ARCHIVE FOR MAY 2009

The popularity of tabloid newspapers and magazines illustrates the desire of so many to know the intimate details of other people’s lives.

But gossip on the job can be insidious when employees speculate about why a co-worker is pursuing a college degree or professional certificate.

Online degree programs offer discretion and privacy to anyone who would rather work quietly toward a college degree without any office fanfare.

Otherwise, by the time office busybodies are done and the news has circulated throughout the office, it will eventually reach the employer’s ears. In this case, the boss may wonder about the reasons for the higher education, especially the following:

1. Whether the employee student is seeking a raise
2. Whether the employee student is seeking a new job
3. Whether the employee student is seeking a promotion
4. Whether the employee student is seeking to leave the company

Online degrees offer a behind-the-scenes way to access higher education to prepare for a new career, bolster credentials for a promotion or to negotiate a raise.

And it does all this in a way that preserves the discretion and privacy of students who would rather share their higher education news when they are ready, rather than at the beck and call of the office grapevine.

online degree programs, college degree, gossip, privacy, employee, employers, students, higher education, tabloid, certificate, credentials, job,

Popularity: 3% [?]

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As life expectancy extends toward the late seventies and early eighties, new retirees often discover that many years stretch before them after leaving their jobs.

After a few months, or years, of enjoying freedom from stressful work schedules, many retired adults find that the thought of a second career is neither distasteful nor foreign anymore. 

Hobbies like golf, gardening, and travel are enjoyable; but after awhile, some retirees begin to desire the type of intellectual stimulation that they left at the old job. 

For this group of retirees, it may be time to enroll in an online degree program to train for a second career in a field that is stimulating, yet enjoyable. 

But with so many accredited online degree programs and online schools from which to choose, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. 

So here are some hints to help find the right online degree and career for enjoyment and fulfillment: 

1. If you loved your first job, simply upgrade your skills in the same career by earning an online certificate or taking online classes.
2. Hone in on career areas that build upon your current expertise without a steep learning curve.
3. Consider your physical limitations and the type of work environment you would like for the next job.
4. Choose to train for a career that offers benefits that will fill any gaps in current health and retirement benefits.
5. Check with online school counselors to find out about special scholarships for older adults returning to school.

 A second career via e-learning is often the best way to add to retirement income, boost brain power and enjoy social stimulation.

Online degrees are the only way to go for retirees who wish to continue to enjoy leisure time before the next stage of life.

online degrees, online classes, online degree programs, online degrees, careers, jobs, health benefits, online school, retirees, hobbies, golf, travel, certificate, elearning, retirement, boost brain power

Popularity: 4% [?]

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Beethoven’s passion for music was so great that he continued to compose, even when he was deaf — completing his much-performed 9th Symphony, also known as “Ode to Joy”, during that bleak time.

Today, a passion for music motivates hundreds of thousands to pursue excellence on musical instruments, with the hope of earning a living by playing or singing in a band, winning an orchestra spot, or carving out a solo career.

And although a small percentage of musicians end up in well-paying performance jobs with great benefits, others find work in non-performance positions as composers, recording engineers, sound technicians, arrangers and piano tuners — generally after receiving additional training and education.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), competition is keen for full-time openings in the music field. Therefore, many musicians work jobs outside of music as they pursue their passion at night and on weekends.

Musicians with either a substantial performance resume and/or a college degree may vie for jobs in education as professors, lecturers, music teachers, and band or choral directors. But often, those jobs are also difficult to snag, especially in a sagging economy.

A bonus for musicians and singers has been the growth in online degree programs. Online degrees, online classes and online certificate programs allow professional and aspiring musicians the opportunity to pursue training for a “bread and butter” career while still maintaining a flexible enough schedule to accommodate freelance gigs, auditions and practice time.

Many career fields are conducive to the life of a musician or singer; since flexibility on the job is often important. Online degree and certificate programs offer the credentials for careers that provide the necessary flexibility while providing a steady income stream, health care benefits and peace of mind.

Careers in information technology, software design, graphic design, fashion design, education, web design and real estate are popular choices for musicians. However, professional work in accounting, paralegal, business, health care also awaits those musicians who are interested in following their hearts, but who choose to increase their options in order to pay the bills.

When Beethoven continued his quest for musical excellence during the “deaf years”, he made significant changes in order to reach his goals.

And today’s musicians are ready to do the same in order to keep make beautiful music.

band, beethoven, career, elearning, jobs, layoffs, music, online classes, online college, online degree program, online degrees, online education, orchestra, the flute, violin, musicians

Popularity: 4% [?]

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Attending school in a wheel chair, with a walker or on crutches works well for some students; but others experience exhaustion and frustration

Even with handicapped access and special parking, the process can be difficult and often leaves these students with little energy to complete homework assignments that may be due the next day.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 21.2 million people had a disability involving a physical limitation, “such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting, (or) carrying”. Another 9.3 million lived with a sight or hearing disability.

Although traditional universities generally encourage physically challenged students to apply and take advantage of special services on campuses, many students with physical limitations simply prefer the ease and convenience of online degree programs.

At one time, distance learning was limited to a few certificate or degree programs and involved a lengthy process of mail correspondence. This affected the quality of communication with instructors.

But now, with tens of thousands of online classes, online degrees, online certificates, and online schools, physically challenged students can avoid negotiating the maze of a college campus while earning a marketable, accredited online college degree in an area of interest.

Thankfully, a number of online degree programs suit individuals who are seeking jobs that will conserve their energy and avoid an overload of physical activity. And with many rising professions involving more of the mind and less of the body, it is a win-win situation for all.

A number of energy-friendly career areas are available through online degrees, including:

• paralegal and law
• computer science
• engineering
• software and games design
• business management
• health administration
• accounting
• graphic design

Employers’ growing awareness and sensitivity toward those who have physical limitations promotes a bright future for those who are willing to study and earn the necessary qualification to snag a job that offers independence and satisfaction.

career, disability, distance learning, employers, handicapped, hearing impaired, job, online classes, online college, online degree programs, online degrees, online schools, physically challenged, physically limited, sight impaired, snag a job

Popularity: 5% [?]

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Once again, the heroic men and women of the U.S. military forces are armed with a great resource to help them pursue higher education classes and earn a college degree.

Military Advanced Education magazine, along with KMI Media Group, has released their 2nd annual compilation of military-friendly colleges and universities.

Last year’s list was gathered from 100 schools; and this recently honored group was selected from a pool of 2,000 schools at the end of 2008. The top schools were chosen by an independent group of judges from both military and education sectors.

These higher learning institutions provide consistently great service to military students, with many offering special scholarships, financial aid and designated counselors for active-duty personnel, veterans and their spouses. The list includes accredited online colleges and universities, as well as traditional schools that offer online degrees and online certificates. (The 2 extras on the list resulted from a tie with other schools.)

1. American Military University
2. American Sentinel University
3. Capella University
4. Central Texas College
5. Coastline Community College
6. Columbia College
7. Columbia Southern University
8. ECPI College of Technology
9. Excelsior College
10. Grantham University
11. Kaplan University
12. Park University College for Distance Learning
13. San Diego City College
14. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
15. State University of New York Maritime College
16. Strayer University
17. Thomas Edison State College
18. TUI University
19. University of Maryland University College
20. University of Oklahoma
21. University of Phoenix
22. Western Governors University

The complete list in Military Advanced Education offers 60 accredited military-friendly schools — including Ashford University, American InterContinental University-Online, Baker University, Colorado Technical University-Online, DeVry University, Ellis University, Globe University, Jones International University, Jacksonville University, Saint Leo University and Stratford University.

See the complete list of 60 military-friendly schools.

online schools, distance learning, online degrees, financial aid, colleges and universities, military education, military students, veterans, online colleges, online university, higher learning, higher education, students, scholarship, military friendly, certificate

Popularity: 19% [?]

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Recent techno-buzz indicates that Microsoft’s new Windows 7 program simplifies online tasks, utilizes fewer clicks and incorporates touch capability, or so says PC Magazine’s article, “Touching the Future” (4-30-09).

At the same time, 3G technology continues to increase the options available to multimedia cell phone users.

And somewhere in the mix, online degree students once again reap the benefits of improved distance learning technology.

In fact, e-learners enjoy a fresh menu of efficient ways to transmit homework, contact instructors and access online research sources.

But the rapid evolution of computer and cellular technology also strains networks like AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless; because these and other companies face the monumental challenge of transmitting all of that information over telecommunication lines that are bulging with data overload.

According to Time Magazine’s article, “The Failure of 3G Hurts Apple and Its Competition” (5-11-09), the newest computing, cellular and mp3 technologies are rarely, if ever, fully experienced by consumers because of limitations in the underlying networks that carry data from their numerous sources to multi-billions of destinations.

And although the boon in online schools, online degree programs and online certificate programs has increased student use of the Internet, the culprits that jam transmission lines are often the latest technology devices used by the masses for “downloading and web-browsing”.

Consumers who purchase these information highway hogs may be disappointed when they attempt to use all of the promised multimedia features of their devices; yet e-learners continue to enjoy the fullness of technology that enhances their distance learning experience.

It will be interesting to see what happens when 4G and Microsoft 8 arrive on the scene one day. But maybe that is eons from now; and maybe the current problems will be nothing but a memory.

Just maybe.

att, certificate, distance learning, elearning, high tech, internet, mp3, networks, online classes, vonline degree programs, online degrees, online schools, sprint, verizon, windows 7, downloading, apple

Popularity: 6% [?]

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Online degree students who are on the go will soon have another option for accessing the Internet.

A new device being released on May 17th will transform the space around its users into a personal Wi-Fi hot spot.

Those who are enrolled in online degree programs, online classes and online schools now have a new reason to love completing online college or university homework assignments conveniently on their computers.

The great search for a wireless Internet connection may soon be a moot point for those who ante up the $100 cost for the compact device (with subscription) or $270 (with no subscription, plus a fee each time it is used); because riding in a car, sitting in a park, or sunning on a beach will offer an efficient and effective connection to high-speed Internet.

The portable, battery-powered Novatel MiFi is considered to be a step above the current awkward cellular modems that plug into laptops on the go. Basically, with the new MiFi, a high speed Internet connection is available wherever Verizon has a cellular signal — and no plug-in is required. So if you can make phone calls from the back seat of a car, then you can also hop on the Internet with the MiFi.

According to PC Magazine, “Verizon Launches MiFi Hotspot Without Subscription” (5-7-09), the MiFi is a wireless router with a built-in cellular modem. It only has one button and is capable of providing an Internet connection simultaneously to a maximum of 5 computers within an approximate 30-foot range of the signal.

The New York Times article, “Wi-Fi to Go, No Cafe Needed” (5-6-09), anticipates that somewhere down the road, universal wireless will erase our memories of times past when wireless connections were expensive, limited and often undependable.

But until then, those who rely on the Internet for work, online degrees, or surfing the web can delight in the latest, greatest high-tech gadgets that make cyber-life just a little bit easier.

hotspot, internet, mifi, novatel_mifi, online classes, online college, online degree program, online degrees, online school, online students, online university, router, wifi

Popularity: 5% [?]

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Less than a hundred years ago, a relaxing evening at home, for many, consisted of a good book and a cup of tea — no radio (though it was patented in 1901), no television and no video games.

In the mid-1930’s, the use of television for entertainment began to spread throughout the U.S. until there were over a million television sets in homes by the late 1940’s. Life changed drastically for most people as new advances in technology introduced a new reality. There was no turning back.

A similar climate exists today in higher learning circles, as distance learning technology opens new paths of pedagogical efficiency and student opportunity.

But are traditional institutions up to the challenge or will they go the way of the dinosaur?

Actually, it is quite possible that traditional colleges and universities will soon find themselves struggling to survive if they do not heed the growing trend toward online education.

Some facts to consider are:

• Enrollment in online education is rising rapidly. According to the Sloan Consortium, online education grew 12.9% in the fall of 2007, while overall higher education rose only 1.2%. This wide disparity between online and traditional schools illustrates the significant impact and popularity of e-learning.
• Enrollment of adult learners, or older students, has begun to grow at a faster rate than that of younger students. The U.S. Department of Education statistics forecast that this shift will continue at least through the year 2016. Adult learners are more likely to seek flexible learning formats, like online degree programs, that fit into their busy lifestyles.
• Employers are warming rapidly to graduates with online degrees. Although biased employers once portrayed online school graduates as inferior job candidates, that view has waned as employers armed themselves with facts about accredited online schools, rather than opinions and media hype.
• Expensive college tuition, economic downturns and high transportation costs all point potential college students toward online education. Online schools, online degree programs and online classes allow students to maintain full-time employment, save on transportation costs and set a study schedule that does not generally interfere with family responsibilities.

Tech-savvy college students of the future will covet a high-tech online learning experience during their college years. They will want to compete successfully with e-learners who are able to take advantage of internships, travel opportunities and job experience while earning an online college degree.

Therefore, unless they want to go the way of the dinosaur, the ‘old school’ institutions must evolve, adapt and transform — that is, if they want to survive.

elearning, dinosaurs, enrollment, higher learning, job, online classes, online college, online degree programs, online degrees, online education, online school, radio, video games

Popularity: 5% [?]

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Good news is difficult to come by; but that tide appears to be turning.

Recession almost over

According to recent news reports on CNN and MSNBC, the recession may be nearing an end sooner than most of us thought possible — by the end of the 2009 calendar year. And some of those reports by financial analysts are even brighter, intimating that by summer’s end, the longest U.S. recession on record will be over.

Then optimism will rule the economy, rather than pessimism.

Economic recovery — what it means for job seekers

So what does the end of the recession mean for those who are in market for a job?

It means that even when the recession is over, economic recovery will be slow — it will not take place overnight. In fact, just as it took a long time to lay a faulty foundation in the U.S. economy, it will take sufficient time to rebuild a strong, solid foundation. And of course, various areas of the economy will recover quicker than others.

For example, the retail industry is poised for a robust comeback early on as shoppers ease up on economic fears and begin to shop at their favorite stores again. And keeping those store shelves stocked will cause an increase in demand for truckers and delivery personnel, who will join retailers in a recovery of their own.

Job losses are generally slower to recoup; but hopeful signs and definite progress should be evident over the months following the recession’s end. And those who lost jobs, yet updated their job skills by enrolling in traditional and online degree and certificate programs, will find a more user-friendly job market.

The advantages of planning ahead

One of the questions that employers may ask during job interviews is, “What have you been doing since your last job?”

Some job seekers will talk about spending their down time volunteering to keep up job skills. Others will discuss how they poured their energies into pursuing potential job opportunities while working part-time generic jobs to earn money. But no matter how any down time was spent, it will be advantageous to the job seeker to be able to tell a potential employer that new job skills were mastered by completing online classes, enrolling in an online degree program, or pursuing an online certificate.

New and improved job skills may mean money in the bank for diligent planners — in the form of higher salaries, promotions and excellent benefit packages. By honing marketable skills through accredited online schools, potential employees are viewed as possessing initiative, having a great hard-work ethic and being perfect candidates for any necessary on-the-job training. Their careers could receive a significant power boost through online education.

Recovery is on the horizon; but it is not too late to take advantage of online schools, online degrees or online certificate programs before the economy begins to spout new jobs and professional opportunities for those who planned ahead.

Historically, there has never been a recession that did not end even quicker than this one.

So this word to wise job seekers should be sufficient.

certificate, economy, job market, jobs, online certificate, online classes, online degree programs, online degrees, recession, summer, recovery, online education, job seekers, online schools, job skills

Popularity: 5% [?]

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