Showing posts with label online degrees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label online degrees. Show all posts

29 January 2014

E-learning – A Vibrant Approach to Make Your Career

With the world turning into a global village and the prerequisite of skilled individuals taking a vibrant approach in top industry, the aspiration of pursuing long-term courses in traditional colleges is constricting – not because a few institutions exist to offer such courses, but because today's people are more than conscious to study them while earning their livelihood. Yes, these days the entire scenario of education has changed. We opt to study short-term courses over long term. It is owing to the fact that long-term courses take much time in shaping our career if we compare it with the time consumed by short-term courses.  It is challenging in the age where skills and talents, learned with thorough study (long-term courses)  matter much to flourish our career than the knowledge gained from short-term courses. 

My question is, what is the best way to enhance our knowledge and skills while working an organization? “Isn't there any alternative that can help us study our  courses and work in organizations as well? Or isn't there any way that can help us enhance our talent and skills in the particular field we are hoping to enhance our career growth? All these questions have simple answer and that is E-learning. Yes, e-learning is the finest approach to hone your skills and increase quality knowledge along with working jobs. Let's understand what the E-learning is all about and what are the challenges and benefits an individual comes across.

E-learning

In this highly technological world, online has unearthed as one of the top most sources to solve any issues. E-learning is the part of it. The effect of online study continues to expand. It is designed by professionals with  an aim to enable schools, institutes, colleges or universities to educate their aspirants – whether or not they are engaged in jobs -  at cost effective way. With this availability, those who are separated by space or time have a multitude of choices to study their courses in order to furnish their skills and knowledge.

In fact, E-learning programmes are growing miraculously to learn in educational institutions today. This electronic mode offers extraordinary opportunities to individuals who have otherwise limited scope to access proper education, who have left their long-term courses incomplete or who want to expand their knowledge while working. E-learning is the new paradigm for educators in which dynamic courses of higher quality can be developed. Through this technology, students are able to get an excellent method to receive effective education. No doubt, it is the finest medium of courses delivery unbound by time or location, which provides applicants with accessibility to get information at any time and from anywhere.

Advantages of E-learning

Here are what existing institutes offering E-learning courses and those who learn through this medium say about the benefits of this new way of teaching.

·      They say that e-learning has increased the student's learning. According to them, this method has enabled those students to complete their education who were not able to pursue long-term courses for certain reasons.

·      Most of the students indulged with electronic education believe that they communicate better in a web based environment than in the conventional classroom. They say that e-learning is good for those students who do not raise a hand in the classroom are very frank and active to participate in online discussion programmes.

·      While pursuing their courses online, learners are able to use many technology resources to gain information and skill required such as online discussion board, lecture environment, testing and assessment, chats, audio and video conference, etc.
E-Learning from home: Stockvault

·      E-learning technology continues to become greatly accessed and implemented by the people and for the people of all walks of life. It is more integrated as an invisible and ever-present part of a global education system.

·      It is the best resource to design an important skill for corporate trainers and adult educators to have. Moreover, e-learning is the universal access. Due to the internet protocols and widely available web browsers, the same training programme can be delivered to virtually any computer anywhere in the world.

·      In addition, students enjoy cost effective rate to complete their education – no travel costs to reach schools, no facilities costs if someone applies for hostels. Most importantly, there is a great amount of time saving. The time needed for online learning is maximum 50%.

What makes it challenging

Below are certain challenges for e-learning educators

·      It is important to keep in mind that a good institution cannot rescue the bad online learning. Hence, educators need to focus on designing the programme, which is a big challenge for them.

·      Institutions must take technology intensive seriously. E-learning sometimes does depend on a complex system of software, hardware, protocols and network infrastructure. Though there is an increase in demand of e-learning, but technical problems continue to occur. There is a need of quality technical support

·      Information measure is the major concern – audio, video, including other rich media components are needed for high-speed connections. Lack of it puts a strain on limited-capacity organizational networks.

·      There are some courses in which face-to-face training is a 'must have' requirement. E-learning does not provide this opportunity. This may seem to be an issue in any organization where training is seen as a peak.

·      In order to offer quality and successful E-learning programme, it is essential for institutions to re-examine the goals of their course, activities, and assessment methods. If they do not, they are spoiling career of one who studies with them.

·      In an online course, to create an effective sense of community is challenging. Whereas, in a traditional course, the community develops naturally. An online education programme provided by institutes should include "getting to know their candidates" activities.

Conclusion

Overall, it can be said that E-learning course is the better option for those candidates who are unable to find sufficient time to attend the regular classes in schools or institutes. Before applying for an online course, they should ensure that the institute they are going to apply is able to provide them with proper assistance to educate them or not. It will be the best approach for students to enhance their education and increase knowledge even after they are engaged in their jobs.

Author bio : Sumit Dawas is a leading content strategist for www.learnwithflip.com, a largest e- training and certification offering in  Banking and finance in India.

28 November 2013

Online Education Attaining Importance on a Global Scale

Do you know that online certificate programmes are gaining immense popularity owing to the rising demand of skilled professionals in top-notch organisations? Since employers are now looking for candidates possessing time management skills as well as the ability to work independently, pursuing online courses has emerged to be a priority for new age learners.

Supporting this viewpoint, the associate dean of academics of Northwestern University, Joel Shapiro said that online certificates are currently proving valuable in the world of education. Online certificates are “part of the unbundling of education that is happening now”, he said.

Shapiro further said that although people have been talking more about the Massive Open Online Courses, certificates obtained through online education are also an integral part of this new learning trend. In fact, students who proceed to enroll in online courses usually do not have stringent entry qualifications and this helps one to easily enroll in an online course under a recognized university from any corner of the world.


Keyboard: Stockvault

Jim Fong who is the director of the Center for Research and Consulting said that a good number of individuals today have been found to make use of their certificate course work towards earning a master’s degree. In fact, today’s university deans say that online courses can help students to:

-       -Enhance their knowledge

-       -Master a specific skill

-       -Build advanced industry practices

-       -Meet requirements for a graduation programme

New learning experiences for online students

The temporary dean of Metropolitan College, Tanya Zlateva, said that it would be best if community colleges can provide training for online courses. This would instead be “a quicker fix for the changing workforce”. On the other hand, MOOCs have attained global popularity and has consequently raised awareness of online courses. The amazing combination of graphics, music and movies is making online course pursuers gather rich learning experiences unlike what can never be achieved in brick and mortar classrooms.

Apart from these, what has been found is that new age learners are getting too keen to know about the key benefits of pursuing a course online. 

So, here are 4 big benefits that are sure to make you a successful online learner. Have a look:

1.    Managing time & money – Online courses are designed in such a manner that one can sustain equilibrium between his/her work and study hours. In fact, online learning providers not only give students the opportunity to take their own pace in completing the course curriculum but online learners also enjoy the liberty to study from anywhere they wish. As a result, they save both time and money.

2.    Learning unique ways to learn – What’s best about studying online is that it doesn’t typically involve books. Instead, online students grab the opportunity to make use of new learning tools, gadgets and software applications that help them learn with more pleasure. Besides, they keep interacting with their instructors and campus students through online discussion forums which rather help in sharpening their communication skills.

3.    Thinking critically and developing interest – One of the biggest reasons behind the global popularity of online courses is that they are created with the intention to make students think critically. This is why online learners develop interests in preparing their lessons and even remember them without difficulty.

4.    Staying energised and motivated – To become an efficient online learner, you must be self-disciplined. In fact, this would surely help you remain motivated towards your lessons. Individuals after returning home from long hours of work will not find it monotonous to attend online lectures through pre-recorded videos provided by their online learning institution. Remember, an online learner can never succeed without having self-dedication.

So, if you have plans to complete higher studies, whereas you are working for long hours, there is nothing to worry. Just look for an accredited university offering online courses, explore the website of your concerned institution to the fullest, research well on their course offerings as well as fee structures, and then proceed to enrol in your desired course. 

Well, good news is that employers are accepting accredited online university degrees and therefore you can proceed with confidence to complete your higher studies online. All the best!!




Author’s bio:
The author Emily Parker not only calls herself an educationist but she also takes pleasure in writing blogs and articles on various topics in regard to education. In one of her articles, she has focused on how online education has achieved worldwide importance and why employers are accepting online certificates. To know more, you can always connect with her through social networking platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

18 July 2013

Facts to Know Prior to Paying for an Online Degree

Online degree programs are the most advantageous in this new technological world. This was once a rather conceptual inspiration, and while it provided a substitute to conventional school programs, it fell significantly short of a complete educational experience. However, that is no longer the case and online degree programs are now richer, more influential, more flexible, more perceptive and more complete than ever.

Undertaking how to pay for an online degree is as complicated as paying for a campus degree. As per Babson Survey Research Group, in 2008, online students paid mostly the same tuition and fees as traditional students.

Consider following points when going to pay for online education:

1. Tuition: There is not any worldwide procedure of charging students for online programs. While many institutes require students to pay one lump sum for an online program, there are various institutes that require students to pay by credit hours or course. Students can begin with some credits—and hence reduce time in college and tuition charges—if the desired course provide credit for earlier school program or life experience.

Since what needs to pay can be changed enormously by college, it's very important to make arrangements ahead of time, ensuring that one understands how much credit to transfer and how much lengthy the program is. When looking for a graduate program, speak to any counselor to outline a degree track.

2. Fees: Online students are frequently charged with different kinds of fees, occasionally even for services they may never utilize. Fees for equipment, educational activities, resources, and further add up, while students may not even be aware of it until after they have gotten a bill.

When assessing different programs, determine the overall charges of attendance, accounting for the years a program requires completing. Moreover, never overlook to determine the expenses of recommended books and other course materials. 
Photo: Stockvault

3. Employer Reimbursement: Working professionals usually pursue online degrees with fiscal support from their employer, but many employers wait until students get their results prior to
cutting checks. When an employer reimbursement program is a main factor in funding online degree, ensure that the desired college has flexible payment preferences. 

For instance, at the New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies, one can pay after getting remission checks from their companies, providing them time to express their marks and have compensation.

5. Loans: Online students also have borrowing chances for financial support. However, online students need to take into account that professional suggest them to turn to all federal loans first prior to going for private loans. Keep up with the plan vigilantly and never take loans more than your requirements. 

6. Scholarships and Grants: There are as much scholarships opportunities for online students as there are for campus students. Online students can also get federal grants like the Pell that provides around $5,550 annually for the deserving students. However, online students are also required to complete the FAFSA to get any federal assistance. There is now 2012-2013 version that is accessible since January 1.

About Author:
Ronnie Williams is a staff writer for TheOnlineSchools.org, offers information on accredited online degree programs. You can follow Ronnie on twitter @askforedu.

29 May 2012

Top Five Things to Know About Distance Education


Believe it or not, the concept of distance learning dates back to the early 18th century, when an advertisement was placed in the Boston Gazette offering students the ability to learn shorthand through the mail. Of course, the face of distance education has changed drastically over the years and many students are finding themselves earning their high school diploma, bachelor’s degree or even a law degree through online courses. There are still many misguided and uninformed individuals that believe distance learning is inferior to a traditional classroom education. Learn about the Top Five Common Misconceptions about Distance Education, some of which might be keeping you from pursuing your online finance MBA through this non-traditional experience:

Employers are Put Off by Distance Learning Degrees

 

Many students shy away from earning their diploma or degree online because they believe employers will take one look at their resume and toss it into the trash. In reality, the courses taught through online and correspondence courses are the same caliber as those offered in a traditional campus setting. Your employer will only see the academic degree earned on your resume or application, without any knowledge of the road you took you get there. Your prospective employer might even be a graduate of an online university himself.

Online Professors are Inexperienced and Inaccessible

 

Another misconception about online education is the teachers’ or professors’ lack of experience or accessibility. Because you’re not able to speak to the instructor one-on-one, many believe that their questions will go unanswered, and their grades will suffer for it. In actuality, many university’s online courses are taught by well-educated, renowned professors that are more than happy to correspond with their students through message boards, email and over the phone. You may not have the ability to visit with your professors or academic advisor in their office, but this doesn’t mean that your concerns and questions are important, or will be glossed over and ignored.

Traditional Classroom Education is More Effective

 

Imagine having the ability to work at your own pace, become self-motivated and learn without the stress of classroom discussions or public speaking? These are just a few of the benefits that distance education offers a student over a traditional classroom setting. Many busy adults with children, spouses and full-time jobs simply don’t have the time to drop everything and rush to a classroom. With distance learning, students have the unique ability to chart their own education destiny by not only learning at their own pace, but also by their own rules.

Online Classes are Less Challenging

 

Many students opt for online education because they believe the classes are a breeze, and because you don’t have a professor breathing down their neck, they can put forth less effort to achieve the same results. The truth is there are no “easy A’s” in life and this same fact holds true in the world of distance education. You must go the extra mile to earn stellar grades in a traditional classroom and an online school setting. Be prepared to take rigorous notes, read text books and literature, write thoughtful and well-constructed research papers, and put all into your education, because this is the requirement to complete an online education in four years. But keep in mind, with distance learning you still have the ability to work on your schedule, which makes achieving those “A’s” a much more realistic possibility.

Credits from Distance Learning aren’t Transferable or even Legitimate

 

When choosing an online or distance learning university, pay attention that it’s accredited through a local or regional accreditation agency. These agencies ensure the college or university meets acceptable levels of quality or excellence. If you complete courses through an accredited online university, your credits are completely legitimate and transferable, even if you decide to take classes in a traditional campus setting. The credits are also transferable in many cases to an alternate online university. However you look at it, the credits earned through an accredited distance learning program are no different or inferior to those earned while sitting behind a desk.
As with traditional campus universities, some distance learning programs such as a; finance MBA online, are more academically rigorous than others. Before making any final decisions, speak to an admissions officer or academic counselor, peruse the course catalogue or speak to current students to learn if the distance learning university is a good fit.
This guest post article was written and provided by Marissa Krause who finished her degree online this last fall and has just begun her own online marketing company.