Like trout in a well-stocked lake, e-learning classes just keep on multiplying. 

And even though college students are wading deeper into online degree waters, both traditional and online schools are feeding the frenzy by developing new distance learning offerings every day.

Because of this feeding frenzy, it may be wise for everyone to pay attention to these e-learning trends:.

1. Online degree programs and online schools will continue to experience a significant growth in enrollment, eventually surpassing the demand for traditional on-campus programs. Depending on the career focus, some online degree programs will be blended – incorporating online classes with one or more face-to-face sessions and/or practical training experience.
2. Tech-savvy high school graduates will balk at the traditional college experience and will favor technology-rich online degree programs in order to enjoy travel opportunities, grab a head start on careers or to earn money for college expenses.
3. Distance-learning programs in elementary, junior high and high schools will become a normal part of the curriculum landscape as school districts unearth unique learning opportunities for students that are unavailable through traditional classroom media.
4. As education technology fine tunes the delivery system for distance learning, the required training for future classroom teachers will include several classes on how to utilize distance-learning technology to enhance the learning experiences of students. Continuing education classes for teachers will offer a goldmine of courses related to online learning.
5. The demand will heat up for qualified instructors to teach online classes. These jobs will be snapped up like hotcakes as teachers discover the flexibility of being able to schedule their own time and work from home or from any location with an Internet connection.  
6. Most future employers will treat accredited online school graduates the same as traditional school graduates during hiring, as long as the necessary qualifications for the job are met. In fact, a significant number of employers will have successfully completed at least one online college class, with many holding online degrees themselves.
7. Traditional colleges will continue to pour millions of dollars into expanding their online course offerings due to growing student demand. Colleges and universities that ignore the vital role of distance learning will watch their enrollment numbers decrease, as students flock to schools that utilize the latest technology and teaching methods.
8. Stock market investors will discover that financially-successful online education companies remain a hot commodity with steady growth.
9. High transportation costs will influence the changing face of a college education. As distance learning becomes a key player in removing cars and drivers off the road to save gas, the conservation of energy and reduction of pollution will reign as all-important. Millions of students will choose to ‘go green’ and study at home.
10. Online education will increase options and opportunities for physically disabled students who are intellectually able to successfully complete online degree programs or professional certificate coursework. This group of graduates will continue to shine as a vital part of the workforce, with the ability to compete for well-paying jobs and earn an independent living.

Those who have an ear to hear will be able to take note of future trends and make plans accordingly. Online education, although just a piece of the life puzzle, is a piece worth watching. 

colleges and univerties, disabled students, distance learning, e-learning, employers, high school, investors, jobs, online degree programs, online education, online schools, professional certificate, save gas, stock market, teachers

Popularity: 16% [?]

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As millions of college students prepare for the fall semester by enrolling in one or more online classes, it also happens that a significant number of newbies will be testing the e-learning waters.

Prompted by high gas prices, or impressed by the flexibility and convenience of online schools, many e-learning students are charting unfamiliar, yet stimulating, territory.  And in order to succeed in distance learning classes, a few hints may be helpful.

1. Register early to secure a spot in the desired online classes. With high gas prices, more students are opting for e-learning instead of traditional university classes.
2. Set aside a sufficient block of study time. E-learning classes do not require less study time than their traditional counterparts. In fact, they often require more time.
3. Read homework assignments carefully and follow directions explicitly. If something is unclear, ask questions.
4. Let your family members know which hours are designated for study and ask them to avoid distracting or interrupting you during that time.
5. Plan ahead for the cost of books and materials. Books can be expensive. Make sure necessary supplies, including a computer with Internet connection, are available to complete the assignments.
6. Place assignment due dates in a planner or calendar. Allow sufficient time to complete final projects and begin early to insure that due dates are met.
7. Communicate often and clearly with teachers and classmates as needed. E-mails, chat rooms and message boards provide an excellent means of connecting with each other via computer.
8. Remain on top of things during the class; and do not allow any problem to linger too long. Let someone know if you need help.

Online classes require diligence and planning similar to what is required in most traditional college classes.

These helpful hints are just a few of the ways to maximize the online school experience and enjoy all the benefits of the online education experience.

online schools, e-learning, distance learning, gas prices, university, computer, Internet, traditional college, online education

Popularity: 18% [?]

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Only those who have been stranded on a desert island are unaware of the huge rise in e-learning and online schools popularity.

According to the Sloan Consortium’s most recent report, online education is growing at 9.7% annually, while overall higher education is growing at only 1.5%.

And as e-learning, or distance learning, becomes a permanent part of the educational landscape, adult learners are equipping themselves with computers, modems and Internet connections to take advantage of this comfortable, convenient form of education.

Research has shown that those who continue to challenge their brains throughout life may avoid or delay Alzheimers and other types of dementia. However, the main reason adults return to school is to upgrade skills in order to earn more money and enjoy greater professional satisfaction.

But upon re-entering the halls of education after a long break, adult learners often second-guess themselves while pondering a few questions:

• What classes should I take?
• What college or university should I choose?
• Will I be able to keep up with homework assignments?
• Am I too old to learn?

However, these questions generally result in positive answers for adult learners.

Once potential students choose an accredited online degree program or online class, the fun begins. Adult learners often discover that they  feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in learning new information and successfully completing their program of study.

But there are a few tidbits to remember when taking e-learning classes:

1. Adult learners should not feel intimidated about returning to school.
2. Adult learners often find that proper planning and time management is vital in completing course assignments.
3. Adult learners are usually highly motivated and focused, which helps them to be successful students.
4. Adult learners generally have a foundation of discipline, life experience and work experience that aids in completing the tasks required in their classes.
5. Adult learners often discover that taking classes and gaining new skills provide a sense of well-being, pride and confidence that spills over into other areas of life.

E-learning has been a boon to adult learners and other students, especially with the training for some careers taking 2 years or less.

Remember, now is the time to jump into online education and swim to a goldmine of promise, potential and career success.

online schools, online education, online degree program, higher education, earn more money, e-learning, distance learning, computer learning, college_and_university, adult learners

Popularity: 24% [?]

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Like ivy quietly overtaking a house until its removal becomes a major problem, the mistakes made by e-learners are not apparent until they become overwhelming and difficult to correct.

Discipline is tantamount in a distance-learning college environment; and the milestones for the online class must be met with completed homework, on-time performance of class projects and clarification of any misunderstood syllabus elements.

But the best defense is a well-executed offense; so online school students should avoid allowing these destructive mistakes into their high-tech, virtual classroom experience:

1. Flying by the seat of one’s pants by adding e-learning classes to an already overbooked schedule. Although online classes represent the ultimate in flexibility, they also require the same amount of work (or more) as traditional college classes. If there is no time left in the schedule to study online, then don’t add an online class. It will only exacerbate the situation. Before enrolling in online school, make sure that sufficient study time is available.
2. Not taking the time to carefully read and re-read the details included in the class syllabus. The syllabus offers vital information about deadlines and homework instructions, required materials for the class, office hours of the instructor, the grading formula, the repurcussions of late or missed homework, how to find help when needed and more. Skimming over this material could cause major fallout.
3. Procrastinating on assignments, especially the final project. Although cramming may work in the short-term for some traditional classes, e-learners may find themselves in trouble if they begin to slip behind in required reading or do not allow enough time to complete assignments. It is especially important to allow a generous amount of time to complete final projects by starting early. That way, if trouble arises, there will be sufficient opportunity to seek assistance from the instructor. 
4. Assuming that the professor will not know that the required watching of live or archived lectures has been omitted. If students are required to watch video lectures via computer, it is easy to assume that the teacher will not know if this requirement has been fulfilled. But beware – new technology is able to keep a record of which students logged into the live or archived lectures. In live lectures watched by computer, teachers can see the names of students present in the virtual classroom; and students can raise their hand, be called upon by the teacher, type in comments or questions, applaud and view demonstrations on the teacher’s computer screen. So watch the lecture; or you may be docked a few points.
5. Attempting to get by with dial-up Internet, a computer that does not meet the specifications for the class, or a significantly different version of the software and textbook. Although it is not impossible to successfully complete the class using materials and equipment that are outdated, the student will experience undue stress and will waste a tremendous amount of time overcoming the limitations posed by the situation. It is not worth it; so spend the extra money on materials to ensure the best possible learning situation.

Online degree programs and online classes are a wonderful way to earn a college diploma.

But students should remember to stay on top of their online education by developing excellent time management skills and discipline. This is the best way to avoid costly mistakes and to insure a rewarding e-learning experience.

distance learning, e-learning, online schools, online students, virtual class, online education, online class, e-learning mistakes, study online, online degree program

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Let’s face it, the hectic pace of our lives has forced many of us to seek ways to lessen stress and slow down.

The recent emphasis of feng shui in designing public spaces is a testament to our need for tranquility. Most of us are in earnest pursuit of peace, harmony and simplicity in all areas of our lives, including higher education.

It is encouraging to know that right under our noses, a major opportunity exists to embrace a method of learning — distance learning — that has spread rapidly to schools across the country. And why is distance learning, or e-learning,  so popular? One reason is that it simplifies our lives.

These are five ways that e-learning, rather than on-campus learning, offers a chance for more balance and less stress:

1. You do not have to travel anywhere to take an online class. Students may remain at home in their bathrobe, sipping a cup of coffee or tea,  while the computer acts as liason between the teacher and fellow classmates. Lectures may be available to watch live or archived on the computer, homework is sent by e-mail and message boards offer a sense of community. Taking classes this way saves both time and gas money. 
2. E-learning can be scheduled so that it does not interfere with family time. Time set aside for spouses, children and significant others is preserved. This enhances and maintains the opportunity for healthy, harmonious relationships and a peaceful home environment.
3. Online classes are portable and can be completed while on vacation. This opens the door to get away more often, without having to schedule vacations around the on-campus schedule. The Internet is available all over the world, including on cruise ships. So you can refresh yourself while away and study at the same time.
4. Studying at home reduces unsafe, uncomfortable or unhealthy encounters with other people. Some traditional campuses are open to the general public, and people with less than pure motives may be roaming the campus. Also, some students tend to attend class even when they are sick and contagious which, in a classroom setting, is a health risk for others. Online classes avoid these risks and stressors.
5. Online degree programs open a door for motivated, employed individuals to get out of a dead-end, low-paying or high-stress career by training for a new one. A new career can offer:
   1. more money for less hours spent at work,
   2. the choice to do something that you love,
   3. a job that involves travel to exotic places, or

   4. the personal satisfaction of doing work that makes the world a better place for others.

Balance and harmony may appear to be elusive; but taking a few small steps may yield a rich harvest of positive attributes in our lives.  

And choosing online schools over traditional schools is just one possible pathway to lessen stress and attain desired career and educational goals.

e-learning, online schools, online degree program, simplify your life, achieve harmony, feng shui, careers, jobs, employment

Popularity: 24% [?]

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The Motley Fool’s ”Innovations and Opportunities“, which offers information about investment opportunities, describes e-learning as a $25 billion industry.

And according to statistics from the Sloan Consortium, enrollment in online schools is expected to continue to grow at a rate higher than that of traditional education institutions.

However, the growth of distance learning is not limited to college students enrolled in online classes. Business and governmental agencies also utilize this flexible option to train staff and upgrade employee skills. For example, the FBI is a huge believer in distance learning. The organization is on the forefront of improving the relevant technologies, which it uses effectively for specialized training.

Emerging technologies combined with innovative new software programs are forecasted to boost the popularity and efficiency of distance education delivery systems.

Two new developments on the horizon include voice-translation technology and the Virtual Eye.  Voice translation technology allows the instant translation of 50,000 words of one language into another, like Japanese to English.  In the future, it may be used to replace translators during war, or place them farther from the battlefield. A plethora of foreign languages and dialects will ultimately be available. The Virtual Eye, a computerized learning system, will be able to recognize a child’s moods and adjust its teaching technique to calm the child, when necessary, while maximizing learning. 

These tools, once incorporated successfully into the online education delivery system, will potentially boost an already burgeoning education trend. Both of these new programs could be operational within 2 years.

Investors and consumers have much to gain in embracing this rising star of e-learning.

online school, online education, distance learning, distance education, e-learning, college students, online classes, FBI, technology, education, investors

Popularity: 41% [?]

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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

Popularity: 22% [?]

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The search for the ideal job – one that offers a great salary, interesting work and not too many years of schooling – is often a frustrating one. But one profession fits the bill perfectly: a paralegal or legal assistant. With as little as two years of training in an online school, a junior college or an on-campus program, it is possible to begin a career in this field.

With salaries that can begin as high as $60,000, those holding a paralegal certificate, a criminal justice degree or even a bachelor’s degree in a non-related field may find their niche in a field that offers challenging work in a stimulating environment. Paralegals generally assist lawyers in legal research, investigation of pertinent facts, organization of case materials, writing of reports and all aspects relating to the preparation of court cases. They may specialize in a particular area of law, such as taxes, estate planning, labor law, contracts, real estate law, family law, intellectual property, or criminal law.

The atmosphere of a law office or corporate legal department can be intense at times; however a valued paralegal may earn lucrative bonuses and enjoy additional employee perks — including excellent health benefits, paid job-related travel, and invitations to elegant social events and holiday parties. 

Those who are interested in pursuing paralegal training will find a number of excellent e-learning or online education programs that allow students to work full-time while studying at home.  But whether studying online or on-campus, the paralegal field may offer some graduates the perfect solution to their job dilemma. 

online school, paralegal, distance learning, education, legal assistant, college, job, career, e-learning, computer learning, high salary

Popularity: 16% [?]

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It is unfortunate that the University of Phoenix has become a scapegoat for those who disagree with the popularity of e-learning and online degree programs. These critics have joyfully spread inaccurate information; and others have jumped on the bandwagon of falsehoods and mean-spirited fodder.

But a few truths should help set the record straight and ease the minds of those who are considering non-traditional schooling.

1) The University of Phoenix is the largest university in the United States, with over 300,000 students in attendance. To put that number in perspective, Yale University has an enrollment of approximately 11,250 students, Stanford has 17,747 students, and UCLA — the largest University of California institution – reports having 36, 611 undergraduate and graduate students.

2) The University of Phoenix offers both on-campus and online degree programs; so it is not exclusively an online school. Students may choose to attend classes traditionally at one of the college’s 250 campus locations, or via computer in an online format.

3) The University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association. The HLC is one of only 6 highly-regarded regional institutional accrediting bodies in the U.S. Accreditation is a rigorous process utilized to evaluate educational institutions in order to insure that specified standards of quality and compliance are being met.

4) The University of Phoenix nursing degree programs and counseling degree programs have additional accreditation from the respective professional nursing and counseling organizations.

5) The University of Phoenix has approximately 23,000 faculty members. All have either a master’s or doctoral degree. Those who teach graduate classes are required to be professionally employed in the field in which they teach.

Predictably, some people will always be unprepared or unwilling to accept change. Yet schools like the University of Phoenix will succeed in spite of opposition. Current demand for non-traditional education is high; and new technology will continue to increase efficiency and ease of delivery of educational materials. So it may be wise to replace criticism with an open mind. And please, no more scapegoats.

e-learning, online degree, University of Phoenix, distance learning, online education

Popularity: 20% [?]

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