Tag Archives: online degrees

college planning, online learning, study tools

Is Online Learning the Right Choice

online learning

Online and distance learning have long been popular ways to improve your education. People across the world are relying on these methods to enable themselves to better their qualifications, offering ways to learn and build a career that doesn’t involve going to school. While popular, though, options like this can also come with some challenges. You need to think about yourself and your goals before you embark on something like this, and it will make sense to explore whether or not online learning is right for you before you get started.

Independent Learning

Going to university or college means that you have to be a good independent learner, as you won’t have teachers pushing you to do your work all the time. Of course, though, this will be even more important if you decide to study online. With very few deadlines to meet, it can be all too easy to allow your online education to drag on for a very long time. You have to make sure that you will be able to push yourself to work and learn, especially if you have a lot of other things in life to think about.

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mom approved tips, online learning, Sponsored posts, Uncategorized

Mom-Approved Tips: A mother speaks out about online learning

 

online learningAs an educator, I’ve always been a bit wary of online educational programs. Can anything truly replace the interactive learning experience that students get in a traditional classroom, sharing ideas with each other and with their teacher?

Then my son announced that he had enrolled in an online degree program to get his Masters of Library Science degree. I knew that he needed the degree to further his career as a librarian, but I was disappointed that he had decided to enroll in an online program instead of a “real” classroom.

Well, my son proved me wrong. As I watched him go through the accelerated MLS program and earn his degree, I learned that every prejudice I had about online degree programs was unfounded. Here’s what I learned:

Online programs are held to the same academic standards as traditional degree programs

When online programs first launched nearly two decades ago, they were derided for being “buy your degree” programs. Well, times have changed. For professional degree programs, online courses are no longer seen as second-best; they are often the most efficient and effective way to accelerate your education and receive a degree. Online RN to BSN programs, for example, are every bit as rigorous as brick-and-mortar programs, and the nurses they graduate are every bit as capable. Likewise, my son’s MLS program included the same academic high standards as any college course I’ve ever taught.

Students who are apprehensive regarding online degrees should consider the fact that countless schools have started adopting this fairly new method of teaching with excellent results. Once students discover that online programs are held to essentially the same standards as any other institution, they will begin to see the advantages. Students can work hard to achieve countless excellent degrees such as a Master of Arts in Communication, a Master of Business Administration, or even their M.S. in Engineering Management. All the student needs to do is make the first move and sign up.

Online programs encourage in-class participation

I was worried that my son wouldn’t get to take part in the natural banter that occurs in a traditional classroom, the type of back-and-forth conversation that results in so many “eureka” moments for young learners. Then I watched him contribute to his online program’s forums and chat programs. He wasn’t participating less during his online courses — in fact, just the opposite. Because of the unique nature of the online classroom, my son was actually able to participate more.

During a traditional class session, students are only able to contribute during small portions of the learning period — perhaps 15 minutes every hour depending on the course. During an online course, students carry on continuous conversations via computer which later spill into Facebook chats and Skype sessions. When I saw how much my son was learning from his peers, and how much he was sharing with them in return, I was amused that I ever thought that online programs would inhibit conversation.

Online programs include in-person lab components

“How can you become a librarian without doing hands-on work in a library?” I asked my son. Then he told me about his “lab courses,” which did in fact take place in a university campus library. Similarly, my friend who is getting her BSN had lab courses that took place in hospitals. Online courses do not eliminate the necessary in-person work; the courses simply allow students to complete several coursework components online.

Online programs help students get jobs

I’m a bit embarrassed to say that one of the reasons I was nervous about my son starting an online program was that I was afraid it would not help him get a job. Once again, my fears were unfounded. Online degrees do in fact lead to employment, and having an online degree on the resume does not devalue a candidate. As always, the type of degree you choose helps determine your job opportunities. The US News and World Report recently released a list of top online degrees that lead to good jobs; my BSN friend will be very pleased, as nursing is high on the list.

Online learning is here to stay, and I’m grateful it has done so much to help students further their education. Watching my son earn his degree, I learned a lot about how online courses work, and was pleased to learn that they did an excellent job of preparing him for his current job as a librarian.

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About The Author: This is a guest post by Kyle Johnson. Kyle has been blogging online since her kids were under 10 years old! Kyle likes writing about parenting, family experiences, and education. She has used her hands on experience to provide insight to the life of a parent and a teacher!

college planning, online learning, Uncategorized

Has your student considered an online degree?

 

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online learning

When you think about college for your student, you think about brick and mortar institutions. However, there are many non-traditional routes to obtaining a degree as well.  Online education offers flexibility and freedom to work while attending college. For some families, this is not only a necessity but a viable option.

In turn, your student should follow these tips to get the most from their college experience.

Set up an efficient workspace
An online education degree requires a certain amount of technical savvy in order to work. Your student must be generally comfortable with using the Internet and the computer. They should also should take the time to learn the technical capabilities of the system that the university uses for online classes. If they do this before classes start, they won’t be delayed in their homework by trying to learn the system.

Otherwise, they need to have a comfortable space for working. Make sure the seating is appropriate and that they have access to electric outlets when necessary. The area should be organized and allow them to spread out textbooks and papers for their use while working on homework assignments.

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admissions, college guidance, college planning

Weighing Your Options and Gaining Your Career

logo_westwoodToday’s guest blog post is from Westwood College, a college that designs its programs around the needs of its unique student population (both online and on campus). If your teen is considering any of the career paths that Westwood offers, you might want to add them to the mix of college possibilities.

When making a final decision on your education, it is important to research your options carefully. Whether you are looking to obtain an online degree or are looking to attend campus classes, every school has something different to offer. Westwood College is one of those schools that truly design their programs for the students rather than making the students bend their educational needs into a one size fits all education models.

Campuses include:

  • Texas- Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston South
  • Illinois- DuPage, Chicago Loop, O’Hare Airport, River Oaks
  • Virginia- Annandale Satelite, Arlington Ballston
  • California- Anaheim, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, South Bay
  • Georgia- Atlanta Midtown, Atlanta Northlake
  • Colorado- Denver North, Denver South

With 17 campuses in six states and top notch online degree and online MBA programs, Westwood College offers the flexibility that students need to succeed. Program availability varies from campus to campus with an on-site or online Bachelor Degree within three years, an on-site or online Associate Degree in just two years or an MBA in one year.

Programs offered are in-depth, engaging, and offer professional instruction and continued support before, during and after graduation. From theadmissions_virtual_tour “Quick Start” program which helps new students transition to a college schedule to the “Westwood Success Team” which matches advisers to students to assist with financial options and answer any questions regarding your enrollment.

Westwood also offers a program that is rare in the college scene today. If eligible, students can return after they have graduated to retrain in their field in order to keep current with the latest training. That in itself is an important resource that few colleges can or will compete with. Offering these types of extended support to students is just one reason Westwood stands above the rest and possesses such a great rate of graduates finding work after their program completion.

Since 1952 Westwood has continued raising the bar for education standards. Several financing options are available for those who qualify and prospective students are encouraged to contact your closest campus to book a tour, meet with faculty, or even sit in on a class to get an idea of the caliber of education offered by Westwood College.

After deciding which educational institution is right for you, your next step is to figure out which program is going to get you to where you want to be in your future career. Follow the link below for a comprehensive list of programs available either online, on-site, or both.

Westwood Degree Programs

img_home_ban_virtualDue to the number of campuses and the online school availability, students have a plethora of professional options to earn their degree. Online colleges are an excellent option for those unable to attend regular classes. Students wishing to attend the Los Angeles College, the Denver College, the college in Dallas, or Virginia colleges have multiple choices for both location and training. Earn your Interior Design degree, a Construction Management Degree, your Computer Network Degree or IT training because your options are near limitless. It’s imperative for today’s youth to carefully consider their educational options as your on-campus or online degree is the best way that you can ensure a lucrative and productive future in a profession that you love.

What are you waiting for?