Posts Tagged ‘Online Education’
Posted by admin on July 28th, 2009
Many distance learners agree that the most difficult part of studying online is staying motivated. Because students must take the initiative to complete their courses completely on their own, without the physical presence of teachers and other peers, many students find it easy to become distracted and discouraged in their work. Don’t let this happen to you – plan ways for yourself to stay motivated before you’re tempted to stray from your books. Use these five motivational tips to stay on task:
1. Connect with your classmates. Visit online groups and start conversations with your fellow classmates. Talk about your day, your studies, whatever will keep you connected, motivated and give you that sense of “classroom” in a virtual environment. Once you begin talking to fellow students, you may even find a few in your area that will be willing to start a physical study group! Having the support of your peers during your studies is extremely rewarding and important.
2. Discuss what you learn. Find a friend or relative who has similar interests or who would enjoy hearing about your studies and let them know what’s going on in your classes. You’ll understand the material better when you have a chance to explain it out loud and will be motivated to stay on task in order to keep up with the conversation.
3. Chart your progress. Design your own map of completed classes and post it somewhere that is visible daily. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with watching your goals be accomplished. When times get hard, you can always turn to your chart and see how far you’ve come.
4. Reward yourself. You get rewarded for good credit and safe driving, why shouldn’t you reward yourself for doing well in your course work. Whether it is a night on the town, a new dress, or even a new car, setting up a reward system just may be the extra push you need to succeed.
5. Take time for fun. If you’re spending all your time working, studying, and watching after the kids, you’ll likely suffer in all areas. Everyone needs some down time to re-group. So, set aside a little time every week for a favorite activity. You’ll be more productive when you return to your work.
What helps you stay motivated? Do you have any tips or suggestions to add to our list?
Posted by admin on July 27th, 2009
Thanks to distance-learning technology, amplified federal assistance and a network of military-friendly programs, the opportunities for GI Joes and Janes to further their education during active duty, post-discharge or through retirement continue to grow.
Locally, active duty personnel can take advantage of on-base programs like the ones offered at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (or NAS JRB). Though open in some instances to veterans, military dependants and retirees, the programs are primarily geared for working service members who face potential deployment or transfer while pursuing their studies.
Schooling for soldiers
“All members of the military are encouraged to continue their education,” said Don Ray, a public information officer at the naval air station. “The military gives them the opportunity to attend classes, whether it be at lunchtime or in the evening.
“Not only does it help them later in life when they leave the military, internally, it helps them with promotions,” he said. “It makes them more well-rounded in their job profession here.
“Nowadays a high school education doesn’t get you very far in the military,” he said. “The military has become very technical.
“Plus, while they are on active duty, the military gives tuition assistance, so they don’t have to use their VA [Veterans Affairs] benefits if they don’t want to,” he said. “They can save the benefit for when they get out of the service.”
Rebecca Ary, director of the Navy College Office at NAS JRB, said that four colleges provide on-base programs that lead to bachelor’s degrees or certifications: Columbia College, which offers liberal arts courses in subjects like criminal justice and psychology; Northwood University, offering marketing and management degrees; Embry-Riddle, an aviation program; and ECPI College of Technology, offering computer training.
The schools are members of the Service Members Opportunity Colleges Consortium, a network of educational programs designed to help service members and their families further their education. SOC programs feature reduced in-residency requirements, military-friendly credit transfer policies and credit awarded for military experience.
“It helps the member if the military moves them to another location,” said Ary.
Distance-learning programs and online classes also make it possible for students to complete coursework after being moved, said Ary.
Terry Silva, career services director at Northwood University’s Texas campus, located in Cedar Hill, said that the university takes extra measures to work with service members’ special needs.
“We do work-life evaluations where they can get [college] credit for a particular kind of military experience, like computer training, or leadership or supervisory training,” he said.
“If someone enrolls in a class, then they get assigned to go somewhere, Northwood will refund 100 percent of their tuition,” he said. “If they are transferring out, we tell them if there is a way to get [at least] an associate’s degree with us. There are online and independent study opportunities in case they transfer out when they are close to graduating.
“It’s something for us to give back to them,” he said.
The new Post-9/11 Bill
A population of veterans will soon have better access to higher education through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which goes into effect Aug. 1.
The new legislation provides education aid for veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, at a level representing a significant increase above the amount covered in the current GI Bill.
Under the Post-9/11 Bill, funding is available for housing, books, and tuition associated with the completion of graduate and undergraduate degrees and vocational or technical training.
Dallas Baptist University recently created the “Patriot Veterans Opportunity Program,” which features scholarships and support services for students receiving benefits under the new bill.
“We’ve been a military-friendly campus for years,” said Dr. Donovan Fredricksen, dean of the university’s college of adult education. “Our mascot is the Patriot, and we are located next to the national cemetery.”
Anticipating more veteran enrollment
Fredricksen said that DBU has staff designated for the purpose of veteran education as well as a military education task force made up of diverse faculty and staff members.
Additionally, the university will soon launch a new Web site, “Patriot2Patriot”, in anticipation of an increased veteran student population.
“The college I’m over cares a lot about adult students coming back to school,” he said. “We understand about the different responsibilities they have of family and work.
“It’s even more so with our returning veterans,” he said, “It’s truly an honor for us to help them continue their education. ”
Another opportunity for veterans to leverage the new bill’s benefits is through the University of Phoenix, a private university with campuses across the nation, including Texas.
According to a recent press release, University of Phoenix will cover up to 50 percent of on-campus or online tuition and fees that surpass the GI Bill’s benefit rate.
The school also offers programs designed for active duty personnel.
Star-Telegram.com
Posted by admin on July 13th, 2009
President Barack Obama has called for strengthening higher education so that the United States could lead the world in college degrees in a decade.
“In an economy where jobs requiring at least an associate’s degree are projected to grow twice as fast as jobs requiring no college experience, it’s never been more essential to continue education and training after high school,” Obama wrote in an op-ed piece in The Washington Post.
“That’s why we’ve set a goal of leading the world in college degrees by 2020.”
The president stressed the need to revamp community colleges, or local government-funded educational institutions used by Americans with modest means.
These colleges can work with local businesses to help workers learn the skills they need to fill the jobs of the future, he said.
“We can reallocate funding to help them modernize their facilities, increase the quality of online courses and ultimately meet the goal of graduating five million more Americans from community colleges by 2020,” Obama said.
The president added that providing Americans with all the skills they need to compete was “a pillar of a stronger economic foundation,” while rejecting claims that his 787-billion-dollar economic stimulus package was not working.
“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was not expected to restore the economy to full health on its own but to provide the boost necessary to stop the free fall,” the president wrote. “So far, it has done that.”
Posted by Dan on July 9th, 2009
With over 100 online universities and colleges featured on the site, AchieveYourCareer.com offers a variety of resources for adults interested in continuing their education online. The Top 5 Online Alternatives to Summer School is a collection of tips written by online education experts to help promote the awareness of online degree programs. For years, Summer School served as the only opportunity for students to study during the summer months, now thanks to online education, eager students can log in and attend classes with ease and greater flexibility. Many working adults juggle 40 hour work weeks with other personal obligations like family, working out, a second job, the last thing they want to do during the summer is drive to a campus and sit in a classroom. It’s inconvenient and not appealing. That is why we have created the Top 5 Online Alternatives to Summer School.
Number 5: Explore Online Certificates
Why should you explore an online certificate program? Two reasons really; the cost and the selection. Online certificates offer adults the widest variety of programs in all of online learning. From culinary arts to computer animation training, you will find what you are looking for, if you choose to pursue an online certificate program. For example, a Marketing Manager, can choose to enroll in an online certificate program for Internet Marketing to help broaden their skills and learn new techniques. Meanwhile, a single mom can study Entrepreneurship and learn the necessary skills to build a successful home based business. The best part is that both the Marketing Manager and the single mom share the same experience of learning online and at their convenience. This is something a summer school session can not offer.
Number 4: Take An Online Class
Everyone loves to “try before you buy” and with an education it is no different. By enrolling in an online class this summer, you can experience online learning first hand without committing to an entire degree program. Online Classes are available at accredited colleges across the country. Courses can be taken on a “For-Credit” basis and a “Non-Credit” basis. Taking an online class will allow you to understand the necessary dedication and requirements you need to continue your education online. You will gain important knowledge about online lectures, homework assignments, and testing procedures. It also allows you to not sacrifice an entire summer to earn college credit. Taking an online class is a great way to find out if online education is right for you.
Number 3. Save Money & Time - Get Information from Online Colleges for Fall
Let’s face it, saving money during a recession is important. A college education can be a very worthwhile investment, but its still an investment of your time and money. By enrolling in Summer School, you sacrifice your summer months, time, and money. Visiting sites like www.AchieveYOurCareer.com, allow you to review 100’s of accredited online colleges that offer online degree programs in almost every career category available. It takes literally,1 minute, to fill out an information form for these colleges. You can receive informaton about cost, current scholarships avaialble, demo an online class, and current student testimonials. As we approach “Back to School” in late summer, you may even find some special promotions avialable for a limited time. Enjoy the summer and research your degree of interest. Then, find 3 online schools that offer that program and compare each of them. It will be time well spent, and its FREE!.
Number 2. Stay Local - Find Online Programs offered by Local Colleges.
Online learning can be a fantastic opportunity for many working adults. However, it is not the conventional method of learning for most Americans. We are taught in a classroom setting for most of our lives. What most people don’t know is that many local colleges, both community and full 4 year insititutions, offer online education. Students can choose to pursue their online degree, yet still take advantages of a physical campus location if they so choose. It really personalizes the entire experience of online education. Summer school sessions will force you to attend classes at a physical campus location. Why not give yourself the flexiblity of choosing to stay at home and log into a live online session or visiting a local campus. Boston University, Harvard, USC, and Stanford are just 4 well known colleges and universities that offer this convenience to their online students. It’s a great opportunity for working adults and single parents who want to succeed but need to balance other responsibilities.
Number 1. Superior flexibility allows you to earn a degree in less time.
Most students who attend Summer School are interested in obtaining their degree in less time. Unfortunately for many summer school students, they must sacrifice time and money to do so. With an online degree, students balance their hectic schedules with their education requirements. Parents can stay home with their children and attend an online lecture. Working adults can take night classes without driving to a campus afer an 8 hour work day. A Bachelor’s Degree typically can take upwards of 4 years or more to complete. An online bachelor’s degree can be completed in as little as 2 years with dedication and hard work. Education is important for your career and for your life. A college education is the key to a better life for many Americans. Utilize the tools available and find an online college that fits your life. It will be worth the time you invest.
Posted by admin on June 29th, 2009
Two schools — the University of Phoenix and Bryant & Stratton College — handed out degrees to more than 400 students this month at the Richmond Convention Center.
A third school — South University — will open in Henrico County on Oct. 5 behind the Whole Foods Market on West Broad Street. It is now enrolling students for its local campus and online classes.
The three schools offer classes at a traditional campus as well as online-only.
Online learning is gaining credibility and gaining ground in the higher-education field.
About 12.2 million consumers enrolled in roughly 11,200 college-level distance-education programs during the 2006-07 academic year, the latest figures available, according to the U.S. Department of Education. That’s up from the 3 million consumers enrolled in 2,320 distance-learning programs in 2000-01.
Most traditional colleges and universities now offer online courses as part of their regular degree programs, as well. Some, such as the University of Richmond School of Continuing Studies, offer a few specialized degree programs entirely online.
Are you thinking of earning an online degree? If so, here are some things you need to know:
* You need the right stuff in order to succeed. “Because there’s no structured class schedule, it takes a lot of self-discipline,” said James Campbell, director of marketing at the University of Richmond’s School of Continuing Studies.
Students who fail at online learning do so for the same reasons as those in a normal class setting, said Walter Green, chairman of the Emergency Services Management degree program in UR’s School of Continuing Studies.
“They just don’t do the work.”
Those diligently engaged in their coursework who regularly interact with other students and the instructor usually succeed, he said.
* Be certain that the school is certified and accredited.
It should be certified by the State Council of Higher Education in Richmond and accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
“Institutions that are approved by the U.S. Secretary of Education will be of high quality,” said Terry Hartle, an official at the American Council on Education, a trade organization.
The North Central Association of Colleges & Schools is the recognized accreditation board in the region that includes Virginia.
* Be sure the school offers financial aid. Title IV funding from the federal government — including student loans and grants — should be available, said Susan S. Whisenhunt, director of academic affairs at the University of Phoenix in Richmond.
* Tuition varies. Expect to pay $365 per credit hour for an online undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond and $361 per credit hour online at South University. The average annual tuition and fees at the University of Phoenix is about $12,000.
* Don’t assume that online learning is a piece of cake. Course loads are normally just as rigorous as classroom learning.
* You’ll find it convenient. Some of the students enrolled in UR’s online Emergency Services Management or Disaster Science programs are shift workers — firefighters, EMS technicians, even emergency-room physicians. They log in when they can grab the time, maybe even at 3 a.m., UR Program Coordinator Bo Harris said.
“You can study anywhere and anytime,” Hartle said.
* You will communicate electronically with your instructors. But you may not meet them face to face until graduation.
* You won’t feel isolated from classmates. “The students typically are very connected to their colleagues” through online forums and a chat room, Whisenhunt said.
“I see great friendships developing.” It’s like social networking, she said.
TimesDispatch.com
Posted by Sharon Cece on May 4th, 2009
Students often begin the process of achieving an education and sometimes find, like myself, that even a single circumstance–whether it be a lack of funds or a personal roadblock or any number of other reasons–regrettably, can preempt their education. Ten years ago, I didn’t think I would return to get my degree (although, a small part of me kept that hope alive, obviously). Going to college is a lot of work, not just mentally but physically. So, I was thrilled to discover the online college option, since it offered another, completely different process which ran parallel with my original goal of graduating from college. Furthermore, it led straight to the Commencement Trail. I didn’t have to find my way back to my original path; I forged a new “online” path.
I’ve thought many times about going back to school to get my Masters degree, and I wouldn’t even consider such an undertaking without online options. My life is full right now, as a wife and mother, as household manager, as a writer and now I’m considering an additional work opportunity. Add to that, like so many other parents, the kids’ school commitments, church and community work, training our puppy ( which I threw in as metaphor for “other” obligations that take a lot more time and energy than I thought they would). Now, I could really push myself and attend school on campus, but why? When online options make it so much easier to go back to school and get a degree. Most people want to save time and energy; I, especially, want to save time and energy and quite frankly, I don’t want to push myself anymore. I want results, not an ulcer.
My online university experience was so fulfilling that I’m not certain that I would change anything in my pursuit of an advanced degree; rather, I would blueprint the process so that I could repeat the sequence, it was that effective. I would be tempted here to write, that in order to save time and money, I might consider a local program to get my Masters degree; however, in truth I would research Masters programs at FSU first and foremost. Out of sheer sentimentality, of course (see previous article “Seminole Pride”). Yet, along with being a sentimental gal, I’m also thorough and yes, entertain a pragmatic vein. So, I will look into other programs and weigh all the options, for research is our best tool for decision-making, and often the gateway to a new path that could lead to the next goal.
Posted by Jeff Davis on April 17th, 2009
Not only am I considering earning another online degree, I’ve already started on one. Once I completed my online Bachelor’s degree program, I told myself over and over that I would not even contemplate a Graduate degree program for at least a year so that I could give my mind a rest and take a much needed break. However, it didn’t quite work out that way. I finished my online education in April and by November, I was eager to start school and start learning again. Well, here I am smack dab in the middle of a Master’s degree program and of course, it’s another online program. I wouldn’t have it any other way, especially since I already know that a traditional school wouldn’t offer me the flexibility I need for my hectic schedule.
After looking at some various options as to which program was right for me and which online school I wanted to attend, I came to the conclusion that the school from which I just graduated, seemed to provide me with the best opportunity for meeting my overall goals in the long run. I am now approximately halfway through my Master’s degree program at the University of Phoenix and am starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel (or it could just be my eyes playing tricks on me from being so tired). I am looking forward to graduating in about 6 months now and being able to utilize what I’ve learned into my professional career.
I don’t feel that I have done anything different this time around than in my online undergraduate degree. However, I do notice that there seems to be more work involved and is therefore taking up more of my time each week. So, for those of you who may be considering embarking upon the journey of obtaining a graduate degree online, listen closely. There is work involved, just as if you were going to a traditional school. My best advice for anyone considering returning to school to pursue another degree in the online environment is to do your homework and comparison shopping wisely in order to get exactly what you are looking for. I am noticing more and more traditional schools coming online with their degree programs each and every day. I can imagine that it won’t be long before the majority of all schools offer the traditional classroom environment or the online classroom environment for all students. In fact, they may have to do this in order to compete for students because the online enrollment is growing by leaps and bounds.
Posted by Jeff Davis on April 9th, 2009
I think we all would agree that a college education is one of the most valuable tools that anyone can ever have. In fact, I would say that it is actually invaluable. With a college education, you are only helping to make your future that much more desirable by increasing job opportunities, making more money, gaining important skills and knowledge, and having an overall healthier life.
One of the values of an online education versus a more traditional college is that you can gain significant technical knowledge which can increase your individual value in any workplace. It has been my experience through attending the University of Phoenix that I was able to obtain the critical skills and knowledge necessary to make me a valuable asset to my employer. During my online program, I was able to quickly apply any new skills almost instantly into my job and because of this it opened up a lot of doors for advancing in my career. Another valuable benefit of an online education is that you get to work with such a diverse group of students and instructors who are located all over the world. This is not only a great networking opportunity, but can also increase your employment opportunities after graduating with your degree.
Overall, I believe that degrees earned online are just as valuable as degrees earned from traditional programs and especially now as technology continues to advance and is utilized in almost every company in the world today. It is just a matter of choosing the right online program from a well respected and accredited school and one that meets your personal and professional goals.
Posted by Dan on April 7th, 2009
AchieveYourCareer.com, a leading website featuring news and information on accredited online schools responds to the recent BusinessWeek article For-Profit Colleges: Scooping Up the Stimulus.
AchieveYourCareer.com is dedicated to combating the stigmatism that an online education is less than adequate. In a recent article published by Business Week, the magazine criticizes “For-Profit” online colleges such as the University of Phoenix and DeVry University for questionable recruiting tactics and below standard graduation rates. AchieveYourCareer.com feels the article attacks not only the colleges themselves but the actual online college students working towards their degree. “Our web presence reaches one million users a month interested in pursuing a college degree. Our audience includes working parents struggling to juggle careers and family, recently laid off employees looking to add credentials to their resumes and potential students unable to incur the large debt that traditional college degrees currently carry. Is it wrong for them to want to earn an online college degree that fits their lifestyle? From online schools accredited by state boards across the county?” stated AchieveYourCareer.com President, Michael Speicher. “Furthermore, the BusinessWeek article completely failed to directly compare graduation rates of online schools versus other colleges and universities, or career institutes, and segment those findings by the same demographic or life stage segments across the institutes.”
Across the nation, millions of Americans share a common goal; a college education. For so many, a college education represents the key to a better life, a better career and unlimited potential. While traditional colleges and universities continue to raise admission costs that are out of reach for so many, online schools have created an affordable opportunity for those who wish to earn a college degree. “No one should be denied the opportunity to go to college and pursue an education.” Speicher added. “Whether you are learning in a classroom, or at home on your personal computer, you are earning your college degree. You’re bettering yourself with an education. That’s what matters.”
Traditional colleges such as Harvard and Boston University currently offer online classes and the trend is set to continue. As more and more online programs become available it will create a fantastic opportunity to reach new students, reduce costs, and help educate more Americans to foster our country’s growth. In addition, with the new White House Administration’s focus on improving our education system, AchieveYourCareer.com believes that online schools will become a major element of the American higher education system and will finally be viewed as a viable and respected option for a college education – as it should be.
Posted by Jen Zeman on February 20th, 2009
The online classroom at UMUC was managed by faculty via WebTycho (see my previous entry “WebTycho Technology from UMUC”). I found the instructors in each of my classes responded quickly to any questions I had, whether posted in the Class Announcements section or via email. By quickly, I mean most were answered within a 24-hour time period. Books had to be ordered for each class – they were not available via a virtual mode (e.g. my husband is currently attending the University of Phoenix online and his reading materials are all online), but any additional reading materials were available via a link on the course homepage.
The management of the UMUC classrooms was very effective for me because the layout was user-friendly. It was easy to find any additional required material and was easy to communicate with other students. The setup of the classroom made my educational experience a positive one by helping me to maintain a sense of organization. I never had to go on a wild chase to find pertinent documents or deadlines. Posting assignments was straightforward, as was looking up my grades.
The course materials and readings greatly assisted me in learning the many facets of the law. Each of my law classes provided ample opportunity to put my new knowledge to use by analyzing case studies. Non-law classes such as the philosophy and religion courses I had required research papers which helped me absorb the new material I was learning.
My advice to new online students is regardless of where you plan to attend, try to “test drive” the online technology to get comfortable. Once you are enrolled and experience difficulty in contacting an instructor (i.e. they are unresponsive), be sure to contact an advisor to make them aware of the problem.
