Archive for August, 2008
Posted by J.M. Striegel on August 16th, 2008
Lifetime Television and the University of Phoenix have teamed up to bring you an amazing opportunity to win a full scholarship to the University of Phoenix. Fire up the webcam and enter the contest via an online video submission where you have two minutes to convince the panel of judges “how a scholarship from the University of Phoenix will help make your dreams come true.” Three finalists will be chosen from the eligible videos and will be asked to complete a University of Phoenix application. A Grand Prize winner will be selected from the three finalists, with the winner announced on September 15, 2008.
The contest, running August 1, 2008 until August 27, 2008, will award the winner with “a non-cash, non-transferable credit of fifty five thousand dollars ($55,000) to be used solely for tuition and fees for courses in a University of Phoenix degree program of Grand Prize winner’s choice.” Check out the rules and regulations and then get thee to the application where you can enter for a chance to make your dreams come true. What are you waiting for?
Hurry! Contest ends: August 27, 2008
J.M. Striegel
Posted by J.M. Striegel on August 15th, 2008
School is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to make sure you have your greatest online tool, your computer, ready to assist you in all your online educational needs.
Let’s be realistic, if you computer isn’t running with enough memory, at least 1 gig, you might run into some issues with saving documents, running programs, using collaborative software, and general memory swapping issues. Shop around, make certain your new components will work with your current system and make the changes you know you’ve needed to address. A computer crash in the middle of working to meet a deadline is not a productive educational challenge you need to face.
Take a day to remove any old programs you no longer need, clear your cache, clean out the recycle bin, and tidy up your on-screen desktop. Get ahead of the game and start labeling your online folders and begin to organize where your new semester items will be contained. A little organization and tidiness now will pay off later.
Are your programs current? Are you running the latest version of Adobe Acrobat, iTunes, and RealPlayer? These are just a few programs you may need for your online classes. Others include online communication tools like Yahoo Instant Messenger or AOL Instant Messenger. Having the latest updates will make sure your communication gets through accordingly. What about the latest version of your internet browser? Email program? Adobe Flash? Virus protection? Windows updates? Deal with these issues now before they prohibit you from getting your work done. Don’t forget to check if your school offers educational discounts or free programs!
When I see kids shopping for new school supplies, I’m always a little envious. I loved shopping for new notebooks, folders, boxes of crayons, and new pens and pencils. While you may not need all of the items in the “back to school” aisle, don’t forget you need printer paper, printer ink or toner, maybe a flash drive (for both portability and backing up your work), and any new software/hardware you need to help you get the most out of your educational experience. It’s okay if you can’t stop yourself from picking up a few highlighters, sticky notes, and pens.
While you’re at, just like in the days of old, why not get your eyes checked? You’ll be looking at a computer screen a lot this semester, and it never hurts to make sure your eyes are ready for the computer hours you are about to log.
J.M. Striegel
Posted by alex on August 15th, 2008
Becoming a certified Teacher is an incredibly difficult task that requires not only a top-notch education, but also the know-how to earn the proper certification and specialized skills that being a teacher require. Almost all traditional online schools offer teaching degrees including Masters and PhD programs, but oftentimes it’s difficult to balance the specific courses needed in becoming a teacher with the requirements that a typical Degree program demand.
This is why Achieveyourcareer.com has launched a partnership with Marygrove College. Marygrove’s Teachscape Degree program is designed for people working towards their teaching degree who have the time constraints of a full time member of the workforce, rather than a full time student. You will take 10 courses towards your Master’s and will be able to finish the degree in less than 2 years, taking only 2 courses per semester. The curriculum is designed for teachers who need to earn their Master’s degree without putting their jobs on hold. And Marygrove College’s track record speaks for itself as far as the success of its graduates.
Earning an Accredited Masters in Teaching is essential to anyone who wants to become a teacher, but most prospective students don’t even realize how many options they have when it comes to getting an education. Getting the right education is about options, and making sure that you make the right decisions could make all the difference when it comes to the success of your career.
Posted by Jonah Mytro on August 11th, 2008
People say if its “Free, its too good to be true” and in most cases thats correct but a number of universities are now offering online classes and courses for free online. MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and Tufts are a few highly renowned colleges that offer free online classes. Below is a list of free online classes and courses.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT is the best option for all those looking out for free courses. Through the OpenCourseWare project, Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers nearly 1800 free courses!! Access is granted to students all across the world.
2. Open University
Open University is the largest academic institution in UK. The OpenLearn website of Open University provides access to under-graduate and graduate level course material on topics like arts, history, business, education, IT and computing, mathematics and statistics, science, health and technology.
3. Carnegie Mellon University
This university offers numerous free online courses as well as course materials through its Open Learning Initiative Program. Online courses are offered by Carnegie Mellon University in subjects like statistics, biology, chemistry, economics, French and physics.
4. Tufts University
Tufts University, like MIT offers an OpenCourseWare project which can be accessed by students from across the world. Courses offered by Tufts University are categorized by Schools and present lectures, course material, projects etc.
5. Stanford University
Being one of the world’s leading academic institutions, Stanford University has joined in with iTunesU to provide free online courses, lectures and interviews. The courses can be downloaded to be studied at students’ convenience.
6. University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley has been offering webcasts of certain courses since 2001. The University of California, Berkeley offers hundreds of courses as podcasts and webcasts on subjects like astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer programming, engineering, psychology, legal studies and philosophy.
7. Utah State University
Utah State University provides free online courses in various fields including anthropology, physics, theatre arts etc. Online courses offered by Utah State University can be downloaded or even viewed online.
8. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
The largest collection of free online business courses is offered by Kutztown University’s Small Business Development Center. Courses are offered by Kutztown University of Pennsylvania on subjects like accounting, finance, government, business law, marketing and sales. Text, interactive case studies, presentations, graphics and streaming audio are presented to demonstrate the ideas presented in each course.
9. University of Southern Queensland
Based in Australia, the University of Southern Queensland also offers free online courses for people across the world through its OpenCourseWare project. Course topics include communication, science, career planning, technology, teaching and multimedia creation.
10. University of California, Irvine
This university recently joined the OCW Consortium and began providing university level courses online. Not many free online courses are available at the moment, but the list is growing. The current subjects offered at University of California, Irvine include financial planning, human resources, capital markets and e-marketing. Course material comes in the form of programs, lectures, notes, projects and exams.
Posted by J.M. Striegel on August 9th, 2008
1. “It’s All About Me” - Every student, the traditional or online variety, works hard to balance the responsibilities of family, school, and work while squeezing in some leisure time. The balance you strike between each of those responsibilities is up to you. Some online students erroneously believe that because the work is online they can either make excuses for submitting the work late, or they can decide to blow off class entirely while they pursue other tasks.
The consequences and rewards you endure and reap will be direct reflections of the successful balance you’ve struck. Don’t expect to be treated differently because you are older/younger, have a family/are single, like to go to concerts/are a homebody, are hung over/tired, or are unable to study on Thursdays because you like to watch television…. You may encounter some serious setbacks or experiences like a sickness or death in the family. Save your “get out of jail card” for those moments that require it.
2. “They Don’t Really Mean That…” - When your instructor states that they expect you to comment on three other student’s work, they mean it. They don’t want to hear excuses and won’t accept that you made two great comments but couldn’t squeeze a third out. Follow the syllabus and the guidelines for grading.
3. “Tardiness Doesn’t Exist Online”-You can’t disguise the time you turn in your work. If you are required to respond on a discussion board, your post time is noted. If you are required to turn in work via email, the time you sent it is documented. Keep up on your due dates and you won’t try imaginative methods of scamming the system or lying about a computer crash. Those headaches happen all too often, and you don’t need to invite more by creating bad karma for yourself.
4. “No One Will Notice…”-Schools are cracking down on students who plagiarize. The penalties range from receiving a failing grade on the assignment, for the term, the class, and possible dismissal from the program/school. Instructors utilize programs like Turnitin to sniff out a student who plagiarizes. If you commit plagiarism, you must ask yourself why are you even in school?
5. “Surely This Is Enough” -Responding to your classmates in the discussion forums with a simple, “That’s a good point!” and “I agree” does not constitute participation. It’s great that you are active on the boards, but unless you are contributing with well researched information and facts (cleverly disguised as your opinion), you are missing the point of the exercise and your role as a student. Your instructor may or may not point out your deficient posts until you receive your grades.
J.M. Striegel
Posted by Jonah Mytro on August 6th, 2008
I recently spoke with Karen Janitell, Marketing Director of Western International University to discuss WIU, earning an online degree, financial aid, and how WIU stands apart from other online universities.
Q- How long have you been working in the online education industry and what type of changes have you seen recently?
A - Western International University has specialized in education for working adults for more than thirty years, with online degree programs since 2002. WIU has pioneered moving online education from the traditional text- and e-mail-based courses toward a true virtual classroom that duplicates the oncampus classroom experience.
Q- What sets Western International University apart from other online university programs?
A - Our WIU Interactive Online courses allow students to see, hear, and chat with their instructor and classmates, live and in the moment. A rich mix of audiovisual presentations, from videos and PowerPoint presentations to live discussions, provide a live, exciting experience unlike any other. Ask questions, and you’ll get instant feedback, without having to wait days for an email reply. What’s more, every live online class session is also recorded, so if you miss your live class, you can simply access your recorded class anytime during the week. You can also listen to your recorded sessions as often as you want, to help reinforce your learning.
Q- How long does it take from when a student applies to enroll and start classes at WIU?
A - New courses sessions start every month, so our enrollment advisor’s work closely with students so that they can complete all documentation and be able to register for the next available session.
Q- Does WIU offer financial aid or grants for its students?
A-Western International University offers students a variety of ways to finance their educational investment, including financial aid, grant, and scholarship resources. Choosing the right financial plan can be critical to the successful completion of a degree program, so our financial advisor’s provide personal assistance to help students understand all their options and meet their individual needs. We also help determine the best option for using employers’ tuition reimbursement benefits or military/veterans education benefits.
Q- What type of student excels best at WIU?
A - Most WIU students are busy, working adults who thrive on the strength of our rigorous programs, while appreciating our blend of the traditional classroom experience with the flexibility of taking classes anytime, anywhere. At WIU, work is graded on individual merit, so students determine their own success. Our students also like our intensive, two-month course schedules, with classes held one night a week and new sessions starting every month.
Q- What are the admission requirements for acceptance?
A - Complete Admissions information can be found in our catalog, which is available on our Web site, www.wintu.edu.
Q- You offer over 30 degree programs at WIU; what are the most popular with your students?
A - Our Behavioral Science and Business degree programs are popular with our undergraduate students. Business students also have the option of selecting up to two of fourteen minor concentrations. Most graduate students select one of our MBA “Your Way” programs that allow concentrated studies in one of seven disciplines. We also find our Informatics, Information Technology, and Information Systems Engineering programs are in high demand, along with our Criminal Behavior and Legal Studies degrees.
Q - You offer both on-campus and online courses…what do most students opt for, and why?
A - Surprisingly, even our on-campus students generally take a blend of both campus and online courses, because they love the choice and flexibility offered through WIU Interactive Online and the ability to have meaningful, real-time discussion in an online learning environment.
Find out more about WIU and their online degree programs today
Many of us remember preparing to return to school for the New Year. You were excited about the new supplies and clothes, and who would be in your class or your teacher. The only difference between beginning school then and now is your age and you won’t need those new clothes. But you do need the required supplies to make your college experience as successful as possible.
Most online schools will have particular requirements beyond the Internet that you will need to complete your assignments. Before enrolling in an online program you should find out what software, textbooks and time will be required. Some online courses are now integrating CD and DVDs into the curriculum, so a membership to your local library or video store might come in helpful.
The common thread that all online schools have as mentioned earlier in the article is the need for a reliable internet service. Some people may feel that if they have access to the internet by either going to the library, a relative’s house or having a laptop and hanging out in a nearby hot spot this will be acceptable to complete their degree; this may not be the best idea. With technology there can always be the possibilities of your computer or internet access being “down”. Secure an online connection offered by an experienced Internet Service Provider. The likelihood of your connection be unavailable is minimal. Depending on a family member to home and allow you to use their computer can be more problematic than an advantage while relying on public connectivity at your local library or coffee house with Wi-Fi can conflict with your schedule and posed other problems. With the current weather trends and gas prices being able to commute to various places for internet services may be more of a detriment that a benefit.
You should also have a clear understanding of what software is being used to complete assignments. Most school requires the use of Microsoft Office applications. This software package will include Word for completing your essays and other written assignments. It also includes Excel and PowerPoint, two applications that are being used more widely in the education world to display student assignments. Confirm what software is needed and what version you are using. If you do not have the appropriate software; check with your academic advisor before purchasing it. Many schools offer the software at a discounted price.
Textbooks are usually not the concern. Within your tuition, books are usually included and will be mailed directly to you. Ensure that your mailing address is correct. This will help you to receive your books in a timely fashion. Once you receive your books, check the syllabus to confirm that you received the correct book and edition. If you do not receive your books by the start of the course inform your instructor and academic advisor immediately. They may be able to assist in the process and expedite the delivery.
You may not feel that time is a supply, but it is a commodity that you use up and never get back. Although the school can not mandate the time needed to complete your task for class you can schedule out your time to allow you the appropriate amount needed for YOU as a student. You should try to schedule between 5-10 hours per week for your classes. This should be sufficient in helping you to cover your reading, discussion, real-time discussions and additional research that might be required.
Prepare for school in the beginning and you will have less confusion and set backs later on. Once your class begins, your focus should be on content and not how to execute it. Proper planning has always been valuable.
Posted by Jen Zeman on August 4th, 2008
One of the benefits I found with online courses versus traditional classroom courses is the ability to begin the coursework early. With my experience at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC), most instructors would post the syllabus a week or two before the official start of the semester. I wised up to this early on and took complete advantage of it. My suggestion, if this is an option for you, is to take advantage of it as well. Doing so gives you a jump start on required readings and assignments and if you maintain this same pace throughout the semester, you will not fall behind schedule and most importantly, you will not be stressed out trying to complete assignments at the last minute. Required books are generally available several weeks prior to the start of the semester, so purchase them early as well. Starting early also enables you to understand the requirements for the course and to ask for clarification if needed. Online coursework is challenging, but stay ahead of the game guarantees success.
Posted by glen on August 4th, 2008
In 1998 Kaplan University and Concord Law School merged to offer thousands of people fast and easy access to online law degrees. As a result, Concord has become one of the nation’s first online law schools to merge with a nationally accredited university to give out law degrees. Since then Concord Law school has become a top online Law education institution.
Concord Law School offers two online law degree programs tailored to the student’s needs. The Juris Doctor program meets the legal education requirements of the State Bar of California and opens doors to new career opportunities. The Executive JDSM is designed to broaden your current career path.
Whichever degree you are looking for from Concord Law School you can be sure it will help advance you in your career. If you are unable to complete a ground-based Doctorate Law program Concord may be the answer for you. Request Free Information to learn more the degrees they offer and how Concord Law School can help you on your way to achieving your career.
Posted by Jonah Mytro on August 4th, 2008
Online Colleges are now jumping on the Youtube and web 2.0 (user generated content) phenomenon and with the launch of the Western Governor Universities Video Contest and Scholarship. Build and publish a video on “why you deserve a scholarship to WGU Online” and you could win a scholarship or an amazon gift card.
Details:
All contest submissions are due by August 11, 2008. The top five finalists will be posted August 15, 2008. Winners will be announced on September 3, 2008.
Tell us how a degree from WGU could improve your life or the life of someone you know. Whether you make us laugh or make us cry, that’s up to you.
Prizes:
Grand Prize: $7,500 scholarship and $500 cash
Second Place: $3,000 scholarship and $500 cash
Third Place: $2,000 scholarship or $500 cash
Two Runner-up Prizes: $100 Amazon.com* gift certificates
Contest Submission:
WGU Scholarship Video Contest
Find out more about Online College Degree Programs
