Saturday, December 10, 2011

What Do Students Think of Distance Education?

The emergence of distance education has definitely raised some issues for both the educational institutions and the students in general. Holding academic classes on the internet doesn't seem to be a complicated process, but of course there are still some factors that should be looked into before this means of education can be considered effective. There have been several studies aimed at knowing what students think about distance education as well as how distance education facilities can be improved.

Based on the number of students asked about online education programs, it is apparent that students in general are aware of the potential and huge benefits of such programs. Specifically, students believe that distance education can be effective as long as appropriate atmosphere as well as instructional equipment is provided to the learners.

Studies also show that distance learning programs can be as beneficial and productive as the conventional face-to-face education if technology is utilized well when it comes to the use of various teaching aids. Experts say that in order for distance learning programs to be maximized, they should be conducted using various synchronous tools such as desktop conferencing, videoconferencing along with audio graphics support interaction. With these technical aids, students can not only see and hear their lecturers, but they are also able to ask questions.

Although it is easy to see the benefits of taking classes online, many students still feel that some huge factors can seriously affect the effectiveness of web based classes. Indeed, reasonable objectives and careful planning are essential to the success of distance education degrees. In addition, the selection of materials, atmosphere and class size are elements that cannot be ignored.

According to several studies, students begin to have some negative attitudes towards internet based classes if they can only see or hear their lecturers on their computer screen. With that being said, it is essential that all types of multimedia aids be utilized to make sure that the students' attention is kept in the classroom.

Aside from the use of various technological tools and multimedia aids, another important factor for the success of distance learning programs is the ability of the lecturers to conduct online classes. In comparison to traditional face-to-face classes, teaching students on the internet poses a lot of challenges to the lecturer. He or she should make sure that he can create an atmosphere that is comfortable for learning. They should also be able to encourage students to become more involved with the lessons.

No matter what system of education is used, an important factor to the success of any program is the students. The overall attitude of a student is crucial in the effectiveness of distance education. It is very clear from the research that students who are highly motivated and are well disciplined can take full advantage and benefit from distance learning programs. in short, the lack of physical presence of lecturers and classmates is never a hindrance to the success of distance education programs as long as the students are given an enjoyable learning atmosphere.

The greatest gift you can give to yourself or to your children is a good education. Invest in an online bachelor degree programs and be one step ahead of the rest of your colleagues. accelerated degree programs is your weapon to that promotion you've been dreaming of. Waste no more time, visit http://www.jobtrainingplace.com now!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Easy Degrees - Underground Secrets to Earning A Bachelors Degree With Ease

The recent global financial crisis has swept the world nowadays. Its effects may be or may not be felt by all people but still there are a good number of those who are unable to find worthwhile jobs or get promoted in the companies they are currently working in.

Education is one of the surefire ways in getting a good job in the world of unemployment and move up to next level of your position in your current company. A worker with baccalaureate degree earns bigger than those who are not able to level up with their education, and they are granted better career opportunities. But in today's economic situation earning a Bachelor's degree is a struggle. The advent of today's technology offers us the easiest ways of earning a baccalaureate degree which is now possible online.

So, what is the easiest way to earn a degree? Online or distance learning program is the best available answer to the query. Along with the easiest ways of completing a Bachelor's Degree are the various advantages that could make your online education hassle-free. These programs offers self-paced schedules and more weekend online lectures that facilitates convenient schedules for studying for students, professional, stay-at-home mothers, and other individuals who opt to earn degrees online. This type of program offers "anytime, anywhere" learning that shrugs off commuting time allowing you to stay at home with your computer and study.

Though grabbing easy-to-get education programs may not be the smartest idea, it is surely the best option for individuals who are tied up with tight schedules that restricts them from enrolling to traditional schooling inside the four walls of a classroom. Better online degrees are provided with in online programs. These programs are patterned with the traditional in-campus study that most students are doing, the difference is that you do not have to be present in a particular room in a certain building at the same time everyday.

When planning to enroll online to get easy degrees, consider your interests and the circumstances around you. Think about the purpose you are going back to school for, the goals you hope to achieve and the current level of education you have. When a thing or subject interests you, the more you'll dig deeper into it to gain understanding of it. In that way you will not be wasting time, money, and effort in obtaining you degree online.

Most academic institutions nowadays have expanded their educational horizon to the vast international network, thus they also offer online programs. In line with this, it is imperative to select accredited online schools that are duly approved by accreditation boards. Studying in accredited online programs makes more likely to be able to transfer your credits and obtain aid, especially for students.

With a wide range online course available, there is no reason for you not to continue you education or obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Getting your education through an online degree program from any accredited university in the world without traveling, moving or commuting is the most accessible way you can have! So, define your interests, and set those fingers on keyboard, and get started with the easiest online program you can find!

If you need to find extra tips about a bachelors degree online program or a selection of the easiest degrees online you can get, you should drop by and see our site Job Training Place.com

Job Training Place is designed specifically to provide you with comprehensive job and career information as well as discussing the various education and training alternatives available. These include construction industry training and apprenticeship programs, conventional university and college education as well as online courses ranging form basic programs right up to full Bachelor's and post graduate degrees. If you are currently exploring your career and educational options this site will be most valuable.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Choosing An Online Associate's Degree Program That Meets Your Needs

Getting an Associate's degree online is a great step forward for students who are seeking a better career. The online nature of the program allows students to pursue their education in their free time, from a home computer. This flexibility allows parents and full-time employed students to earn their two-year degree from the comfort of home without undue stress. If you are considering an online Associate's degree, however, you may be a bit skeptical. How can you be sure if the program you are interested in is legitimate? Fortunately, you have many resources available to you to determine if an online program is a good choice.

You'll want to ensure that any Associate's degree program you enter is accredited. This means that your degree is recognized as coming from a reputable and academically rigorous institution. If the program or institution from which you get your degree is not accredited, potential employers will not accept your degree as valid. There are many accreditation organizations that you can check with.

First, check out the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. USDE, or U.S. Department of Education, accredits schools and programs as a way of making sure that federal financial aid awards finance only high-quality programs with excellent academics and good administration practices. USDE provides an index of institutions, which you can easily search to determine if the school you are considering is a wise choice.

You can also visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or CHEA. This index lists over 7,800 postsecondary institutions and over 20,000 individual programs that are recognized and accredited. CHEA looks for quality in courses and degree programs as well as the commitment to quality-improvement.

You may already know that U.S. News and World Report provides information about institutions throughout the United States. The online education resource allows you to search for reputable schools according to search criteria such as program of study, cost of tuition, and availability of financial aid.

If you would like to do some further research about your prospective program's reputation, check out the Better Business Bureau to see if any students or alumni have filed complaints. While there will be disgruntled students at every institution, a great deal of negative feedback and complaints might indicate that the program is not a good choice. It is a good idea to find out, if you can, what alumni are achieving with their two-year degrees from the institution you are considering. Have they been able to find employment on the strength of the online Associate's degree?

Don't be shy about calling up a representative of the school or emailing your prospective professors to address your questions and concerns. Before investing money in an online degree program, it is important to be sure that it is a good fit for you.

If you decide to get your Associates degree online, you are likely attracted to the convenience and accessibility of online college. Of course, you will have to be careful that you select a program with a great reputation. With a little bit of research, you should find an excellent online program that meets your needs.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

How To Ensure Your Online College Is Accredited

When searching for an online school there are many different components to keep in mind. There are a lot of online schools to go through before deciding which one is the right fit for you. But before considering the programs they offer, the cost of the schooling, and the friendliness of the staff, there is one key factor you need to look for: accreditation.

What is Accreditation?

Websters Dictionary defines accreditation as:

" to recognize (an educational institution) as maintaining standards that qualify the graduates for admission to higher or more specialized institutions or for professional practice."

In essence, accreditation is the way the United States determines the validity of the online school. Accreditation also assures the student that the school meets standards and is a legitimate asset when you go to apply for jobs or enroll in further schooling.

Types of Accreditation

When accrediting online colleges there are three types of accreditation. Within those categories, there are several varying accrediting agencies.
National accrediting agencies are approved to accredit any online education program in the United States. There are six accrediting bodies that fall under the national accrediting umbrella. They are:

  • Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
  • Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology
  • Accrediting Council of Continuing Education and Training
  • Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
  • Council of Occupational Education
  • Distance Education and Training Council Accrediting Commission

The United States is divided up into six entities which make up the areas where schools can be regionally accredited. These sub-sections work independently and make up their own validation standards. The country is divided up by the Middle, New England, North Central, Northwestern, Southern, and Western states.

The third and final accreditation type is specialized accreditation. Within this type, schools are accredited based on specific programs. These programs can be anything from nursing to technology, and are recognized as being a legitimate program in their field.

Beware of Diploma Mills

Diploma mills are what make people second guess the valid accredited schools. Diploma mills disguise themselves as legitimate online schools but in reality, the diplomas they hand out do not hold any educational or respected value. They rarely look at a student's academic history and apply your life experiences to your credits earned. They encourage their students to pay more for high honors with their diploma. Beware of any online school that promises you a degree in an impossibly short amount of time or lists no or made up accrediting agencies.

Benefits of Online Schooling

When deciding whether to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar school or complete your education online, there are several factors to consider. Although going to class online means no sitting in a classroom, there are other advantages. Online schools are typically less expensive than going to traditional colleges. In fact, online schools can have down payments as low as $100. Also, because you are in charge of your own education, you have the ability to set your own pace. You can also decide where and when you want to complete your lessons. Structure your education around work and family obligations.

Get the most out of your education by doing your homework. Making sure your online school is accredited ensures you have peace of mind that your schooling can take you where you want to go. By checking the accreditation before enrolling you can be proud to tell people where you went to school and know that your degree and your hard work count.

Allison Brenner is a copywriter for Ashworth College, and focuses her writing on online degrees and certificates. Ashworth College is a nationally accredited online college.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Costs Involved in Taking Online Degrees

It has now become a very popular option among people to take a college degree through online sources. This is because in olden times, many people were not able to go to a traditional college for on-campus learning, either because of financial problems, or some other reason. Such people who aren't educated, but still would like to avail the benefits of high salary that can be earned with a degree, are the ones who find such online degree courses helpful. These courses can even be used by people who already have a degree in one subject, but wish to get one more in another subject.

About Bachelor Degrees

In the case of professionals, the bachelor's degree is considered as the minimum qualification for any job in any field. Associate degrees can be very good for people looking for job changes, but a bachelor's degree is needed as a basic building block for it! Today, there are several online courses on the internet that offers degrees in various subjects, and that too from reputed Universities all over the world. Some of them are the Kaplan, American Intercontinental University Online, the University of Phoenix etc. There are other institutions with campuses also, which offer an online version of their course. But a major disadvantage with these degrees is that these institutions charge you more fees when compared to the direct online courses.

The total fees payable for studying such courses will be very high. For example, the University of Phoenix Online charges $30900 for a Communication course, the American Intercontinental University Online charges $30560 for the MBA course and so on. The prices for the online versions of the courses in the universities with a campus will be lesser than this, but it will not offer any flexibility of timing, which is required the most for online courses. There are also online courses available at rates as cheap as $3000.

Taking the Master's Degree and Education beyond It

Once the bachelor's degree has been achieved, you can go for the Master's degree in a subject of your interest. Taking a master's degree can not only bring up your career but also increase your earning potential to a very good level. Master's courses that are provided online are very expensive, but yet useful. The University of Phoenix Online takes a fee of $625 per credit hour for the Master's degree they provide. This is actually 110 dollars more than what you have to pay for their bachelor's degree course! There are other institutions also, providing online courses for completing the Master's degree. Devry's Keller School of Management is one of the most famous among these, which provide MBA courses for online students. They charge $2100 per course and there are totally 10 courses that have to be attended, as well as 18 elective topics. Thus the total fee for studying MBA from this school of management studies would be around $30000! But when you compare this with the on-campus MBA schools, this amount is 3 times lesser! Moreover, online courses even offer the option for doctoral studies.

Rebe Carin owns and operates Registered Nurse Online Programs and also writes about Nurse Practitioner Online Programs.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Online Degree Program Is A Good Choice

It is the best time to advance your career as lots of opportunities are coming up in different fields. Do you think that what you are lagging is just an advanced degree? You may be worried that you don't have sufficient time to complete regular course in a college. What you can do is opt for an online degree program so that you do not need to attend regular classes by maintaining a particular time schedule.

It is important that you earn an advanced degree in the present economy to shine in your career. There are several online degree courses that can help you to realize your dream and help you to achieve your target. You are probably thinking that you need to continue with your education, but have no idea where to start from. The best thing that you can do is take the advantage of the various courses available online and take your step towards the path of success.

Take a look at a more elaborate thought about why considering the internet based educational opportunities are effective.

Working adults face huge challenges every day. They are so busy in their respective lives that it is hardly possible to take out time for conducting education. There are several possibilities and you might be committed to your family, job or other social obligations. The availability of time seems to be a big problem.

Online degree courses are designed in such a way that you can earn your degree without hampering the busy schedules and lifestyle. You can conduct studies at your own pace and maintain your regular life like the way it is. Such internet-based education programs offer complete flexibility so that you can study from anywhere, whether it is your home or office. The convenience factor is one of the major advantages of such an online degree program.

The above scenario was for those people who are already employed or engaged into certain activities and have minimum time. There are some people who remain concerned about the fruitfulness of the online programs of education. They remain worried whether they will get a job after the completion of the online degree program. Traditional way of education is getting less desirable day after day. The reason is being touted as the increasing popularity of the online education. It is the easiest way to get the desired degree that is valued by the employers as well. The earlier outlook of neglecting the candidates with an online degree is not prevalent anymore. Employers have realized that students with a degree of an internet based education program are equally eligible as a student who has passed out from a traditional college. Therefore, opting for these courses make a good choice.

Learn about the best of online degree program provided by the leading accredited institutions. We can guide you to find the suitable online degree courses

Friday, June 03, 2011

How Are Accelerated Degrees Viewed By Prospective Employers?

Accelerated degrees are making real waves in the world of education, as more and more students and individuals get involved each and every year. They are now one of the most common choices out there, and they provide many benefits for students. But it's all about landing a job after your education, which means you have to evaluate what prospective employers think about accelerated degrees too.

An accelerated degree might seem obvious in terms of what it actually is, but it's important to understand it completely. It offers the same education and the same courses as a traditional program in the same category. The difference is that through a variety of factors, it moves ahead at a much quicker pace, enabling you to finish in half the time you otherwise could hope.

When these accelerated degrees first popped up, many employers and businesses out there actually looked down on them a little bit. Like most new things and changing trends to old standards, they were treated as being less-than and perhaps even a bit suspicious. That meant that even though students took the same courses and did the same work, they couldn't always land the same jobs.

Today though, this is longer the case with accelerated degrees. Employers now view accelerated degrees just as they would traditional programs. There are a few different factors that have led to this change in views for employers, but what it means is that you should not have any worry about enrolling with accelerated degrees, and certainly not for this reason any longer.

One reason why employers have changed their view is the sheer number of students who are now taking accelerated programs. It's no longer some tiny minority, it's now a real chunk of the students out there, which means it can't be ignored or put down. It's in the accepted range of normal options and choices today, as opposed to being some new concept that only a handful of people utilize.

Another reason is that more universities are offering more accelerated programs than ever before. Many of the most respected universities all across the globe offer combinations of online classes and accelerated programs to students, and carrying these highly regarded names on your degree and resume cannot be overlooked or marginalized.

You might even find that in some instances, a potential future employer might view you as a better candidate due to your accelerated degree, not in spite of this. Students who complete this kind of path have shown a willingness to work hard, follow through on what they set out to do, and dedicate themselves to a goal and a challenge which is considered as shorter but more intensive than other options.

The world of education is always changing, and at the forefront of many of these changes are accelerated degree programs. Now they are viewed as being at least equal to traditional degrees, if not better, by employers who are interviewing and hiring, which means there's no reason to not get started for yourself.

To find accelerated degrees or a specific online bachelors degree right now visit BetterOnlineDegrees.com

Thursday, May 05, 2011

Becoming A Paraprofessional By Earning A Two-Year Degree

Don't you just love when a new term gets thrown at you and you have no idea what it means just to find out that you know it by another name? Well here it is, "paraprofessional." Of course, maybe you are already familiar with this word; for the rest of us, it basically means having an Associate's degree.

Just for your information, the beginning of the word, "para" or being a "paras" means assisting in a specific occupational field for the person who you work for. You might think that it would just be easier to refer to one as an assistant. The areas in the workforce that use these paraprofessionals are in health care, law, education and engineering. To become one, you must have a two-year degree. It could be that you are already doing this but do not have the necessary credentials needed to use this title. Well, with the help of an online degree plan, you can become a paraprofessional!

The occupation that uses paraprofessionals the most is working in the classroom as a teaching assistant. These workers are in high demand, have a good income and their job security is one of the highest reported. However, most states now are requiring an Associate's degree along with a state exam in order to be considered for employment. All of this can be obtained online through an accredited school without having to leave home!

If you do not want to assist in a classroom, there are other areas in education that might appeal to you, such as in the school's administrative office, performing clerical duties or working in playground and/or cafeteria supervision. Often, paraprofessionals choose to work in special education with children who have a variety of difficulties to contend with, although this area does require special training.

Another possibility is entering the world of accounting to be able to prepare tax returns or work as a tax consultant to help with the many tax laws and regulations. If you are strong in math and communication, plus are very detail-oriented, this would be a great career choice. Some of the job titles under this two-year degree are that of a tax compliance officer, tax consultant and tax examining technician. Of course, once again, you can earn your Associate's degree in this field completely through an online degree program, but make sure that it is from an institution that has its accreditation because most states require passing an exam after you graduate.

What are also being offered for individuals who are interested in becoming paraprofessionals by earning their Associate's degrees are grants and scholarships that target specific choices of study. At the top of the list of having various ways to finance this degree is once again the education profession.

So, where do you start if this is your career goal? First, find out what the specifics are that your state requires for you to enter into the workforce. Then, look into the many schools offering degree plans, but remember to do a thorough background check.

Take the time to do some research on the school that you will be earning your Associate's degree from. You may find that online courses are the most efficient way. Once you have all the necessary information, all you need to do is enroll and start down the path to a brighter future!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Online Counseling Schools Offer Degree Training Options

Training through an online higher learning program can help you obtain the skills that will be needed to enter a professional career. Online counseling schools offer degree training options that you can choose from in order to prepare for your future. There are multiple options that you can choose from regarding the career and level of training that is right for you. Distance learning programs allow you to train at your leisure to obtain the skills that will help you pursue the profession of your dreams.

By choosing to obtain an online counseling degree you will have numerous opportunities available. You can begin by deciding on the professional career that you will be studying for. There are a variety of career possibilities in the field of counseling that you can train for at your leisure. Careers can include working as a counselor, interventionist, child or family therapist, rehabilitator, and other exciting professions. Once you make the decision as to what career you would like to train for, you can learn about the degree training options that are provided.

Online counseling schools offer you the opportunity to choose the level of degree that you would like to complete. Keep in mind that training for certain careers can only be done at specific levels. Enrolling in a distance learning program can be done at the:

* Bachelor
* Master
* Doctoral

...levels of study. Making the decision to obtain a bachelor degree will help you gain the education that is needed to pursue a graduate degree in the field, and can take four years. Master degree studies will take a total of six years to complete and doctoral degree programs can require a total of eight years of training. The specific level of degree that you choose to pursue will help you gain the skills for employment by providing coursework that is relative to your desire occupation.

The different degree training options that are offered by online counseling schools will provide you with coursework that is designed to help you gain the skills that you will need in the workplace. You can obtain these skills by completing training in human development, rehabilitation, family therapy, intervention methods, and other topics. You may also be able to train from home to learn behavioral sciences, counseling theory, psychology, and mental health. Once you have completed the coursework and other requirements for the degree you choose, you will obtain your degree and can begin seeking employment.

A variety of accredited degree training options exist in order to allow you the chance to prepare for the career you long for. You can begin by researching online counseling degree programs that are fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related educational Programs (http://www.cacrep.org/). By doing this you can learn about the different opportunities that are available regarding higher educational career training. Start the journey today by requesting information about degree options and programs that offer the training you require for a successful career.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Locate Schools offering Online Counseling Degrees as well as Campus Based Schools for Counseling Degrees at PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.

Thursday, March 03, 2011

How Trustworthy Are University Rankings for Pursuing Online Degrees?

While choosing the right institution for higher education, you need to be very careful because this is amongst the most important decisions of your life. You may try and look up various rankings for the highest overall school scores available on the internet as well as a number of other sources like magazines, newspapers or government agencies.

These college and university rankings offer you a list of various institutions that provide higher education in fields like law, medicine, business, architecture, fine arts and any other areas of your interest. These lists are prepared after extensive research and polls conducted by government agencies or independent authorities or academic experts. Such rankings not only rate the institution as a whole, but also specific programs and departments of the universities. These rankings are conducted based on factors like student retention, salary of the faculty, student/faculty ratio, SAT/ACT scores of the institutions and similar such criteria. Other ratings like campus safety ratings are also helpful when students need to stay on university campus.

Whether you choose to go for an online degree or prefer to attend a regular program, you may try looking up these rankings. The number of institutions listed under each category may seem to be mindboggling, but it does help prospective students during the admission process. Some rankings are even subject to criticism on account of usefulness and authenticity.

The methodologies adopted for different rankings vary and it might become a confusing task to zero in on the right institution. It is also possible that some colleges conduct independent rankings and rate other competing colleges poorly. It is also important to note that some rankings may be biased and inaccurate. Many institutions claim that that the criteria used for such rankings are not good enough to evaluate the quality of education imparted by them. On the other hand, it is also possible that some schools do not provide enough data and thus are not eligible for such rankings.

It is a good idea to check and crosscheck various rankings before determining what suits you best.

Though the task of a finding the right school is very daunting, especially if you are looking for online degrees, it pays to look up various rankings and compare and find one with the highest school score. These rankings are useful for students who look for more options to choose from.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Online Accounting Schools Offer Various Career Training Options

There are several options to choose from when pursuing an education for a career in accounting. Online accounting schools offer various career training options that can help you obtain the knowledge needed. Studies will teach you the skills to enter into the occupation that you choose and prepare you for a successful occupation. Different levels of training and specialized areas of study can be completed through accredited online accounting programs. There are several steps that can be taken to ensure that you receive the appropriate training.

1. The first thing that needs to be done is to choose the career that you would like to pursue. This will help make it easier when deciding on a specific area of training and level of certificate or degree. Careers that can be pursued through accredited online accounting schools and colleges include becoming a bookkeeper, accountant, banker, lender, and other related occupations. After deciding on the career that you would like to pursue you will need to take the next step which is choosing the level of online educational training that you would like to complete.

2. The second thing that you will need to do is to decide on the level of certificate or degree that you will need to obtain in order to enter the career you have chosen. Accredited online schools offer training opportunities that allow you to choose from several options. You can obtain a certificate, associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral degree from your own home through online studies. The specific level of education you select will determine the length of study. Undergraduate degree programs can last anywhere from several months to four years. Online training for a graduate degree in accounting can take four or two years to complete. Once you choose the level of training and career you can enroll in a program and begin completing coursework.

3. Accredited online accounting schools offer various opportunities to help ensure that you receive the education you need to enter into the career you dream of. Coursework will cover various topics but will vary depending on the path you choose. Online learning can include training in business, record keeping, computers, and a variety of other topics that relate to the field. You may also have the chance to study management, bank operations, lending, and much more. After enrolling in a program and completing all of the coursework and training that is provided, you will have the skills to step into a successful career.

Accredited online accounting schools are approved by various agencies to be able to provide the quality career training and education that you need. Not all online programs are accredited but numerous schools are approved by the Distance Education and Training Council ( http://www.detc.org/ ) for full accreditation. Before you enroll in a program be sure to complete your research and request information from various online and distance learning programs. This will help you to ensure that you can receive the training you long for.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Locate Online Accounting Schools as well as Accredited Campus Based Accounting Schools at PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

How to Find Accredited Online College Courses

Recent graduates easily discover that having participated in an accredited program is a must for any successful career, but finding one that's flexible enough for students with current job and family demands which is also recognized for academic rigor takes a bit of detective work. Accredited online college courses are a superb solution to the situation, especially as more of them are becoming available every single day from new and long-established institutions alike. In what follows, we'll check out the key benefits of accredited online college courses, what accreditation means for you and your potential employers, and how online learning makes it possible to acquire a stellar education.

Exactly what are Accredited Courses? An institution is accredited when an external committee grants it a seal of approval for having met a collection of academic standards and guidelines. In america, colleges are often approved by regional accrediting bodies, such as Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, that are themselves identified by the U.S. Department of Education or perhaps the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Additionally, specific schools in a university that provide professional or pre-professional courses of study, including law or psychology, might also require accreditation from separate bodies that specialise in certifying programs in those fields. Choosing schools and programs which have been recognized by these organizations helps to ensure that classes will transfer with less effort to colleges and that employers will be assured of the quality of your education.

What are Benefits associated with Online College Programs? Today students hold the benefit of taking fully accredited courses online. Because of this a challenging and fulfilling program could be pursued at home, without interrupting work and family schedules. You can decide to sign up for a "brick and mortar" college offering distance learning courses or a fully online university, but the class delivery format is much the same. You will generally be held to the same admission standards every other student if you select a traditional university, and in both traditional and online colleges you will be expected to complete quality work by preset deadlines each semester. Classes often include various multimedia learning tools, for instance video lectures, live classrooms, audio files, and virtual blackboards, simulating a lot of the teaching methods you might be already acquainted with from your experiences in traditional classrooms. The difference is the freedom to decide when and how often you would like to engage in the content. The grading criteria remains much the same as in traditional classrooms, but an allowance is made for different schedules and learning styles.

How Can I Find Fully Accredited Online College Courses? There are several things you can do toward finding the program that fits your needs. The initial step for a lot of students would be to make the most of a college-matching service online. These programs ask you for several details associated with your research, like the college major you intend to choose or the format you would like to learn by (online), and match your preferences to all colleges within their databases that fit the description you provide. Several websites also exist that are dedicated solely to providing information on online learning for students that meet certain specific criteria, like those seeking a medical degree. When you choose a database to search, simply check "accredited" in the advanced search options or type the phrase into the search box provided. Finally, you may also opt to simply go to the websites of each college that interests you and click on on links leading to accreditation information and online program information. Remember, however, that not all accredited colleges offer only accredited online programs. Check each online course or program individually to make sure, and search for written confirmation of certification when possible.

Whether your goal is to start a new career, go back to school to succeed in the one you're already in or just take part in lifetime learning, the benefits of online courses are difficult to disregard. Education that can occur in spite of your distance from campus, devotion to family, job demands, physical limitations, or whatever may be stopping you moving forward right now is possible. Simply be sure you demand academic excellence and a full value for your dollar from whatever online program you decide on by seeking out accrediting information from the beginning.

My Colleges and Careers helps students connect with the best schools to earn their college degree and embark on a rewarding career! A powerful resource for individuals of all walks of life, My Colleges and Careers connects people with the programs that help them earn degrees on campus or online.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Getting a Degree Online - The Benefits of Attending an Online University

Traditionally, going to a college has always been the "right" way to get a degree. There used to be no such thing as computers, and nobody was able to get an online degree. Now, with the expansion of the Internet, you can't watch TV for ten minutes without seeing a commercial on how to get an online degree. Many people are skeptical about any degrees you can get online, but truthfully getting an online degree can be much more beneficial than going to a campus in person.

The first advantage for people that get an online degree is that they save money. Online classes and courses are almost always significantly cheaper than their campus counterparts. It is cheaper for the universities too, and it makes everything more convenient for everybody.

That leads me to the point of convenience. People that get an online degree can attend there classes from anywhere at anytime. If you are trying to get an online degree you don't have a set schedule. You can learn the material at your own pace you are comfortable with. Instead of waking up in the wee hours of the morning to attend class you can view the learning material in the middle of the day when you are wide awake.

Money saved by going to school online is substantial. Not only are you saving money from being able to work without interference to your schedule, your saving commute money and a significant amount of time if you live in a congested area. Taking notes and carrying books is a thing of the past, typically each class features a downloadable PDF for that particular lecture. My best advice is to take the money you save and purchase a Kindle; then you can just "drag" the lecture to it without having to print or have two monitors.

College should be a priority to everyone, but not everyone has the time or money to attend. Single parent are under special pressure that can exclude them from seriously pursuing a college degree. If you find yourself not able to attend a traditional university, going to school online can be a way to improve your quality of life and improve your overall projected life-time income without sacrificing time or money.

When deciding to get a degree online, ensure you work with institutions that will search out all financial aid instruments available to you. Not limited to student loans, but grants available through government institutions that often do not need to be repaid.