ARCHIVE FOR JUNE 2008

There is a little-known advantage of online schools that may come in handy for those who are ready to make a career switch.

The nature of distance learning allows students the option of keeping their career aspirations a secret from employers, friends and family. By handling enrollment and everything else online or by phone, e-learning colleges and universities offer an advantage over traditional schools when discretion is a necessary ingredient for future career plans.

Once the college degree or professional certificate has been earned, then the student is able to surprise everyone with the great news.

Keeping e-learning classes or an online degree program hush-hush has its benefits:

• There is less pressure from the expectations of others while earning the college degree.
• It offers the opportunity to surprise a mom, dad, spouse, child or others.
• Making a career change can be done without causing anxiety to the current employer.
• If planning to qualify for a promotion within the same company, close rivals for the position do not have a heads up that would give them a competitive edge.
• When budget concerns are paramount, the ability to stretch out the required classes over time works better when others are not counting the days until graduation.

Keeping career secrets may be wise and desirable at times. And during those times, online education is at the head of the class.

online schools, distance learning, e-learning, career, job, employer, college degree, professional certificate, colleges and universities, online degree program

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As the heat of summer begins to rise, it is easy to lay low and forget about school and everything except vacations, relaxing and having fun.

However, it may be advantageous to use the summer to gain career momentum and to avoid waiting until the busier fall season when everyone is getting back to  business as usual.

Distance learning has made it particularly convenient to enroll in online classes, even when vacation trips have been planned and time off has been secured. And with a myriad of online schools from which to choose, there is truly something for everyone who decides not to waste the prime months of summer.

There are a number of reasons to enroll in e-learning summer classes:

1. Taking summer classes can lighten the course load in the fall. For students who have a full load planned for the fall semester, enrolling in one or two of those classes in the summer is one way to lower the workload and stress just a couple of months down the road.
2. Adult learners who are working full-time may wish to finish an online degree program a lot faster by using the summer to knock out a couple of the required classes.
3. Full-time college students can save tuition dollars by taking a few summer classes at less expensive state colleges, junior colleges or online schools.
4. Taking specific classes may be more beneficial (and fun) while traveling to places of interest — like studying humanities while visiting the museums of Paris; studying ancient history while in Greece, Egypt, or Rome; studying English literature while touring Shakespeare’s birthplace; or studying earth science while visiting the Grand Canyon, Yosemite or Yellowstone.
5. Summer is the perfect time for teachers to work on an online master’s degree in education, or to take computer classes to remain up-to-date on the latest education technology.

Classes are not all the same; so it is important to select the classes that work well with the activities and plans of the summer. Remember:

• Some classes are taught the same as those during the regular term, while others are accelerated during the summer. Accelerated classes fit the same amount of work in a shorter period of time; so they are more challenging.
• Some distance learning classes are synchronous, while others are asynchronous. Synchronous online classes — which are more common – have a set schedule with assignments due on specific dates; while asynchronous classes allow flexibility within certain parameters.
• Some online classes use a blended approach, which may require that the student take tests on campus, attend the first class on campus, or obtain required hours in a lab on campus. Other courses may require a group project that can be done at a distance, but which may require additional e-mailing or message board communication. So it is important to read the class information to make sure the selected class meets the desired expectations.

When the fall colors arrive and career goals are closer because of a productive summer, those who used their summer wisely will have a wonderful sense of satisfaction and a new pep in their step.

distance learning, e-learning, junior college, online classes, online degree program, online degrees, online master’s degree, online schools, summer classes, teachers

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