Education Articles from College Matching Service

When you make the decision to go to an online college, it’s not always easy to have a space for yourself, especially if you have a family or a small home. It may be that there’s a work area around there, but then your kids or relatives keep bugging you around and such. Here are some guidelines that will assist you on deciding how to design and set-up a home office area just for online learning!

Find some space. If possible, try to dedicate a whole room to your new library or home office. Otherwise, it may be easier just creating a dual-purpose room like a guest room and home office, or setting up a home office area within an unused portion of the house (like the attic or basement). Make sure your room has a door that closes; this will help cut down on noise and interruptions (like the people passing by behind your back). By identifying a specific area or room as your home office, it sends a clear message: “When I am in here, it is because I am studying.”

Pick a quiet location. Road traffic is noisy, so try to pick a room that does not have a window facing a main thoroughfare. The kitchen is also a hotspot for noise: clanging dishes and pans; cupboards swinging shut; the refrigerator door being opened and shut. You may not notice small or repetitive noises now, but when you are reviewing for an exam or drafting a 15-page paper, these little distractions can have a big impact on your concentration.

Some people think that studying at home is easy, but when it comes down to actually studying, they find that their workspace for online classes is just so uncomfortable. Below are some solutions:

Make it comfortable. Consider your working style: do you want to feel energized and upbeat when you are studying or would you prefer a feeling of tranquility and reflection? If you want a feeling of stimulation or activity, paint the walls with warm yellows or chose red drapes for your window dressing. If you want serenity and calm: soothing, cool blue tones or deep, rich greens. If you want classic simplicity in your workspace, stick to taupe, grays and even chocolate browns. Do you like to stretch out while you take notes? Add some throw pillows or a beanbag. Don’t be afraid to add some personality, but make sure that everything will help you stay productive. Too many pillows and you may find yourself curled up next to your laptop, asleep!

Choose appropriate furnishings and equipment. To optimize your space, list all the items that must go into your home office. By doing this, you can plan the best layout for your room. Depending on the size of the space, you may need to take some measurements to ensure that everything will fit and that you won’t feel crowded or uncomfortable. Think about what you may need:

• A desk and chair
• Desktop or laptop computer with an Internet connection.
• Printer, scanner, and/or fax
• Shelves for your books, binders, print-outs, and reference materials
• Filing cabinet(s)
• Floor lamps or desk lamps
• A bulletin/memo board to keep track of notes and other bits of information

Caution! Don’t place your computer in an area that receives direct sunlight or gets too warm. Electronics are temperature sensitive, so make sure the room receives adequate air circulation and that the sun can’t damage your equipment.

In present days, distance learning is a popular option for pursuing higher education. Thereby, more and more people, especially the working individuals are now opting for such programs. Earlier, the study materials of distance learning were very much traditional with books and readers. With the advent of Internet, some of the course materials are now completely virtual or electronic. However, these distance learning programs have both pros and cons, but it can also be a great experience if you are sincere enough. In fact it is always better to closely examine the pros and cons of the distance learning program before getting yourself enrolled. Though there are several types and methods of distance learning, they all have certain identifiable common factors.

The advantages of distance learning:

• You can pursue these kinds of courses at your convenience depending on your requirement. Most of these courses are not even based on college’s annual or semester schedule.
• There is no predetermined class time and you the flexibility and freedom to move at your own pace. You also have the freedom to complete your assignments and readings according to your schedule. Moreover, some of the distance learning programs also allow you to design your own degree plan.
• You can save both your time and money on transport as you receive the study materials and can study at home. However, there are certain distance learning programs which still have some in-class components.
• The cost prices of these distance learning programs are often cheaper than traditional universities, colleges and trade schools.

The limitations of distance learning:

• There is no or at the most very little face-to-face communication with the students and faculties. This means that you will actually miss the personal anecdotes, expressions, tips and personalized attention of your teacher.
• Though a number of mainstream colleges and universities are now embracing distance learning, it lacks in brand name.
• Most of the distance learning programs require technical skills and knowledge. Thereby if you are not technically sound or computer savvy, these courses may not work for you.
• Moreover, these distance learning courses also lacks in several motivational factors, which usually arises from contacts and competitions.

In these days, accredited distance learning refers to online educational programs. The various degree and certificate programs offered by these online learning institutions are a feasible substitute to any traditional classroom education programs. These distance learning options have enabled several working professionals to continue their formal education in order to upgrade their career opportunities. It is especially beneficial for people who are working in the education and business field as these industries seek for new methods, knowledge, and opportunities for constant growth and advancement.

Furthermore, there are a number of other factors affecting the popularity of these online colleges and universities. These include:

• Obtaining education through online colleges and universities eliminates the need to attend classes and thus saves both you time and money that you may have spend for commuting to the classroom every day.

• Unlike a traditional college, distance learning centers provide you the total freedom to complete your study and course work at any time during the day and also have an easy access to your coursework.

• In an online college you also have the flexibility to re-schedule your class timing at your convenience in order to meet your professional deadlines. Whereas, in a traditional college re-scheduling of classes is either almost impossible or involves a number of time consuming formalities.

• Online programs provide flexibility not only in class timing, but also allow the students to choose the learning method that would work best for them. The traditional colleges have actually failed to provide such facilities.

• Sometimes, online learning fails offer a motivating environment or even to promote interaction among students, which is a major benefit of traditional colleges. However, the online educational institutes are gradually overcoming this particular limitation with the advent of student forums where every student has a say.

• The cost of an online learning program is more or less similar to that of a traditional college. However, the cost of a tradition college is often high to the factors like the cost of room and board, as well as transportation.

Today, most of the academic advisors consider these distance learning programs to be as good as, or even better than a traditional education program. In fact, about 3.2 million students are now obtaining their degree and certificate programs through these online educational institutes.

Getting online education schools and university has become practical reality for an individual who doesn’t have time to register in regular schools and university. The Internet has modernized several parts of our country. Online education or e-learning has brought new uprising in reshaping the education mode. Online education has become a viable alternative all over the world, for students seeking degree. There are several online education schools and universities that offer quality education to prepare students for a flourishing career.

Online Education Schools

The University of Phoenix: It is the first institution to provide degree programs online. Established in 1976, The University of Phoenix, started to provide online programs since 1989. This university offers programs in Management, Nursing, Education, Business and Technology on Doctors, Masters and Bachelors level.

Westwood College: Founded in 1953, this college has fifteen campuses in Texas, Illinois, Georgia, Colorado and California. Westwood College offers sound career-based education that can reach a wide range of students. This online education institution offers degree programs in Healthcare, Criminal Justice, Industrial Services, Computer & Information Technology, Design and Business. The teachers of this institution are dedicated and have industry experience.

Walden University: Founded in 1970, Walden University has developed into a great online education institution that offers degrees in Doctoral, Masters and bachelors level. The mission of this university is to create a positive social effect. The staff and faculty at Walden University are dedicated to help students balance their education. The online degree programs of the institution are designed by scholars who continuously assess courses to make sure that they are relevant to the profession of an individual.

Kaplan University: Kaplan University offers degrees in Science and Arts, Financial Planning, Paralegal Studies, Nursing and Health care, Technology and Design, Education, Criminal Justice and Business. This university, a wholly owned business of Washington Post Company, offers certification for few programs, and degrees on Masters, bachelors and Associates level.

No matter where an individual is in his educational journey, he can get his certification or degree online. In online education, the course material on offer is completely electronic or virtual. Online education is cost-effective, and overhead costs are quite lower. In online education students select some course, and receive the study material at home. Students can achieve education degree and certification at their own pace, without even leaving their homes. There are numerous online learning institutions and universities to choose from. Almost all distance learning schools offers education degrees such as bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and Doctorate degree.

Degrees offered

• Students preparing for career must start with basic online course resulting in AS (Associate of Science) degree. Associate of Science degree in the interdisciplinary studies prepares a student to work as teacher’s assistant. This degree is less expensive and mainly takes 2 years to complete.

• Next step is BS (Bachelor of Science) or BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Elementary Education with focus on particular field of interest. This online education degree will prepare a student to teach in primary and high schools. Students can complete online bachelor’s degree within 2 years, and the cost is quite considerable.

• Some advanced degrees, such as MS (Master’s of Science) or MA (Master’s of Arts) in education are also available online. This program is for teachers who desire to enhance and develop their curricula. Online master’s degree may take 3 years to complete, depending on course of study. To teach in postgraduate or graduate education, Master’s degree is usually the minimum required.

• The peak of education online degrees is PhD or doctorate degree. Online PhD students can choose from specific field of study in order to specialize in Learning Management, Music Education, Higher Education, Special Education, Childhood Education and many more. Doctorate degrees prepare students for successful careers in their chosen field.

Are you planning to do a course online? Then it is better that you opt for a online certificate program in the place of a degree program. Many renowned universities nowadays are letting the students earn online certificates in various fields of study. The process of earning these online certificates is also not at all tough; there are only few steps that you need to follow before you go for getting these online certificates.

The procedure goes as the following:

a) Having an email account: You need to have the identity account of the particular university from which you are planning to do the online certificate course. If you are a regular student of the university then you might already have an account, if not then create a new one for yourself

b) Check out the calendar: After you have registered now its time for you to check out the course calendar to see what are the courses available and view the courses in detail before you decide and select a course

c) Adding to the shopping cart: After you have chosen a course now it is time to add the courses to the shopping cart. Then you should view the contents of the cart and check whether you have added all the courses and whether you need all the courses or not. If you do not need a course you can easily delete that course.

d) Enrollment process: After you have checked the contents of the shopping cart now it is time to enroll for the contents. For that you need to again login to the site of the university and register the courses which you want to continue online. You need to confirm your enrollment and given few minutes time to furnish all your details. The information about your classes will be displayed by the administrative service section of the concerned university

e) Paying : This is the last part of the total procedure. After the registration, in the sites of most universities you would find a ‘Click to Pay’ button. Click on that and now you have to furnish the payment details like the credit card number, card type, date of expiry and the name on the card. After furnishing the details, click on the submit button to process the transaction. You need to wait for some time to see the message appear confirming the transaction and the university accepting your enrollment.

These are the basic steps for successfully enrolling in an online certificate program.

A large number of students have found online degree programs very convenient and they are taking active interest in obtaining online certificates. Online degree offers a large number of benefits and conveniences to the students. Still there are several drawbacks which impel students to think twice before they can at all venture into any online degree course. There are several instances when the time and money have both been wasted as employers never value the online degrees.

Recent study

Several studies are also conducted in order to find out whether employers value online degrees.

Some of the studies are as follows:

• For the benefits of the online students several accredited agencies have cropped up like that of Distance Education and Training Council. The basic objective of such a council is to approve the degree or certificate issued by an online school. This approval is given on the basis of certain parameters that these agencies follow. With the application of such rules into play, about 66-67% of the employers have agreed to accept online degrees.

• A study conducted in 2001 revealed that two out of three DETC candidates were successful in transferring credit to other institutions.

• Certificates and degrees approved by Professional Organization like American Library Association are always valued if you want to work as a professional in any company.

• Employers usually do not value an online degree but if you can show some proof of validation then there is a high channel that it would be valued.

• Carefully selected and accredited schools are in most of the times accepted by the employers. However, traditional colleges are more liberal than in comparison to others as far as the credits are concerned. It is always expected that when you encounter an employer present your certification with confidence.

Distance learning is beneficial in several ways. They are especially advantageous for the working professionals, who can now easily up grade their educational qualification while continuing with existing job responsibilities. The advent of distance learning has actually changed the traditional concept of education. In fact, several renowned colleges and universities now offer distance learning. Earlier these distance learning programs utilized regular mail and offline internet resources for correspondence. Radio and television was also largely used to make educational broadcasts. But now, these kinds of education programs are carried out with the help of online classes. However, these classes generally cost more than a regular one. It is also mandatory of the distance learning to attain the online forums.

Some of the infrastructures allow the students to sit in traditional classrooms where they are connected to a teacher through videoconference. This technology has further increased the power of teaching and learning.

Reliability:

Generally these online colleges are very reliable and provide quality education. But it is always better to do a little research about the educational institute from you want to pursue your course. You must also compare the course content of your institute with the others functioning in the market, in order to get the best deal. However, generally there is no compromise on the quality because of the severe competition. Most of these institutes also cover considerable course material. In this way, the degree earned from such online colleges and universities differs from those offered by some educational institutes just for dollars.

Advantages:

• It provides flexibility of time and is very convenient to get such education.
• You have the freedom to learn at your own pace without a pressure from your training institute.
• You can decide your own schedule.
• Most of these courses are reasonable priced.

A helpful note:

There are now more than hundreds of universities and colleges that offer higher education opportunities through distance learning. But while selecting a university always check whether it is listed in the list of certified online Universities.