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Thursday, May 29, 2008

5 Questions Before Taking Your First Online Class

5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Taking Your First Online Class
by: Kris Bickell
Just a few short years ago, the idea of taking a college course through the Internet was something online “techies” considered. Now that people realize how convenience it is to take a class without leaving home, more and more people are taking advantage of using their computer to learn. But while the technology used for online classes is so simple just about anyone can become an online student, you should ask yourself the following 5 questions first – and save yourself a lot of stress! 1) Do you have the time? Many people think – mistakenly – that online courses are “easier” than traditional campus classes. But most online classes require regular participation. So, you must have the time to “log on” to your course several times each week, complete the assignments and do your homework, and interact with the other students. All of this takes time…and, you have to account for the time you would normally have spent in the classroom. If you have the time, you will find taking an online class to be very convenient! 2) Do you have the discipline? Sure, most online classes don’t require you to be on the computer at a specific time (although some do). So it is up to you to make sure you check in on your class several times each week. With a busy work schedule, sports, hobbies, housework, kids, it’s easy to put your class low on your priority list. And that could mean big trouble when it comes time to get your grade. It’s not the teacher’s job to remind you to keep up with your work – that’s your responsibility. A simple way to make this work is to create your own schedule, so each week you know exactly when it’s time to “go to class”! 3) Do you have the money? While there are many free or low-cost online “self help” courses available, college courses almost always cost the same whether you take them on-campus, or online. Colleges have to buy the software, train their faculty, and offer student services after hours – so expecting online courses to be less expensive is not reasonable. On the other hand, the same financial aid is often available for online classes, just as with campus classes. So, money should not stop any student from furthering their education! 4) Do you have the right technical skills? Fortunately, you don’t have to be a computer “genius” to take an online class. The technology has become very simple for students and teachers to use, so that students who can “surf the Internet” and use email usually have the necessary technical skills. Before getting started, the school offering the course should have a sample course, tutorial, or other training to help you determine if there are any skills you need to learn, so you can become a successful online student! 5) Do you have the right computer equipment? Since most online classes are taught through the Internet, students usually don’t need any special computer equipment. However, most online classes require students to have reliable access to the Internet, an email account (and the knowledge to use it), a word processor (such as Microsoft Word), and antivirus software. Check with your school to see if there are any other requirements. A high speed internet connection is usually not required, but if instructors use graphics, videos, audio lectures, or other big files, a high speed connection (such as DSL or cable) will help you open the files, and do you work, more efficiently! Are you ready now to take your first online class? Then it’s time to contact your local college, or search the internet for an online class directory, and see what online courses you can take! About the author:Kris Bickell is the owner of Hi-Speed-Internet.com, a helpful site for consumers comparing high speed internet services. For information on high speed DSL, Cable, and Wireless Internet, visit: http://www.Hi-Speed-Internet.com,and sign up for the free email course “5 Simple Ways To Increase Your Computer Speed”. © 2005 Hi-Speed-Internet.com

6 Common Misconceptions about Study Abroad Programs

6 Common Misconceptions about Study Abroad Programs
by: Lee Frankel
With over 100,000 college students studying abroad every year, there’s bound to be all kinds of tall tales, urban legends, and misinformation swirling around. While there may be grains of truth in some of these stories, below are some common misconceptions about study abroad. Misconception #1: Studying abroad is very expensive. Truth: In most cases, it is actually cheaper to study abroad. Let’s say the tuition at your school is $5,000 per semester and room and board is another $4,000. Now add in the additional fees you have such as health insurance, books, and laundry. You are now well over $10,000 for the semester. Well, all but one of our programs in Spain is under $10,000 per semester and that includes everything except your airfare and spending money. Misconception #2: I can’t use my financial aid to study abroad. Truth: In almost all cases, your federal aid (Stafford loans, Pell grants, etc.) can be used to study abroad and in some states, you can use your state aid as well. It is also not uncommon for your federal aid to increase when you study abroad since some of your school scholarships may not transfer. Misconception #3: Host families are all poor and just do it for the money. Truth: The last thing any study abroad company wants to do is have an unhappy student on their program. The goal is for the students to be happy so that they will tell their friends what a great time they had. If we were putting students in bad families, in dangerous neighborhoods, then no one would ever recommend us to their friends. Since the number of universities that endorse our program doubled over the last year, it’s a pretty sure bet that students are happy with our choice of families. Misconception #4: I’ll be so busy with schoolwork that I won’t get time to see the country I’m in. Truth: This one is hysterically funny since your average study abroad student comes home with about 400+ photos from a long list of countries. Students have plenty of opportunities to travel and we even take our students on trips to give them a better feel for the country they are in. Misconception #5: I might not graduate on time if I go abroad. Truth: If you have already used up all of your elective or general education courses, then it’s true that you might need to bulk up on courses before or after you go abroad. If you plan ahead, however, and leave some electives open to you, then you should be fine. The clear majority of students who study abroad still graduate in four years, despite being away from their home campus for a semester or two. Misconception #6: Most of the world hates Americans, so I won’t be safe. Truth: There’s no doubt that there are a lot of people who don’t like the American government, but that has nothing to do with the American people. If you compare the violent crime rate in the United States to that of European, Australian, or Asian countries, you will see that the United States is actually far more dangerous. There are some areas of South America and Africa that are not especially safe, but there are also many countries on those continents that are incredibly safe. Go to the U.S. State Department website and check out the crime statistics on the country you are interested in to see how safe it is. Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that every college student should take advantage of. Before dismissing it due to the bad experience of one friend or rumors you have had heard, speak with your study abroad advisor and get the facts. I guarantee that once you look at all that studying abroad can offer you, you’ll be hopping the first flight abroad. One organization that help ensure that you have safest, unforgettable yet affordable study abroad experience is Academic Studies Abroad. Here are some of our very popular study abroad programs in the following countries: -Study Abroad in Spain - Academic Studies offers study abroad programs in Barcelona, Madrid, Salamanca and Sevilla. Check out our program information at http://www.academicstudies.com/What.html -Study Abroad England- Academic Studies offers study abroad programs in London. Check out program information at http://www.academicstudies.com/What_london.html. -Study Abroad Italy - Academic Studies offers study abroad programs in Florence. Find information about our programs at http://www.academicstudies.com/What_florence.html. -Study Abroad in France - Academic Studies offer study abroad programs in Aix-en-Provence and Avignon. Check out our study abroad programs at http://www.academicstudies.com/What_florence.html -Study Abroad Ireland - Academic Studies offers study abroad programs in Dublin. Interested in going to Ireland? Check out http://www.academicstudies.com/What_ireland.html About the author:Lee Frankel is Director of Academic Studies Abroad, a study abroad provider with programs in five different countries. He has traveled to over 25 countries and travels across the U.S. speaking with college students interested in studying abroad. Do you have questions about study abroad programs? Visit www.academicstudies.comto learn about our various programs or email us at lee@academicstudies.com

7 Strategies for success with Distance Learning

7 Strategies for success with Distance Learning
by: Rose Musyoka
Distance learning has opened doors for many students, especially for those who cannot afford to pay for the high fees of full-time courses. Although online distance learning courses have many advantages over on-campus degree courses, many factors come into play in order to make this a success for students. Due to the differences in the way that education is being delivered and acquired, adjustments and changes in approaches need to be undertaken. Selecting the right distance learning school. The first element for success is to choose the right distance learning school. There are many unscrupulous “degree mills” around in the market that are only keen to sell their degrees without providing good education and ample student support. As a result, the degrees offered by these institutions may not be recognized, or may sometimes even be regarded as bogus degrees. In order to prevent this, do the proper background check on the institution you are considering with the relevant authorities to verify on their accreditation and authenticity before registering. Cost-benefit analysis Some students enroll in an online distance learning course without doing a cost benefit analysis of taking the course in the first place. It is a known fact that obtaining an education requires a hefty sum of investment. However, this should be compared with the potential additional income that can be generated from the degree that is earned. Only then can the full rewards be reaped from gaining an online degree. Degree positioning to employers. There have been many cases where employers were wary of the validity of online degrees. With so many online institutions selling degrees, it is justified for employers to exercise caution. Although a distance learning degree may be 100% legitimate, it would help if you provide adequate explanation on the accreditation of the degree in order to avoid misunderstanding. By stressing that the accreditation body which accredited your institution or your program is recognized by the US Department of Education as well as CHEA, you can then eliminate any doubts that employers about the validity of your degree. Exercise discipline, determination and time management. In the actual course of study, many students lack discipline and focus and therefore are unable to keep up with online lessons and assignments. It is very important for distance learning students to have great determination to succeed, as it is very easy to get de-motivated and distracted when you are alone with no peers. Good time management along with communication with other students would make excellent measures for success. Make full use of facilities provided. Many distance learning online courses offer online lectures and email correspondence to facilitate communication with lecturers, tutors and other students. These facilities should be utilized as much as possible as it provides a link back to the education institution. Furthermore, this would be a great source of motivation in order to keep progressing through the course of study. Utilize credit transfers. Most distance learning institutions allow students to transfer their credits from other courses that they had taken from other universities or colleges. This way, students will not have to repeat what they have already learnt. In order to do this, it is important for distance learning students to obtain transcripts and results from their previous schools and send them to their distance learning online university to obtain credit transfers. Good utilization of technology for education. The final element for distance learning success it the ability to make full use of the conveniences that technology has to offer. Many online universities provide students with online research resources that are valuable for completing assignments or producing research papers. The cost of facilities such as virtual libraries and online books has probably been factored into the fees paid and therefore it makes good sense to utilize these facilities to the fullest. About the author:Rose Musyoka is the editor of http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com where you find answers, information and advice on distance learning colleges, accredited online degrees and online courses. See more related information on distance learning colleges and online education

10 Great Online Degree Programs

10 Great Online Degree Programs
by: Donna Monday
Contemplating earning a degree online?

Depending on the course of study and field of specialization you’re interested in, there are lots of accredited degree programs that offer an excellent and convenient educational experience.

There are over a hundred undergraduate and graduate online degree programs. Too many to list here, so I’ll just give you a small sampling of some popular educational programs to get you started:

AIU Online – Earn your degree online in record time. Degrees in: business administration, criminal justice, information technology, visual communications.

DeVry University – Students have the ability to interact with faculty and other students while they earn their degree. Degrees in: business technology, information systems, human resources, business administration.

University of Phoenix – A superb national reputation for providing working professionals with quality education. Degrees in: business technology, education, nursing.

ITT Tech – ITT Technical Institute offers accredited online programs that can help you develop the knowledge and skills that can be used to enhance your technical career.

Kaplan University – Earn your degree, advance your career, and do it all without missing a day of work. Degrees in: business, criminal justice, technology and design, paralegal. Certificates in: forensic nursing, legal nurse consulting, financial planning.

Walden University – For 30 years, Walden has helped adult learners balance their personal and professional commitments while earning a respected degree. Convenient online Ph.D., masters, and bachelor degree programs.

The Art Institute Online – Start your career in design with distance learning programs that focus on multimedia, web, game art, graphic and interior design.

Clayton College of Natural Health (CCNH) – CCNH can prepare you for a rewarding career in natural health, holistic nutrition, naturopathy, and herbology.

University of Liverpool – Earn a masters degree from the university for business professionals worldwide. Liverpool has earned an international reputation for high quality.

Concord Law School – Nationally recognized Concord Law School offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and an Executive JD degree that can be earned 100% online.


As you can see, there’s a large variety of educational opportunities awaiting you online. Whatever your goals, whatever your dreams, you can now more easily achieve them at your own pace, and in the comfort of your own home.


About the author:
Copyright 2005
Donna Monday
Earn a degree online in your own home
http://www.online-distance-learning-careers.com

A Guide To Online Accredited Degrees

A Guide To Online Accredited Degrees
by: Bob Hett
While many people dream of getting some kind of degree, it is often impossible to interrupt your career to go to school. Most people have a job, and the hours and classes of a regular university or college often do not fit into their schedule. Or they have a family to support and can’t take the time to attend a university. Non-traditional students are becoming the norm instead of the exception, and many colleges and universities are recognizing this fact and responding to it by providing online instruction. One great option for this type of person is to earn an online accredited degree. This is a degree from a college or university that has accreditation, which means it meets established criteria for each degree it offers. The programs at these online colleges vary. It is a good idea to learn as much as you can about each one before making your decision about which one to attend. Request information and study it closely to make sure they offer the degree of your choice. For whatever kind of degree you want to earn, there is probably an online college that offers it. You can get Associates, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, a post-graduate degree or simply a certification that is needed to get a better job. Many of these online programs offer financial aid, as well. There are so many advantages to getting an online degree. You do not have to commute at all. You can arrange your classes to fit into your life, not the other way around. Distance learning saves you time and money by being able to do it at your convenience around your life. The flexibility is one of the greatest assets of the online degree. You also get the added benefits of meeting and interacting with other teachers and students, and having a degree usually means having a better job and an increased salary. However, it is important to make sure that your program is accredited. It does you no good to earn a degree from a fly-by-night program that leaves you with a degree or certification that no one will recognize and is only as valuable as the paper it is printed on. Your education is the key to your future, so you need to make sure that it is a good education. If you were every considering getting a degree to get a different or better job, now is the time to do it. Online accredited degrees are receiving a lot of attention, and before long, they will be considered similar to degrees that are earned in the traditional way. Whether you sit in a classroom or sit at your computer, the same academic standards are applied to these degree programs. Get yours! About the author:Bob Hett offers great tips and advice regarding all aspects of online degrees. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.onlinedegreesreview.info

A New Way To Learn: Online

A New Way To Learn: Online
by: Samuel Murray
Many of the most universities in the country are realizing that no everyone can attend regular classes to obtain a college education. As a result almost all of them offer distance learning programs that allow students from anywhere in the country to get a university education and even get an online degree. There are many barriers to overcome in order to get a college education. They range from cost to motivation to accessibility. Many young people and their families simply cannot afford to pay the tens of thousands of dollars that is necessary in a regular degree program. Others live in remote areas of the country that make it impossible to attend college without major support and subsidies. Distance learning allows them to overcome many of these challenges by connecting to the school of their choice through the Internet and enrolling in online degree granting programs in their field of choice. They can get a college education and still help out on the farm at home or they can work to support themselves during the day and take online classes at night. These types of programs have transformed the higher education landscape almost overnight. Many millions of American kids will follow their college dreams right after high school, but they are now being joined in the academic world by military veterans, housewives, and thousands of other people who want a second chance at living out their dream. Distance learning has democratized the higher education system in this country and it doesn’t matter now how much money your family has or what stage of life you choose to continue your education. An online degree from a reputable and accredited program is worth just as much as if you went to that school for four years right after high school. If you could picture an online classroom you would see a wide range of ages and life experiences sitting at their home computer, engaged in the pursuit of an online degree. Their enthusiasm to learn is just as great as those who sit in a regular classroom or lecture hall at the university. But what may strike you the most is that these people who are studying for an online degree have a zeal for learning and a motivation to get ahead that any university professor would love to see in his much younger class. These people desperately want to get their college education and distance learning will help them get there. About the author:This article courtesy of http://www.schoolguideusa.com

An Introduction To Online Colleges

An Introduction To Online Colleges
by: Tawee Subsomboon
Online colleges make obtaining a degree a possibility for anyone with access to the internet. If you have always dreamt of obtaining a degree or other certificate then online colleges are a great way to make that dream come true. One of the main benefits of studying with online colleges rather than conventional campus-based colleges is that you can work on your chosen subject at your own pace and at a time that suits you. Instead of having to attend classes and lectures you can fit your study in around work and family commitments. In particular, many stay-at-home moms are finding that online colleges offer course that they can take while the kids are at school in preparation for returning to work when the kids are older. Many employees are overlooked for promotion at work because they lack formal qualifications but this is where online colleges come in. Instead of having to take time off work to be able to attend a regular college you can continue working your normal hours and access your course in your free time. If you have been with a company for a while and see no opportunity for advancement you can also study with any of the online colleges to enable you to find a new job whilst you are still earning. Online colleges offer a wide range of course and have no time restriction in which you have to complete the modules. This gives you the freedom to study where and when you want to and a number of online colleges will allow you to take lengthy study breaks. Some courses do not require a formal exam at the end to obtain a diploma but consist of a number of assignments that are to be completed throughout the course. Most online colleges have specialist tutors who can communicate with the students by email or other means to give support and guidance to them throughout the course. Quite often the online colleges will also have facilities to link students with each other so that they can discuss assignments. There are online colleges based all around the globe and there are usually no residency restrictions applied. If you want to learn about French art then why not choose one of the online colleges based in France or one of the many Japanese online colleges to obtain a certificate in business management techniques then you can. Finding the right course is the easy part but deciding which of the online colleges you want to study it with is probably going to be the hardest choice to make. This is because there are literally millions of courses available through online colleges around the globe. About the author:Tawee Subsomboon writes extensively on online education for anyone wanting to further their education, His knowledge and invaluable resources fill his comprehensive website with information, resources links and advice. http://www.online-college-center.com

An Online College Education Overview

An Online College Education Overview
by: Steve Gargin
There has always been a lot of debate as to whether an online college education is as good as a traditional college education. The answer to this is quite simple; there are good institutions that offer an online college education and there are bad establishments that offer an online college education. So, you need to do your research in the same way when you are looking for the best place to pursue your online college education with as you would an offline course. Of course you are not going to particularly bother finding out about the location of the colleges that offer an online college education because it really doesn’t matter. However, a lot of the other points that you would consider before attending a college should also be taken into consideration before you enrol with an organisation offering an online college education. The growth in the numbers of people pursuing an online college education has led to increased competition amongst institutions to attract students. The best way to assess the credibility of a site advertising the best online college education is to ask about the accreditation of its courses. Accreditation means that a governing body for a particular field has endorsed the course and this is extremely important in helping you to decide who to trust with your online college education. If a course is not accredited then you need to find out why. There may be a number of courses that have not yet received accreditation from an appropriate association or governing body but still offer a good online college education. For example, the establishment may have applied for accreditation but not yet been assessed, in which case you can actually check with the particular body that they are in the process of assessing the application for accreditation. Another reason may be that there is no appropriate body that the course can be accredited to. This is less likely but is, nevertheless, a valid reason and does not indicate that the course offered is not going to be worth taking to advance your online college education. If, however, you find that the online college education institution has been refused accreditation they are likely to try to tell you that accreditation is not important. This is quite simply untrue. An online college education from a non-accredited institution is not going to be viewed as highly as one from an establishment that is accredited. Choose where you gain your online college education from with care to ensure that you are not wasting your time and money by having an almost worthless qualification. About the author:Steve Gargin is the administrator of http://all-college-info.helper-guru.coma website dedicated to updating you on all aspects of college life.

An Online Degree Can Work For You

An Online Degree Can Work For You
by: Graham Fielding
Many large universities now offer the opportunity to learn and obtain a degree online. Some will offer additional support such as advice online, student associations and newspapers. Studying for an online degree is an excellent choice for many reasons and for people in a range of circumstances. You can work to your own flexible schedule and today there is a very wide range of subjects on offer. An online degree can give you respect from your work colleagues and bosses. You can obtain an online degree in the fields of business, healthcare, education, law and others. Depending on the subject area, there are numerous levels of achievement, from a certificate of completion, an associate's degree or even a bachelors or masters degree. Certificates, associates and bachelors degrees require no previous college education. A masters degree, however, requires at least a bachelors degree prior to enrollment. Depending on the type of online degree you want, the course work can take as little as six months to complete. For higher degrees or fields of intense study, the course work can take up to four years to complete. Most online law degrees take at least four years to finish. Getting an online degree is more flexible for you than getting a degree from a traditional, on-site college. You can complete it over a period of time to a schedule that fits your particular needs. You can study at night, on the weekends or even over your lunch hour. Plus, you can devote as many or as few hours a week to your studies as you choose to, finishing as quickly as you need. Most people devote at least twenty hours a week to their course work. Secondly, an online degree is a self-paced program meaning that you can work as long on a particular session or lesson as you need. This means that you can take extra time on the more difficult classes without getting behind in your studies. With today's competitive work environment and extra long working hours, an online degree is the perfect solution if you wish to further your career. So whether you need to take classes on your schedule, obtain your degree in record time, or you just want the high level of education provided by an online degree, the Internet is a great place to go get yourself an online degree. About the author:Graham Fielding writes extensively on the subject of online education. Discover the many benefits of obtaining an online degree at http://www.all-about-online-degrees.info

Are online degrees valid to prospective employers?

Are online degrees valid to prospective employers?
by: Rose Musyoka
Online distance learning has gained rapid popularity with the advent of the internet, which has proven to offer great supporting facilities and convenience for online education. However, just like everything else with pros and cons, the internet has also opened doors for the widespread sale of bogus online degrees. According a report by USA Today, there were already 400 diploma mills in the year 2003 and the numbers are rising. In fact, many of these unscrupulous operations are run by organizations in an industry that is worth $500 million a year. However, amidst the negative hype about online education, there are actually many distance learning colleges offering valid degrees and diplomas. These institutions do not sell bogus certificates, but actually aim to provide quality education as alternatives for on-campus higher education. Valid online courses with online video lectures as well as online library facilities and test examinations conducted are often deployed to ensure that students truly qualify in their areas of study and graduate legitimately. Sadly though, many employers only see the negative side of things, and easily brush off online education degrees as equivalent to bogus degrees. In view of the confusion, the National Education Board of the U.S. government has authorized 6 accreditation agencies to provide institutional accreditation to education institutions, as a measure to differentiate legitimate universities from the crooks. This means that students choosing their universities will be assured that these universities would have met minimum criteria set forth by these agencies for learning institutions. Additionally, there is also The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) which provides accreditation specifically for distance learning institutions. The DETC is an accreditation agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Furthermore, there is also specialized accreditation for specific programs of different areas of specialization. These programs which are found to have attained excellence will be awarded accreditation by various professional accrediting agencies depending on the area of specialization. For instance, the International Association for Management Education (AACSB) gives accreditation to accounting related programs while health programs are accredited by the American Health Information Management Association. It is also important to know that only accreditation agencies recognized by the Department of Education or CHEA are considered accreditation agencies which are acknowledged. What does accreditation mean to a student? An institutional accreditation agency evaluates the various aspects of universities or colleges against minimum standard criteria to determine if the particular institution meets their list of basic requirements. College accreditation is necessary to ensure that the education, facilities and support provided by a college or university adheres to basic levels. On the other hand, specialized accreditation evaluates excellence in individual program regardless of which institution the program is being delivered within. In this type of accreditation, course content and program curricula is evaluated against pre-set standards of the institution. All accreditation does is to assure employers, students and parents that the graduates who are awarded degrees from accredited colleges have undergone adequate training in their respective areas of specialization. This also means that colleges that are not accredited by the proper accreditation body would not have met the standards imposed by the agencies. However, courses taken by prospective employees that are accredited by the respective agencies would have met standards imposed on the respective specialized areas. It is totally up to the judgment and decision of the employers on evaluating the validity of an online or on-campus degree. With the recent hike in bogus degrees, employers can’t help but be stringent in their applicant screenings and consider those with degrees that have been accredited. This may prove tedious and sometimes employers may get confused. Therefore, if your accreditation is provided by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education, then you will need to explain to prospective employers on the background of the accrediting bodies. This way, you can avoid employers from sidelining your application based on something that they may be unclear about and increase your chances of being short listed for a job interview. About the author:Rose Musyoka is the editor of www.distance-learning-college-guide.com where you find answers, information and advice on distance learning colleges, accredited online degrees and online courses. See more related information on why college accreditation is important.

Are You A Good Candidate For Distance Learning?

Are You A Good Candidate For Distance Learning?
by: Shaan Randow
If you have the self-determination and drive to listen well and study harder then you can learn in a live university or an online school. But some people seem better suited than others for distance learning programs. Researchers have found that one of the factors that contributes to an effective distance learner in addition to the ability to work hard is their personality type. Their studies have discovered that people who have the ability to get their energy from inside sources are generally better candidates for online learning. It’s effective in distance learning because most of your learning time is spent working and studying alone. So if you have trouble with that you may have problems in getting an online degree. If your personality type will allow you to learn and grow on your own then you are ready to consider distance learning to get a technical certificate or online degree. Your next steps are to consider your purpose for undertaking an online learning program. Is it to benefit your career growth, are you thinking about changing careers, or do you simply want the fulfillment of your lifelong goal to get a college education. These are the most common goals of successful distance learning participants and if you share these goals then online learning may be right for you. Okay, you know you have the personality type to learn online and you have goals that will help you to be motivated to succeed. Now what? You get all your paperwork ready so that you can determine whether you have to start from scratch or whether those two years of community college can be applied to your online degree program. Many programs will also give you up to 25f the total credits required for your online degree foe your work and life experience in a related field so update and refine your resume to reflect this experience. Next you need to find a university or college that offers your program of study. There are hundreds of accredited online degree granting schools in the country, over 750 at last count, to choose from. Contact the school and find out their admissions policy and any regulations that you have to meet. Their response and their website should tell you a lot about how organized their programs are and whether you think it will match your online aspirations. Then gather up all of the responses and compare them using your own criteria as a guide. Talk to friends and relations that you trust and then make a decision. You will soon find out if the online campus life is for you and hopefully it will be the right step to getting an online degree and creating a better life for yourself and your family. About the author:This article courtesy of http://www.university-phoenix.com

Attaining an Online College Degree

Attaining an Online College Degree
by: Jay Moncliff
There are a lot of people out there who just don't have the time to go to a college campus for an education. This can be for many reasons, such as work, finding a babysitter, costs of college courses, or even coordinating it to fit into your busy schedule. There is a solution for this. You can obtain an online college degree. An online college degree is just as valid as a degree you receive at a regular college campus. In fact a lot of people prefer it. This is because you can get an online college degree from the comfort of your own home. You don't have to go anywhere to get the online college degree and you can register for the courses for your online college degree at home as well. You also don't have to commute to go to school, which in turn will save you gas, time, and money. An online college degree program will fit into any busy schedule and is convenient for anyone. Online college degree programs offer financial aid and assistance just like regular college campuses do. Online college degree programs also offer job placement programming to anyone who completes the courses and obtains the online college degree. Online college degree programs often boast that you can get your degree in half the time it would take from a normal on campus course program. This is true because an online college degree program allows you to take the courses as quickly or as slowly as you want. It is all done at your own pace! Now that you see the advantages of obtaining an online college degree, let us look at some of the online college degree courses offered. Some are: accounting, teaching, business, computers, criminal justice, legal and paralegal, dental assistance, travel and tourism, and many more. There is even master degree programs offered online so you can even further you education. The prices of online college degree programs can vary from school to school. It is best to do your research and see what school offers you the best deal and the best education. If you need financial aide, be sure the school offers it before you enroll. Remember, this is an online college degree program so it doesn't matter where the course is coming from! You can now see the huge advantageous of obtaining an online college degree. There really aren't any disadvantages. Only positive things have been said about online college degree programs. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain! Why not give an online college degree program a try? You will find it is truly worth it, for you and for your future. About the author:Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.online-degree-center.infoa blog focusing on the Online Degree, resources and articles. This site provides detailed information on Online Degree. For more info on Online Degree visit: http://www.online-degree-center.info

Avoiding The Distractions In Distance Learning

Avoiding The Distractions In Distance Learning
by: Terry Lowery
In order to learn at home in a distance learning program we first must learn to avoid the distractions. They are the things that will keep us focused and motivated on learning and studying and if we don’t find a way to avoid or eliminate them we can find ourselves not accomplishing what we set out to do. The first step to reducing distractions to our distance learning program is to identify them. They may include everything from our family and friends, although we certainly don’t want to eliminate them, to noise from both inside and outside our home. They may also include the constant intrusion of the telephone or our cell phone to the master distracter, the television. Once we have identified the sources of our distractions we can then develop a plan to deal with them. Like most things that need to change we need to go first. Start by developing a study plan and a timetable of hours that you will devote to your distance learning program. Next determine which space in your home would be the best place to your studies and organize it so that it is comfortable, and hopefully separate from the rest of your household activities. Then talk to your friends and family and advice them of your plan and timetable. Ask them for their cooperation during this period of time and to respect your need for time, space, and quiet to do your work. You may need to remind your kids that they need to keep their music a little lower from time to time and to tell your friends to drop over for coffee at another time, after your studies are complete. The next step is to reduce the noise level so that you can concentrate on your studies. Find a quiet place in your home so that you are not disturbed by the regular noise of your kids playing, the neighbors mowing the lawn, or people having heated discussions or debates that sometimes grow loud with their arguments or laughter. Use headphones if you have to, but create that quiet space that will help you learn. Finally, turn off the outside world. Shut off your e-mail program and turn off your personal digital assistance and pager. Unplug the telephone to avoid interruptions. Last but not least, turn off the television, the master distracter. You can tape the latest episode of your favorite television show and watch it later, but don’t try and do both. One will suffer and it almost always be your distance learning program. Stay focused, stay motivated, reduce and eliminate distractions, and study hard. You will have your online college degree in less time than you think. About the author:This article courtesy of http://www.degrees-online.net

Bachelor Degrees, Online?

Bachelor Degrees, Online?
by: Sandy Baker
Should you get your bachelor degree online? For many people this would seem hard to do. Depending on the field of study that you plan to get, it can be actually quite welcoming and a great way to get in the education that you have always wanted. Sure, it isn’t easy but neither is college for that matter. The online bachelor degree programs are a good way for many to get the education that they need without having to get into a college that is set up traditionally. There are many programs that are offered through online bachelor degrees. If you would like to know if any of the programs or classes that you need to take are available to you on the web, all you need to do is to log on to any of the various online schools and find out. This level of education that the bachelor degree is one that is advanced and will require much learning. One of the aspects of online education that people do not understand is how you get the hands-on training that many fields require. While you may or may not need this in the bachelor degrees that you plan to get, you will find that information about this is easy to find at the online university’s websites. In most cases, the online universities will work with area schools, offices, or establishments to allow you to get your lab time in. This is convenient and affordable as well especially useful when you consider you will be meeting some of the people that you may work with once you get your bachelor degree. You will benefit from leaning more about the online bachelor degree that you are after. You can easily find online colleges that offer the education that you are after in an online manner. See what they are, what their classes will include and find out just how well they will work for you. The online bachelor degrees that are offered are pretty wide-ranged too! About the author:For more information please see http://www.bachelor-degrees.co.uk

Bogus Distance Learning Degrees

Bogus Distance Learning Degrees - how can you tell?
by: Rose Musyoka
With the rise in demand for online distance learning degrees, many bogus learning institutions have mushroomed over the internet with the sole intention of taking advantage of innocent students seeking for a genuine degree. These so-called “Colleges” often attract applicants with their attractive degree programs which are boasts of easy graduation, low tuition fees, no examinations and credit given for life experience, all of which just sound too good to be true. Some of them even go to the extent of prospecting for customers by sending out bulk email citing university degrees for sale. Therefore, with all the confusion generated, how can students sieve out the genuine from the bogus? This may be especially difficult for distance learning programs when students practically make their choices based on what is shown on a website. In many cases, especially for international students, it may not be feasible to visit the physical site of a college before enrolling. With this, making choices will really depend on the appearance and content of a website, which sometimes may not be an accurate judge of the creditability of a college. One of the qualifying factors that can be utilized by students to make correct enrolment decisions is by determining the type of college accreditation that has been received by their college of consideration. If the college vaguely states itself as having “nationwide or worldwide accreditation” without stating specifically which regional accreditation body it is accredited with, then most likely this college does not possess legitimate accreditation. In the U.S., college accreditation is awarded by one of the following six accreditation agencies which are all appointed by the National Board of Education - New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA), Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA), Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS), Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU). Each agency has been allocated responsibility for providing accreditation for schools in specific states. Therefore, it would be best to run checks on a particular online degree institution with the agency offering college accreditation for the state in which the college is registered in. Another tell-tale sign of bogus degrees offered is when the university advertises itself through mass-mailing email featuring university degrees for sale. Many bogus distance learning institutions prey on people who are desperate for a degree, but don’t have the time and money to go for proper education. That is why these colleges boast of degrees without any examinations, classes, studying or even waiting. There are even websites that offer degrees for just a few hundred dollars which can be ordered and received within 7 days. Furthermore, some of them also have dubious URLs, stating accreditation from agencies which are not any one of the six listed above. Additionally, they offer fixed prices for their Master’s, Bachelor’s, and even Doctorate Degrees. Their justification for awarding degrees will be for giving credit to life experiences such as any type of work experience, any educational background, any workshops or community services attended as well as travel experience, hobbies and even on the number of books that a person has read! In conclusion, as the awareness on bogus degrees increases amongst prospective employers, degrees obtained through a legitimate avenue of education can sometimes be mistaken for bogus degrees too. Therefore, the best approach to select a college would ideally be based on legitimate college accreditation awarded by the appointed authorities to the respective colleges. About the author:Rose Musyoka is the editor of www.distance-learning-college-guide.com where you find answers, information and advice on distance learning colleges, accredited online degrees and online courses. See more related information on why college accreditation is important.

Bogus Online Degrees

Bogus Online Degrees
by: Shaan Randow
There will always be con artists, people trying to make a buck on the shady side of the street. They prey on the unsuspecting and the ill-informed. Every year thousands of Americans are hoodwinked by direct mail scams that offer them great prizes and vacations. Some of these victims, many of them elderly or senior citizens invest their hard earned savings with unscrupulous crooks who fleece them of their money through promises of exorbitant returns. The bottom line in business is to know who you are dealing with and check them out if things they say or do raise concern. Unfortunately these scammers have found the Internet to be a great and anonymous way to select new victims. One way they do this is by creating fake universities and colleges that grant bogus degrees. A bogus online degree is one that will be worthless to you in the future and will not be accepted as proof of your credentials by any other institution or employer. Some experts say that there are at least thirty “universities” offering bogus online degree programs and they are willing to sell you a degree, even if you never plan to attend classes. Be forewarned, a degree without the proper accreditation is only worth the piece of paper that it is written on and no one will give you any of the respect and rewards that you think you may deserve with a bogus degree. The process of accreditation is supervised by a set of regional accreditation agencies across the United States. They examine all aspects of the online degree program to ensure that it meets or exceeds nationally established standards. They look at the curriculum, the instructors, the course material and the quality control processes that the institution has in place before they agree to accredit the program. This ensures that an online degree granted by one institution is as least as good as all of the rest and it protects students, the school and prospective employees from embarrassment or disappointment later. There are over 750 online degree programs that are accredited and open to the public across the United States. Some are very small and highly specialized; others are the giants of the university world and offer online degree programs in every program that you can imagine. If you are going to the trouble of getting your online college degree, make sure that you avoid the bogus scam artists. Look for the accreditation seal of approval so that you will reap the rewards of your studies. About the author:This article courtesy of http://www.degrees-online.net

Life With An Online Degree

Boost Your Education And Life With An Online Degree
by: David Birgelli
Obtaining an online bachelors degree can be a swift and easy way to further your career,prospects and life in general. But before you enroll, there are a few important points you need to know get your head around. Number one, you'll want to make ensure that the college that offers you a degree online is accredited. School and universities are accredited on a national or state level. This accreditation means that a relevant board of education has researched and approved the schools curriculum and course. Secondly, you will want to make sure that the school is highly recognized and that the bachelors degree can be transfered. This will help because someday you might need to further enhance your education by completing your masters degree and you might be required to transfer your bachelors credits. Prerequisite to obtaining your bachelors degree from a university or college, First you must have the minimum of a G.E.D or a high school diploma. It will also help to have some college or previous work experience under your belt. If you have attained previous college credits, then they can be put toward your bachelors degree program and the period of time that you will need to be enrolled in school will be shortened. If you have not attained previous college credits, The majority of bachelors degree online programs take about thirty six months to finish. This period of time is based on a person that takes a minimum of twenty hours of course work per week. With previous college credits, or by spending a larger amount of time on course work every week, some individuals can finish their bachelors online degree program in as little as twelve months. To choose which university or college to enroll with, it is best to decide what type of degree program you require. The majority of colleges offer these type of programs but some specialize in man varied fields. For example, an individual who wants a bachelors degree in business might decide to go with Ashworth College, while a person that wants an degree for education would want to go with Penn State University. When you have chosen a bachelors online degree course, you need to research its class schedule. Most online programs or courses allow you to download the course work and complete it at your own leisure, but some programs insist that you log on to the Internet for virtual class sessions at a designated time a few times a week. Now you know the basics you will see that making up for lost time can be easier than you might have thought and topping up your education is a real possibility. Go on what have you got to lose? About the author:David Birgelli is an author and webmaster and is know as an expert in the field of distance learning mba strategies. He is also contributor at the prestigious http://www.onlinedegreeworld.com

Exam Techniques

Beat Your Examiners with Exam Techniques
by: Ian McAllister
------------------------------------------ Are exam techniques better than knowledge? ------------------------------------------ Half a century ago I learned about exam techniques. At that time I was snowed under with study, and my headmaster said that I had as much chance as the Man in the Moon of passing three Ordinary level GCE subjects. He was right at that time! It didn't matter how much study I did, term exam questions were always about stuff I hadn't studied. Then I learned that you perform best in an exam if you know more about exams rather than about the subject of the exam. I liked that. --------------------- Using Exam Techniques --------------------- So I studied exam techniques. What were the results? I passed eleven GCE ordinary level subjects. When artistic talent was handed out, my brother got it all, and there was none left for me. I panic every time I am asked to do a stick-drawing. However in the GCE exam, my brother set out to do good art, and I used exam techniques to get good marks. To my great glee I got a better pass mark than my brother did. I was sure that proved that exams are unfair, but remained very smug. --------------- Multiple Choice --------------- My wife had a multiple-choice paper on a subject about which I knew nothing. I tried the exam techniques in my book. My wife assured me that I would have passed - without knowing anything about it. Then came a time that I studied maths again, and I was hopelessly at sea. I learned maths where the best methods were those that worked - fast. New maths had been introduced since I was at college. Now the explanations were just nonsense to me. However when the exam came around, it was another multiple choice test, and I passed! --------------------- We've learned nothing --------------------- My daughter's final exams were coming. I searched libraries for the most modern examination techniques, and received a great shock. All the books still advised lots of hard work. There was no mention of exam techniques at all. They mentioned mnemonic techniques to help me remember, but I'd been using them since the middle of last century and knew how they could let me down. The day before a university exam I decided that I would probably get a question about the life cycle of Fasciola hepatica. So I used a mnemonic technique to memorise every number in the complicated life cycle. Next day the expected question appeared, and I remembered every number - BUT - I had forgotten the units. It was no use remembering the number 3 if I didn't know if it was three hours, or three days, or three weeks, or three months, or three years. So I couldn't answer the question. Fortunately examination techniques got me through the exam. --------------------- Birth of Exam Mastery --------------------- I wrote a book about how to pass exams to help my daughter. Unfortunately she thought that she knew everything... and didn't bother to read the book... and failed her exams. Recently I updated the book to take the internet into account. ------------------------- The arithmetic of success ------------------------- Suppose you're taking an essay exam with five questions. You know you can give good answers for three questions, but think that you know nothing about the rest. I've seen students walk out of essay exams in that situation - they hadn't studied exam technique. Your teacher has brainwashed you by punishing anybody who wrote a three line essay for homework. But two essays of three lines each could take you from failure to a pass mark. My book shows what to put into these few lines, but think of the arithmetic. You got 45 marks out of 60 for your three good questions. The pass mark is 47%. You get one mark out of 20 for each of the remaining two answers. You have a pass mark. That is better than walking out of the exam in a panic - isn't it? In fact I usually got about 75% by using exam techniques. Oh, they aren't magic. I failed an occasional exam, but I passed many exams that I didn't deserve to pass, especially using crafty essays. About the author:You too could write crafty essays to beat the examiner...and more. Get your free report here. http://studying-techniques.com/essays.html

Benifts of an online degree

Benefits Of An Online Degree
by: Samuel Murray
There are a number of benefits to entering a distance learning program to earn your online degree. You get to learn at your own speed in the comfort of your own home and you can work at your kitchen table or on your back porch if you have a long enough extension cord. But you also get the opportunity to learn again, which for many of us is really a great gift. Some of us are stuck in low-paying jobs and careers that are stifling our creativity and intellect. Others simply want to experience the natural high that comes from pursuing a life-long interest. With hundreds of schools, universities, and colleges offering accredited online degree programs that opportunity and those benefits are waiting to be picked like low-hanging fruit. Enroll in an online degree program and let distance learning help you harvest your share. Even though most of your online learning is done in the solitude of your own home there are many resources available to assist you progress towards your online degree. A virtual and real army of teachers, advisors and counselors are waiting to help. Some institutions even provide you with your own academic advisor who will help you navigate through course outlines and curricula in order to select the study program that meets your needs. One of the major benefits to getting an online degree is almost guaranteed pay raise. Your current employer should be given first chance to reward your efforts by giving you a new job or assignment or by adding to your pay envelope. But if that is not possible then the marketplace will reward you for your specialized training with further opportunities to increase your earning power. But perhaps the biggest benefits of getting an online degree are actually the intangible ones. The pride and boost to your self-esteem that you will feel from finally graduating is worth any amount of money. The respect and admiration of your family and friends is also priceless. Even people at work may start to treat you a little different as you become more knowledgeable in your work and you may find that you are sought out for advice and guidance. To realize your dreams is really the purpose of life and the elation that you feel as a result of achieving yours will last and endure for a long, long time. Enjoy the fruits of your labor. About the author:This article courtesy of http://www.schoolguideusa.com