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Specify the Goals of Your College Education

September 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

College is all about decisions. You have to decide where to attend school, where to live while at school, what technology to buy for school, and where you are going eat after class is over. Most students enter college with an unassuming innocence and think that things will just fall into place after they graduate. With a dismal looking job market, every bit of technical education gained in college counts.

This most recent economic downturn has been labeled by some as the “Mancession” because of the loss of physical labor, warehouse, and manufacturing jobs commonly associated with men. About 71 percent, or 7.5 million, male related jobs were lost during the recession. A lot of people are turning to lower wage positions in the service industry because they lack the skillset needed to excel in the changing job market.

While these labor intensive jobs are drying up and heading overseas to countries like India and China, new jobs in the IT, Pharmacy Tech, and Hospital industries are expanding. Because a lot of baby boomers are set to retire soon, there will be a higher demand for more skilled workers to fill these roles. It may seem like a daunting task to learn a completely foreign vocabulary of career jargon, but colleges are set up to help you through it as smoothly as possible.

Gaining a solid technical education in college is becoming an important step to finding a career. While a general education is offered by most universities, there are numerous schools, online and offline, that ditch the traditional basics and prepare you for a focused career path. Trade schools are designed to essentially get you in and get you out with the latest technical knowledge available.

If you choose to attend a traditional university, make sure to arm yourself with the latest career information and get to know your academic adviser. When you speak with a college adviser, you need to be prepared and do some research. Most advisers are swamped with students looking to fill out their credit hours for the semester and just offer a couple of set templates for schedule options. If you go through the academic catalog before speaking with an adviser, you can have a conversation about what classes will be best for your career.

Many people choose to go to college out of tradition or because their families insist upon it. If you are one of these people, make the most out of your opportunity and leave your college experience with a high-quality and in-demand knowledge base.

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The Best Ways to Get Your Hands on Cheap Textbooks

July 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Fortunately for future generations, it seems that overly expensive textbooks are becoming a thing of the past. Scans, PDFs, iPads, Kindles, and just plain kindness are pushing more and more professors to abandon the textbook requirement all together. Yet, for many college students, textbooks still remain an obnoxious necessity of academic pursuit. However, there are worthwhile ways to curb the cost of textbooks or completely chuck the price tag all together. You just need to be aware of them:

Textbook Rental Sites

Hopefully every college student on Earth has heard of these companies. Chegg.com is the most popular, but the process is identical for all: you rent a mail order textbook and send it back when you’re done. It’s like a boring version of Netflix except you save a lot more money. The majority of users of these sites rate their experience very highly and recommend them to others.

Online Classifieds

Chegg.com was originally conceived as a “Craigslist for college,” and was only tweaked after the founders discovered textbooks were the predominant reason people used their service. Traditional online classifieds remain a terrific place to look for textbooks, especially if you live in a college town. Always make sure to communicate the necessary edition before deciding to meet up. Otherwise, you may either forget to ensure it’s the right one or waste your time on a book you can’t buy.

Social Networks

Facebook isn’t too keen on the idea that users can potentially turn it into a classifieds site with more refined marketing, but nothing stops you from utilizing your swath of friends. Many no doubt attend the same school you do, so several may have the book you’re looking for and vice versa. Sharing or reselling are definite possibilities as is good old fashioned donating. Just make sure to remember to pay it forward when the time comes.

Online Survey Taking

Countless companies utilize online survey services to learn more about ways to improve their products. In turn, these survey sites employ individuals that meet their demographics requirements. In return for participating in online surveys, members of the public often receive gift cards to sites like Amazon.com. Just by filling out a few surveys in your spare time you could cut the cost of buying a textbook through Amazon or other online retail sites.
Textbooks are in a terminal state of relevance, but don’t hold your breath thinking you can evade them for the entire duration of your higher education. They can cost more than $100, which can cripple a college kid’s budget. But that doesn’t have to be the case if you know where to look.

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Excuses for Not Getting a College Degree Are Running Out

June 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The unemployment rate for non-college graduates compared to those with a four year degree is
a figure that alone should drive even the most pessimistic of post-high school education toward
a college fair. Even in good economic times the difference between the college educated and
non-college educated workforce unemployment numbers varies several points. Trust me, the
college graduate unemployment rate is never lower than the non-college graduate unemployment
rate. With general labor jobs going overseas more and more every year and the remaining slots
of employment becoming more and more specialized, the incentive to get a college degree has
never been higher.

The post-graduation economic advantages are not the only reason why anybody who says they
can’t or they won’t get a four-year degree are simply kidding themselves. Recent reforms in
student loan processes have made it far easier for those with limited monetary means to afford
the expense of a college degree. The federal government has taken control of the majority of
student loan and grant programs, paving easier access through cheaper rates. The long-term
weight of student loan payments has also been lessened to an extent. Federal loans are hereby
going to be claused to include a term in which two decades of faithful payments will forgive any
additional federally-dispersed student loan debt.

Then there’s the assortment of further education opportunities that simply didn’t exist even
ten years ago. Many universities across the U.S. have improved their night programs to allow
working adults to have easier access to education. Online degrees can be obtained through
thorough online college programs, allowing anyone with a home computer or access to one to
work on and receive a college degree from their living room. It’s a whole new world of higher
education avenues and anyone who still thinks it’s an impossible journey just isn’t looking at an
updated enough of a map.

Check college rankings for an idea of what program potentially works best for you. Even if you
live in an area where college options are few and far between, online college rankings can help
you find an online program that can fit the desired education you’ve always wanted but felt was
impossible to attain. Contact admissions offices and don’t hesitate to ask the important questions
that have had you bogged down in indecision for years. That’s what these people are there to do.

If you’re without a college degree and over the age of 25, statistics have your work to find work
cut out for you. Don’t get lost among the competition because you didn’t know about all the
different paths to being a college graduate you could take. The education opportunities will
continue to expand for years to come, but employment opportunities will stay competitive for
years. Time is of the essence; get yourself a degree as soon as possible to keep up with everyone
else

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My Apologies

June 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hi All,

Sorry too all that may have been affected by the mess that that I created today. Rest assured eLearning 3.0 blog was NOT hacked, it was merely an accident. I screwed up. You may have noticed over 1000 posts in my Twitter feed and on the site. I was in the database and accidentally merge a couple of my posts tables from another site.

My sincerest apologies,

Lee

Filed Under: Featured

The Advantages of an Online MBA Program

May 25, 2011 By 5 Comments

In a struggling economy, finding a good job is more difficult than ever. More and more qualified applicants apply for the dwindling number of lucrative positions, which means you need every possible advantage you can find to stand out above the crowd and find a good position. While a Bachelor’s Degree is practically mandatory, a Master’s Degree greatly improves your employment opportunities. The problem is finding the time to pursue a degree after you’re already working.

That’s where an online MBA program is so helpful. Because of the time constraints associated with higher education, and because the majority of those seeking an MBA are usually already working a full-time job and often raising a family, it’s more difficult than ever to make the time to carry a full load of classes at a local university. Enter the world of eLearning.

An online MBA program gives you the opportunity to finish your degree while working a full-time job, raising kids and more. The ability to study online, without the need to attend classes on a physical campus makes eLearning more efficient, especially for adult students. And the variety of quality programs available makes it easier than ever to find a web-based program to meet your needs.

Online degree programs are available in a number of disciplines, though some subject areas are more easily adapted to eLearning. Computer related fields are an especially good option, for instance. But so are business and technology, among many other things. Online MBA programs even exist for nursing and other more technical job classifications.

Many local colleges and universities offer online classes now. That makes it especially easy to attend a college you know without having to drive across town to campus. Another great benefit is that you can often finish your degree in much less time than when taking traditional classes. That can help you advance in your career more quickly as well.
An online university such as the University of Phoenix (UOPX), not only offers a full line of degree programs, but they’re also highly respected in the educational realm. That means you don’t have to suffer with a degree from an unknown institution just because you take your classes online.

Online MBA program offer several distinct advantages over traditional college campuses. The ability to take classes with an already full schedule, complete a degree more quickly and still receive a quality diploma from a recognized school are all important aspects of a good education. eLearning only adds to the benefits derived from completing your Master’s degree.

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The Added Benefits of Grade Schools Going Green

May 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

In a nation with educational programs continually on the chopping block, it makes sense more than ever for our school systems to wean themselves off the absolute need for pulp. Student response systems and other electronic methods of exhibiting information and collecting work are a worthwhile investment for any school administrator looking to cut down the long term costs of paper. Schools go through paper like crazy when you think about it: all those tests, study guides, copied hand-outs, printed packs of research, et cetera, really add up to tons of trees and millions of dollars every year. But making the switch to a more digitized way of not only displaying but distributing information in schools can benefit the task of educating itself as well as curb serious costs.

Manufacturers of state-of-the-art teaching tools are designing their products strictly to enhance the student’s experience and make the teacher’s job easier. These benefits obviously complement the overall savings and are in fact the true highlight of going green in the classroom. Handheld devices are being made to take the place of pen and paper in the testing process: students can answer questions with the touch of a button as instructed by the teacher on an overhead Smart Board depicting the test to the whole class. Simple question and answer sessions conducted by these same methods can allow students to give answers, even ones meant for the whole class to hear, anonymously. The data collected can be taken by the teacher and broken down into digestible metrics.

Taking steps to integrate students’ own devices into the classroom experience is also another way to avoid massive paper waste while also ensuring that information isn’t lost when the final bell rings. Allowing students to operate their laptops, iPads, and other personal computers keeps them from having to take home heavy reams of information every week, saving countless sheets in the process. If students only have access to the school’s computers and one at home, initiate a dedicated self-emailing regimen for your classroom to follow after every piece of information is received and work needs to be saved. Emphasize the importance of the flash drive. An investment teachers could easily sell to the administrators is one in flash drives. Every kid can be assigned one each year.

Interactivity is not only essential for any classroom trying to compete against the outside forces of television and social media, it’s necessary to thwart these influences taking hold of our children while they’re in the classroom. In just a few years we’re going to have kids show up in our classrooms with no understanding of a world without mobile access to content. You’ll have to make sure you keep this mobile content out of your classroom by either tying up the devices themselves with your own content or reducing their time to focus on them by offering your own interactive competition.

All the while you’ll be saving trees and other good green things. Very few opportunities in reducing the cost of education enhance the classroom environment as much as they save money. Take advantage of the digital leap and leave paper back where it belongs – in the forest.

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Importance of Integrating Computer Technology In Child Education

April 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Importance of Integrating Computer Technology In Child Education

The world has become far more technologically literate and the unparalleled growth of social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter have, in kind, led to a certain level of backlash and technophobia on the part of some parents that see technology as a deficit for their children. Children do in fact spend far less time outside and partaking in physical activity from the recent past and some parents feel that video games are a part of this. But as some official sources have stated, the issue isn’t clear-cut or black and white. Simply put, our world is becoming increasingly techno oriented and it_s extremely important for parents to expose their children to this in order to better prepare them for skills they_ll need later on in life.

The Guardian, an independent UK based periodical, released an article discussing the prevalence of video games in our society. Where before baseball and other outdoor activities were the center in which many social circles operated, this has shifted to Internet based media. Computer games, once based on two bit mapping systems, are now highly advanced programs that engage the brain in a multi-faced way. The article argues that, most computer games are helpful for children anywhere from console based to preschool games.

The Guardian, though, makes it a point not to condone the use of game depicting violence since it does seem to have a proportion response and increase in levels of aggression in children who’ve had extensive exposure. Overall it_s argued that the benefits of further production and innovation in this field will only aid in the development of the youth in our shared cultures.

In recent years there have been huge strides in further integration of computer technology in the classroom. It_s hoped that though using many technologies, initially designed for entertainment, and refitting them for educational purposes, our educational system can begin to make up for its many deficits such a lack of teachers and outdated books. A school in Tennessee, as TechSpy reports, is now requiring every student to have iPads as the primary teaching method.

From the iPad, children can brows through lesson plans, take tests, and write papers. Though this is in its infancy, it’s likely that this approach will only become more common as the cost of education, child population, and need for quality technological education and exposure increases.

It’s not surprising that there’s been a backlash against some computer games and other increased use of computers but, whether it’s a positive or negative, this is the way the world is going. Any society the rejects technology and its further education and uses will find itself sorely lacking in innovation and as a competitor in the world market. If America hopes to compete against rising giants like China and India, it will have to learn to embrace the world of high tech.

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How to Choose an Online PhD Program

March 23, 2011 By 5 Comments

One way you can boost your earning power, as well as enrich your mind, is to get another degree. A PhD can help you demonstrate your expertise in a certain area, as well as possibly get you a raise. However, it can be difficult to attend a university to get your degree, due to work schedule, family life, and restrictive budgets. This is where online PHD programs can be of use. You can study on a flexible schedule, and an online education tend to be less expensive, since it does not require the same campus resources.

It’s vital to research online programs for a PhD carefully.. If you get a PhD from a program without the right credentials or credibility, future employers may questions your authority in the field. As you choose an online PhD program, here are some things to consider:

Accreditation

One of the most important things you can do as you vet online PhD programs is to make sure that your choices are properly accredited. The process is voluntary, and any school that decides to submit to it can gain proof they offer services of a certain quality. The process includes a review of faculty, course content, admission procedures, and other factors. Schools are expected to make improvements if the review doesn’t meet established standards. Check with the Department of Education, as well as with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, to see whether or not your preferred program actually has the right credentials.

Individualized Instruction

One of the myths surrounding online education is that you won’t receive personalized instruction. However, this is not usually the case, especially for this type of degree. While you might not spend as much time meeting an instructor in person, there is a good chance that you will be able to receive help through instant chat, email and other means. A good online PhD program will employ instructors that you can reach via email or phone, and that will include question and answer sessions.

Additionally, you might still be required to attend classes in person for some portion of the program. This type of rigorous education can work in your favor, indicating that you are, indeed, getting a PhD from a reputable program. On top of that, individualized instruction can be of benefit to you. Remember that a good education benefits you in terms of your own knowledge as well as showing others your qualifications.

Cost

Of course you also need to consider the cost of the program in question. Unaccredited online PhD programs might be cheap, but they might not have the right kind of credentials to get you a proper pay raise. The key is to find a program that offers good value for your money. There has to be a balance between a good education and a reasonable cost.

There is student funding available for PhD programs. You can get financing from the program, or from government grants. There are also federal student loans available for PhD programs. However, you have to be with an accredited program in order to get funding from reputable sources. Look for low interest loans. You might also be able to get scholarships based on need or on merit.

It is important to be choosy about your online PhD program, and do your research. Make sure you find a university that is reputable, and that will offer you the education and skills that you need.

by Bryan Tice is an education writer for Universities.com—a resource site to compare online PhD programs

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mLearning is Coming!

February 7, 2011 By 1 Comment

With the evolution of mobile technology, the next step of education is naturally bringing eLearning to mobiles. The main four mobile operating systems are: iOS, Android, RIM & Symbian. As we know, the final product of the majority of eLearning projects is Flash. As of today, Symbian supports Flash Lite, and  Google (with Adobe’s help) has done a wonderful job of making a full version of Flash work on Android devices. That leaves Apple’s iOS and BlackBerry’s RIM as the only platform not to support Flash, with the exception of BlackBerry’s tablet, called the PlayBook. You can take the time to write custom apps work like your eLearning, but that costs too much in both time and money.

So what other solutions does that leave us with. As many know, I’ve been very skeptical of HTML5 technology, mainly because so many are saying its the silver bullet solution to compatibility issues. Well, I’m still not sold on that, but I do think it is a great tool to have at your disposal, especially in the eLearning world.

TextImageLeft 01 161x300 mLearning is Coming!

Rapid Intake mLearning Studio

Last week I was given a demo of a new eLearning tool, Rapid Intake’s mLearning Studio, that produces both a Flash based course for desktop and laptop computers, as well as an HTML5 version that works on iOS, Android and soon RIM. The beauty is that you don’t have to write two versions of the same course.

Here is a live link (http://rapidintake.com/mobilebeta/sample_beta1/player.html) to a course they produced. Go ahead, take a look at the Flash version on your computer, then pull out your iPhone, iPad or Android (2.2+) device and take a gander at the HTML5 version. The technology is still in the development stages, so if you have any trouble accessing it from your Android, try this link (http://rapidintake.com/mobilebeta/sample_beta1/indexMobile.html) instead.

Here is a link (http://www.rapidintake.com/products/mobile/mobile-learning-studio/) to their product page. Take a look, and feel free to contact them with your questions!

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37signals’ Idealogy Meets Online Training

September 3, 2010 By 3 Comments

This is a blog mini-series that I’m writing for Mindflash about applying 37signals’ principles to online training. Check out this clip from the first post:

meetings are toxic 37signals’ Idealogy Meets Online Training

Part 1: Meetings are toxic

“The worst interruptions of all are meetings.”

Why are meetings toxic? Here are just a few reasons:

  • Meetings tend to drift off subject
  • Meetings usually have vague agendas
  • Meetings interrupt productivity
  • People call meeting because they like to hear themselves speak
  • One meeting tends to spawn another meeting, which tends to lead into several other follow-up meetings.

If you’ve ever called a meeting to discuss the status of Course X or met with your team of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) you can probably relate to a few of the issues mentioned above. Everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame. They want to deliver the PowerPoint they spent way too much time designing. Most of all, they want to show their peers how smart and productive they are. The real problem with meetings is people!

Read the full post here…

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