All About Education 4 you

Thursday, December 31, 2009

A Look at Distance Learning


In these uncertain economic times, more and more people are evaluating their options when it comes to further education and job retraining. A stronger and more varied arsenal of skills can be a valuable asset that puts you ahead of even the toughest competition when it comes to the job market. However, not everyone has time to take out of their busy schedule to set aside for traditional school. Night classes are an option for some, but there are those who require even more flexibility when it comes to education – single parents for instance, or those whose current job schedules make it difficult to attend regular classes.

That’s where the concept of distance learning comes in. Distance learning in the modern world of today can offer you absolutely everything in the way of adult education that a brick and mortar school can. The degrees and skills you acquire are just as valid, the teachers just as knowledgeable, and the classes are just as interesting and enriching. You can take classes through the mail, via the internet, and even over the phone in some cases, making it easy to take care of young children at home and save money on expenses like gasoline and lunches out.

When it comes to distance learning, you usually have one of two options when it comes to how you go about things. Some programs work in much the same way traditional classes do with students gathering together at the same time to listen to a lecture or participate in the group experience via videoconferencing, chat, or telephone. This is known as synchronous distance learning and is a good option for those that learn best as part of a group, or who prefer to interact with an instructor in real time much as they would in a brick and mortar classroom.

The other option allows you to complete required reading and coursework on your own schedule and interact with your instructor via e-mail or other similar means. The ways in which course material can be presented are numerous and include audio cassette, CD, or DVD. E-mail, message boards, and printed material sent through the mail are also popular ways to learn at a distance. This method is known as asynchronous distance learning and is a wonderful option for those whose schedules are incredibly tight and need the freedom of being able to fit studying and coursework in when they have time. It’s also a good option for people who learn well on their own, or when working at their own pace.

The variety of degrees that can be earned and skills that can be acquired via distance learning are numerous. You can study to become an electrician or a plumber – a veterinary assistant or a paralegal.

Some programs even allow you to learn useful and necessary computer or technical skills that can help immensely when it comes to reinforcing your job security. Distance learning courses are often very affordable, too, allowing people who are eager to learn new skills and advance their careers to fit courses into even the tightest budgets. If you’re considering retraining as a gateway to a brighter future, distance learning may be just the thing to get your where you want to be.

Difference Between Online Education Vs. Traditional Education

These days, the internet has grown into a veritable wealth of information for college seekers. Everything from applying for financial aid to taking a course can be accomplished online. Now, a student can even obtain online degrees from one of many schools offering online education as a viable alternative to a traditional cl***room education. How different are these two methods of teaching, and do either prove better for the student? There’s an abundance of information regarding online education, and distance education is becoming increasingly popular for students everywhere.
First and foremost, there are some obvious benefits in obtaining online degrees. For example, juggling a job, school and a home can be very difficult as far as commuting to the cl***room every day. With online education, you eliminate the need to attend cl***es, and instead access your coursework from an internet website. This presents an obvious benefit to the overworked college student because his commute is basically slashed in half. What’s more, many distance education programs allow students to complete the coursework any time during the day, while still adhering to overall deadlines. This allows for flexibility that a traditional cl***room setting can ordinarily not provide.
However, is an online education truly comparable to the type of education a student would receive in an actual cl***room? Many professionals in the field say yes, and certainly students seeking online degrees can confirm this response. Not only does online learning provide a stimulating environment for students, but it promotes even interaction among every student because everyone has a say in cl***room discussions. What’s more, online education programs allow each student to learn with the methods that work best for them. Plus, many employers respect online degrees as much as a traditional college degree, so there’s really no difference in the amount of education or respect a student will receive when attending an online college.
While traditional colleges will never be eliminated, there’s definitely been an increase in the amount of students attending online colleges in recent years. Many people choose to follow the online education route for the diversity of material they can find, or because the teachers are more approachable via the internet than they would be in a cl***room setting. Students definitely need discipline and self-motivation to succeed in obtaining online degrees, but there’s still the same level of help and support from teachers and students online that there would be in a cl***room. What’s more, internet college students are learning skills that will be beneficial to them in the workforce and beyond because of the way technology is evolving today.
Online degrees are becoming an increasingly popular way to obtain a college education and many students are turning to online education because of the quality of material, convenience and the level of flexibility inherent in distance education programs. Because there’s no distinct differences between an online education and a traditional education, students are ***ured they are receiving the same kind of education that they would in a brick and mortar setting. There are definite benefits to online degree programs, and students with discipline and motivation can and will succeed greatly in online education programs.

Is Online Education Cheaper Than Traditional On-Campus Education?

Along with the widespread advantages of online education, wouldn’t that be an additional bonus if the tuition was cheaper as well? Contrary to popular belief, tuition fees for online education are not cheaper than your traditional brick and mortar college or university education. Current information that boasts cheaper online education can be misleading.
There are a lot of “what ifs” when it comes to education costs. Tuition will certainly be more expensive if you attend a private school as opposed to a public school. But you will not find any great cost savings by attending school online instead of on-campus. The courses you choose, whether online or on-campus, will generally cost you a specified amount per credit. Depending on the amount of credits your degree or certificate needs, will decide the total cost of your tuition.
If you do happen to come across an unbelievable deal for achieving your degree online, then beware. The validity of the degree may be as unbelievable as the price. Diploma Mills will take your money in exchange for a fake degree. They are a huge business and make lots of money off of the unsuspecting student. A sure sign of a Diploma Mill is if you see “Achieve your Bachelor’s Degree for $425” or “Get Your Degree in as little as 27 Days” –Beware! If what the online school is offering seems too good to be true – it probably is.
So, despite its convenience and flexibility, online education offers no cost advantage on your tuition. But wait, you can still save money. Having the ability to engage in your education from the comforts of your own home has many cost savings benefits attached to it. You could save hundreds or thousands of dollars alone in:
Auto Expenses – first off, there isn’t the extra expense of gas and we are all aware (and sensitive) towards our rising gasoline prices. Depending on how far you would typically have to drive to university, this could be a substantial savings. Parking on campus can also do a good job at keeping your wallets empty over the course of a semester. And there are always other accompanying costs which come with owning a vehicle.
Room and Board – If the college or university offering your program is too far away that you can’t commute, then online education can save you a huge chunk of cash on not having to pay for food and lodging close to the campus. Costs for room and board alone can sometimes add up to more than the tuition fees.
There are still other minor cost savings benefits that are recognized from taking your courses online. But the real benefit is that, if it wasn’t for online education, some people wouldn’t have the ability to pursue a post secondary education at all. Many are working or have families and they cannot attend school during the day. For others, online education can be the source of “hard to find” course that they need. The benefits are many.
The costs of developing, implementing and delivering distance education courses can be substantial. Online Institutions have not p***ed these costs onto the students as one would think. We are actually fortunate that the cost of online education isn’t higher than on-campus tuition.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Is Traditional Education Better Than Technology-Based Education?


This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding education. A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about education.

On-line education is in trend nowadays. In the future, students may have the opportunity to study at home with computers rather than go to traditional schools like what we are used to doing. And in some cases online education is the only way available.

The most common on-line form of education today is English tutorials. As of now, students and tutors use IM (instant messaging), headset and web camera as the path of communication and of education. Is this the better option?

People must prefer the traditional way because in a classroom setting, students can learn and socialize with their peers. Also, from the instructor, he or she can teach students many valuable lessons of life which cannot be learned through technology. It is like the question of doing research through the library or the internet. Both have advantages and disadvantages but traditional education has the numerous advantages over on-line education.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of education is no exception. There are always fresh and new ideas about education.

Students learn better socially and academically in a classroom. Students are mostly young-aged. Therefore, they are generally interested in meeting and being with their peers. As they interact, it makes it easier for them to pay focus and learn. As social creatures, one could not just stay secluded and educate his own self. That is impossible! We live, grow, learn and succeed with people along the way.

Besides lecture materials, a classroom instructor teaches many other important life lessons. Students can learn and develop punctuality and good study habits. A teacher serves as a guide through education process which is a big part of life. Another important mission is to direct youth out of trouble. There is this bond between the instructor and the students which could not be built on-line. As the source of education, a teacher is not around just to introduce books and exams but also, he or she is selfless enough to share the lessons life taught her or him.

We must prefer to study at traditional schools and let us send our children there. It is because being around other people of our age or different ages gives us the opportunity to socialize and learn not only from the internet or books but from the society and from life. We could also learn other things which are important to education such as study skills. On-line education or any form of technology-based education is convenient. However, let us not risk quality. Long-term goals must always be prioritized.

And of course the other thing would be peer pressure and the competitive spirit of being the best in the classroom. A little competition is always good.

No matter how advanced technology would be- there will always be these things that would stay best if they would be maintained as is. One of these things is education.

Is there really any information about education that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. The bottom line remains the same. I still believe that in my honest opinion, traditional education is the best, and always will be. But the most important thing is to get more education, any way that you can. Your learning process should be ongoing--the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others. Your life will improve for you and your loved ones.

Distance Education Tips

With the advent of information technology, more and more people are getting the full benefits from distance learning. In fact, people who were not able to finish their college courses due to some unavoidable circumstances can now get their college degree without having to resign or give up their current job. Distance learning is a new way of acquiring college and even doctorate degrees without having to attend formal schooling. People can get through the subjects needed to get the degree that they want just by getting brochures and learning materials through mail or through electronic methods. Fully completing a distance learning program, however, is not that easy and requires the same dogged determination and persistence, as with any schooling program. Therefore, for people who would like to earn their degree through distance learning easily and without too much hassle, here are some tips to guide you through:

1. Decide And Assess Yourself

- Distance learning is not for everyone who wishes to avail of its services
- In many cases, it can provide flexibility and ease of obtaining the much-needed degree
- But for some, it could mean boring methods and procedures and wearisome learning
- Ideal for those who can study independently in a self-directed manner
- Good for those who do not like interacting with a professor

2. Check Your Mailbox Daily, Electronic Or Otherwise

Distance learning is a continuous learning process. This means that the learning materials that you will need and your assignments or projects will be sent through mails, electronically or through snail mail. So it is best if you always check your mailbox every single day or even multiple times per day. There may be instances where missing a single day of checking your mailbox could mean tons of missed projects or work.

3. Flexibility Should Never Be Equaled With Laxness

Getting flexible schedule does not mean that you have to be lax on your studies. Being flexible on your class schedule would mean that it is up to you how or when you will study. Therefore, in order to succeed and finish your degree as soon as possible, it is best that you organize your schedule, those that concern your work, your family (if any), and your class schedule. It is just a matter of time management. Keep in mind that it is best if you will always set a regular time for your study. In this way, you will never have to worry about getting all things mixed up.

4. Find A Quiet Place To Study

Because you will be entirely on your own when getting a degree through distance learning, it is best that you find a quiet place to do your homework or review your lessons. In this way, you will be able to ponder on things that needed more attention without having to worry about any distractions.

5. Reading Is Comprehension, Not Memorizing

When you read, it would be better to understand the text and subject matter thoroughly instead of memorizing them. In distance learning, memorization is a useless technique. What matters most in distance learning is that you understand the subject matter thoroughly and that you can easily grasp the meaning of the text given to you.

6. Improve Your Communication Skills

There are people who are having more difficulty in talking to other people through the microphone or the conference call than speaking in public. They contend that not seeing the other person is more difficult to deal with than talking to them face to face. These people insist that they could not see whether the other person is satisfied with the answers or not. In distance learning, corrections can be made for people who are having difficulty regarding this matter. Just keep in mind to pay attention to the instructions given and to listen attentively. Try to incorporate some, if not all, of these tips and you will surely finish your degree in a breeze. Just remember that distance learning is not an easy alternative of studying or getting a degree. It is just an option for those who do not have time to go to formal school.

Distance Education: Education Through Distance Learning


Learning is a lifelong process. Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know. As we grow so does our need to know more. To aid this learning through life, we have many options, thanks to the world turning into a global village. Moreover, with competition being the buzzword today, the mantra for survival is the right career decisions made at the right time!

Distance Education is increasingly becoming popular all over the world due as it has many benefits. The main benefit of it is that a people can continue education while continuing their work.

Essentially, the need of the hour today is a one-stop shop for all your queries pertaining to education. Distance Education brings the opportunity to study all over the world. There are many refurbished websites that caters to the ever-changing needs of students, parents and academicians.

Students can enroll for various courses and they do not need to attend regular cl***es. Today, with advanced technology, you don’t need to visit the institute at all, just enroll for courses available in internet. There are many courses and features that you can enroll for like:-

Executive MBA: Extensive information on executive education, management studies, trends, and courses available.

Distance Learning: Distance learning courses, universities, concepts, purpose, benefits, etc.

Toolkit: Mind enhancers, communication skills, perfect resume, interview guide, and more!

Study Abroad: Unlike other websites dedicated to education, here, all information on study abroad is classified country wise, so whether you are looking for info for study in UK or study in Singapore, you know where to click!

While enhancing your career, distance education is the decent options to obtain best education, many people require the education to give them the knowledge, believability, and expertness to effect positive change in today’s society.

Distance Education is a comprehensive education and open learning programs, means you study in your own time anywhere. So whether it is choosing the right career path, seeking admission in colleges, funding education or looking for professional advice.

Needless to say, Distance Education is a boon to students, parents and academicians, more like anyone who is interested in lifelong learning!