Posted by admin on September 28th, 2009
We want it and we want it now! It’s practically social media’s mantra. We want to be current and up-to-date in whatever we choose to be involved and social media gives us instant gratification. We can find out what each of our family and friends are doing a split second through Tweets, find out how our neighbors’ weekend was via their blog, or check out our co-workers MySpace or Facebook page to see the newest events and happenings in their lives. It’s all at our finger-tips and there’s SO MUCH out there that sometimes I feel like I’m in SOCIAL MEDIA OVERLOAD.
It’s definitely a great tool – without a doubt. You can get instant feedback on products and services you’re going to purchase and most of the reviews out there are trustworthy. If anything, you can gather TOO much information which can keep you from making a decision entirely! It’s no wonder that schools are beginning to utilize social networks and platforms more and more.
Think about it … it’s the perfect fit! In education you WANT conversations and discussions about the topics you’re learning – it helps with retention. Especially in instances where you may be learning online or at a distance, it creates a medium where you can communicate with other students and, hopefully, learn from one another too. It provides that necessary interaction – paramount in education. Even faculty and staff get involved because they can use it as a resource in their teaching methods and in their lessons.
How do you use social media? What social media tools are you currently using in your everyday life?
Posted by admin on September 14th, 2009
Unemployment and layoffs are enough to paralyze those with few options available in today’s workforce. However, just as every cloud has a silver lining, many are accepting job-loss as an opportunity to move on to more fulfilling and secure careers.
Aware of the current demand for retraining programs, many colleges are offering programs aimed specifically for those stuck in positions of uncertainty within their current jobs that are looking to settle into a more hopeful career path. At the same time, many of those looking for new careers are able to finally get the training necessary to pursue their dream jobs; courses like graphic design and photography are incredibly popular. Colleges are making these programs even more accessible by adding business and technology-based courses into their listings to help make careers in these fields more attainable. While many of those in the process of changing careers are aware that they may not be able to earn as high of a paycheck, the promise of job-security and opportunity for advancement make the initial pay-cut worth it.
Due to the economic downtown, many schools are offering refresher courses in basic math, reading, and computer skills for those who have been out of school for years. Distance learning programs have also been catering to those looking to choose a new career path which gives many the option to work at their own pace and on their own time without having to worry about the struggles associated with attending classes at a traditional “brick-and-mortar” institution.
Going back to school is easier than ever, so why not take the opportunity to break into a career you’ve always wanted while feeling secure in that career at the same time?
Now, I pose this question to our readers – have you found your silver lining? If you’ve lost your job or have been laid-off … did changing careers/going back to school become higher on your to-do list?
Posted by admin on September 8th, 2009
Younger students tend to be more familiar with the technology used in online instruction, but that doesn’t mean they’re more successful in virtual courses.
In a recent Inside Higher Ed article , online teacher Rob Weir argues that older students make better online learners:
“Younger students love the idea of online courses, but they are often the worst students - despite their greater facility with technology. Yahoo! runs ads for ‘Why online college is rocking,’ and that’s part of the problem. Online education is being sold as if it’s for everyone, when those finding real success are those who are self-motivated, highly organized, and in possession of well-developed study habits? Younger students approach online classes as if they’re just another ‘cool’ thing to do on the Web. Be prepared to badger them if you want them to get through your course.” Students with experience meeting deadlines are certainly at an advantage. But, I’d argue that most young students are beyond enrolling in a program because they think its ‘cool.’
Do you think age is a determinant in online learning success? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
To view Jamie’s article on About.com - click here
Posted by admin on September 1st, 2009
Recession-proof careers are those that withstand the ups and downs of the economy and are rarely affected by whether or not people have a ton of disposable income (similar to many families in our current economy). There are few certainties to rely on in the job market, but two markets that always seem to thrive regardless are healthcare and education. Despite income level or the economy’s status people will always need doctors, nurses, therapist, dentists and other healthcare professionals. Education also comes to the forefront during tough economic times. With the current rate of unemployment more and more people are going back to school to either change careers or make them more marketable/valuable in their current position.
In times when people may not be able to afford to pay all (or even some) of their health insurance, making them less likely to be able to take proper health precautions, the healthcare industry is needed more than ever. Nurses are at an unprecedented demand right now, so as long as you have the proper training, finding a position should be no problem. As the number of people looking to secure a career rises, so does the number of teaching positions needed to be filled. Teachers, whether they are focused on elementary school students or graduate-level students, help provide the critical thinking skills necessary for securing the nation’s economic future. Both fields require dedication and persistence, but certainly pay off big in the end.
Has anyone made the jump to one of these two fields? What have your experiences been like? What are some other careers that may also thrive in times of economic hardship?
