Friday, February 29, 2008

Technological Advancements in Online Learning

Online learning is the hot topic these days as millions of dollars are being invested in new technologies, such as the Internet, with the expectation that education at all levels will be revolutionized. Newspapers now have feature sections about the Internet and technology-related self-help books are proliferating. Technology is frequently hailed as the "magic pill" that will somehow provide solutions to the organizational and political issues that are endemic to adult education. Adult and continuing education programs are rushing to become players in the new world of global technology, searching for new applications while fearful of "being left behind." Discussions seem to center around the impact of technology on online learning provision, but perhaps these discussions are reflective of the past rather than predictive of the future.

Online learning technologies have been primarily used, historically, to extend access to classroom instruction to rural or isolated sites. For the most part, adult online learning programs have done that with high levels of success long before the Internet or computer networks were cost effective. Efforts such as Project Leap in Mississippi and the GED on TV are excellent examples of successful and effective online learning programs. Overall, it is evident that online learning programs have exceeded their potential in enabling adults in rural and isolated communities to gain access to instruction.

However, is providing access to "a traditional classroom" reason enough to expand investments in such new technologies as desktop video conferencing and the Internet? Is the goal simply to make a better mouse-trap (i.e., a faster machine to deliver traditional classroom-based instruction)? We can improve our existing online learning programs cheaply by simply upgrading existing broadcast and cable systems. Instead, the emergence of new technologies enables us to shift our focus from the delivery of classroom-based instruction to the delivery of new materials and the facilitation of new ways of learning. In this environment, issues of instructional content, information resources, leaning theory, and quality are paramount. The question is not, "How can we transport the classroom?" but rather, "What can we do with the new technologies to reform, change, and improve adult learning?"

Clearly, we are no longer talking about online learning but rather beginning to envision distance learning:

• What does learning look like when it is not bound by four walls and the knowledge base of one teacher?
• How can we modify our organizational structures to enable learners to interact from a distance with more than one instructor, other learners, and extensive, accessible resources?
• How can we begin to conceptualize and initiate learning experiences that capitalize on this new extended learning environment?

Using technology to create new models of adult learning may have an impact on the adult education provision system. Adult education programs will become hubs of learning instead of just places to learn. Does this mean that formal classroom-based instruction will be viewed as obsolete and will be replaced? Actually, the number of classroom-based instructional settings could increase as adults encounter educational demands in new settings. Those who had never before considered entering an adult education program via the front door may soon enter on-line, realize their educational needs, become motivated to learn, and then choose to participate in adult education classes that provide face-to-face interactions.

How successful we are in moving from the familiar model of online learning to the future model of distance learning will depend in part on the assumptions and preparations we make now. We can begin to define and plan for what we want to happen. To influence the future, we must be proactive. To wait passively, will relegate us to the role of adjusting to changing technological and learning environments that will be thrust upon us, We suggest six assumptions as points from which to develop a model of distance learning:

• Traditional classroom-based models of online learning will be enhanced not replaced by the new technologies. Classroom-based models of online learning will change, but they will have an important and viable role. New technologies will be used to enhance formal learning. Students will have Internet tools at their fingertips to help develop their own learning paths.

• Self-authoring of learning activities will be commonplace. In the past, the resources required to customize learning were not available to teachers, let alone adult learners. Networking technologies, such as the Internet, and multimedia databases will greatly increase access to learning resources on a scale unknown to adult education. Distance learning will, at some level, be about customizing learning for specific learners.

• Instructors will become facilitators of learning not transmitters of knowledge. Research has shown that advanced skills are acquired not through the transmission of facts but through the learner interacting with content Learners learn more effectively when they create, build, and interact with knowledge, thereby constructing their own meaning.

• The future of learning will be about connecting learning to the world of work and home. New technologies can provide those important links so learning will be relevant and skills developed in one setting can be transferred to other settings (home, work, school).

• Collaborative learning will be stressed. Most adult learning emphasizes individual achievement and solving problems without the aid of other people. However, in the world of work and personal relationships, collaborative problem solving is not an exception but rather the role. Collaborative learning focuses on processes rather than isolated topics or simple one-word answers. With the development of collaborative computing, adult learners at different places can come together on-line to collaboratively solve problems anytime and anywhere.

• Staff development and teacher training will need to be continuous and ongoing. Traditional staff development models of workshops and conference presentations will not meet the need for continuous on-going technology. New methods of continuous improvement and training will need to be developed. Technology will help, but staff development will need to be readily available.

Planning for the future of distance learning requires envisioning how learning should change for a changing world. Distance learning will only be successful if it is educationally grounded and not driven by the technology. Technology will be a powerful tool that we use for a continuous renewal, reflection, and improvement. However, it will not in itself create a learning community of thousands of teachers and learners interacting and borrowing resources while at the same time building and providing new resources. Only people with ideas can do that.

Mathew Simond is a journalist and copywriter. He is also a webmaster of many websites including http://www.paralegal-degree.org and http://www.humanservicesdegree.net He aims to provide healthy information and advice on academic degrees.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

5 Reasons Why You Should Get A Computer Science Online Degree

Deciding to get an online degree in computer science may be one of the best decisions in your life, especially if you have the inclination for it. And whatever your knowledge base is, you are bound to find some very good and reputable universities that will help you achieve the career you want. Now, following the title, let's just start with the 5 most important advantages of taking this route.

1 - Comfort
Getting an online degree - in any field of activity, not just computer science - is the most comfortable way to get a respected education. You don't have to go to the classes every day, you will take them from the comfort of your own home. We now live in an era of enhanced communication and that's something that is starting to become evident in education also.

2 - Flexibility
This is another major issue that will help you conduct two important things at the same time: get a degree and get a job. Yes, you can take the courses at your own personal speed, and you can have a full time job in the meantime. You don't have to miss out on precious family time and you don't need to plunge head on into a new career without a safety net. This is actually one of the most important advantages of an online degree in general.

3- The ever-growing, ever-expanding, IT industry
This is the most rapidly growing industry we are talking about. Computers are both the present and the future and no one can deny this. Having a degree in the field is practically a door to many possibilities. Employers are always on the look for good it specialists, and what's even better: almost any other field of activity need it specialists. We are talking about something almost as vital as electricity itself.

4 - Diversity
In the computer industry, there are many fields which need specialists. There are 2 main branches of the computer industry, and they are hardware and software. A piece of hardware is an actual physical component of the computer, while a piece of software is a program or application that does different tasks. However, discussing this is beyond the point of this article. Whatever sub-branches you decide to go for, if it's either different hardware components, or things like web design, programming, e-commerce, you will definitely find jobs for you.

5- Earning
The earning potential in this field is one of the highest all over the world. What is even best is the fact that any specialization you might have, it's bound to be very well paid, regardless of the part of the world you live in. The best IT professionals are usually respected members of their communities.

Finally, if you decide that you want to go for an online degree in computer science, don't forget to request free information from different online universities, until you find one that is perfectly suitable for you. It doesn't really matter what part of the world you are now, because you can now get an online degree from a reputable United States university.

Cat Toc writes articles about how to get an online degree. Visit his website and request information from the most reputable universities about their online computer science degree programs or any other online college degree courses.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Is Online As Good As Traditional Education? The Truth Exposed!

Since online education classes are a new education format, it also does not possess many of the known support systems that we can find inside a traditional school structure. This process is usually done with your classmates in a traditional school system but because of the nature of online education, you really do not have classmates in the traditional sense. However, there are people who fear that online courses may not give students the same benefits that traditional courses do.

Earning an educational qualification from the comfort of one's home or workplace is an idea that is appealing to a large number of people who do not have the time to enroll for a traditional classroom-based course. Before you sign up for your first online course you might find the information presented in this article useful.

Courses are offered in a sequence, and students can complete each course in about five to six weeks. Offered by many accredited colleges and universities, this method of distance learning can help you earn a degree that is every bit as valued as the one you'd get if you were physically attending courses on the campus of a major university. The distance learning programs offered and degrees available through online education or correspondence courses (yes, some do still do it the old fashioned way) vary by school, so it is best to research the school you're interested in to be sure that the degree you're interested in offers the program that you are looking for.

This liberation of education has truly revolutionized the way we as individuals and professionals can attain additional knowledge and skills. With an online education - gaining knowledge has been freed from the confines of a school building and has now entered the domain of the individual in whatever place or time that is convenient to him. Many people find that helping students achieve knowledge is one of the most rewarding careers available because of the unique challenges and the often surprising results.

In this age of global education and the need for current knowledge and skills, this is a fast delivery system that will bring all the technological advancement right into your living room instantaneously.

It is up to you to set up a convenient schedule for study. Most online driver education courses do not have any fixed schedule or time line for completing the course, which means that there is no pressure at all. There isn't even a need to ever meet the teachers or other students and you can do it at any time of the day so it won't interfere with your work schedule or your life in general.

Determine your goals, make a plan, stay committed and never give up. To determine whether or not online education is right for you, you need to be honest with yourself and ask the following questions. If you are ready to succeed, take some time to determine why this is a great thing for you.

Would you like to save time and money? How does a $10,000 scholarship sound?! One resource site I recommend to everyone is http://www.getuniversitydegreesonline.com due to their monthly scholarship draws and database of online programs (free currently so hurry and check them out before they charge a fee!)

Thursday, February 21, 2008

The Importance of Accreditation and Online Learning

Online degree programs are fast becoming an attractive and viable option for the adult student. The convenience of online college programs makes pursuing an online degree a sensible choice.

More adults are making the decision to obtain an online education. According to the 2007 Sloan Consortium Survey of Online Learning:

  • 3.5 million Students were enrolled in online colleges and universities during 2006.
  • Two-thirds of all U.S. colleges and universities offer online programs.
  • Thirty-five percent of all U.S. colleges and universities offer online degree programs conducted entirely online.

Accredited online colleges offer non-traditional students another path to a quality education.

Accreditation- Choosing Wisely

Not all online schools and programs are accredited. Finding out what accreditation means is an important first step in your search for the right online college or program. My College Solution only lists accredited online colleges and programs.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is the voluntary evaluation and monitoring of a school's course content, faculty, operating policies and procedures according to a basic standard of quality. The United States Department of Education states: "The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality."

Accreditation does not imply you will be satisfied with the school- but it does show that certain standards have been met. When you begin your search for a program that is right for you, remember to check the accreditation status of each school you are considering. Accreditation information will always be included on admissions materials, college catalogs and websites.

Who accredits colleges and universities?

Accreditation in the United States is conducted by private agencies and state agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a "reliable authority as to the quality of postsecondary education" within the meaning of the Higher Education Act of 1965. A list of accrediting agencies recognized for distance learning can be found at:

http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.

Why is accreditation important for online learning?

Accrediting lends credibility. This does not mean institutions that have not sought accreditation, or been accredited, have nothing to offer. There are valuable programs useful for furthering personal development or pursuing interests. But attending an accredited school is wise for the following reasons:

- Federally sponsored financial aid is only available if enrolling in schools and programs that are accredited. This applies to on-campus and distance learning enrollment. Most states have the same policy. This has the effect of forcing you to pay out of pocket, or obtain private or commercial loans.

- Transfer credit is only accepted by accredited schools from other accredited schools. If educational plans involve a possible transfer, as in the case of applying to a 4 year school from a 2 year college, or from an undergraduate school to a graduate program, the accreditation of each college or program needs to be considered.

- Employment opportunities may be limited if potential employers look for proof of attendance at an accredited institution. Opportunities for advancement may be withheld if graduation from an accredited college or program is lacking.

Most importantly, you will know the online college or program you've selected has been evaluated, and is being monitored, for the quality of education they provide.

Where to get answers

Informed choices are generally wise choices. Knowing the meaning and importance of accreditation before selecting an online college or university is a good place to start. For additional help, My College Solution advisors are available to answer your questions.

Directory of Accredited Online Colleges

If you need more information on online higher education and degree programs, or information on online colleges & universities, please call our friendly advisors toll free at:

1.888.281.2822

Laurie Jerome-Pertilla

http://www.MyCollegeSolution.com - Accredited online college directory

Monday, February 18, 2008

Distance Learning (Online Education) MBA and Business Degrees

Obtaining an MBA or masters in business administration degree is a ticket to a lucrative and satisfying career. Currently 300,000 students are studying for this degree that opens doors to top positions in the business world. An online MBA degree can increase the student's business knowledge, leadership skills and networking contacts. With an MBA degree, a student can enter into employment in marketing, finance, health management, the government, or entrepreneurship.

The costs of an MBA degree can be as high as $100,000. An online degree program can be a more affordable way to obtain this degree. Costs of an online degree average $5,000 a year. (Of course, like everything, you can find a more expensive school). Without the costs of travel or housing the cost of an online degree is more affordable.

Many accredited colleges and universities offer excellent online MBA programs. A person with a master's degree averages an income of 1.98 times that of a high school graduate, and this gap increases with masters in business administration. People with this degree hold some of the highest paid jobs in America and the world.

Online degrees are becoming more the norm. In 2006 there were 3.5 million students utilizing online education programs according to the Sloan Consortium. The typical online student is an adult learner who is either employed or a stay at home mom. The flexibility on an online degree makes this type of program desirable. In the future there will probably be more young traditional students who choose this route because of exposure to this learning media in their high school careers.

Online college degree education program websites are sources of information on schools, curriculum, tuition costs, available resources, tuition assistance and the technology needed to start an online MBA program.

Just click on the following link to get online college degree information. It's fast, it's free, and you're under no obligation. You can get information about many types of online bachelors degree programs from many colleges. They also offer information about programs and schools that offer distance learning online masters degree programs.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Closing the Distance in Distance Learning

Closing the Distance in Distance Learning

Distance Learning is one of those concepts that seems to mean different things to different people. At its most basic level, Distance Learning is no more than learning about something without moving out of your office or home. Someone, somewhere, sends you materials by post and you're expected to wade through it and tackle the various assignments. You might have access to a tutor or adviser but, there again, you might not.

In today's hi-tech, computerised world, emails and the internet have taken the place of the postman so, at the very least, you can expect to access your learning materials faster, whether they arrive by email or you access them through an internet site. You're also likely to find out, maybe by return email, that you've failed your assignment, giving you plenty of time to have another go before the deadline expires.

The problems with Distance Learning can be varied, from the frustration of defining what it actually is, to the challenges of grasping new concepts, being tested on your knowledge, scoring reasonable marks and passing any final exams. It's not easy.

For passive learners, paper-based or online text and graphics may be all that's needed to stimulate learning and lead to a successful exam result. But for those of us who are active learners it can be more difficult because we tend to need a lot more stimulation. We hate the feeling of being alone and not having human contact. We learn better by listening to lecturers, engaging with tutors and interacting with subject experts. Without this added stimulation, we end up having to read everything half-a-dozen times just to grasp the basics and we still seem to fail all the tests.

And it's not just about Distance Learning. Events can be exactly the same. That's why we all file into all manner of seminars and conferences - so we can see someone and hear someone saying something and have an opportunity to ask questions, challenge the points we don't agree with or ask for clarification when we don't understand something. We go to see and hear and participate rather than passively reading the speakers' transcripts from an event we couldn't attend. Does this ring a bell or am I just sounding grumpy today?

Take the "event element" out of seminars, conferences and lectures and we take the dynamic elements out of learning, leaving us with what's left - paperwork and a few graphics. Surely there's more to it than this? I don't really mind learning from a distance but when that distance interferes with my ability to learn, I have a problem. The good news is that it's a problem easily overcome.

Gone are the days when there were major bandwidth, technology and cost restrictions. Now that we've entered 2008, we have all the bandwidth we need, costs are down, savings are immense and we now have the opportunity to develop Distance Learning content that's creative, engaging and more effective. The passive learners can now experience a new dimension to their learning and the active learners can have more than one of their senses stimulated at a time.

Think E-lectures

In the past, the problem with anything beginning with "E" was that it usually meant having a Masters Degree in Computer Science to cope with it. Not anymore.

Now "E" can be seen as Easy, as in easy-to-access and easy-to-use. Take E-lectures as just one example.

We now have the ability to create highly interactive lectures and presentations and web-cast them over the internet without the need for any in-depth computer skills. Basic computer literacy is all that's required. In the past few years, systems such as electern have been developed to allow lecturers, subject experts and other speakers to deliver interactive presentations or interviews, either live or from recorded archive material.

Presentations like these no longer have to be grainy images of talking heads in tiny areas of a computer screen. They can now be high quality, fully interactive web-casts with a range of enhancing elements, including:

" High quality video
" High quality audio
" PowerPoint slide presentations
" Interactive text systems
" Multiple choice questionnaires
" Viewer polling systems
" User audit trails

There may never be a substitute for face-to-face presentations but interactive web-casting offers many benefits. Here are just a few to start with:

Convenience
With only a computer and a broadband connection, students, or any other viewers, can access a live presentation or link to a recorded presentation at any time that's convenient to them.

Interactivity
Viewers can ask questions during a live presentation without interrupting the flow of the presentation. The presenter can choose to answer a question immediately or at any time during the presentation.

Questions and polling
Multiple choice questions or polling motions can be posed by the presenter and the system will display the outcomes within a few seconds.

Audit Trails
All web-cast information can be logged, which will generate an Audit Trail showing:
" Who has logged on
" Which presentations they have watched
" Which questions or polling motions they have responded to
" Scores achieved or polling outcomes
" Duration of viewing
" Support material (slides, etc) viewed

BENEFITS OF E-LECTERN WEB-CASTING

For Organisations
" Easy to use - only need basic computer skills
" Easily integrated into a Virtual Learning Environment (eg Moodle)
" Very secure and extremely cost-efficient
" Create more flexible, high impact means of communications and learning
" Control who accesses each web-cast
" Reduce time away from base for meetings and presentations.
" Reduce the stress of travel and being away from home.
" Reduce travel, lost productivity and associated costs.
" Reduce impact on the environment

For Learners
" Access to learning anytime and anywhere
" Very easy to access and to use
" Faster and more effective learning model
" Removes feeling of isolation through the use of interactive texting and online collaboration.
" Ability to proceed at own pace.
" Easily verifiable as part of a CPD programme
" If you can access a web browser you can access electern.
" Reduce the need for travel and associated costs
" Reduce travel and study stress
" Reduce impact on the environment

CREATING AND STREAMING A PRESENTATION

Creating a web-cast presentation or lecture and streaming it on the internet is easy. It has to be easy because, if it weren't, people wouldn't want to do it.

Our choice of application is electern, which couldn't be simpler and has the added benefit of having been tested by major private and public sector organisations in the UK.

The Viewer's Perspective

First of all let's look at it from the viewer's perspective.

Below is a typical example of what the viewer would see when they log into an electern presentation. (Presentation courtesy of NHS Education Scotland).

The viewer can hear and see the presenter in the screen at the top left and can see the presenter's PowerPoint slides in the large screen on the right. The viewer can also switch these screens around throughout the presentation, allowing them to position the presenter in the large screen and the PowerPoint slides in the small one. Switching from one to the other only takes a mouse-click.

In the above example, just below the video screen, is an interactive text box that allows the viewer to ask questions or make comment on any aspect of the presentation.

Web-casts can be delivered live or from an archive and, with the electern system, all live web-casts are automatically archived unless instructed to do otherwise.

How easy can it get?

The Presenter's Perspective

Presenters have a choice of tools when creating their web-casts. For example, below is an illustration of the Control Panel used for web-casting live events.

With this simple one page application the presenter can control the following commands:

" Start video stream
" Start archive
" Stop archive
" Stop video stream
" Select and change slides
" Move video into large window (and back again to small window)
" Display questions and polling motions
" Respond to questions, live from viewers.

Another Presenter's Perspective

If a presenter simply wishes to deliver a talk, this can easily be achieved through the use of the Presenter's Panel, which is shown below.

With this panel the presenter simply begins the web-cast with a single button click and stops it again with another click. Slides are advanced by simply clicking on the space bar. The whole process could not be simpler.

What does it all mean for Distance Learning?

Web-casting for Distance Learning is being used by more and more organisations as they begin to appreciate just how cost-efficient it is to deliver effective learning, training and Continuing Professional Development. It provides greater impact and gives viewers a real opportunity to participate in interactive presentations.

But web-casting via the electern system isn't just high impact simplicity, it's also very cost-efficient. Even before fuel costs reached £1 per litre, huge savings could be made by organisations involved in Distance Learning or in the management of events such as seminars and conferences. On the simple side of budgeting, think of the costs of travel, accommodation, subsistence and lost production time when people have to attend events or short training courses. Multiply these costs across your staff and across an average year and the amounts can be staggering and makes it easy to make a sound business case for the adoption of Interactive Web-casting. And this doesn't even take the environmental impacts into account.

And finally...

The potential of Distance Learning can often be limited simply because some trainers and academics don't like using new technologies. Add to that the tendency for so-called IT experts to throw a spanner into anything they didn't think of themselves and you can start to see a disaster lurking.

Web-casting for Distance Learning should certainly involve the training and education personnel who have a role to play in content development and presentation. The IT experts should also be closely involved since they're the ones who can make things easier for everyone involved.

But... and here's the real challenge, the decision to develop web-casting services has to be a management decision.

The trainers and academics can obviously help and so too can IT and the finance department but let's not lose sight of the fact that web-casting is about serving customers who are usually well aware of what works for them when it comes to motivation, stimulation and the impact of interactive presentations on their learning.

One question might be, "Are we focusing too much on the lifelong learning of learners and not enough on the lifelong learning of our Distance Learning service providers and support staff?" Well, that's something we might discuss in a later article. But, for now, why not...

" Visit http://www.video3.co.uk for more information on electern
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Thursday, February 14, 2008

Online University Degree

Today many people are well educated and adequately certified because of the availability of online university degrees. People can simply sit and enjoy the comfort of their houses and earn these degrees. These degrees are equally reputed like the university degrees. There is no distinction between the two when it comes to quality. Both the young and the old can apply for the online university degree courses. This is absolutely no age bar and time limitations. Professionals involved in any kind of work or business can easily earn this online university degrees.

But there are some guidelines one needs to follow while availing this facilities and a certain amount of academic qualification is required to qualify into this online degree programmers. His facility has numerous benefits like it saves a person from transport costs, minimizes day to day hazards of traveling and communication, diminishes road mishaps and accidents, reduces confrontations and complications. There are numerous universities which provide online degrees for the convenience of common people. Some of them are: American Sentinel University, Aspen University, Ashford University, Argosy University, American Intercontinental University, Abilene Christian University, Azusa Pacific University, A.T. Still University Of Health Sciences, Bellevue University, Benedictine University, California State University, Canella University, City University, Colorado Technical University, Columbia Southern university, Decry University, Drexel University, Everest University, Franklin University, George Washington University, Golden Gate University, Winston Salem University etc.

These universities offer online bachelors, masters, doctorate degrees in almost all streams like psychology, liberal arts, culinary arts, game art and design, graphic design, interior design, multimedia and web design, engineering studies, gerontology, family and community services, advertising, marketing, information technology, political science, economics, criminology, sociology, public relations, human resource and many other streams including management as well.

Certain universities also give loans to the citizens who are willing but economically incapable to avail their online courses. These universities also give scholarships to their students especially to the intelligent and under privileged students who wish to earn their online university degrees.

Like it's said, "there are two sides of a coin", so it becomes obvious that apart from advantages and profits there are certain major and minor drawbacks of these online university degrees. There are certain misleading and fake websites which make very appealing and promising advertisements regarding online courses, people who get into their traps suffer huge losses in terms of money and time and at times this breaks their confidence and they start doubting other online degree programmes also. Hence one must be very careful while applying to these courses and avail only those courses which are affiliated to renowned universities.

Today completing an online university degree is very easy and one can accomplish them without any ease.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Issues and Challenges in Open and Distance Learning

Open and Distance Learning is a way of learning that focus on releasing learners from constraints of time and place whilst offering flexible learning opportunities. For a lot of married and working adults, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is a way of combining work and family responsibilities with educational opportunities.

The first challenge faced by online distance learners is in balancing the combination of work and education. Most of the Open and Distance education students are older, have jobs and families. Job responsibility is already intimidating, let alone the family and the learning. The task of balancing all of the above responsibility is truly challenging for most of them.

The second issue is in acquiring go online distance study habits. The students' everyday environment is very distracting for most of the students. Unlike traditional university students who are always in their learning community which supports them most of the time, online distance students are not. Distractions such as friends asking for night supper and wife demanding to go shopping at the mall every weekend are among other distractions faced by students. Acquiring some time in a day to study is quite a hard task to complete.

Online distance learners also have a hard time in being independent and responsible to their own self. Most of the time, there is no one around to monitor the students learning process. The openness of the online distance program gives students the freedom to do their learning process whenever they like but most of the time, procrastination is the culprit. Unfocused view of their learning goals also will make the students act irresponsibly towards their learning.

Online distance learners also face problems in recognizing and mastering strengths and skills. In online distance learning, technology is the main conduit which information and communication flow. A computer with internet access is usually needed for this process and its application will need the user to master certain level of acquirement. The students will also need to have some basic writing skills and a go online distance command of English language. Unfortunately, not all of the students possess the above-said skills.

The fifth challenge is in motivating themselves as well as maintaining and increasing self-esteem. In online distance education, learners are usually isolated from peers and tutors. The motivational factors are absent due to lack of contact and competition with other students. The lacks of immediate support of a teacher who is able to motivate will also affects the learners. In the long run, students might feel uneasy with their teacher and uncomfortable with their learning situation and environment.

Online distance learners also face some problems in relating and interacting with peers. Most of the time, learners will learn most effectively when they have the opportunity to interact with other students. Sadly, forming of the study group is not easy. This is caused by the difference in the usage of time between students. One particular student may have some free time for meeting with peers at 10am every Saturday, but another student who works in the government sector may still be at work at the exact time.

The next one is in coping with distance learning strategies apart from printed material package the students are familiar with. There might be audio/video tape material, television-aided learning, overhead projectors, computer referencing and computer-assisted instruction using the internet. Some students might feel uncomfortable with these learning strategies due to lack of skills and knowledge in using those strategies.

The second last challenge is in preparing for and taking examinations. In order to excel in examination, learners have to start early in understanding the course content and preparing and revising the content. However, not all students do start early in their learning process. Do not have enough time, lazy, too many works to be done are among other reasons given by this type of students in order to avoid studying for exams.

The final challenge faced by online distance learners is in using library facilities to access information and references. Most of the library only opens during office hour and the learners would not be able to go to the library during office hour due to demanding works at the office. This will definitely cause problems to students who want to gain access to the reference material. Library database program such as the OPAC will also require the students to have proper training and skills in order to maximize the usage.

The Open and Distance Learning courses are very different from a traditional classroom setting. Due to a number of challenges and obstacles, it often requires a high degree of commitment on the part of the learner.

In order to overcome these online distance challenges, learners must first plan and manage themselves effectively in order to balancing work, family and study. They have to apply smart time management. Avoiding procrastinating is a must. They must be more responsible and have a focused view towards learning. They must also learn to improve themselves in areas they are lacking (such as writing skills, note taking skills, computer skills and English language skills) because not all skills will be taught by the tutor. They need to motivate their own self by setting achievable goals and have a positive attitude. Due to lack of meeting time with peers, they have to make an effort to interact with peers and tutors frequently.

Mathew Simond is a journalist and copywriter. He is also a webmaster of many websites including http://www.psychologycolleges.net and http://www.religiousstudiesonline.org He aims to provide healthy information and advice on academic degrees.

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Top Bachelor Online Degree Programs

Bachelor degree online programs are increasing in popularity at such lightening speeds that it seems difficult to keep up. Busy parents and full time workers may not have the time to travel to a college campus and attend set classes to earn a bachelor degree. Online programs are the answer to this dilemma. People who are working on earning a bachelors degree online can log on at any time that is convenient for them and they can do it right in the comfort of their own home.

With online degrees widely available now, many more people are able to get their bachelor degrees. This is good and bad news for you. The bad news is that your competition is likely to be advancing in education. The good news is that you can advance too. You don't have to apply to a correspondence school anymore to get a degree. Most of the highly reputable colleges now offer online bachelor degree programs. Why not be the one to get that next promotion?

If you look over the job statistics from such reputable sources as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or FAST Company, you will see that all of the top jobs of our era and predicted top jobs of the next 20 years require you to have a complete education. Even those that don't require a degree usually give preference to the job candidates with a degree. And in many cases, without a degree, your next promotion could be your last promotion. An investment in online education can make you more employable and raise your salary. The more education you have, the more job and salary security you'll have.

If you've already got a career or are working at a company you want to continue working at then you need to analyze what your company will need over the next 20 years in terms of personnel. Compare these needs to your interests and find a degree that fits both. If you're not sure about your company's needs, ask management. Find that position that you see yourself holding before retirement.

Obtaining your bachelor's degree online can help you get a new, better career or allow you to move up in your existing company. You can complete your degree in this manner is convenient and as long as you go with a reputable institution, the education is as good if not better than a traditional university. Many of the courses in these degree programs are taught by experts in the field of which they are teaching.

So if you want a great education so that you can get that great, top job, a bachelor's degree online may be just what you need.

You can get more in-depth information about finding the best colleges in USA as well as online accredited degrees by checking out the links

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Accounting Degree Online - What To Expect

Accounting is an awesome profession. Not only does it pay well, but the working conditions are too bad either. Many accountants today work right in their own home while others work in a typical office setting. The profession is growing with no end in sight. That's certainly good news for anyone looking to join this profession.

Many people find they are interested in accounting but become apprehensive when they discover that a college degree is required. The apprehension comes from the fact that most adults, although very interested in furthering their career, simply cannot afford the time for a traditional college degree.

In searching for a common ground many have found that acquiring their accounting degree online is the solution. This option provides many advantages over that of an offline class schedule. To start, an online degree in accounting affords students the opportunity to maximize the flexibility and convenience of their educational program.

Pursuing a degree online is well-suited for working adults, it's an excellent choice for professionals that want to change or advance their careers. Online educational programs offer the same high-quality courses provided through traditional offline programs.

In addition to receiving a quality education, the learner can flex the classes around the demands of a schedule that may involve work and family. Course work will include general or advanced studies of financial accounting and management, cost accounting and management, auditing, taxation, economics, and information systems. Other classes may also be a requirement of the curriculum for a specialized degree.

An emphasis is placed on versatility with any online account degree. Students are taught skills that will enable them to pursue not only short-term, entry-level positions, but also long-term career paths, many of which are beyond the field of accounting. Career options available to graduates may include: public accountants, consultants, forensic accountants, or management accountants

After completing studies and graduating, the student will be prepared to create, analyze and verify financial documents in order to provide information to clients. The graduate will have the problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills necessary to work efficiently and competently in the dynamic decision-making process demanded by a competitive working environment.

Most all of these programs will prepare students to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. It is recommended that students check with their state for further information related to examination requirements.

With the various positions available in the accounting profession there is a wide range of educational requirements to match. But you can be assured that if you complete an accounting degree online you will have plenty of opportunities for advancement in your chosen profession.

You can find out more about an Accounting Degree Online as well as much more information on everything to do with accounting at: http://www.OnlineAccountingEducation.com

Monday, February 04, 2008

Online Education: GED vs. Fake High School Diploma

For today's student, distance learning is a worthwhile and affordable way to work toward a GED, usually the most official way for an adult to demonstrate the skills of a high school graduate. But there are a growing number of companies and schools who aren't really in the business of education. Instead, they're in the education business -- their main business is selling quick and easy programs or simple online tests, complete with worthless transcripts and fake diplomas.

There are exceptions. But as a rule most transcripts and diplomas ordered or obtained from online high schools are useless. Unfortunately, students and adult learners are often and easily misled by diploma factories or diploma mills. Many of these companies and 'schools' appear to be professional businesses or accredited educational institutions. So, when selecting online education, it's smart to be cautious. Make sure the online learning solution is a real solution, and will help you achieve your goals.

First, it pays to understand how diploma factories work. Many adult learners fall victim to diploma scams, usually paying $200 to $800 in tuition, testing, transcript or diploma fees. But because the school or program isn’t accredited, the diploma has no value. When it comes to employers, job training programs, tech schools, community colleges and universities, bogus diplomas are useless. And often, new 'graduates' don't learn that a diploma has no value until they're told by an employer or a college admissions department.

In most cases, the GED -- the term for General Education Development credential -- is the official 'diploma' that's meaningful for adults who never completed their high school education. For today's 34 to 38 million adults in the US who never graduated from high school, passing the GED test is a pass key to both career and educational opportunities. That's because approximately 95 percent of employers and even more US colleges and universities accept the GED.

When choosing an education program, a student's best bet is a GED solution, whether enrolling in a local GED class or using a self-guided online GED program. If online learning or distance learning is the solution you need, look for a program that includes all the components necessary to prepare for the GED test.

Here are some guidelines for choosing a quality learning solutions provider and avoiding bogus schools or fake diploma scams:

  • GED guidelines are established by the American Council on Education. Under the agency's rules, the test covers science, social studies, language arts reading and writing, and math -- including algebra, geometry and data analysis. Find a program that includes all testing areas; avoid any solution or school that doesn’t include all test areas or information about test areas and the ACE's requirements.
  • GED practice tests are available online. These tests are a good way for a student to determine skill strengths and weaknesses and to understand how the test works. But the actual GED test cannot be taken online! The test is only given at official test sites. So avoid any company that claims to offer the official GED test or a quick version online.
  • Read the fine print, before you pay -- make sure you understand what the company or school is offering and determine if it's worth the price. Is it a worthwhile learning process or just a fake diploma? Will it help you progress in your career or education? Ask for advice if you're not sure.
  • Look for outside information about companies or schools. Discover what other teachers, students and adult learners have experienced. Contact a department of education. Explore GED and education message boards, online forums or learning communities. Are there complaints, or reports of success?
  • Be very cautious in dealing with any company or online high school that offers a diploma or transcript after passing a quick online test. The GED test is hard! The exam is a timed 7.5-hour test.

Consider education as an important investment -- an investment you make in yourself and your future. Make sure your investment is a good one, and gives you a return that's worthwhile. The GED credential might be harder to get than a $250 diploma, but you can sure count on it to take you to where you want to go.

For more information about the GED online, visit http://www.passGED.com. While products are offered, the website provides plenty of free study, test tips and testing resources, with links to other quality resource and information providers.

Leonard Williams, an e-learning instructor with http://www.passGED.com, is also a curriculum specialist who focuses on research and development, implementation and assessment of best-practice learning solutions for adult learners and people with educational challenges. Leonard's email is LeonardWilliams@passGED.com. He invites feedback and questions from GED students and instructors.

Saturday, February 02, 2008

Use The Online Education to Convert Your Hobbies to Lucrative Careers

Ever think of creating an income stream and earn money with your hobbies? Your career can become more exciting if you are working on the area of your interest especially if it is among your hobbies. The enhanced internet technology has made it possible for you to earn your credential with a degree online and convert your hobbies to lucrative careers. Online degrees nowadays covered almost any field that you can think off, you can easily find a degree that related to your hobby and earn that degree from your comfort home.

Let's see some examples how's online degree helps to convert hobbies to lucrative careers:

1. Web Surfer Become Media Marketer Guru

Internet surfing has been hobby for many people, most of them love to surf the internet than sleep, they can spend many hours online. Online advertisements have been on of the most profitable industry since the innovation of internet technology.

Have you ever think of earning money from this profitable industry? Do you know how your can create income stream from internet or online business? What are the techniques involved to make a success in the competitive online business? You need all these knowledge to be successful.

Thanks to online education, you can easily find the online courses related to online business and internet marketing offered by various online schools. Learn up how to start up and manage the online business and get yourself equip with the knowledge of internet marketing will help you to convert your hobby of web surfing to online media marketing career.

2. Early Child Education Career

You like to take care of children and playing with them is fun to you; then, have you ever thinking of involving in early child education career? If you do, where could find the necessary knowledge and earn your credential to start your career in this field? Online education can be your best option to earn the required degree without the need to quit your current job. Online degree in early child education is one of the popular major for many online students. This shows that there is high market demand in this field, you can't be wrong if you select it as your career. With the growth of the needs for online early child education degree, many online schools have made available the degree for their online students. What you need to do is select a degree program that contains courses which best meet your interest.

3. Activities & Program Coordinator

You like to organize parties and other program functions such as outing, group traveling for your family and friends. Every time if there is an activity or program rise up by your group members, you will be one of the volunteer in the organizing committee. Have you think of utilizing your capability in organizing activities to earn you an income? Then, online education can helps to train you with the professional knowledge to help you to become a professional activities and program coordinator. The career opportunities are huge as more and more companies and organizations are outsourcing their activities to a professional program coordinator.

Summary

Online education has made possible for you to earn a credential for your hobbies from your comfort home. With the credential earned, you can convert your hobbies to lucrative careers which integrated what you like into your career field. You will get more successful in your career path if the works you do is one of your hobbies.

Amelia Turner, an educational article writer for http://www.your-online-degree.info You can find more details information and free resources about online degree programs, about what makes online education your best option, financial aids and other accredited online education programs that can help you to make decision to earn your degree online.