Posts Tagged ‘Online Education’
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 colettavw on July 31st, 2008
As a student of an on-line program, I fully appreciate the flexibility that the program provides. I am a working mother with a four-year degree under my belt. I chose my particular online program to achieve the skill sets necessary in my field. The reputation of the school is not as important in my case as the work I create and the education I receive from the program. The online program I attend is a match to my lifestyle and career goals; I can work from home, at any hour of the day or night, I have professors who are only an email away and who are very proficient with the computer as a means of communication and I work at my own pace–not at the pace of the slowest student in the room. Feedback is often received the same day an assignment is submitted and this adds to the value of the study. Students considering an online education should take in to consideration the intrinsic value that an online education provides.
Posted by alex on July 31st, 2008
One of the greatest myths that surrounds online education and adult education is that as you get older it becomes impossible to get financial air or student loans in order to help you afford rising school costs. While it is true that more scholarship are available for younger students, this does not make it impossible for returning students to get funds. Especially in today’s age when having a college degree is becoming more and more essential to embarking on a successful career, the fact is that you simply can’t afford not to earn a college degree, no matter the cost.
Fortunately there are a number of potential options that could help you to get started, because—let’s face it—college is expensive and most people just don’t have the money to get the ball rolling. Many financial aid and scholarship programs available to returning students through various organizations such as AIE and the Federal Government. But the real key is knowing about all of the different avenues that can be taken in order to receive educational funding.
In addition to scholarships and loans it is important to keep in mind the fact that there are State Education Grants, which most states have set aside for returning students over the age of 25. Also there are the often-overlooked work-study programs that many returning students don’t even realize that they are eligible for, and can often be an indispensable source of financial aid that generally isn’t too difficult to come by.
These are just a few general ideas, but there will be more in the future. In the meantime have a look at the info on this page, which is a government education site that outlines a number of different ways that returning students can get money towards college.
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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.
Posted by jstoppi on July 25th, 2008
One of the many fringe benefits of obtaining an online education is the opportunity to enhance one’s computing and internet skills. In today’s information/knowledge based economy, the enhancement of such skills is critical to becoming competitive in the workforce.
Online education will require the student to upload/download files via FTP websites, create electronic submittals of assignments and exams, use email to communicate with students and professors, use web-based message boards to discuss technical subjects, use java chat applets to communicate in real-time with students and professors, etc.
These electronic skills will benefit the student down the road in his/her job. Learning these skills in the online education arena is especially crucial to baby boomers or others who are more likely to not have previously been exposed to this technology.
When I was an online student at the University of Maryland, I enhanced my electronic/internet skills in the following ways:
- I learned how to use the drawing function within MS Word to create complex illustrations to illustrate design approaches.
- I learned how to use MS Equation Editor to illustrate the solution to equations.
- I learned how to embed spreadsheets within MS Word documents to allow a reviewer to manipulate and view solutions.
- I enhanced my online search abilities in the quest to complete specific assignments.
After I graduated, I continually impress my superiors with my enhanced electronic skills.
Posted by dreese0421 on July 22nd, 2008
When deciding to attend an online school, many questions flood your mind. Is the education top-notch? Will I be abe to maneuver the website? Is it expensive? What if I cannot keep up with the work? What are learning groups? I am sure many more come to mind.
First, let me say that all these questions are valid. This is fairly new to many people. We are accustomed to sitting in a desk while listening to a teacher lecture on a subject, give classwork and then complete homework. Of course, we also read a textbook, or not. I mean, who enjoys the text book?
Online education is slightly different from the traditional classroom. No longer do you have a teacher. There is now a facilitator who monitors the class. Each facilitator is different. Some post lectures about the week’s subject. Some do not. All of them create a syllabus that includes a little about their background, availibility, brief course introduction, assignment calendar, and weekly requirements. I like to call it the class bible. This is the roadmap for the entire class period. Print it, read it, use it.
Each class has online folders which control the direction of the class. The facilitator will post discussion questions (DQs), Questions for the professor, and assignment submissions. Along with these individual areas, there are also learning group postings. This is the area you will create, brainstorm, and communicate with your learning group members.
The biggest difference that I have experienced while being an online student is writing papers. No more tests. All I do is write, write, write, which I love. I am able to express myself fully through writing. I had to learn American Psychological Association (APA) format, but the manual helps greatly. I have become quite fluent with this writing format. If you hate to write, I would not recommend online learning.
Expect to make friends from around the world. I have made friends in Japan, Germany, and many states in the USA. Expect to learn. I have learned so much from taking online courses. I have learned time management, patience, time zone differences, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and so much more.
Another important factor to expect is financial aid assistance. the financial aid department does everything to get you the money you need. A word of caution, however, if you only need enough money to pay tuition and books, tell you counselor. The people in this department are trained to get you all the money they can. Sometimes this means a lot more than you need. If you do not want to pay for this overage, send it back if you receive a check. Otherwise, mark on your school application that you only want enough funds to cover your tuition and books.
All things considered, online schools are excellent places of learning. I highly recommend them. If you are short on time, have no wheels, or just want to take classes on your time schedule, try it. You just might find your calling there.
Many people feel that enrolling in an online program is not compatible to an on-ground learning experience. Yes, there are many differences between the two methods of instruction, but one thing that does not differ is student participation. In the online environment it is more critical to participate in the discussion- it is usually a significant part of your grade.
Discussion boards helped to foster a community of learners that share ideas, knowledge, suggestions and debate. The conversation in a traditional classroom can range from spirited to low-key or non existence and so can the discussion in an online classroom. The average online course will have weekly discussions that require students to participate by submitting a reply to a posted question or scenario and then responding to their classmates’ posted answers to the same question. This process allows for the students to share their learning as well as comment on others by offering positive feedback. Positive feedback can be in the form of encouragement and agreement to a classmates posted retort or it can be by sharing an alternative perspective. One thing that all classroom participants must understand is that it is okay to disagree or have a different opinion from their classmates. Usually classmates tend to agree on the discussed topic, it is common that the instructor has the diverse opinion. But remember, the instructor and students must use the course material as a guide and resource.
Another important part of the discussion board is to frequently visit the forum. The student will be given a deadline to post and respond to the unit’s discussion board. Within that time frame it is recommended that a student visit the discussion at least three times. This may not always be an easy task to have the accessibility or time to accomplish this, but as a commitment to yourself and your classmates, if all involved attempt to frequent the board and share, the dialogue will remain engaging and educe others to contribute.
If the online learner can schedule three times out of the unit to post to the discussion board, the dialogue between classmates and the instructor will be constant and on-topic. A way to ensure your participation in the unit’s discussion is to:
- Read and Post to the discussion within the first 24 hours of the unit’s opening.
- Return to the discussion board within 48- 72 hours of your initial post to answer others that may have commented to your response and reply to your classmates’ original post.
- If possible, return to the discussion within the last day or two before the unit ends. At this time you will share any further thoughts you have developed from the readings, seminars, essays or other resources you have experienced throughout the week.
This formula for “active participation” may not be an easy task to commit to. If you are able to meet these minimum recommendations, you can gain so much from the experience. Give it a try! There are probably many ways to stay abreast of the discussion and be a part of the classroom conversation.
Tags: class work, Colleges and Universities, coursework, discussion board, expectations, Online Education, online learning, Organization, Time Management
Categories: Colleges and Universities, My Online Experience, Online Education
Posted by Sharon Cece on July 11th, 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 turn 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 Jen Zeman on July 6th, 2008
Time management and prioritization of responsibilities are not as daunting as they sound. I will admit up front that I do not have children, which made prioritization and managing time a little easier for me. Those readers who have children can hopefully take some of this advice and tweak it to their specific needs.
When I studied for my bachelor’s, I was also working full-time while taking three classes a semester. I knew I had a lunch hour, some evenings, a full weekend, and vacation days I could leverage in completing my school work. My employer offered flex time, so I also had off every other Friday which helped tremendously. If your employer doesn’t currently offer flex time, perhaps now would be the ideal time to propose it your boss. Before the start of each semester I would map out the major projects that were due and scheduled off accordingly. For example, if in mid-October a major paper was due, I would schedule a couple of days off a few weeks prior to allow me time to complete the paper, without stressing out.  The less stress, the more successful you will be!
Organization is something I often lump into time management because, if you are organized, you manage your time better. The caveat to be being organized is that you will have to spend some time up front getting things in order. Before a semester started, I did a couple of things. For one, I made up separate binders for each class, printed the syllabus and filed it in the front of the binder. Each binder would be divided up amongst major projects, weekly activities, and research material for the projects.   Secondly, with the syllabus in hand, I wrote on a large whiteboard project deadlines for each class for the entire semester. With this white board hanging right next to my desk, I could see at a glance what was due when (which comes in handy when you need to schedule that time off to work on projects). The best part of having the whiteboard was being able to erase projects as they were completed! It boosts your confidence to keeping plugging away! If a day planner works better for you, go for it. I just strongly suggest having some medium to use to clearly write out your deadlines for your course work instead of just referring back to the syllabus. As working adults with a million different things going on at any given time, it is very easy to overlook a project and most professors will not be sympathetic to an excuse of “I was busy and forgot.â€Â Trust me on this!
Prioritizing responsibilities will be just as tough sometimes as organizing your time – they actually go hand-in-hand. I made up my mind at the very beginning I was going to take on a heavy school load in order to finish early. I knew that doing this along with working full time was not going to leave me with much time, if any at all, to do anything else. I decided everything else was going to take a backseat to my school work. In other words, I had no social life or real time to myself for two-and-a-half years. I made sure I still exercised, but outside of that it was all school work. I may be a drastic case, but adults soon learn shortly after starting a college course that some leisure activities need to be stopped in order to accommodate the requirements of college. It is difficult, but you will need to decide before school starts what activities you will be giving up. For those with children, it might mean one less activity that the kids participate in after school. I know, it’s rough (at times feeling like a prison term), but the thing to keep in the back of your mind is that it is only temporary. Some people may not understand and will try (usually unknowingly) to sabotage your school work commitments, but you will have to stand your ground.Â
It is about you right now and your future success in school and then ultimately in the workforce. Be proud of your commitment of college and take it seriously. Get organized and face the challenge head on with confidence knowing that you are on top of your responsibilities! The pay off is worth the time you put into it.
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Posted by J.M. Striegel on June 27th, 2008
Despite the fact that more colleges are adding online certification courses and degree programs every week, there are still a few people that question if an online student is a “real” college student. Fear not, your tuition, books, and student account fees will quickly silence any doubts you or your loved ones may have about the reality of online education. If the receipts aren’t enough to impress them, watching you achieve your educational goals and improve your earning potential will definitely make them reconsider their position.
Online education has quickly become a well known and respected option for a student’s higher education needs. Pursuing an online degree works for the student who needs to negotiate study and class time between working and having a family and it is tailor made for the student who doesn’t live near the school of his/her choice and enjoys independent study.
As a “real” college student, you are eligible for scholarships, grants, and loans. You can check out books from the school library (some have home delivery available), have access to subscription research services, and receive discounts for everything from educational software to automobiles and technology. Don’t be afraid to ask what services are offered for free and at a discount or reduced price to students both on campus and within your community. Yes, flash that student i.d. card and you can save on your groceries, tickets to movies and concerts, and public transportation, just to name a few.
Keep in mind that some schools do not differentiate the student account fees between traditional and online students. You may have access to gyms, pools, clubs and organizations, and other services that you’ve paid for and can use right alongside the “traditional” student. Whether or not you are within close proximity to use these services, you’ll want to be aware of the charges so you can take full advantage of the facilities and opportunities that are available to you.
Remember, choosing an online education does not diminish your educational accomplishments or validity as a student. Online education is simply another option for pursuing your dreams and goals. Upon completion of your chosen program, you will have earned a legitimate, tangible, frame-worthy degree or certificate that does not differentiate between your status as an online or traditional student. That, my friend, is as “real” as it gets.
J.M. Striegel
