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Archive for September, 2008
Monday, September 29th, 2008
If you’re thinking about going back to school to finish a degree, or pursue continuing education, you may already have a full-time job, and possibly even a family. Traditional college degree programs can make it very difficult to finish a university degree program while balancing all of these responsibilities, and distance learning degree programs often look very attractive to adult learners.
People who know how to use good time management skills and are highly motivated or determined generally have a positive experience with distance learning. For those persons whose lives are already very busy, or who have difficulty prioritizing needs, online degree programs can be an almost insurmountable challenge. If you aren’t able to find and use the time to study and complete class projects, you will probably not be successful in completing your college degree program.
The good news, though, is that there is hope. Study and time management skills can be learned, so you don’t have to completely rule out an online university degree program. Learning these skills before enrolling in a degree program, however, is very helpful.
Many local community colleges and adult education programs offer classes on study skills and time management. Check out these resources, or look for some study materials online. The key is to develop the skills before you enroll, however. This may take practice, but it will be well worth the effort!
Tags: college degree program, college degree programs, degree program, degree., distance learning, distance learning degree programs, Online Degree Programs, online university degree program
Posted in Education | No Comments »
Thursday, September 25th, 2008
Even if you’ve been lucky until now, your luck may not hold out much longer. In today’s economy, the job market is continuing to tumble. Most people who do not have a college degree presently, and many who do, are out looking for work.
Even if you do have an undergraduate degree or Master Degree, some job markets are just not hiring. Many real estate and mortgage companies are tightening their belts, and new graduates with accounting degrees or educations in finance will find the available positions very competitive.
So what job markets are still open? Most people in the nursing profession continue to report that they have no difficulty in finding their choice of positions. In fact, many have gone back to school to earn an online degree at the Bachelor level, or have even enrolled in graduate degree programs because of the increasing nursing shortage.
Many people with business administration degrees are finding positions in foreclosure companies. While this may not be exactly what they were considering when they began their college degree programs, young graduates quickly find that these companies pay the bills. They are quickly finding out that “a person’s got to do what a person’s got to do.”
If you are considering going back to school, or want to earn a college degree at home, take time to do some research. Which career fields are going to offer the best return on the job investment right now. Are you already qualified for these positions? Are you interested in any of them? You want to be able to pay the bills, but take the time to find the career that’s right for you. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a job you can’t stand, but from which you can’t escape because you have to pay the bills.
Tags: business administration degrees, colleg degree programs, degree., earn a college degree at home, earn an online degree, graduate degree programs, master degree
Posted in Education, online education | No Comments »
Friday, September 19th, 2008
Whether you’re interested in specializing in healthcare management, or you want to have a high-powered role in a major business corporation, a graduate degree in business administration will help you succeed and accomplish your goals. If you’re like most people, though, the thought of sitting in a classroom for hours on end after you’ve been working hard all day is overwhelming.
Today’s distance learning programs offers you the perfect alternative to a traditional college degree program. You can work a regular work week, without having to worry about going to school all evening, taking classes on the weekend, or taking time off for classes. Best of all, you can finish in even less time than it takes to earn a degree through a traditional university program.
Today’s online MBA degrees offer convenience and flexibility, as well as global networking opportunities. Imagine taking an online degree course taught by a professor living in Japan. You may have classmates from the United Kingdom, India, China, or any other country in the world in your virtual classroom.
Throughout the past few decades, the introduction and growth of the Internet has resulted in the increasing globalization of business. Information is available at your fingertips, and making international contacts is becoming even more crucial to success in the world of business administration and international marketing. Keep your career on the bandwidth that offers you success with an MBA university degree program online.
Tags: college degree program, degree in business administration, distance learning programs, graduate degree, MBA, online degree course, online MBA degrees, university, university degree program online
Posted in Online Degree Programs | No Comments »
Friday, September 19th, 2008
It may seem like comparing the Montessori Method with distance education degrees is comparing apples to oranges. In reality, though, there are more similarities than you might think. For example, both stress student autonomy and involvement in learning.
The Montessori Method primarily focuses on preschool and early elementary education, although some high schools also use this approach. While it is not really a method used by most online college degree programs, most professors who teach through online degree universities act as facilitators in much the same way that Montessori teachers do.
Likewise, both approaches encourage a hands-on, practical approach to learning. Both Montessori teachers and online university degree instructors encourage students to be actively involved in their own learning. Finally, both types of education have demonstrated great success with their graduates. While this speaks well of both methods, it also underscores the importance of diversity in educational methods. After all, we don’t all look or talk the same; why would we learn the same?
Likewise, both educational systems focus on peer interaction and support. While Montessori schools encourage children to learn to interact cooperatively in the classroom and on the playground, most distalnce learning degree programs also focus on encouraging students to interact and learn together. In fact, peer support is a primary component of online degree education.
Tags: distance education degree, distance learning, distance learning degree programs, online college degree programs, online degree education, online degree universities, online university degree
Posted in K-12 | No Comments »
Monday, September 15th, 2008
Due to rising gas prices, online degree programs and distance learning options are skyrocketing according to a recent survey by Degree.com. Of those surveyed, 60 percent cited the high cost of gas as the reason for their interest in the internet education alternative.
(PRWEB) June 5, 2008 — Degree.com, a website focusing on online degree programs and distance learning education, had 38 percent more visitors during April-May 2008 compared to February-March 2008, after adjusting for seasonal differences. In an informal survey of site visitors, the #1 reason for being interested in an online degree was “higher gas prices,” cited by 60 percent of those responding in May 2008. Other reasons given were convenience, parking, scheduling, babysitting and the cost of classes (http://www.degree.com).
In a comparable 2007 survey of visitors to Degree.com, the number 1 reason for interest in an online degree was “convenience,” with gas prices not even mentioned when the top five reasons were compiled. The surveys used a fill-in-the-blanks format rather than multiple choice, to increase the reliability of respondents’ answers.
“Gas is costing people upwards of $1000 a month,” says Sheila Danzig, who runs the Degree.com site. “And students are the last group who can afford that. Taking classes at home and other distance learning options allow students to avoid spending limited funds on gas and to have more time for a part-time job that helps pay the tuition bill. For the adult learner, online degree programs provide a perfect answer to a scarcity of time and resources, particularly for those who also work and have a family.”
Degree.com offers descriptions of dozens of accredited online degree programs in subjects ranging from art to nursing to business, along with the opportunity to request more information directly from each school. In response to the steep rise of interest in online higher education, the site has launched a blog at http://www.blog.degree.com/ on which it welcomes comments and questions from those exploring Internet-based college and university programs.
For free information about online degree programs and online programs for associates, bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees, or to share experiences of distance learning programs, go to http://www.degree.com.
Tags: bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees, online degree, Online Degree Programs, online programs for associates
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Monday, September 15th, 2008
Right now, somewhere out there a student is getting their distance-learning degree. They may live in the city; they may live in the country; they may live in a village or small town. They may live anywhere in the world. They may be male or female, ranging anywhere from 18 to 100 years old. No matter where they live or who they are they all share a desire to succeed.
Did you miss out on getting a degree? Everyone knows that someone with a bachelor’s degree has the potential to earn more than someone with only a high school diploma. In fact, US Census statistics report a difference of over $22,000 in earnings for those with a bachelor’s degree in 2004, than someone who had graduated high school. Over a student’s lifetime that figure works out to over $1,000000.00. Degrees mean money. Maybe you got an undergraduate degree, but would now like to pursue a graduate degree? A masters or PhD in many fields would definitely provide security and a greater income. Perhaps you just want to start a whole new career. Most people change careers several times.
This may be due to anything from company downsizing, to loss of interest in their current career. The two problems that many of us encounter when contemplating getting a degree are time and money. Most of us can’t afford to quit our jobs and go to school full time. We may have families, responsibilities; schedules that make it difficult to attend class during the day, or lack of access to brick and mortar colleges or universities. Distance learning, or getting an online degree may be the best solution. Distance learning, also currently referred to as e-learning, is currently on the rise and gaining popularity all over the world.
Advancement in technology has brought what was once thought of as fly-by-by night correspondence schools through the mail with shady “diplomas”, into the twenty-first century world of accredited educational resources that are widely accepted and sought after by both students and employees. The benefits of seeking a Distance-learning-degree are available to anyone with access to a computer and the Internet, whether they desire an undergraduate degree or an advanced degree. Most on line degree programs are very flexible, though some do require certain time commitments. This allows the student to work from just about anywhere they choose at any hour of the day or night. Another benefit of distance learning is that it is usually less expensive than traditional college or trade-school courses. You don’t have to worry about additional housing or living expenses, and you don’t have to pay for the gas! Due to the increase in respectability and accreditation of many on line degree programs, tuition assistance and financing may also be available. Most online degree programs do not require any time to be spent in an actual classroom. This saves you, the student the time and trouble of traveling back and forth to class. Some degree programs may have mandatory class time or require some actual on-campus time, so be sure to check before you apply. Many adult students find that on line learning is the best choice for them because they learn best through visual cues and experiential exercises. It also appeals to those that may require more time to complete an exercise or are language challenged in some way. Not all students are comfortable in a class room setting. There are a few disadvantages to distance learning that you should be aware of. The main one being the fact that computer skills are required. Other new technologies may also be incorporated, so if you are afraid to try new things or don’t know how to use a computer, online learning probably isn’t the right choice for you. If you are a student whose learning style requires personal attention or you are a procrastinator you may also have difficulty. If you are ready to make the commitment and have the ability to work with little supervision in a non-traditional college atmosphere, then by all means go for it. Right now, somewhere out there a student is getting their distance learning-degree. The next time someone reads this-that student may be you!
Tags: degree., distance learning degree, graduate degree
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Sunday, September 14th, 2008
The increased availability and accessility of the Internet has caused distance learning and online degree universities to flourish. Students can earn a diploma in nearly any field that interests them. But how can they tell which programs are good, and which are not?
Some online degree university programs are nothing more than scams, offering fake diplomas to students who spend hard-earned money and invest hundreds of hours. They find out their degree is meaningless, and have to begin all over again. To avoid encountering a scam like this, choose a degree that is offered by an accredited online degree program.
Be careful when determining whether a degree is really accredited or not. Some diploma mills have begun advertising fake accreditations, trusting that students will not actually do the legwork and check to make sure that the accreditation is actually issued by the U.S. Department of Education. Other universities are accredited, but have a bad reputation among employers and other universities.
Take your time, do your homework, and choose the distance degree program that is right for you. Make sure it is not only accredited but highly recommended. Your future career may depend on it!
Tags: accredited online degree program, degree., distance degree program, Online Degree Programs, online degree university programs, university
Posted in Personal Experiences | No Comments »
Sunday, September 14th, 2008
If you have taken classes for a job, for military advancement, or for another purpose, you may be eligible to receive credit for experience. This is sometimes known as life experience or work experience. If you’ve ever wondered whether your life experiences could offer you credit toward a college degree, perhaps it’s time to find out.
Let’s face it, whether you are planning to attend a traditional college degree program, or attend an online university degree program, college tuition is expensive. No one wants to take unnecessary courses or spend more money than is necessary to earn a college degree. Credit for life or work experience is a valid way to meet requirements for some basic or core courses.
Sometimes, universities allow students to test out of basic or intermediate level classes. For example, if you are fluent in more than one language, you may be about to test out of a foreign language. This can be particularly helpful in fulfilling humanities or language requirements for most university degree programs.
Another option is available for students who took advanced placement courses in math, science, or English at the high school level. Sometimes colleges allow students to test out of core classes, often saving the expense of 12 or more credit hours. These tests are referred to variably as CLEP tests or placement tests.
If you have taken course work for another purpose without being enrolled in a traditional or distance learning university, contact an evaluator to determine whether you are able to receive credit for this work. You may find that you are much closer to a Bachelor Degree in a related field than you could have imagined! Wouldn’t it be great to complete your degree in half the time that it otherwise would require?
Tags: Bachelor Degree, college degree program, degree., distance learning, distance learning degree programs, online university degree program, university, university degree programs
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Thursday, September 11th, 2008
If you are wondering whether Oscar Mayer has suddenly taken an interest in postsecondary education, don’t be alarmed. The Bologna Process has nothing to do with sandwiches, and everything to do with universities degree programs in foreign countries. Although this concept is primarily associated with European countries, many other nations have expressed interest or accord.
The Bologna Process is an attempt to standardize Bachelor Degree Programs and Master Degree Programs among European nations. If this becomes reality, this could open the door for other leading countries, including the United States, to follow suit. Evaluation of foreign degrees would become a very simple process, because everyone would have the same amount of education to get their degrees.
Currently, many European students attend high school for 13 years, instead of 12 years as American students do. They, however, are eligible to receive a Bachelor Degree after attending a postsecondary institution for only three years. Degrees from certain countries, such as the United Kingdom, France, and Spain, are recognized by the USCIS (Citizenship and Immigration Services) as equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor Degree.
Other countries, however, have 3-year university degree programs that are not always recognized by the U.S. as equal. Countries in this category include India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Even though students who attend universities in these countries do not automatically have the equivalency of a U.S. Bachelor Degree, they may be awarded the U.S. equivalency of their degree in some cases.
Foreign degree programs are complex and often confusing. Finding a foreign credential evaluation agency that can give a good professional evaluation of your degree can be difficult. Do your research, and choose an agency that offers free pre-evaluations, and be sure to shop around for the lowest price. Make sure the agency is experienced, as well. Hint: If they have never heard of the Bologna Process, move on quickly to the next agency!
for more information about foreign credential evaluations and the bologna project, see www.thedegreepeople.com
Tags: Bachelor Degree, college degree programs, degree programs, degrees, foreign credential evaluation agency, master degree, U.S. equivalency, university, university degree program, university degree programs
Posted in Foreign Education | 2 Comments »
Thursday, September 11th, 2008
The benefits of obtaining a college degree are rather obvious. Having a degree can help you find a better job and earn a higher salary. On average, an individual who holds a bachelor’s degree will earn approximately $233 more per week than somebody who only has a high school diploma. Furthermore, in 2000, those with doctorate degrees earned about $1,214 per week. Having an education can also help you to get a promotion. For example, in 2000, 32% of supervisory police officers and detectives possessed college degrees. Many managerial positions require such credentials, and even when it is not mandatory, you can bet that it’s extremely influential in determining whether you get that promotion or raise.
According to Occupational Outlook Quarterly, college graduates are in high demand in the workforce. Furthermore, more people are attending college now than ever before. This means that they recognize the importance of having a degree. It also means that there will be more competition in the job market in coming years, so it is in your best interest to obtain the appropriate credentials in order to compete for those top jobs. However, the benefits of a university education are not just monetary. There is also the aspect of personal growth and development, as well as the prestige, respect, and sense of self-satisfaction that pursuing your education will give you. Therefore, attending college can help you to become a more confident person as you strengthen your skills and expand your capabilities. The traditional college curriculum does not work for everyone.
In particular, people who work full-time or have family responsibilities often find it difficult to juggle their class schedules. This is largely responsible for the increased popularity of distance learning in recent years. Earning a degree over the Internet allows for a flexible schedule, so that you can work around your other commitments. Most colleges offer online classes for a wide variety of subjects.
Online learning can be every bit as effective as classroom learning. In fact, some academics feel that online studies are superior to learning in a classroom setting. In “Blended Learning in Higher Education: Framework, Principles, and Guidelines,” Dr. Randy Glarrison and Norman Vaughan write: “It is virtually impossible to engage students in purposeful and meaningful inquiry without the Internet and communication technologies to precipitate and sustain discourse that is central to higher order learning. Well-designed blended learning can be a much more engaged and meaningful learning experience than sitting passively in a lecture hall.” If you are considering getting an online degree, you must be self-motivated and have a strong work ethic. You should also make sure that you have sufficient time to devote to it. That said, online classes are much easier to fit into your lifestyle than on campus lectures. By studying online, you can reap all the benefits of having a degree without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home.
Tags: college degrees, degree.
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