ARCHIVE FOR OCTOBER 2007

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette asked its readers to write about their experiences with the Internet and higher education; and several wrote about distance learning and online schools in the issue that was published today.

In it, highlights from readers are included in an article that is positive and encouraging regarding the merits of online classes, online degrees, online research for traditional classes and the online learning experience.

The responses overwhelmingly report that online education has opened up new possibilities and opportunities in a format that is flexible, high-quality and efficient. Employers love that their employees do not have to miss time at work, families have more time together, and students appreciate not having to drive to school and sit in a classroom for hours.

These personal accounts in the Post-Gazette also reflect the changes that are taking place in higher education — how technology is transforming the ability to learn and access information.

Our readers speak out

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Eleanor Chute, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

With Internet use so pervasive in higher education, we asked our Web readers to answer this question:

How has the Internet changed your life in college or trade school?

Here are some of their answers, edited for publication. Readers are invited to add their own responses by e-mailing postscript@post-gazette.com. Be sure to include your full name and address.

David A. Hornyak, 41, of Greenfield, director of advising, University Honors College, University of Pittsburgh, completed master’s and doctorate at Pitt. For me, the biggest change was in how I did research. For my master’s degree (awarded in 1993), I spent hours in libraries searching for printed journal articles, making photo copies of them, etc. But when I was working on my PhD (awarded this past April), the journals were online and I downloaded articles directly to my computer as a PDF, so I was able to do my research anyplace– at home, at a coffee shop.  More

online schools, online degrees, online education, online classes, distance_learning, e-learning, higher_education, Pittsburgh_Post-Gazette, Internet

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The thrill of motorcycle riding is a pleasure reserved for those who love adventure and the outdoors. And online schools may offer a doorway to turning this passion into an exciting career.

The California Wine Country, where I live, is one of the best destinations for motorcycle riding in the United States. The weather, the winding Northern California roads, the proximity to the coastline and beaches, and the views of beautiful countryside wineries all culminate in the perfect place to ride.

But for those who want to take this passion to a new level, vocational training in motorcycle engines may be the next best thing.  Imagine, doing what you love for a living!

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix and Orlando offers hands-on training for Harley-Davidson, American Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki. The manufacturers of these fine machines offer a superb training facility in order to provide the best possible environment for learning. WyoTech also offers excellent on-campus training.

Those who love motorcycles and prefer online education may prepare for a career as a specialist in motorcycle engines. It is possible to earn an online professional certificate in Motorcycle Repair or Small-Engine Repair in as few as 9 months.

Online schools that offer this certificate include:

• Penn-Foster Career School
• Ashworth College Online
• Stratford Career Institute

For those who wish to earn a college or university degree before diving into a mortorcycle specialty, an online bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering offers a solid foundation that may offer management opportunities down the road.

So take a ride on the wild side . . . and earn big bucks at the same time!

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In Texas, two school district superintendents were discovered to have have suspect Ph.D.’s after their names. They received these doctoral degrees from institutions outlawed by the state of Texas.

In spite of warnings and publicity about the $1 billion diploma mill industry, the slick, hyped-up advertising still draws willing victims into the web of deception. This drives Directory of Schools to continue to alert consumers about the dangers and risks of partnering with criminals who are operating under the radar of law enforcement officials.

Diploma mills are unscrupulous businesses, masquerading as schools, that sell authentic-looking college ’life experience degrees’ or ‘novelty college diplomas’ and require little or no academic work.

However, the available information is helping those who are confused about how to spot these wolves in sheep’s clothing.  It is not difficult to find an accredited online school these days, especially with the number of helpful resources out there, including the comprehensive listing of accredited colleges on the Department of Education web page.

Also, a listing of illegal educational institutions is available from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Since the use of these institutions is a misdemeanor in Texas, such a list is important to those who are ready to choose a traditional or online school.

The information is particularly helpful in highlighting diploma mills that have the exact name or a simlar name to an accredited college or university.

“Fraudulent or substandard schools” are not allowed to be used in Texas to obtain employment, promotion, benefits, compensation, a professional certificate or license, admission to an educational program or any paid or unpaid position in government.  The laws apply to ’schools’ both inside and outside of the United States.

Don’t be a willing victim. Be informed and choose only accredited colleges.

diploma mills, online schools, Directory of Schools, life experience degree, accredited online schools, Department of Education, Texas, online_schools, colleges and universities, employment, professional certificate, life experience degree, novelty degree

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Although I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from traditional USC (University of Southern California), I longed to experience taking an online class. After all, that is what I write about on this blog.

So to test the waters, I enrolled in an online Computer Web Design class at the local junior college. To apply and register took less than an hour and cost $43 — all accomplished online.

The professor, a Stanford graduate, sent out an e-mail directing his students to a web page that contained all of the basic information we needed for the class — the syllabus, resource page, grades page, message board, detailed numbered assignments, quiz information, etc. The syllabus directed us to buy a textbook and cd, which I ordered online. My text was on sale at Amazon, which was a plus.

We were asked to introduce ourselves on the message board; and I found that a large percentage of my class was already working in software design, graphic design, engineering or computer science industry. There were about 125 of us, according to the introductions. As a novice on the technical side of the computer, I wondered whether I had been a tad ambitious in picking this particular class as my online education experiment. But I have an adventurous streak in me; so I forged ahead.

Each week, we received a detailed e-mail from our teacher explaining any pitfalls or special instructions regarding the assignment that was due that week. The assignment instructions, when I printed them out, were detailed — running from 3-7 pages each week.

On average, we had to read about 50-70 pages each week of technical material, watch the appropriate video lessons on the cd, take an open book quiz (which was tricky), take part in the class discussion on the message board and upload our multi-part web page project to the junior college server for grading. Then, within a day, we could check our grades by using our student identification number.

I wish I could say that I sailed through the entire class without a snag; but I quickly learned to depend upon my interactions with the teacher and the other students to complete my assignments successfully. And because the class was online, following the written instructions was crucial to saving time and avoiding errors.

And what else did I learn?

1. Budgeting my time was critical. I stayed up all night once completing an assignment; because I ran into multiple snags. If I had started earlier in the week, I would not have missed my sleep.
2. I had more interaction with my online teacher than I ever did with traditional classes. Anytime I ran into a problem, I either e-mailed him directly or wrote to him on the message board. He always responded in a timely manner, even on Sunday evening when I hit a wall.
3. Message boards are great for interacting with fellow students. The students were great about helping each other and laying out their own problems and solutions so others could benefit.
4. Open book quizzes require a lot of study. The teacher fashioned the quiz questions so that the answers were not easily found in the book. You had to read and understand the material in order to do well on the quizzes. We were only allowed to log into the quiz once; so I always tried to finish it quickly to avoid getting a zero if the Internet connection cut off.
5. My teacher was amazing! He handled questions and problems from students 7 days a week from over 100 remaining students (a few dropped the class) and kept a positive ‘You can do it’ attitude. All this with a wife and 2 young children at home.

Would I do it again? I must say — I am hooked. Taking an online class was challenging; but I learned that I can do it. I did well in the class. And I did everything from home on my own computer on my schedule. You really can’t beat that!

I received a class e-mail today about the things we can learn in Part B of Computer Web Design – more on cascading style sheets, tables, borders, linking photos, html, etc. I really don’t need to take that class to move onto Dreamweaver, my ultimate goal. Why put myself through all of the deadlines, work, projects, etc.?

Yet, today I found myself registering for Part B of Computer Web Design with my same teacher. And who knows? I may later pursue an online masters degree in information technology.

After all, as I said, I have an adventurous streak.

online class, online masters degree, online degree, web design, computer, online education, information technology, Stanford, USC, University of Southern California, graphic_design, software_design, engineering, Dreamweaver

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Frustrated middle school and high school officials across the country have outlawed iPods in the classroom. Students have used them to cheat on exams and are not attentive when listening to their downloaded music during class.

However, creative schools are using the popular technology to connect with students and spur interest in educational topics.

Jose Marti Middle School in Union City, New Jersey, uses iPods to help bilingual students learn English grammar and vocabulary. The students listen to songs in English as a supplement to their language studies. School officials believe strongly enough in the use of iPods for educational purposes that they plan to distribute 300 of the devices to children in poor New Jersey schools. This $130,000 experiment has already gained the interest of school districts all the way to California who are taking a second look at the usefulness of iPods.

New Jersey schools have already used iPods to teach English, French, Spanish and science. The iPods used in classes cost about $250 each and are equipped with a video screen. Headsets are also provided to students.

Colleges have already begun to make use of the popularity of iPods. In 2004, Duke University provided iPods to the freshman class that contained preloaded orientation information. A number of Duke classes now require an iPod; but the university no longer provides them free of charge.

The use of iPods is just another way that today’s technology is showing up in the classroom. Laptop computers have already become a fixture among students in college. Mini-devices like the iPod, which are light and portable, may lay the groundwork for a future cross between a laptop computer and an MP3.

The use of the latest technology in early education is a smart move. New Jersey is leading the way in combining proven educational strategies with the technology culture of today’s generation. And thankfully, students — like those at Jose Marti Middle School — will discover that learning really can be fun.

middle schools, high schools, education, colleges, iPods, New Jersey, Duke University, teaching, learning, technology, MP3

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The Sacramento Bee has uncovered the results of an investigation involving 16 firefighters who used diploma mills to gain pay raises between April 2005 and April 2006.

They collectively received $50,000  from the Sacramento Fire Department based on fake college degrees. However, the firefighters’ union blocked any attempt to recover the monies once the deception was uncovered.

Unlike several similar cases in police and fire departments throughout the country, the results of this investigation were quietly tucked away from the public’s eyes and ears, the firefighters were allowed to keep the raises already paid out, and they were not disciplined.  However, further pay raises were halted.

The firefighters received their fake college degrees from online businesses masquarading as colleges, and completed little or no academic work. Diploma mills usually accept any prior ’life experience’ and education – plus a hefty check – in exchange for an impressive-looking diploma.  Often, fake transcripts are also provided as a bonus.

The firefighters claimed to be unaware that their college degrees from Madison, Rochville and Almeda,  did not meet the rigorous standards of accredited online schools. Fire officials became suspicious when they observed that the majority of those applying for education incentive raises had chosen the same schools.

The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District is also investigating a dozen employees who used two fake degree mills to meet requirements for a pay raise. However, the department has disciplined and punished several firefighters as a result of the investigation.

These unfortunate situations underscore the importance of not using fake college degrees to pad a resume! Eventually, the deception is bound to be discovered!

diploma mill, fake college degree, bogus degree, degree mill, Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Fire Department, accredited online schools, Madison University, life experience degree, Rochville University, Almeda University, resume, education, online schools

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For Civil War buffs, tonight’s world premiere of ‘Appomattox’ by the San Francisco Opera is the place to be.

This history lesson, set to the music of Philip Glass, is a dramatic presentation of events leading to the end of the Civil War. The character roles of President Lincoln, General Robert E. Lee, General Ulysses S. Grant, and their wives are brought to life by acclaimed singers of the opera world.

Stanford University’s freshman class received a treat when they attended the final dress rehearsal of Appomattox this past Tuesday evening, along with students from S.F. Bay Area junior high and high schools. Students’ eyes were riveted to the Opera House stage as the drama and libretto related the difficulties experienced by both sides in the remaining days of the war, especially the painful decisions facing Lincoln and the leading generals, Grant and Lee.

The heated debates over slavery, the depiction of mothers who lost sons in the war, and the views of African-American slaves who had the chance to fight as soldiers are all part of this thought-provoking production. Many more students should have the chance to enrich their education with high-quality events such as this; and hopefully, parents and teachers will remain alert for such opportunities.

No doubt, students who witnessed this living American history will never again be able to view the Civil War as dry, dull words on a page.  Bravo to the San Francisco Opera.

Civil War, education, teachers, students, slavery, President Lincoln, San Francisco Opera, War Memorial Opera House, Stanford University, American history, opera, opera singers

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As an update to our previous post, the diploma mill scandal in South Korea, has sadly become a soap opera of unexpected magnitude.

Surprisingly, what began as an investigation into bogus college credentials, now involves a widening array of celebrity characters – including a disappearing and reappearing art curator, a presidential official, a popular Buddhist monk (Venerable Ji Gwang), a celebrated actress (Yoon Suk-hwa) and others in business, education, art and entertainment.

Those involved in the scandal have suffered major blows to their reputations and careers amidst revelations about fake college degrees and falsified credentials.

Shin Jeong-ah, the esteemed art curator who was among the first to fall from grace, remains front page news in Korea because she initially fled the country, then returned  to face possible criminal charges. Although no charges have yet been filed, the ensuing investigation linked her to then-Senior Presidential Secretary for National Policy, Byeon Yang-kyoon.

He is accused of using his political influence to ensure that Shin, his alleged mistress, would be appointed as director of the largest contemporary art exhibition in Asia, the Gwangju Biennale.  Criminal charges may be filed against Byeon Yang-kyoon for influence peddling and other improprieties; and he has since resigned from his government post.

Diploma mill tales are destined for unhappy endings. After all, the lies and deceit can be uncovered at any moment by anyone. Usually, the bogus degree will be discovered at the pinnacle of a career; because at higher levels of responsibility, background and credential checks are more detailed and thorough.

The wise person will choose to earn an accredited online degree , not buy a fake one. Then there is no need to lie awake at night wondering when the axe  is going to fall.  More than a few major players in this unending drama spent over 30 years building a successful career, only to discover that their house was built on sand rather than on solid rock.

And this storm has brought their walls tumbling down.

More information on this story can be found in the International Herald Tribune, Washington Post, Sydney Morning Herald, and Yale Daily News.

accredited online degree, diploma mill, South Korea, college, bogus degree, fake college degree, education, Shin Jeong-ah, Gwangju Biennale, art, career, job, Yoon Suk-hwa, Venerable Ji Gwang

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Public school officials all over the nation held their breath, awaiting the list of schools awarded the ’Blue Ribbon School’ designation by the U.S. Department of Education.

This high honor is reserved for those institutions earning stellar scores on the student testing required by NCLB (No Child Left Behind).

Administrators and teachers covet this award because it signifies the chosen few, the cream of the crop in education. Parents consider these schools when seeking a strong foundation for college-bound children. Even property values are positively affected when neighborhood schools are considered among the best in the nation.

According to the Orange County Register, “Real estate agents say the award boosts demand for homes near award-winning schools.”

Some disagree with pedagogy that focuses on teaching children predominantly what they need to know to perform well on  tests, while downplaying those subjects that are not tested.  And yes, the public education system is imperfect; but student test scores have improved overall under No Child Left Behind.

So applaud the winners of this prestigious award. And for those not chosen — there is always next year!

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings today named 287 schools in the United States as 2007 No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools. The No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools award, one of the most prestigious education awards in the country, distinguishes and honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

“These schools are proving that when we raise the bar our children will rise to the challenge,” Spellings said. “It takes a lot of hard work by teachers and students to become a Blue Ribbon school, and it’s a privilege to celebrate their great efforts.”

The No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels. The schools are selected based on one of two criteria: 1) Schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that dramatically improve student performance to high levels on state tests; and 2) Schools whose students, regardless of background, achieve in the top 10 percent of their state on state tests or in the case of private schools in the top 10 percent of the nation on nationally-normed tests.

Under No Child Left Behind, schools must make Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP, in reading and language arts and mathematics. Each state—not the federal government—sets its own academic standards and benchmark goals.

A total of 413 schools nationwide can be nominated. This number is determined based on how many schools and students reside in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The Chief State School Officer (CSSO) nominates public schools, and the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) submits private schools nominations. The schools are invited by Secretary Spellings to submit an application for possible recognition as a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School.

Those selected will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on November 12-13. (From the DOE website.)

For further information and a list of 2007 Blue Ribbon school winners, click here.

public schools, education, Blue Ribbon schools, Department of Education, Margaret Spellings, teachers, college, students, children, NCLB, No Child Left Behind, property values, real estate

Popularity: 5% [?]

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Do you want a ‘dream job’ like flying airplanes, working as an air traffic controller or tinkering with planes as a flight mechanic? Well, guess what — it may be possible. And the best part is that online schools offer the flexibility to work toward the recommended college degree while attending ground school and flight classes.

Who has been able to peek inside the cockpit while traveling without wondering what it would be like to be a commercial or private airline pilot and handle such a precision flying machine? What about air traffic controllers who work in the towers at airports — what a life, we say — helping planes to take off and land?  And those who maintain all types of aircraft are surrounded by airplanes during the work day.

These jobs seem miles away for most of us — or are they?

Actually, aviation careers are possible for those who are willing to complete the appropriate classes and meet the required flight experience and qualifications. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, because of strong competition, most jobs as pilots require a college degree in addition to hands-on training and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certification.

But the payoff is worth it, with the potential for a high salary, free airline travel, less than 100 flying hours a month (per FAA for commercial airline pilots) and the sense of self-fulfillment and satisfaction that comes with doing what you love.

Potential flight mechanics may work toward an online associate’s degree in Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Air traffic controllers are required to have either 4 years of college, or a combination of college and relevant work experience. Additional information about certification for aviation employment is available through the FAA.

So if airplanes and flying are a passion, do not delay in checking out opportunities to work in a career that is a perfect fit for you.

online schools, online degrees, online associates degree, aviation career, college, ground school, commercial airline pilot, air traffic controller, flight mechanic, flight engineer, FAA, free airline travel, airline_pilot

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