Online College Degrees

Getting an online education college degree is the wave of the future! The increase in adults going back to school has jumped from 28% in 1970 to 39% in 2006. In 2001, 92 million (46%) adults participated in educational ventures. (Statistics may be found at eLearners.com) But, the largest group of online education participants is the

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The wave of the future is an online college education! There has been a steady increase in adults returning to school – from 28% in 1970 to 39% in 2006

(Statistics may be found at eLearners.com). Online education participants are the largest group earning online degrees. Below is a summary of degree types, degree levels, and majors, along with “10 Predictions for Online Education in 2007.”

Four Levels of Online Education College Degrees:

Associate Degrees.

Bachelor’s Degrees.

Master’s Degrees.

Doctoral Degrees.

Types of Online Education College Degrees & Majors:

Arts & Humanities Degrees: Liberal Arts, Humanities, Design, Writing, Communications, English

Business & MBA Degrees: MBA, Management, Human Resources, Marketing, Finance, Accounting

Computers & I.T. Degrees: Information Technology, Web Design, Networks, Technology Management

Education & Teaching Degrees: K-12, Early Childhood, Administration, Special Education, Curriculum/Instruction

Health & Nursing Degrees: Nursing, Psychology, Counseling, Health Administration, Human Services

Science & Engineering Degrees: Engineering, Technology, Mathematics, Aviation

Social Science Degrees: Criminal Justice, Paralegal, Law, Psychology, Public Administration, Political Science

Some careers require only associate degrees (equivalent to the first two years of a college education). These include: physical therapist assistants, dental hygienists, forensic technicians, veterinary technologists and technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, occupational therapist assistants, cardiovascular technologists and technicians, paralegals and legal assistants. Considering that only a two year degree is required for these jobs, they are well-paid and respected.

10 Predictions About Online Education in 2007

1. Online education programs will continue to grow and expand. More programs will be offered online to earn online degrees and those programs currently offered will grow to include additional areas of study.

2. Technology will advance. Technology is continually improving and replacing older technologies. More options will gradually become available to students as online education access speeds up – such as online access to evaluations of their homework, etc.

3. Costs will decrease. As more online education programs evolve, competition will increase, and costs to students will decrease.

4. New degree programs will develop. New degree programs, related to online education will develop. Such programs might include: online student counseling, online education site debate/discussion host, etc.

5. More students will enroll in online education programs. Each year the enrollment in programs continues to increase and will continue to do so. More than 1.6 million students took at least one online course in 2002. In 2003, 1.9 million students took online courses. In 2004, more than 2.3 million students enrolled. In 2005, the number of online learners increased to almost 3.2 million students. (Source: Making the Grade: Online Education in the United States, 2006, Sloan Consortium)

6. Specialized programs will begin to emerge. Special online programs for students with learning disabilities will begin to emerge to encourage these students to attend online education programs.

7. Attitudes toward higher education will begin to change. The general public will soon see degree programs as accessible to the average person, rather than just the highly intelligent.

8. The time to obtain a degree will shorten. It will take less time to obtain a degree as students will be able to work year-round, at any time of the day or night, transfer courses from other programs, and earn course credit by challenge exams. Two years is generally the minimum amount of time in which degree programs can be completed, although this varies, based on any time off between courses and previous classroom work. Many students complete a degree in two to three years, but it can take four or five years or more, depending on the pace. The more credits transferred, the faster the degree will be completed. You can earn credits from professional training, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or previous college courses. (Source: www.uopxworld.edu., “Frequently Asked Questions”)

9. Most online colleges will begin to offer course credit for life experience. More credit will be given for life experiences, especially to older students.

10. New programs will begin that are hybrids. New programs will be developed that combine traditional on-campus education with online education or work/online study programs.

Getting an online education college degree is the wave of the future! Use the 10 predictions about online education in this article to begin your search for the online education college degree that is best for you.

Essentials of Career Training Programs

Find a degree, and rewarding career best suited for advancing your professional goals.

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Career training programs play a crucial role in a person’s career advancement. Not only do they help people select the right career, but also to improve career prospects. Training programs are the easiest tools that can aid one to achieve one’s goals.

Career Training Programs: Types

Career training programs are equally useful for students and professionals since they guarantee long-term vocational development. The course of all training programs aim at reinforcing critical thinking and problem solving abilities of the candidate as well as teaching practical business skills.

Candidates have the option of selecting from three types of learning mediums:

Classroom – This is the traditional learning medium where students learn from their instructors.

Online – This is the modern study medium wherein students can study at a convenient pace, using internet training programs.

Online (Live) – This again refers to web-based training programs which are imparted live by specific trainers at fixed times.

Career Training Programs: Benefits

Career training programs are not only relevant during state crisis situations when the unemployment rates soar, but also in times of economic boom. A strong history of career expansion and supplementary trainings can place a potential candidate ahead in the rat-race.

A professional who undergoes additional career trainings has an opportunity to explore diverse fields and thus to broaden his scope of skills. A novice armed with several training programs is better equipped to deal with times of economic depression since s/he has the qualification to work in different industries. Varied skills can aid one in increasing productivity in every field of work, thereby, earning more accolades, holding better positions and increasing capital acquisition.

Career Training Programs: Considerations before Selecting

You can consider the following before enrolling in a career training program:

Personal interest – The program must be chosen according to your aptitude.

Long-term value – Long-term prospects of training programs must be assessed.

Value of achievement certificate – The program certificate must be acceptable to the field.

Expenditure – The total cost of the course must be weighed against the benefits and the alternatives. At times, same programs are rated differently by different institutes.

It is critical to choose a program keeping your potential in mind. Also, the propensity of particular fields to give you what you want in life is an important determinant of career training programs. Trust your career to Top Education Guideand be confident of achieving success in all fields.

Time Management Hacks: Mastering Your Online Degree Journey

While online education offers incredible flexibility, it also requires strong time management skills to stay organized, focused, and ultimately successful. This guide provides valuable hacks to help you conquer your online degree while maintaining a healthy balance in your life.

Planning and Prioritization: Your Roadmap to Success
Embrace the Calendar: Become a calendar champion! Schedule dedicated study sessions, exams, deadlines, and even breaks for well-being. Utilize online calendars that integrate with your other devices for easy access.

Prioritize Like a Pro: Not all tasks are created equal. Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks as Urgent/Important, Urgent/Not Important, Not Urgent/Important, and Not Urgent/Not Important. Focus on the Urgent/Important tasks first, then delegate or reschedule the rest.

Set SMART Goals: Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Break down large projects into smaller, achievable milestones for a sense of accomplishment and to stay focused on the big picture.

Mastering Your Online Learning Environment
Declutter Your Digital Space: Organize your online learning platform, cloud storage, and computer desktop. Create folders for each course, assignment, and reference material. This saves time searching for crucial information later.

Utilize Time Management Tools: Explore tools offered by your online learning platform. Many offer progress trackers, to-do lists, and due-date reminders to keep you on top of your workload.

Optimize Your Workspace: Dedicate a quiet, well-lit study area with minimal distractions. Invest in ergonomic furniture to prevent physical discomfort during extended study sessions.

Taming the Time Thieves: Strategies for Staying Focused
Silence the Notifications: Turn off email notifications, social media alerts, and phone sounds while studying. Schedule specific times to check these to avoid constant disruptions.

The Pomodoro Technique: Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks using the Pomodoro Technique. Work for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

The Power of “No”: Learn to politely decline commitments that will conflict with your study time. Your friends and family will understand your dedication to achieving your educational goals.

Harnessing the Power of Habit for Long-Term Success
Create a Consistent Routine: Establish a daily or weekly routine that incorporates dedicated study time, breaks, and personal time. Consistency helps you stay on track and build focused learning habits.

Reward Yourself: Celebrate milestones and completed assignments with small rewards. This positive reinforcement strengthens your commitment to the program.

Embrace Continuous Improvement: Reflect on your progress regularly. Identify areas for improvement and adjust your schedule or techniques accordingly. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

Time Tracking Apps: Utilize time-tracking apps to gain insights into how you spend your time. Identify areas where you can optimize your schedule for better time management.

Focus-Enhancing Apps: Explore apps that block distracting websites or social media platforms during designated study times.

Communication and Collaboration Tools: Use online communication tools and discussion forums to connect with classmates, form study groups, and share resources. This collaborative learning can enhance understanding and improve learning outcomes.

Balancing Your Online Degree with Life
Communicate and Negotiate: Have open conversations with your family, partner, or employer about your online learning commitments. Negotiate flexible arrangements that allow time for dedicated study sessions while maintaining your responsibilities.

Maintain Physical and Mental Wellbeing: Schedule time for exercise, healthy meals, and relaxation. A healthy mind and body are essential for optimal learning and academic success.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, classmates, or online student support services if you face challenges. Utilize the resources available to support your learning journey.

Remember, your online degree is an investment in your future. By implementing these time management hacks, you can stay organized, and focused, and ultimately achieve your academic goals while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Embrace the flexibility that online education offers, but don’t underestimate the importance of strong organizational skills and a commitment to focused learning. With dedication and the right strategies, you can successfully navigate your online degree journey and reach your full potential.

Bonus Tip: Explore online communities or forums dedicated to online learners. Share your experiences, learn from others, and build a support network to stay motivated and inspired throughout your online education journey.