Online Colleges

Educated America

July 10, 2012 by Orlando

Education leads to a better life. But it’s not only our own lives that are impacted, but the lives of those around us change as well. As you continue to work hard to obtain your degree, it’ll be important during those late night cram sessions to know that your efforts are essentially going to make the world a better place for you, your family, and even your neighbors.

With the ability to reach virtually everyone on the entire planet, online education could be the key to everyone’s future and shape the world we live in. Education will change your life for the better. This infographic will show you the difference between those who have a college degree versus those who do not. It’s easy to see that gaining knowledge can make a world of difference.

College Student Reviews educated-america

Online College vs. Traditional College: How Do They Compare?

July 4, 2012 by Orlando

For most people, online universities are a mystery. What quality of education do they provide? Is an online degree just as valuable as one from a traditional, brick-and-mortar school? How do you know if online learning is right for you?

Here is a quick guide to how online universities compare to traditional colleges.

Traditional Colleges

Most people are familiar with the traditional classroom setting of a college or university. Students meet at set times and interact directly with teachers and classmates to complete projects and assignments. The traditional college classroom also creates a structured learning experience for students uncomfortable working alone.

Here are some other aspects unique to traditional colleges:

Commute to and from campus
Direct contact with instructors and classmates for immediate feedback
Textbooks and supplemental materials must be purchased
Larger class sizes means limited one-on-one interaction with instructors
Class performance partially based on student participation, usually verbal
Need to network with other classmates to get notes if you miss a class

Online Colleges

While some online colleges try to simulate traditional learning through “virtual classrooms”, most allow students to customize their own work and study schedules. But because there are no instructors in front of the students to keep them on task, online education also requires self-motivation and self-discipline.

Here are some other aspects unique to online colleges:

Written response to assignments and classes helps less outgoing students participate
No commute to campus
Interact with classmates around the country
No set class schedule
Lower tuition fees
No textbooks needed

Quality of Education

Online schools have changed a lot since they first came on the scene in the 1990s. Back then, programs were new, online technology was limited, and instructors had trouble adapting to the teaching methods required for online learning.

Today, more than 60% of colleges and universities including Harvard, Duke University and Pennsylvania State University offer online degrees. And with the demand for distance learning growing, top online colleges will continue to expand and improve their programs.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing an online university:

How much experience do the instructors have teaching online?
What training and credentials do the online instructors have?
How does the online curriculum compare with what is taught on campus?
Are there prerequisites or entrance requirements for the online degree program?
Does the online college offer a degree recognized by your profession?

Validity of Online Degrees

With more and more universities offering high-quality online degree programs, online degrees are becoming more recognized and accepted by a wide range of professions. The rise of “degree mills”, however, makes many employers cautious. Your best bet is to choose an online degree program from a well-respected traditional college or university.

Here are some common industries that recognize and accept degrees from online schools:

Internet/New Media
Technology
High Tech
Marketing/Media

Accreditation

With many less-than-reputable online degree programs out there, it’s important to find an online college that is accredited. There’s nothing worse than giving away your money to a degree mill and finding out that your degree is worthless. Choosing an online university that is accredited will also allow you to transfer your credits to other schools if you want to continue your education elsewhere.

Filed Under: Online Colleges

Earning a Bachelor’s Degree Online

June 4, 2012 by Orlando

In today’s competitive marketplace, employers demand that their workers have a college education. Today, distance learning makes getting an online bachelor degree possible without having to enroll in a college campus program.

Why Get a Bachelor Degree Online?

Advances in technology allow you to get the same quality of education from distance learning as you would from a campus program.

Here are some additional advantages of earning a bachelor degree online:

Work full-time while completing an online bachelor degree
Learn organization, research, and time management for today’s fast-paced industries
Become proficient in internet technologies and web-based research
Communicate and collaborate with peers and professors around the world
No travel or commuting expenses

Earning Potential

There’s no doubt that having a bachelor degree will help you earn more in your profession. On average, people with a bachelor degree earn between $10,000 to $20,000 more a year than people who have had some college education. A person with a bachelor’s degree will earn almost twice as much over their lifetime as someone with only a high school education ($2.1 million compared to $1.2 million).

Types of Bachelor Degrees

There are two types of bachelor degrees available from online degree programs. The bachelor degree in the arts (B.A.) is designed to provide a broad liberal arts and science background. The bachelor degree in science (B.S.) covers the same areas of study for a B.A., but is geared towards education for a particular profession.

The most common bachelor degree programs include:

Business Management
Criminal Justice Administration
Information Technology Management
RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Computer Science
Software Engineering
International Business Administration
Human Resource Management
Safety Engineering
Computer Network Management
Visual Communications
Marketing

Top Careers for Bachelor Degree Earners

With the median wage increasing for workers with higher education degrees, the advantage of having a bachelor degree is obvious. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the following occupations, which require bachelor degrees, will grow faster through 2016 than other occupations requiring the same education:

Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst
Computer Applications Software Engineer
Personal Financial Advisor
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
Financial Analyst
Forensic Science Technician
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Software Engineer
Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Choosing an Online Bachelor Degree Program

There are many factors that go into choosing the right online bachelor degree program. First you need to decide what degree you want to pursue. If you are changing careers or just trying to increase your marketability in your current profession, find out which degree will serve you best.

Next, search for distance learning programs which are fully accredited. A degree from a school which is not accredited may not be recognized or accepted by your employers. You will also be unable to transfer credits to other schools if your degree comes for an online school which is unaccredited.

Finally, research the admission requirements and expenses for the online school to which you are applying. You will need to get your finances in order, apply for financial aid, and make sure that you meet all of the prerequisites for admission

Filed Under: College Student Reviews, Online Colleges Tagged With: College Student Reviews, Online Colleges, Online Degrees

Optimizing Online Education

March 4, 2012 by Orlando

Is Online Learning Right for You?

Although online learning is a convenient way to get an education, it’s not for everyone. Review your financial situation before you do anything else. Financial aid may help with university classes, but do you have enough to cover textbooks? Also consider your schedule. Will you need to get childcare in order to take night classes?

If you agree with at least half of the following statements, pursuing an online degree may be the right option for you:

I am comfortable with computers.
I am disciplined and self-motivated.
I don’t have the time to commute to a campus.
I can’t get the degree or training I need from local schools.
I learn just as well from reading as from a lecture.
My online degree is recognized and accepted by my profession.

What You Will Need

Most distance learning is done online, so you’ll need to have consistent access to a computer with a reliable internet connection. The technologies used in online learning are pretty basic and familiar and include email, PDFs, forums and message boards. You may want to familiarize yourself with any of these applications if you haven’t used them in awhile.

Online learning is also reading-intensive, so make sure you’re the kind of person who can absorb written information well. Many online education programs also use technologies like streaming audio, video, podcasts, and chatrooms. Some also use other types of online programs, but these systems are easy to learn, and don’t require advanced computer skills.

Choosing Your Classes

Many online degree programs offer both asynchronous and synchronous classes. With asynchronous classes, students don’t have to interact at the same time and can post information of messages at their convenience. This is good if you’re the type of person who doesn’t like speaking in front of others or prefer to take more time with your responses.

Synchronous classes occur at scheduled times, and communication is usually done through video conferencing, chat rooms, and conference calls. In addition to being less convenient, synchronous classes may require additional resources such as a web cam, computer microphone, and a high-speed internet connection.

Finding the Right Online Degree

Taking charge of your education is a big step, so it’s crucial that you choose the program and degree best suited to your needs. You’ll have to weigh many practical considerations such as your schedule and personal finances. Do you need a full- or part-time program? Also, what do you plan to do with your online degree?

Here are some other important factors to consider when choosing an online learning institute:

What training or credentials do the instructors have?
What experience to the instructors have with online learning?
How many students will be in the course?
How is your work evaluated?
What is the pace of the course?

Filed Under: Online Colleges

Pros and Cons:Traditional vs. Online

January 19, 2012 by Orlando

You have many options in your education now-a-days. In addition to a degree choice, you have the decision between a ground campus and online degree programs. There are pros and cons to each. Take some time to carefully prioritize what’s most important at this stage in your life. Here’s a general list designed to get you started. Of course, you should cater this list to your personal circumstances to decide what’s best for you. Whatever choice you make, Grantham University wishes you every success in meeting your educational goals.

ONLINE EDUCATION

Pros:

Convenience: Do you have a full-time job? Are you an active member in the military? Do you have family members, including children, at home who you care for? Whatever the reason, not everyone can make time to sit in a lecture hall at 11 a.m. five days a week. If this sounds familiar, an online education would be ideal because of the flexible nature of classes offered. You complete your degree while balancing your work and family responsibilities.

Ability to Set Your Own Pace: Some online degree programs have frequent start dates – some even weekly. This allows you the opportunity to complete courses quickly.

Affordability: Not all online degrees are more affordable than traditional or community college rates, but some are. Enrolling in an online degree program ensures you don’t have to spend money on gas, parking or child care.

Cultural Diversity: Online students are in class with faculty members and students from around the globe.
Technology Benefits: Taking classes online and becoming familiar with modern technology will help you in your career. Been on a job interview lately? Employers will naturally like your professional demeanor and upbeat attitude, but a wide range of practical experience with computer software could set you apart from the competition.

Cons:

Time management required: Sure, completing homework at your convenience and on your schedule is a nice perk of enrolling in an online course. But you still have to have the discipline to finish assignments with a deadline in place. If you work 40 hours a week, budgeting time for homework could present challenges.

Limited face-to-face interaction: You’ll still get to meet other students in an online setting, but it will typically be via chat rooms or class discussion threads. If you don’t mind independent learning (conversely, built-in support systems through discussion boards exist in many online settings) with limited live interaction, this won’t be a problem.

Natural technology problems: Sometimes, you don’t have any control over the situation, but a computer might experience an operation failure. A huge storm may knock out your Internet connection. Without the Internet, you cannot complete your online course work. Make sure you have a backup plan in the event of a power issue. It always seems to happen during the most inopportune time.

TRADITIONAL EDUCATION

Pros:

Networking opportunities: Naturally, you meet more people face-to-face while attending a traditional university. As a result, your contacts will grow, and your networking opportunities will increase. (Of course, for employers paying for tuition reimbursement, this may mean that your employees are networking with future employers.)

Experience new places: This holds greater significance for out-of-state students who are not familiar with their university’s town. For some students, experiencing a different part of the country (or the world) is a valuable part of going to school that assists in areas of maturity, diversity and social opportunity.

On-site facilities: Students who enroll in a traditional university have the opportunity to take advantage of the institution’s many facilities, including the student union, gym, and athletic stadium.

Cons:

Strict scheduling: Sometimes enrolling in a specific course at a traditional university can present scheduling challenges, particularly for non-traditional students. If a desired course is only offered during the day, it’s difficult for working adults to set aside their full-time job just to sign up.

Affordability: Cost will vary, but admission into a traditional university, especially if it’s out of state, won’t come cheap.

Limited personal attention: This is particularly true in bigger state universities, where undergraduate lecture halls packed to the brim with 400-500 students is commonplace. One-on-one instruction doesn’t exist as much in these types of settings.

Filed Under: Online Colleges Tagged With: College Student Reviews, Free Online Colleges, Online Colleges

Online Accredited Degree Programs: College and University Options

August 7, 2011 by Orlando

Accreditation from a recognized agency attests to the quality of online programs offered at traditional and online-only schools. Even degrees that cannot be fully completed online may have hybrid programs that give a student the opportunity to complete the majority of coursework and then take an internship or clinical lab on-campus.

What Colleges and Universities Offer Accredited Degree Programs Online?

Communications technology allows colleges and universities to offer online degree programs. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education database of accredited schools (www.ope.ed.gov) can guide a prospective student to accredited degree programs offered over the Internet. Because program offerings change, prospective students may wish to follow up on colleges selected through the database by visiting the college’s website, which may also allow students to apply for admission online.

Types of Degrees Available

A prospective student can earn any degree that is available at traditional colleges online with the exception of degree programs that require hands-on training. In addition to a full range of degrees, including doctorate programs, colleges offer GED programs and certificates of achievement through online programs. Online degree completion programs allow a student with some college credit through earlier on-campus studies to fulfill the remaining degree requirements online.

Some associate’s degree programs can be taken entirely online. Students can earn an Associate of Arts in Psychology from an accredited degree program. Others include Associate of Applied Science in Human Services, Associate of Interdisciplinary Studies and Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems.

Bachelor’s degrees that can be earned online from an accredited college include Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Transfer students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies, Bachelor of Liberal Studies and Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Master’s degrees that are accredited can be earned online. Many schools offer online master’s degrees in education, business, psychology and information technology.

Types of Schools

Schools such as the University of Phoenix, Kaplan University and Capella University offer postsecondary education entirely online. Many traditional colleges have expanded their degree programs to an online presence. Some disciplines, such as nursing and engineering, are often presented as a hybrid course. Students attend clinical labs and workshops on-campus, but complete coursework online.

Filed Under: Online Colleges Tagged With: Accreditted, College Student Reviews, Free Online Colleges, Online Classes, Online Colleges, Online Degrees