-of-state student is being introduced to a new culture, new city, new environment, and the excitement of new things and people you can meet. However, the cost of being an out-of-state student is astounding. So, if you can afford college out of state great, however if you cannot learn to opt out by looking for colleges in surroundings states, or within the state that you live.
College isn’t simple anymore, but you can make it simple by doing your homework first!
Posted by jstoppi on July 25th, 2008
One of the many fringe benefits of obtaining an online education is the opportunity to enhance one’s computing and internet skills. In today’s information/knowledge based economy, the enhancement of such skills is critical to becoming competitive in the workforce.
Online education will require the student to upload/download files via FTP websites, create electronic submittals of assignments and exams, use email to communicate with students and professors, use web-based message boards to discuss technical subjects, use java chat applets to communicate in real-time with students and professors, etc.
These electronic skills will benefit the student down the road in his/her job. Learning these skills in the online education arena is especially crucial to baby boomers or others who are more likely to not have previously been exposed to this technology.
When I was an online student at the University of Maryland, I enhanced my electronic/internet skills in the following ways:
- I learned how to use the drawing function within MS Word to create complex illustrations to illustrate design approaches.
- I learned how to use MS Equation Editor to illustrate the solution to equations.
- I learned how to embed spreadsheets within MS Word documents to allow a reviewer to manipulate and view solutions.
- I enhanced my online search abilities in the quest to complete specific assignments.
After I graduated, I continually impress my superiors with my enhanced electronic skills.
Being a student in an online atmosphere can be overwhelming. At times you may even feel alone. Due to the distance learning format the biggest form of communication is EMAIL. It is essential to use this tool to develop a relationship with your online instructor.
As a part of your class requirements you will have the opportunity to “chat” with the class using the discussion boards and real-time seminars or chat sessions, but the best way to speak one-on-one with the course facilitator is to use email to ask questions, clarify information, share thoughts and get to know your professor.
Online schools have instructor policies that require them to check email daily, host office hours and at some schools have access to instant messaging. The accessibility to your professor may not be the experience of a face-to-face meeting but it can be an opportunity for open discussion. Review your class syllabus to see what the best way to contact your professor. If email is the preferred option, send an email to introduce yourself outside of the opening unit’s introductory opportunity. Save the instructor’s email address in your contact list, as well as include them on your safe list. You would not want to miss a correspondence from your instructor because it goes to your bulk mail box.
It is recommended that you use the email system of your school. Just as you would not want to miss an email from your professor, the opposite applies. Using your personal email account may be flagged by the school’s email administration as an unsolicited email. It may forward it to a bulk mailbox or the professor may dismiss it as spam. Many times your personal email account does not identify you but instead describes our alternate egos. Beware that email names that are “suggestive” and “unique” may not be answered. The school’s assigned email account will give you better odds of your email being directed to the professor’s inbox and responded to in a timely fashion.
Your instructor will appreciate your outreach. This will also help to set the expectations of your learning experience. Using email or instant messaging will afford you the chance to make a presence with your professor. It is also a way to keep your professor informed. As an online student you probably have a demanding schedule. That is a major reason for many who enroll at an online college or university. There are times when you may have difficulty meeting your deadlines, communicating with your instructor can help you to stay focused, make up work and find out about discussions or resources you may have missed.
Keeping the lines of communication open will only enhance your learning experience. It will not only keep you engaged in the process, it will also elicit dialogue from your professor. Just keep the emails respectful and with the understanding that what you write might not be interpreted as what you meant. So, keep your emails short and to the point. Identify yourself, the class you attend and what your specific question is. The easier it is for the instructor to understand you, the easier it is for them to provide a substantial response.
Posted by dreese0421 on July 22nd, 2008
When deciding to attend an online school, many questions flood your mind. Is the education top-notch? Will I be abe to maneuver the website? Is it expensive? What if I cannot keep up with the work? What are learning groups? I am sure many more come to mind.
First, let me say that all these questions are valid. This is fairly new to many people. We are accustomed to sitting in a desk while listening to a teacher lecture on a subject, give classwork and then complete homework. Of course, we also read a textbook, or not. I mean, who enjoys the text book?
Online education is slightly different from the traditional classroom. No longer do you have a teacher. There is now a facilitator who monitors the class. Each facilitator is different. Some post lectures about the week’s subject. Some do not. All of them create a syllabus that includes a little about their background, availibility, brief course introduction, assignment calendar, and weekly requirements. I like to call it the class bible. This is the roadmap for the entire class period. Print it, read it, use it.
Each class has online folders which control the direction of the class. The facilitator will post discussion questions (DQs), Questions for the professor, and assignment submissions. Along with these individual areas, there are also learning group postings. This is the area you will create, brainstorm, and communicate with your learning group members.
The biggest difference that I have experienced while being an online student is writing papers. No more tests. All I do is write, write, write, which I love. I am able to express myself fully through writing. I had to learn American Psychological Association (APA) format, but the manual helps greatly. I have become quite fluent with this writing format. If you hate to write, I would not recommend online learning.
Expect to make friends from around the world. I have made friends in Japan, Germany, and many states in the USA. Expect to learn. I have learned so much from taking online courses. I have learned time management, patience, time zone differences, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and so much more.
Another important factor to expect is financial aid assistance. the financial aid department does everything to get you the money you need. A word of caution, however, if you only need enough money to pay tuition and books, tell you counselor. The people in this department are trained to get you all the money they can. Sometimes this means a lot more than you need. If you do not want to pay for this overage, send it back if you receive a check. Otherwise, mark on your school application that you only want enough funds to cover your tuition and books.
All things considered, online schools are excellent places of learning. I highly recommend them. If you are short on time, have no wheels, or just want to take classes on your time schedule, try it. You just might find your calling there.
Posted by Nicole Acosta on July 22nd, 2008
Recent events has caused me to blog about being ‘On Time’ with registration or be extra early. This July I went to register for classes for this upcoming Fall. It was a mad house; students trying to register for Summer II and Fall 2008. The adviser’s are not the friendliest of people; think about it, there they are sitting there listening to unprepared people that have no idea what courses they are wanting to take or are eligible.
I have one complaint about the way Adviser’s work. I know your tired and stressed by the over abundence of students signing up for classes, checking on test scores and asking for directions. You chose this job, and we come to YOU for aid and understanding of the program YOUR college has to offer. Don’t expect most students to know what it going on. Most students that are signing up for classes are high school graduates and have no idea what is going on; so in a way we are like toddlers learning how to walk and we are trying to get fimiliar with our steps. Don’t expect us to just get up and walk with confidence.
I find a great source of information is to ask friends who already attend the college. Go to your counselor; email your questions to the school. I receive better responses from emails, then having to deal with the staff in person. Emails are quick and to the point.
If you are applying for financial aid be sure to be at least 30-60 days out before payment is due for your classes. I’m currently battling with this at the moment. Payment IS due and my funds have not been processed through the financial aid department at the college. I applied 30 days out on the internet. Be sure that all information is correct, so as soon as you get an email from FAFSA print your documents and head to your college or phone them immediately if its a Online Only University. All corrections that need to be done, should be done immediately to avoid paying out of pocket for classes, because you do not have your funds yet.
So, work on trying to be the early bird when it comes to college. Be Prepared and Ask for Help.
Posted by Jen Zeman on July 20th, 2008
Financial aid is readily available for anyone wanting to go back to school, even if they are attending completely online. The fastest and best way to get all the information you need to get your financial aid started is by visiting the Department of Education’s website for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. This application is a necessity to complete for any federal financial aid, whether it is a loan or grant. The website is easy to navigate, as is the application itself. If you have already applied at a specific school, the institution’s financial aid office should be one of the first places you visit. Your school’s financial aid office can offer further assistance in completing your FAFSA, as well as providing volumes of information on scholarships (in-state and national). Scholarships are an amazing way to fund your education, but it takes considerable time to search for scholarships you might be eligible for, and then actually fulfilling the application requirements for those eligible ones. If you have the time – go for it!
Don’t forsake going back to school because you don’t have the money on hand or don’t know where to start. College is affordable and within reach of nearly everyone. My bachelor’s degree and my forthcoming master’s degree are funded via federal student loans. The payments are not painful and the return on investment is certainly worth the expense.
Posted by J.M. Striegel on July 18th, 2008
You excitedly logged into your online learning program account and discovered a detailed syllabus encouraging you to pick up the materials on the reading list as soon as possible, but they forgot to tell you where to acquire these items. Fret not—there are some great online sources to help fulfill your required reading lists that will save you money and time.
Some courses may only use online documents and lectures, but most use a combination of online materials, textbooks, and additional reading in the form of novels and reference guides. Granted, if you are close enough to your school, you should check out the bookstore. Depending on student discounts, trade-in prices, and used book prices, you could walk out with a bounty of books without leaving too much of your wallet behind. It is worth a look and it helps to become aware of the school’s offerings.
Your first step for any novel or short story selection should be an online search engine. Chances are you will be reading your fair share of classic works and you can find them, both in text and audio versions, online, free of charge. Project Gutenberg, the trailblazing eBook producer, offers over 25,000 titles for you to add to your library. Librivox offers free, volunteer-read audiobooks you can download. Need help understanding some of these great works? Bibliomania has study guides to guide you through your literary confusion. Whether you need a book for a class or strictly for pleasure, you can access over 1.2 million eBooks at the World eBook Fair from now until August 4, 2008.
Turn to online used textbook sources like Amazon.com, Abe Books and Half.com when searching for used textbooks. Not only can you pick up a book for a steal, you can purchase your text from a previous student who not only wants to rid themselves of the material, but could use some spare change too.
Don’t ignore your local thrift stores or community libraries. Both often receive large donations of books, including textbooks. Still looking for a good deal? Turn to your local version of Freecycle. Members of Freecycle request items they need and offer items they are happy to pass on to someone in need. While you’re at it, why don’t you post a “wanted” ad for a new desk chair so you can check out all these online resources in comfort?
J.M. Striegel
