Posts Tagged ‘distance learning’
Posted by Sharon Cece on December 15th, 2008
Candidly speaking, when I decided to return to college to complete my degree I did not initially consider online options. I believed that returning to Florida State was out of the question for obvious reasons (the main being a super long commute), and so I looked at local colleges to finish what I started. Since I was used to being a traditional student, I assumed I would return on-campus.
My plans changed, however, when I was clicking through the FSU site out of sheer wishful thinking. Somehow I stumbled on their distance learning FSU Online program, but was dismayed to find a very limited number of degrees offered with none pertaining to my major (unless I wanted to suddenly switch from Business Administration to Nursing, which was unlikely). Yet, the more I thought about it, the more the idea of studying and matriculating online appealed to me. Having small children was my biggest push toward an online curriculum, as well as the appealing thought of taking tests right from home when I wanted or from wherever I happened to be at the moment.
And so began my search for online degrees. Since I had never attended college online I wasn’t quite sure at first what I was looking for in an online program. First and foremost I wanted to apply the credits I already had toward my returning degree. Convenience and flexibility was a criteria, yet pretty much default with most online programs. Cost was another consideration and I did find a wide spectrum of fees with local schools as most affordable. However, I admit that I kept gravitating back to FSU, thinking this was my chance to finish my degree where I wanted, though their online program was more money than most of the local colleges I was considering. As well, I wasn’t sure how I would apply my credits to the online degrees that were offered there. But I suddenly felt determined and, through this new distance learning option I was presented, I saw a chance to get my degree exactly how I wanted (online: the antidote for long commutes) and where I wanted (FSU: my #1 choice).
Fortunately, persistence pays. I snail-mailed, e-mailed and called a number of helpful representatives and assistants and finally reached a wonderful advisor who informed me that most of my Business Admin courses could be applied or converted toward an Interdisciplinary Social Science degree, which was offered through the FSU Online program. Another advantage: even though their online course fees were higher than local online programs, all of my existing credits would be applied to my continuing degree since my prior credits were from FSU to begin with. This would save me both time and money in the long run. That clinched it. Now my course was set, and the rest was easy– just a matter of applying and paying for it. Okay maybe not so easy….but once you decide what you want and how you want it, the rest somehow falls into place.
Posted by Sharon Cece on December 8th, 2008
The first thing I did after I was accepted to the Distance Learning program in 2004 was celebrate with a huge hot fudge sundae. The second thing I did was to sit down and research financial aid programs. There were two programs I focused on: financial aid specific to my college (academic in nature) as well as FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid (financial in nature).
My situation was the following: married, two children, one income. Since I had been away from FSU for a number of years (I had originally attended on campus from 1987-89), the FSU financial aid academic aid would not have been applicable to me until I received grades for my first semesters. Therefore, I directed my attention to the FAFSA, which I completed immediately and strongly encourage all students to do so. Since everything is done online, it is very easy to track your financial aid status once you complete all the required online forms and receive your PIN.
Based on the FAFSA report, I was eligible for the Undergraduate Stafford Loan. There are two kinds of Stafford Loans, Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Subsidized are based on financial need and interest does not accrue on the loan as long as you are in school at least half time until six months after graduation. Unsubsidized loans accrue interest from the time the loan is dispersed to the school.
Once I started to build a transcript of grades I was then able to pursue academic-based financial aid through my college. Thus, in addition to receiving the Federal Stafford Loan, I also received an academic grant through FSU. This helped quite a bit in paying for supplies and the added expenses germane to the distance learning student.
Though I did worry at first about paying for college, there are financing options available for most college students regardless of status. As well, there are scholarships available in addition to federal and state college assistance. Your academic advisors can point you in the right direction to get you started. More importantly, research is your best friend. Look into all financing options to make the best choices for you and your financial situation. It might also be prudent to consider one final piece of advice: always eat dessert before dealing with finances.
Posted by Sharon Cece on October 17th, 2008
Making the decision to return to college can be a complicated one. If you have an unfinished degree with college credits sitting in your academic bank not earning “interest” (forgive the economic pun), certainly the idea gnaws at you from time to time. You abhor the idea of wasting the credits you’ve spent time and money for with no degree to show for it.
This decision is complicated; however, there are factors to consider that may assist in helping you come to some conclusions and feel good about them. One factor is financial in nature (thankfully, there are many financial aid options available today). Another is time. Third might simply be whether you have the incentive or the desire to finish. There may be other factors that pertain specifically to you.
For many years I struggled with the decision to return to school. Having left FSU with 96 credits, you can imagine how I carried around my choice to leave before I graduated for years afterward. There were personal reasons for doing so which made perfect sense to me then and even now, and I never regretted leaving when I did sans degree.
Over the years I toyed with returned to college (I had since moved, so FSU was no longer an option), however, it never seemed to be quite the right time, or I didn’t have the funds, or there was always some life event or issue that was paramount to my education. The truth is, the desire simply wasn’t strong enough.
It strikes me as ironic that when the desire did finally hit me to finish college, I was married with two young children and a very busy life. But I had spent all the time and had 96 credits, and I said to myself, “You know you want this and have always wanted it, so Just Go for It”. I didn’t want to have the regret of an unfinished degree following me for the rest of my life, and my children were starting to ask about my college education. I knew if I was going to encourage them to finish college I needed to walk, literally, as well as talk.
When I decided to “go for it” then, after many many years of toying with the idea, everything seemed to just fall into place. I think that’s how it happens–if you have the desire it will happen and you will make it happen. I was very pleased that I could return to FSU through their online program, and they were able to apply many of my credits toward matriculation. Their online program made it easier, more convenient, and more time-friendly than physically going to classes. Financial aid forms are filled out online, also very convenient. The coursework was tough and challenging, but I wasn’t going back to college to catch a free ride to my degree. And thanks to online options, I arrived at my destination with diploma in hand.
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 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 glen on September 12th, 2008
Everyone knows that college is expensive. Commuting to college has traditionally been a way to decrease education-related costs. Given the rising gas prices, online education is becoming a viable alternative that allows students to save money while furthering their education.
Over the past few years, the amount of financial assistance provided by federal student aid has tripled for those attending online schools. In addition, Congress has created legislation that makes it easier for students of online education to receive federal loans.
Online education is quickly becoming the method of choice for those who do not have the time to attend a traditional campus based program. It is possible to complete your education or further career without putting your life on hold.
With the job market getting more competitive, the best way to differentiate yourself from others is an online degree. Many schools offer the same course content as campus programs for a much lower cost per credit-hour. For individuals without excess time and/or money, online education is the best way to get ahead without breaking the bank.
Posted by sean on August 27th, 2008
AchieveYourCareer.com would like to introduce you to the programs of Ellis University, a division of New York Institute of Technology. With nearly 50 years of proven academic excellence, and having offered regionally accredited online programs to tens of thousands of students around the world, Ellis University is one of the most proven online education providers in the fast-growing industry of distance learning.
For busy professionals looking to bolster their resumes, Ellis University offers an online MBA designed specifically for busy schedules — and yet, the programs are lead by noted professionals with years of experience in their fields.
AchieveYourCareer is proud to announce a partnership with this proven leader in online learning. With accelerated programs lasting anywhere from six weeks to eighteen months, and with courses beginning on a rolling basis, you can enter into an online MBA program at your convenience and finish it at your pace. Having finished an business administration degree, you’ll find that your career choices will have expanded greatly. With offerings in General Business Studies and 14 in-demand MBA specializations, you’re sure to find the program to help you achieve your career.
Posted by Benae Lambright on August 20th, 2008
Recently, the Higher Education Act underwent reauthorization, focusing on illegal file sharing and the assurance that students enrolled in online learning courses are the ones taking the test. If passed, this bill will require colleges and universities that offer distance learning programs to create student policies that benefit the trustworthiness of online programs. Students who are admitted to programs must show respect to the institution that they are enrolled in and the ideology of online programs.
The implementation and enforcement of the Higher Education Act’s revisions and expansions will help to isolate the diploma mill program and build the support base for distance learning. The bill supports the use of web cams to provide guarantee that the student taking the test is properly identified. Using emerging technologies as a part of the test taking process gives schools options to provide a comprehensive learning environment for the their students.
Many schools that offer online courses have developed programs that have limited tests. Most courses are made up of chat rooms, discussion boards and written assignments.
The bill, H.R. 4137, passed Congress on July 31 and is expected to be signed by the president. If signed into law, changes will include file sharing, distance learning, K12 teacher preparation and many areas involving financial aid and college tuition regulations.
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.
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.
