MBA Degree Life Experience Credit

MBA Degree Life Experience Credit

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Master Degree holders earn an average of $10,400 per year more than those with a Bachelor Degree. If you have been in the workforce for a while, and think that it would take too much time and effort to go back to school to earn your MBA degree, think again.

MBA degree life experience credit and work experience credit are granted by some universities to qualifying students. And, at some schools, you may earn your MBA degree entirely online in as little as 18-24 months. Without ever leaving your home or office, you may work at your own pace to complete your degree. It couldn't be easier or faster.

These days an online MBA degree from a reputable and accredited university such as Warren National University (formerly Kennedy Western) or University of Phoenix Online, is just as valuable as one earned on-campus. In fact, studies have shown that online courses are more likely to be taught by top faculty members, and the online curriculum is the same as for on-campus students.

There are many top accredited universities offering online MBA degrees that may be earned completely online. The programs vary, so compare the programs from each school to find the one that is best for you.

Tags: MBA Degree Life Experience, Online MBA Degree Programs

Master Degree by Life Work Experience

Master Degree by Life Work Experience

Did you know that you can get credit for life and prior work experience, shortening your time to get your degree? If you have been in the work force for a few years, and think you don't have the time to earn your master's degree, think again!

Qualified students benefit greatly by applying to a university that will grant credit for life work experience, and offers an online program. Online degree programs allow students to work at their own pace, anytime and anywhere they have access to the Internet. What could be easier?

At schools such as Warren National University (formerly Kennedy-Western) you can earn a Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate degree online in as little as 18-24 months. Warren National offers busy professionals 37 different accredited college degree programs which have been specially designed to supplement and advance their work skills. Select from relevant areas of study, including: business administration, engineering management, criminal justice, computer science, e-business, finance, management information systems, management and leadership, human resource management, and health administration.

Master degree by life work experience - Warren National University uses traditional academic policy, evaluating and quantifing your past education and work experience for academic credit. Qualified students will not have to repeat or re-take basic courses in disciplines that have already been mastered. Students may instead concentrate on continuing their education by taking courses that relate to advancing their professional interests, since credit is given for work experience.

Mid-career professional may advance their status in the workplace with an online degree programs that can be completed totally via the Internet.

If you have been waiting and wishing that you could earn your degree, but thought it would take too long, wait no longer. Request more information today about one of Warren National Universities exciting online degree programs, and take your career to the next level in as little as 18-24 months.

Tags: master degree by life work experience

Southern States Lead U.S. in Growth of College-Level Online Learning

Southern States Lead U.S. in Growth of College-Level Online Learning
"WELLESLEY, Mass., March 13 (AScribe Newswire) -- More college students are taking online academic courses at institutions in the 16 member states of the Southern Regional Education Board than ever before, according to a recent report published by the Sloan Consortium in partnership with SREB. More than 1.1 million students were enrolled in online classes at two- and four-year colleges in SREB states in 2006, a 68 percent increase over the previous year - and nearly double the 35 percent national gain.
The report, "Making the Grade: Online Education in the United States," 2006, Southern Edition, is based on the Sloan Consortium's annual survey of online learning at more than 2,200 colleges and universities in the United States. It shows that the percentage of students using online courses at public institutions is higher on average in SREB states than in the nation. Growth and acceptance patterns also indicate that online learning has made greater inroads in SREB states than in the nation as a whole.
"SREB states recognize that many college students can benefit from online learning, especially adult learners and those who do not have easy access to higher education," said SREB President Dave Spence. "The region has taken the lead in this area because we believe online education is essential to meeting the needs of all students."
Among the report's highlights:
- Ninety-nine percent of large public colleges and universities (with more than 15,000 students) in the region offer online courses or programs - nearly double the percentage of smaller institutions.
- Almost two-thirds of chief academic officers at public colleges and universities in SREB states rate student learning from online courses equal to or better than traditional classroom learning.
- Nearly 75 percent of respondents reported that online learning is reaching traditional undergraduate students as well as working adults who would otherwise not be served by face-to-face classroom learning.
- Students taking undergraduate courses account for 80 percent of online higher learners in the region, with those pursuing graduate-level courses and other for-credit offerings comprising the remaining 20 percent.
The report also points to some continuing challenges in online education. Among them:
- Faculty acceptance of the value and legitimacy of online education continues to hover at 33 percent.
- The use of online education at smaller public colleges and universities in SREB states trails the national average.
"While the study clearly shows the growth and importance of online education in the region, there is more work to be done in these areas," said Elaine Allen, co-author of the report and co-director of the Babson Survey Research Group, which conducted the study. "In many respects, the report provides a useful agenda for the higher education community."
The complete report is available online at Southern edition (http://www.sreb.org/main/Publications/PressRel/) . For comparison data, read the "Making the Grade" national report on online learning, published in November 2006 by the Sloan Consortium, at national report (http://www.sreb.org/main/Publications/PressRel/) . Research for both reports was conducted by the Babson Survey Research Group, based at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
Policy experts in online learning and researchers who wrote the online learning report are available to speak with journalists. Contact SREB Communications or Babson College.
SREB, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, advises state education leaders on ways to improve education. SREB was created in 1948 by Southern governors and legislatures to help leaders in education and government work cooperatively to advance education and improve the social and economic life of the region. SREB has 16 member states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Each is represented by its governor and four gubernatorial appointees.
The Sloan Consortium is the nation's largest association of institutions and organizations committed to quality online education and is administered through Babson College and Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering. Visit www.sloan-c.org. "

Tag: accredited online degree programs

Kaplan University Holds Commencement for 2,300 Graduates Earning Online Degrees

Kaplan University Holds Commencement for 2,300 Graduates Earning Online Degrees

"Newsweek Chairman and Editor-in Chief Richard M. Smith Delivers Commencement Address
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Richard M. Smith, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Newsweek, congratulated Kaplan University’s more than 2,300 online graduates and told those in attendance during Saturday’s commencement ceremony they should follow through on promises, be ready for change, and keep learning.
“You’ve already taken the first steps on the learning curve—you’ve learned to learn,” said Smith, an industry leader who was instrumental in creating the new Kaplan University/Newsweek MBA. “With advances in technology…and with your own lifestyle choices, you’ll have to be ready to learn all over again.”
The graduates traveled to the ceremony at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts from around the country. They donned their caps and gowns and met classmates they have only known through their Internet-based courses. The graduates were awarded master’s, bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and certificates in paralegal studies, business administration and education, among other fields.
“Today’s commencement marks a contrast between conventional and cutting edge,” Kaplan University President Andrew S. Rosen said to the graduates. “The customs surrounding commencement are rooted in history, but the journey our online graduates took to pursue their educational goals is anything but traditional. A quality education delivered through innovative online learning is the path that worked for you. Today’s technology helped make your journey a success.”
Rosen highlighted the successes of several students, including Vicky Blair, a former crime scene investigator with the Wichita Falls (TX) Police Department, who is among the first graduates of the University’s Master of Criminal Justice program. Rosen also recognized Dawn Matlachowski, a great-grandmother from Warroad, MN, who earned her associate’s degree in paralegal studies, is working towards her bachelor’s degree and hopes to one day finish law school. Additionally, Rosen applauded “The Pago Pago Four”—Sonny Leomiti, Chamagne Lito, Evelyn Fruean, and To’aiva Tago—who teach in a K-8 school in Pago Pago in the islands that make up American Samoa in the South Pacific. The four, who were not able to attend the Florida ceremony, earned master’s degrees in Teaching and Learning. In addition to these students, the University also recognized more than 100 graduates with Academic Excellence Awards based on cumulative grade point averages of 4.0.
Three faculty members—Criminal Justice instructor Dena Weiss, Legal Studies instructor Laura Catron, and Criminal Justice instructor Robert Hanser—received Outstanding Faculty Awards for their commitment to their students and colleagues. More than 150 faculty and administrators attended the ceremony.
The University holds two commencements a year, with its summer ceremony set to take place in Chicago on Aug. 4.
Kaplan University, based in Davenport, Iowa, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The University currently serves more than 26,000 online and on-ground students with support centers in south Florida, Chicago and Phoenix. Earn your ONLINE Degree at Kaplan University. Click Here!

About Kaplan Higher Education and Kaplan, Inc.
Kaplan, Inc.’s Higher Education Division includes Kaplan University, Concord Law School and more than 70 campus-based locations in 21 states. The higher education division offers master’s, bachelor’s and associate’s degrees, as well as certificates designed to provide students with the skills necessary to qualify them for employment in fields such as business, criminal justice, education, fashion and design, health care, information technology, legal and paralegal studies. Kaplan, Inc. kaplan.com is a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. "

Earn your ONLINE Degree at Kaplan University. Click Here!

Tags: accredited online degree programs, Kaplan University

Choose an Online Degree Program

Choose an Online Degree Program

It's now thinkable to work towards your college degree, and many career diplomas, entirely Internet! You can get your degree expediently from home, working at your own pace. More than 4.3 million women started back to college last fall, many through distance learning degrees. With distance learning you can keep up your full-time job, and meet your family obligations and responsibilities, while earning your degree online. Many top tier colleges offer the same quality education and student services to online students that on-campus student enjoy. When you make your mind up which college degree program you wish to pursue online, you can start each online university that offers your chosen college degree online. At eLearningYellowPages.com you can research and request information from all of the high quality, accredited schools that offer your chosen program. Don't hesitate to request information from more than one school, degree programs can be very diferent at each online university, so you should carefully compare tuition, class schedules, entry requirements, and curricula before you choose a school. These are only a few of the important items that you should think about before selecting an online school. Do your research quickly and easily at eLearningYellowPages.com, choose your program, then start your online college degree program. Isn't it time to make your dream of a college degree a reality? Don't enroll with the first online university that you see that offers your chosen college major. First, look for an accredited online degree program. Determine what resources the school offers to distance learning students, and how the coursework is delivered, i.e. entirely via the Internet, correspondence, etc. What type of interaction will you have with other students and Professors, if any? What is the cost of tuition, and is any assistance offered?

Tags: online degree programs

Register-Mail.com - Galesburg Register-Mail Online

Register-Mail.com - Galesburg Register-Mail Online
"Higher education comes home
Online degree can be convenient alternative to campus

Saturday, February 17, 2007
By JANE CARLSON
The Register-MailWhen Darlene Smith wanted a bachelor's degree, the 47-year-old Galesburg woman went online.
Smith, a life-long Galesburg resident, finished a degree in business and management of information systems from Kaplan University last fall without ever setting foot on a campus. She and her two daughters, ages 6 and 17, will travel to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., next week to participate in graduation ceremonies.
Based in Davenport, Iowa, Kaplan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The for-profit school offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees online and on its physical campus.
Because she works full-time and is a single mother, a more traditional pursuit of a bachelor's degree was not an option for Smith, who is an administrative assistant at Carl Sandburg College and received an associate's degree in marketing from the college in 2003.
"I always wanted a bachelor's degree," said Smith, noting that her job at CSC is her "bread and butter," but she wanted to learn more about business and technology to help her launch a part-time sewing business on the side.
Local colleges didn't offer the upper-level evening and weekend classes Smith needed to fit with her schedule, but commuting to a university would have been too time-consuming, she said.
Smith had high standards when she began researching options for online degrees. She was most interested in gaining the knowledge that would help her achieve her goals, so the curriculum was important, but she also wanted the degree to be legitimate, so only considered schools that were accredited.
She also contacted the Better Business Bureau to check for complaints about for-profit colleges. Her research led her to Kaplan, whose affordability also was a factor in her decision. Kaplan was among the first institutions to join a distance education demonstration program of the U.S. Department of Education that allows students in online degree programs to seek federal financial aid.
Smith was assigned an academic adviser and began taking classes in September 2003, reading class material and writing papers on her own time, but using instant messenger programs and software provided by Kaplan to participate in class discussions and seek input from her professors.
Just as in brick-and-mortar institutions, Smith said, faculty took extra time to answer her questions. But instead of face-to-face, it was via programs like Yahoo! Messenger.
"You learn so much because the teachers are so dedicated," Smith said.
Just before Smith finished her coursework at Kaplan, Carl Sandburg College finalized the first of two arrangements with universities to offer bachelor's degrees online for local students.
CSC students complete bachelor of arts degrees at Western Illinois University through the Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts, or BOT/BA, program, which maximizes transferability from associate's degree programs and was approved in September 2006.
The BOT/BA program, designed for non-traditional students who are unable to earn four-year degrees by traditional means, utilizes distance learning technologies to offer courses on CSC's campus and in students' homes.
In December 2006, CSC launched a partnership with Franklin University of Columbus, Ohio, to offer four-year degrees in 15 majors to its students through the university's Community College Alliance Program. "

Tags: accredited online degree programs for busy adults

ksl.com - More Students Taking Classes Online

ksl.com - More Students Taking Classes Online

"More Students Taking Classes Online
February 12th, 2007 @ 6:30pm
Tonya Papanikolas Reporting
A company that studies trends in education says by the year 2008, one in 10 college students will be enrolled in an online degree program.
Here in Utah, the courses appeal to a lot of different types of students, especially those who need flexibility in their schedules.
Marilee Greenland is working hard to earn a college degree.
Marilee Greenland, Diagnosed with Cancer: "I'll be the first one to have graduated from all of my siblings."
But this summer, while she was taking classes at the University of Phoenix, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to start chemotherapy.
Marilee Greenland, Diagnosed with Cancer: "I didn't think that I'd be able to graduate. So I got with my counselor and I said, 'OK, what can we do?'"
What they came up with was taking online classes, which Greenland could do from home.
Marilee Greenland, Diagnosed with Cancer: "It gives me the flexibility to choose when I want to work on it instead of having to be in a certain place at a certain time."
If Marilee isn't feeling well, she can bring her laptop right into her bedroom.
Dan Greenland, Marilee's Husband: "There's a lot of people that probably wouldn't even do it, but she has a goal to finish school."
Now that Marilee is learning online, she isn't surprised that many students prefer the option. The University of Phoenix says 23 percent of its students take online classes, while another 20 percent combine them with traditional classes.

Darris Howe, Director, Univ. of Phoenix in Utah: "The echo-boomers, this seems to be the trend that they want, that's the way they want to learn."
Darris Howe says the classes cater to working professionals who don't have a lot of time, those who live in rural areas and even military personnel.
Darris Howe: "When they deploy, they can stay in school even while they're on deployment."
For Greenland, who was already dealing with cancer treatment and losing her hair, being able to continue her education gave her a sense of normalcy.
Marilee Greenland, Diagnosed with Cancer: "Gives you a little bit of sanity and makes you feel like, you know, you have some control of your life when there are so many other factors you can't control."
It also made her goals a reality. Thanks to online courses, she'll be graduating in May.
The University of Phoenix says while its regular classes in Utah are growing at rate of six percent a year, online classes are growing at 12 percent nationally. "

Tags:
online courses and degree programs for professionals

Parents Going Back To School

eLearningYellowPages.com
Parents Going Back To SchoolFebruary 6th, 2007
Parents Going Back To School
Parents hoping to go back to school should stop thinking the idea is farfetched. Parents whether married or single have found ways to making it through high school and college while having children. It may not be simple, but it can be done.
The one key factor parents need to have is determination. Without determination parents will run at the first obstacle they face. Realize once you have the determination there are many, many options for the working parent to successfully complete an education. In fact, many schools are aware that students returning to school may have a full-time employment and/or children.
Once you are determined to follow through with your dream of going on to school. Realize what you need to do. If a high school diploma is where you want to start, then look into on-line help. Many Web sites offer the High school diploma courses from the convenience of your own home. Under any of the tabs on ELearningYellowPages.com under other categories is a High School Diploma link. Many of the schools on the link offer high school diploma help at a convenient price.
If the dream is getting a vocational or college degree, then many options also exist. First, how much time is available to spend on studying or working on schoolwork. Once the time is estimated then you will know if you can take classes on site or if they have to be on-line.
Then start looking into schools, whether they are on-line or schools in your area. ELearningYellowPages.com offers a variety of choices you can look into for both areas, vocational and college. Also decide what you want to do and which of the two choices is better. Some careers require vocational training others are better suited by going to college.
As for the financial aspect, many resources are available: scholarships and financial aid. Check the link under other categories for scholarship and financial aid matching. Often times because you are a parent there may be more resources available to you, to fund your education. Also look into the company you work for, they may have tuition reimbursement for your education.
And finally, keep in mind what you are doing in the long run will be great for you and your family. Let determination be inspired by your children. When they grow older and are faced with obstacles they will be able to look to you for guidance because you not only finished school while working, but while having children as well. It will make it all more meaningful when you explain to them the value of an education!
Špost by: Jessican Balanza
Tags: adult education,parents continue education,financial aid scholarship matching

Newswire / Press Release: E-Learning Yellow Pages Announces Self Assessment - Education/e-Learning/Training | NewswireToday

Newswire / Press Release: E-Learning Yellow Pages Announces Self Assessment - Education/e-Learning/Training NewswireToday


E-Learning Yellow Pages Announces Self Assessment

"NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Miami, FL, United States, 02/05/2007 - E-Learning Yellow Pages now offers a self-assessment for those thinking of learning on-line to find out if it is the right choice. By answering 20 simple questions E-learning Yellow Pages can tell prospective students if on-line learning is for them.

With all the conveniences of on-line learning many sometimes wonder if it is the right way to earn a degree or diploma.eLearningYellowPages.com now offers a self-assessment for those thinking of learning on-line to find out if distance learning is the right choice. By answering 20 simple questions eLearningYellowPages.com helps prospective distance learning students if on-line learning will be the beneficial method of delivery.

The online assessment simply asks questions based on the current behaviors and interests of the prospective student. The assessment results will also offer some other tips based on the user's answers - for example if time management skills or computer skills should be improved or addressed, and it provides resources to also better those skills.

Adults interested in continuing education, but who have family or career responsibilities often find e-learning to be most convenient and manageable. Today, adults can earn a degree, an advanced degree, or a high school diploma online, and be on their way to higher earnings. Other coursework is also available in the form of certificate programs that can also help to advance the recipient's career, or help them to start a new career.

The ability to work at their own pace, anytime and anywhere they have an Internet connection is hard to resist. But, it may not be right for everyone. That is why it is important for these prospective students to think about their learning style, computer abilities, time management skills, and outside responsibilites before jumping into a program.

Taking a self-assessment through eLearningYellowPages.com only takes a moment of time, and in the long run it will lead students in the right direction based on their preferred learning styles."

Agency / Source: E-Learning Directories, LLC

Find out if elearning is right for you and your learning style by taking the self assessment at eLearningYellowPages.com. If your time management skills or computer skills need a little work, they will also lead you in the right direction to find sources of help or training to improve your skills.

Tags: online degree program, assess skills for successful online or distance learning,online high school diploma,online career training,elearningyellowpages.com,

The Art Institute Online Launches Its Social Network, Powered by WebCrossing Neighbors

Online social networks are becoming increasingly popular, and can be useful in an online educational, or e-learning, setting.

The Art Institute Online Launches Its Social Network, Powered by WebCrossing Neighbors
February 05, 2007 12:02 PM Eastern Time

"The Art Institute Online Launches Its Social Network, Powered by WebCrossing Neighbors
Custom Online Social Network Gives Art Students an Online Community Experience

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Web Crossing, Inc. and The Art Institute Online, a division of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, today announced the opening of AiConnections, a custom online social network for all students and faculty in the online programs as well as students at the 34 Ai locations across North America who take courses online.

AiConnections is powered by WebCrossing Neighbors for its private-label online social network infrastructure. Now, students and faculty can create personal profiles, connect with other students and faculty, discuss topics of mutual interest, and even share images of their artwork with each other.

“We are very excited to offer our students and faculty a place where they can share ideas, make friends, network and connect with one another,” said Doug Stein, vice president of The Art Institute Online’s Educational Services. “Because our students are learning online, AiConnections provides them that sense of community that traditional students get everyday on campus.”

More than 1500 online and residential students and faculty have already joined AiConnections and are participating in more than 100 groups.

"AIConnections is a particularly interesting implementation of WebCrossing Neighbors because of its focus on sharing visual images," said Tim Lundeen, president and CEO of Web Crossing, Inc. "WebCrossing Neighbors already provides the required capabilities, and as such empowers The Art Institute Online to create a community that is completely customized -- functionally and aesthetically -- to meet their goals. Web Crossing has a rich history of online community and collaboration products that are customizable, extensible and scalable."

“As the leader in creative arts education online, AiConnections is a part of our continuing commitment to enhancing the student experience,” said Stein. “This initiative complements our online education and provides an engaging place for our student and faculty communities.”

Express Yourself, Link With Friends

WebCrossing Neighbors lets businesses and organizations create, with complete control, their own customized, branded online social networks where members can link personal spaces with friends and colleagues. WebCrossing Neighbors is a hosted solution complete with common areas for interest groups, personal user spaces, profiles, blogs, discussions, photo and file sharing, access controls, search and more.
Helping businesses and organizations build a bridge with customers and constituents, WebCrossing Neighbors is based on the WebCrossing Core engine to provide social networking functionality that is scalable, extensible and easily customized. Personal spaces link friends and colleagues together using the WebCrossing Neighbors dynamic tagging engine, with support for "degrees of friendship." System-wide search is fully indexed and lightening fast, while system-wide announcements provide members with hot news or other updates.

About The Art Institute Online
The Art Institute Online, a division of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, delivers education in the creative arts through the Internet, extending the opportunity for learning to all students desiring classes by eliminating geographic, lifestyle, or physical constraints. With online courses designed using the same curriculum delivered on ground through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, The Art Institute Online offers associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in Graphic Design and Interactive Media Design; bachelor’s degree programs in Advertising, Fashion & Retail Management, Game Art & Design, Hotel & Restaurant Management, Interior Design, and Media Arts & Animation; a bachelor’s degree completion program in Culinary Management; and diploma programs in Digital Design, Residential Planning, and Web Design."

For more information visit The Art Institute Online. The Art Institute Online is an accredited school offering online degree programs for those with a creative leaning.

Tags: Art Institute Online,Online Associate and Bachelor Degree Programs

Online Degrees for Adults

The Internet has changed the way we do business, manage money, and is becoming an increasingly popular way to get an education.

Online degrees are more convenient for people who are in the middle of a career, or have started a family. Online classes eliminate commuting hours and allow students to tackle coursework at their own pace, and on their own schedules. Frequently, classes meet once per week online and school is open 24/7. This means that schoolwork can be accomplished after board meetings or when the kids are sleeping. More often, classes can be taken at anytime, eliminating the need to schedule a particular day or time.

Learning online does not necessarily make it easier to finish a degree. Coursework can be intense and workloads can be hefty, somewhat driven by the need to validate this fairly new learning path. However, the convenience of studying online is a huge draw for online degree seekers.

Top tier schools across the nation are offering opportunities for online learning, from community colleges to the top Ivy League institutions. The University of Phoenix Online is the nation's largest, private, accredited university. Other top tier schools with online options include University of Connecticut, University of New Hampshire, Columbia University in New York City, Boston University and Harvard.

Like anything on the Internet, beware of fake degrees from online diploma mills. Anyone who has the $20 fee can register and use an .edu domain name, and fraudulent organizations have established legitimate looking Web sites and polished brochures that show pictures of beautiful campuses with stately buildings. If you have any doubts about an online program, check to see if it is accredited and by whom. Request information from the school directly - directories such as eLearningYellowPages.com are a good place to start. They list only accredited online degree programs, and you can request information from multiple schools in a matter of minutes.

Certificate programs are another good online resource that can help boost your credentials and career by certifying you as a specialist in your chosen field.

Online degrees aren’t for everyone; however, for mature working adults with with clear goals, online degrees are an excellent way to get the credentials they need. Complete this self-assessment form to determine if online learning is right for you.

Tags: online degree programs

Is An Online Degree Right for You?

If you are thinking about going back to school to earn your degree, you may be wondering if an online degree is right for you. There are many reasons why adult students choose online degree programs, and the following article addresses the most pertinent ones.

Is An Online Degree Right for You?

"Published: Friday, January 19, 2007 2:04 PM CST(ARA) - With the ever-changing job market and increasing competition for stable, well-paying jobs, more and more adults are seeking additional education to help them in their current professions or to prepare them for a career change. For people who are working full time, online learning, sometimes referred to as distance learning, can be a great choice.

Taking courses online enables you to pursue an advanced degree without sacrificing the time you spend with your family or the momentum you have in a career track. Online programs allow learners to take courses when it's convenient for them. Without set classroom time, learners can work on assignments from home, the office, or on the road -- as long as they have access to e-mail and the Internet.

The practicality and convenience of online learning has helped it become a popular choice among busy adults. Currently, there are hundreds of thousands enrolled in online degree programs. University of Phoenix, the largest accredited university in the United States -- and leading online university -- helps more than 180,000 working adults achieve their academic and career goals every year.

Online learning offers many benefits. Most programs have rolling admissions and courses begin frequently so students can get started quickly. Going to school online means no hurried commute to make it to class in time. Students can log on to their course any time of day. And online programs typically cater to adult learners, so courses focus on material that's important and practical.

Choosing the right school is key to a positive and rewarding online learning experience. Prospective students should understand the options available and investigate which programs best suit their needs.

Here are some guidelines from the experts that will help you make an informed decision:

1. Is the institution accredited? An accrediting agency evaluates such things as financial stability, admissions and student services, student learning and more.
2. Does the institution have both an online and traditional brick-and-mortar presence? This gives you the option of attending some classes on campus.
3. Does the institution have adequate student support services? Can they help you with choosing the right program? If you have technical problems with the online systems, can they help you resolve them?
4. What are the qualifications of the instructors? In addition to academic credentials, instructors may also hold high-level positions within their field of expertise, enabling them to share valuable, real-world experience which can be immediately applied to your career success.
5. What is the success rate of alumni? Ask about the program's graduation rate and job placement assistance.The cost of online programs varies widely. The good news is that students enrolled in online degree programs are often eligible for the same types of financial assistance as traditional students, including scholarships, federal loans, grants and tuition reimbursement.

Online learning programs give adults a chance to go back to school to pursue their educational and career goals. To research accredited online universities, visit" eLearningYellowPages.com. Take a look at all of the many programs offered, and request information from several schools, in order to compare and choose the program that is right for you.

Tags: online degree programs

iPhone Impacts Mobile eLearning

The iPhone is coming! Its beautiful! It's the wave of the future, and it is going to have a a major impact on elearning! Many corporations are already using the Blackberry, and many of those same companies are testing or preparing to implement iPods for their employees as learning devices. Soon, for the same price you can now get a device that acts as both...!

PodCasts are becoming a part of elearning already as top tier online colleges and universities offer podcasts to supplement the material offered. In addition, there are some terrific corporate training programs, and self help programs that are now available on podcasts - and they are becoming more and more popular.

Lots of possibilities with the iPhone. Keep watching for more information.

Innovations in Online Learning

AIU Online, the virtual campus division of American InterContinental University, is now using podcasts to supplement learning for online degree students.

Students enrolled in the online college degree programs at AIU Online may use specially tailored multimedia content that supplements their online class materials. AIU Online has made podcast content available that the student can download and listen to whenever time is available, solving the students' dilemma of how to make the best use of downtime imposed by travel and other job and family-related activities.

AIU Online offers students in its online degree programs virtual classrooms, via the Internet, which are multimedia rich-learning environments. These virtual classrooms are designed to meet the learning preferences and needs of the university's population of adult learners. For those students who learn best by listening, there is audio content; while for others who prefer to read or interact with course materials, text and interactive course materials are available. The podcasts makes the audio content from one class session each week portable. Students simply download the audio content and listen to it whenever they have time, so they can continue learning when they are offline anytime and anywhere. For those students who learn better by listening and reading, a text of the audio content is also available for download, providing the adult learner two learning modalities - audio and visual.

Dr. Alan Drimmer, President of AIU Online, says, "because AIU online is focused on the needs of time-challenged adult learners studying online for their college degree, we are using podcasting to supplement and accelerate the learning process. Students in our online degree programs use the podcasts to add another layer in the learning experience. We have not developed them as substitute for the traditional classroom, but rather as an enhancement for the virtual classroom."

Learn more about AIU Online and other cutting edge online degree providers at www.elearningyellowpages.com. eLearningYellowPages.com provides a directory of top tier, accredited online colleges and universities.

Source:
PRWEB, November 30, 2006