Archive for the ‘Online Diploma’ Category
Posted by Sharon Cece on November 11th, 2008
For many years after I left Florida State University, I bemoaned the fact that I had 96 credits and no degree. I took some time to work, get married and start a family, yet my desire to graduate college never left me. I knew that I could complete my degree here in North Carolina, where I had eventually settled, but worried over transferring credits and the differences in matriculated programs between the universities. I felt that I would be starting over, and wished more and more that I had finished at FSU when I had the chance.
One day I was skimming the Florida State Univeristy website and discovered their online program. At first I was not encouraged as I didn’t see my major, Business Administration, among the list of four possible degrees offered in the program. I decided to inquire a bit further by speaking to the distance learning advisors, and to my delight the advisors were encouraging; as well, the distance learning program was more flexible than I had originally believed. It was then that I made the decision to return to college, and in doing so fulfilled my goals twofold: finishing my degree at my college of choice. Here was the perfect antidote to my dilemma: the opportunity to study at FSU while sitting right here in Willow Spring, North Carolina! I was also delighted that the distance learning program accepted all of my 96 credits toward completing my degree.
I am very grateful that online options are available to students starting out fresh as well as returning students who are finishing degrees. More than likely, I would have enrolled as an online student even if I chose to return to a local college due to the sheer flexibility of the programs. Furthermore, my options were greatly expanded via online learning as I was able to attend my college of choice rather than a college of convenience. This was my greatest inspiration for going online. Frankly speaking, without online options I might not have my degree today.
Posted by Sharon Cece on October 28th, 2008
Discipline is the key to any success in life, but especially in regard to an online education. For those attending college on campus, degree seekers receive notices to arrive at campus locations where information is provided immediately by a campus representative. Books are purchased in line at the bookstore, student fees are paid at the Bursar’s office, and social activity takes place en route to any of these destinations in addition to the Student Union. Coursework is learned in classrooms according to the university’s and the professor’s schedule. Discipline of course is required; however, guidance and information are more easily obtained and identified on campus comparable to the online milieu.
Online learning is a wonderful and innovative way to obtain your degree, and certainly the primary benefit is flexibility. Yet, success occurs most often when flexibility on one end is pared closely with discipline on the other. Since specific schedules are not set by the professor, the student must set them and be diligent in keeping up with the coursework and classroom discussions and virtual class participations. Financial aid as well as billing is handled exclusively online, and while this is convenient it sometimes requires a bit of e-sleuthing to locate the information and websites you are seeking. Often there are no reminders of testing and projects ongoing as might happen in a campus classroom; for this reason the student’s best friend is a good planner.
The first semester online can be a bit daunting, as the student will discover that much of the information must be located online and with perhaps a bit more work than just walking into a building and asking questions. It takes time to learn to navigate “Blackboard”, the e-Education platform, as well as the threaded discussions and virtual classrooms. However, after the first semester or two, the student finds he or she becomes quite adapt at online navigation. The technology can be challenging but is also very exciting and opens the student to a new world of learning. One college graduate, Francesca, shares this experience:
“My college had more and more distance learning. Having had done it, I say that it is actually harder in some subjects. It is accelerated and a lot of the learning is your own understanding of the discipline. If the discipline is one you are interested in - like psychology - then you do well. If it is statistics, then some on campus or tutoring can help. My son does distance learning with MIT and now they have chat rooms and the teacher may have a web CAM and you can see her and if you have CAM they can see you. Sometimes the teacher has a white board and can draw diagrams for the class. It’s really neat. In any and all events, you have to have discipline, discipline, discipline”.
For the student who wants to attend college but needs more flexibility than the campus can offer, online learning is a wonderful alternative. Discipline in study and scheduling will ensure the success that is necessary to complete curriculum goals.
Posted by admin on October 22nd, 2008
Penn Foster is the most well known career diploma and high school diploma institution online. They have helped thousands of people earn essetial career diplomas and even their high school diplomas.
Penn Foster offers over 80 quality distance education programs designed to give you the skills you need for a new career in today’s fastest growing fields. You decide which method best suits your learning style, online or in-print. Our expert faculty and friendly support staff are dedicated to helping you successfully complete your program and earn your diploma.
You’ll also learn about opportunities in your chosen field and get important tips on achieving your career goals. Many of our programs also feature “hands-on” experience with today’s technology.
The success of our students proves that Penn Foster training works. It is designed for busy people who know what they want out of life, but don’t have the time to attend classes. Here are just a few of the benefits of choosing Penn Foster:
Benefits of Penn Foster:
-Low Tuition - You can train for a new career with Penn Foster at a price that won’t break your budget. Your books, equipment, and learning aids are included in your low tuition price.
-Convenience - The lessons and learning aids you need to complete your training are sent right to your home. There’s no commute to classes, no need to rearrange your schedule. Study where and when you choose, and still have time for your family and social life.
-Reliability - You’ll benefit from training with the world’s leader in at-home education. Penn Foster training methods have helped men and women to better jobs and better lives for over a century. When you enroll with Penn Foster, you can be certain of receiving high-quality education that could help you get where you want to go.
-Support - Even though you learn at home, you’re never alone. You can be assured of getting all the help you need from your instructors, consultants, and the rest of our dedicated staff when you need it. When you have a question, help is just a toll-free phone call or an email away.
There’s never been a better time to start working toward a new career or business of your own. And you can start immediately – today if you want.
Posted by Sharon Cece on September 29th, 2008
I first attended community college in 1984. Back then, we had to wait in line while registering for school, signing up for classes and making payments. I also had to submit financial aid paperwork in person (after waiting in line, again) and, here’s the kicker, had to physically get in my car and drive to school at predetermined times each week in order to attend classes.
Well, you can only imagine my surprise and delight when I re-emerged onto the collegiate scene via distance learning methods. The first advantage was continuing the degree I started at FSU, where I attended brick and mortar in 1990. I worried that I would lose all my the credits I worked so hard for by not returning to that particular school. Online instruction allowed me to “go back” to FSU even though I lived in North Carolina. Since I was a returning student, FSU was liberal when it came to applying credits toward my matriculation.
Clearly, the other advantage to online learning was time, time, time. Along with location, location, location. No more red-eye 8:15 in the morning classes–classwork is done according to your schedule and flexibility. Not able to take the quiz at 10 AM? No problem, you can take it at 5, or 7 or even 11:30 PM, since most quizzes and tests have a “window” within a 24- and sometimes even a 48-hour period. You can also take the quiz in a bathrobe or pajamas right there in your bedroom or living room, even outside, with a steaming cup of coffee by your side. Ah, life is good. Just don’t spill the coffee on your keyboard.
Registering for classes is a breeze, since it’s all done via your computer. Financial aid forms are also done online now through the individual colleges along with the FAFSA website. Payments can even be made electronically.
Of course, the price you pay for convenience is individual accountability and self-structure. In order to succeed online, you need to be organized and keep up to date on the classes and assignments. Structure is definitively self-imposed. In some ways, you also miss out on the face to face socialization; however, I found that the threaded discussions and virtual classrooms were very intellectually stimulating, and gave me a sense of social interfacing.
Posted by Jen Zeman on September 28th, 2008
If you are interested in pursuing an online degree but are more interested in a liberal studies program versus business, you are in luck! Many colleges and institutions now offer their liberal studies programs online, whether you are pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. Simply type in “online liberal studies degree program” in your search engine to find a program that suits your needs. I used Google in this instance. In searching, “liberal arts” and “liberal studies” is often used interchangeably. A plethora of information will then be delivered to you. Two sites I found to be helpful included:
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/liberal-arts-humanities/liberal-arts/
This site lists different institutions across the country that offer online liberal arts/studies programs.
http://education-portal.com/liberal_studies_degree.html
This site also lists different institutions offering online degrees, but also provides useful articles such as what kind of career can one have with a liberal studies degree. This site also has a search engine within it to narrow your search even further.
The Google search also provided links directly to colleges and universities offering an online liberal studies degree program. With a little legwork, I am confident you will find the perfect online liberal studies degree program!
Posted by Sharon Cece on September 22nd, 2008
I first attended college back in 1984, fully expecting to have my degree within the customary four years. My goals at that time were typical: job, college, boyfriend which I expected to segue into career, degree, marriage. But as many of you know, “life” takes detours and that sometimes includes your education. Somehow, without planning it, I left college (with 96 credits under my belt!) and though my work experiences and marriage stayed on track, my education took a pit stop.
Though my life was pretty fulfilled, I continued to have this nagging sense of unfinished business. I often said how I wished I finished my degree at Florida State, but here I was almost 20 years later living in Raleigh, North Carolina. Talk about a long commute!
Fortunately, FSU had a good distance learning program and they were able to restructure the classes I had taken for Business Administration into a Social Science program. For the record, it is no easy ride with distance learning. It was very challenging at times with a little one tugging me while I finished a timed quiz in my bathrobe, or juggling my school cap among all the other hats I wore. But finishing my degree online enabled me to fit in my studies whenever I wanted, for the most part, and within my schedule rather than the other way around. I needed the sheer flexibility of eLearning or it wouldn’t have happened for me.
In April of 2006, I received my Bachelor of Science in Social Science. My degree is hanging directly over my laptop as I type, in a stunning frame that I splurged on in the FSU school colors (of course!) Garnet and Gold. Though I am proud of many things I have accomplished in my life, I cannot describe, even now, how amazed I am that after 21 years I finally have my degree.
Posted by admin on September 18th, 2008
While you can’t earn free online degrees quite yet, Stanford University is offering a number of free online classes this fall. Lectures, video, audio, and handouts round out what is sure to be a much-watched experiment in higher learning. The program does have a number of restrictions: online learners have no interaction with actual students enrolled in the class, the coursework cannot be taken for credit, and none of the university’s facilities are available for use by the online learners.
With that in mind, if you’re interested in taking one or all of the online courses, you may do so via the Stanford Engineering Everywhere program:
Artificial Intelligence:
Computer Science:
Linear Systems and Optimization
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 krail on July 9th, 2008
I’m not going to lie to you. Getting your degree on line isn’t for everybody, and it isn’t a walk in the park. It takes dedication and most of all, discipline. For those of you who may be misled into thinking that you are going to be handed a diploma through the drive-thru degree program, think again. It is challenging, it is very legitimate and it is VERY worth every minute you spend doing it. But just like everything else; whatever you put into it is exactly what you will get out of it.
I highly recommend setting yourself up a schedule. There is no need to stress over it either. Pace yourself. Remember, balance is the key to everything in life. Try to set aside maybe two hours a day to do homework, or any combination of time that suits your schedule. This could even be doing it on the weekends. The great thing about an online degree is you can pop in and out of your classes any time of a 24 hour day. That is one point that I’m sure you will grasp very early on.
You will also have weekly deadlines to meet with your assignments. I highly recommend not getting behind on these. This is where the patience comes into play. If you allot yourself the two hours a day that I spoke of earlier, you will do just fine. After a few weeks go by, you will create a usable system and get into a rhythm. Before you know it, one month will pass, one semester will pass, then the next thing you know, you’ll be shaking hands with the dean of admissions with diploma in hand. That’s what will make it all worth it.Â
