E Learning: Why Choose Online Education? (By Johnathan Thompson)

The Internet boom is far from over, although it has been taking a slightly different slant in the past few years; hardly surprising as technologies advance and trends change. The World Wide Web is the largest resource of information in the whole world and whatever your needs the Internet can provide. What started as a bubble has soon become a massive tidal wave and online education is one of the areas that is still increasing, probably more than ever before.

You can shop online, you can watch TV online, and you can even book your holidays online or work online and now you can complete perfectly legitimate and recognised educational courses online. Far from being the alternative form of education used solely by working parents it is becoming just as popular with teenagers and professionals all around the world. There are no boundaries to learning when using the Internet. You can study a course that local colleges and educational institutions in your area don’t offer and you can do so without having to quite your job and leave home.

You don’t need to take three years to complete a course; you can often work at your own pace, fitting in around your commitments and according to your spare time.

What courses are on offer?

As well as courses designed primarily for completion on the Internet, many educational institutions are now leaning towards offering the major courses to be completed in the comfort of your own home. College degrees and graduate degrees are available in almost any subject you could imagine with many benefits over the traditional ‘classroom’ approach.

E-learning offers a vast array of topics too, from American History to Zoology and everything in between. Perhaps you are in full time employment and want a change in career. Not many of us can afford to just give up work and go back to college so online education could be the perfect answer.

Maybe you are unemployed and can’t find work suitable for you or the qualifications and experience you have. Online education can offer you the opportunity to gain more qualifications without the expenses of travelling or accommodation.

Why should I choose an online education course?

There are many advantages to online education. The courses are usually tailored to meet the different demands that are entailed within an online learning community. You are usually free to study at your own time and pace, so you have the opportunity to complete your chosen course quickly or as slowly as you want.

There are no travel costs involved with online education and no travel time whatsoever. The only time you will need to dedicate to your learning will be the time you spend studying and any trips to the library or other institution you may need.

Many jobs and careers demand a good working knowledge of the Internet, and by completing your course online you are already many steps closer to that end. You will have excellent knowledge on Internet research; always being able to find the information that is useful to you.

There are some factors you should consider when deciding whether to opt for online education or a more traditional classroom education. You will need a reasonably up to date PC, together with an Internet Connection. Fortunately, computer prices have dropped in recent years, so you can get a capable PC for little more than $300. If you consider using Ebay or buying a refurbished PC then you can reduce this price even more. Don’t forget, you will need a printer, operating software, word processing software and an Internet connection but again the price of these has dropped dramatically.

If you don’t have much working knowledge of a computer or the Internet you will need to find your way around at first and this can seem a daunting task for the beginner. Don’t panic, just stick with it and buy yourself (or borrow from friends or the library) books on how to use the software you are going to need. Once online the Internet has all of this information at hand, and the world becomes your playground.

A summary of online education.

Online education can help all people from all walks of like gain the education they want to better themselves or to advance in the career they already have. Whether you are a working parent or an unemployed bachelor, there are courses available for you to complete through online education.

Online education offers many benefits and few pitfalls when compared to the more traditional ‘classroom’ approach but you should carefully consider your options before jumping in.

There are costs associated with virtually all online education courses but these are usually little more than the costs to study at a college and when you consider that there are no travelling expenses and no extra living costs, you may find online education to be a much more financially viable option.

©2005 John Thompson

Johnathan Thompson is editor of , an web resource for online education and e-learning.

More about education http://chooseeducation.blogspot.com/

Online Education Has The Power To Transform Lives And Fulfill Dreams (By Terry McDermott)

Online education is a dramatic development in the advancement of distance learning. A century ago, a person without access to a school or training program could sometimes get the information that they desired through a correspondence course. It was not a particularly efficient way to get an education but it did open doors that might otherwise have been closed. The quantum leaps in technology during the latter part of the 20th century have altered the profile of distance learning.

Students that cannot attend classes at a traditional college campus can now participate in the same course of study as those attending day or evening school. Online education programs are structured such that a student can integrate lessons into their unique daily schedules. Participants have the flexibility to complete their work when it is convenient but communicate with instructors whenever it is necessary. You can now pursue a college degree at your own pace with a course load that is appropriate for you.

Online education is rapidly evolving and courses are available for a variety of subjects. It is possible for someone to finish their high school studies and obtain a GED online. Courses and certifications are also available in a variety of technical areas. An ever-expanding number of degree programs are available. Students can earn a bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree for an impressive list of disciplines.

The Internet is moving well beyond e-mails and e-commerce. Predictions of an Information Age are proving prophetic as the information superhighway carries more and more vehicles transporting ideas opening the door to an education that may have been denied to many. Online education has resulted in thousands of virtual classrooms that offer the possibility for accomplishment and advancement for all.

In an age where everyone and everthing is stretched too thin it is refreshing to know that the Internet provides legitimate resources that allow almost anyone to learn about almost anything. You can now feel confident that life and opportunity are not passing you by. Higher education is noiw available to any person with the drive, the desire and a personal computer.

Terry McDermott is the administrator of the Lifelong Learning Center at http://www.lifelonglearningcenter.com, a website that supplies resources for those seeking information about educational opportunities online.

More about education http://chooseeducation.blogspot.com/

Online Education - A University on Your Desktop (By Carrie Reeder)

Online education is spreading across the globe like a wildfire fueled by textbooks and periodic tables. Millions who previously thought that a college degree was firmly out of their reach have discovered that all it takes to attend college in today’s world are the combination of a few free hours each day and access to the Internet. Perhaps because of the ease of taking classes at one’s leisure, online education continues to be growing trend in the United States and around the world.

Online Education Equals Big Business

Originally conceived as a way for adults to earn a GED or college degree later in life than usual, online education or “distance learning” has spread to the point that people of all ages are now involved. Children as young as the fourth grade level now have access to online education in many areas, using it as a supplement to or in place of traditional classes. This translates into dollars and sense for the business community and, according to a November 2004 report on CNN’s website; it was predicted as early as 2001 that online education would become a $23 billion industry by the end of 2004.

With Online Education Everybody Wins

Part of the appeal to online education is that it is literally good for everyone. Educators can enter a new job market in writing and implementing an online curriculum and can use this income to supplement the earnings that receive from classroom education. Students of all ages have an alternative to traditional classes in which they can learn without the interference of other students’ behavioral interruptions. Adults who may have missed out on their high school diplomas or college degrees now have the opportunity, through online education, to complete or further their studies without the scheduling problems that may have made this impossible in the past. The public benefits from saved tax dollars; every student that participates in an online educational program represents a reduced burden on the taxpayer funded public education system. Finally, online education offers businesses the chance to educate their workforce at a lower cost and the benefit of a generation of computer literate and more highly educated prospective employees entering the job market.

Online education saves time, money, and offers opportunity to those who may have never had it in the past. It may truly be the wave of the future.

To view our recommended sources for online education and
degrees, visit us here Recommended Sources For Online Education.

Carrie Reeder is the owner ofeZerk, an informational website with articles and the latest news on various topics. Visit eZerk for more information about online education and degrees.

More about education http://chooseeducation.blogspot.com/

Online Education - An Internet Education & Course Checklist (By Carrie Reeder)

If you’ve chosen to go to college via an online education distance learning program, there are a few things you’ll want to know before getting started. This listing should be considered as a general guide on the subject and not as a replacement for the guidelines provided by the university that supports the online education program that you’ll be participating in.

Online Education Courses are Just as ‘Real’ as ‘Real’ College

For some reason, many students that are beginning a distance learning education get the idea that it’s not “real” college, so it doesn’t matter if they do the coursework on time, pass the exams, etc. This is just as common in adults who are returning to school after a lapse in education as it is in young students who are fresh out of high school. This type of attitude is a recipe for failure in any educational program. Remember that it is your time and your money that is going into this; you want to be sure that you get everything you can out of it.

School Supplies are Your Responsibility

If you were attending a traditional university you’d expect to pay for your books, pens, paper, and other products necessary for your education. It is no different when attending online education courses. The supplies are different; you’ll need a computer, internet access (preferably broadband), email, and specific software to complete your online courses. In most cases these are all things that you’ll be required to supply yourself. If you do find a college that is offering to give you a PC, you’ll probably want to double check their accreditation or start having your email sent to sucker@borneveryminute.com because you’ve found yourself a fly-by-night university.

Financial Aid is Available for Those Who Qualify

Many students miss out on college because they believe they can’t afford it. Perhaps their parents were unwilling or unable to pay for college yet they made too much money for the student to qualify for aid. Then, as older adults, they do not continue their education because they still believe they can’t afford it. Remember that students in online education programs from accredited schools can qualify for many of the same grants that they would in on-campus programs. Don’t miss your opportunity because you think you can’t afford to pay for your online education.

To view our recommended sources for online education and
degrees, visit us here Recommended Sources For Online Education.

Carrie Reeder is the owner ofeZerk, an informational website with articles and the latest news on various topics. Visit eZerk for more information about online education and degrees.

More about education http://chooseeducation.blogspot.com/

Online Education and Online Degrees - Many Options Available for Distance Education (By Carrie Reeder)

Online education is the latest trend in alternative education choices. Also known as distance learning, options in online education are being pursued by people from all over the world who are looking to further their education. And it’s never been easier to join the growing class of Internet U.

Whether you’re interested in simply getting your GED or receiving your MBA from an accredited university, your options in adult education have doubled in the past five years with the advent of online education and will likely continue to grow as more colleges, universities, graduate schools, and trade schools begin offering distance learning classes online.

How Does Online Education Work?

In most cases, it is not the specific college or university that runs the online education portion of their program. Most schools outsource their internet education duties to companies that specialize in hosting distance learning classes. These companies (who have names like eCollege, SkillSoft and such) perform the actual tasks of running the online classes, assigning work, and conducting exams, all according to the curriculum provided by the specific school. Students that enroll in online education courses are typically required to provide their own computer and any necessary software needed to participate in the online classes and take the exams. In the world of online education your books, binders, and number two pencils are replaced by a PC (or MAC – but compatibility may vary), a word processor, and some form of multimedia player. Broadband internet access is advisable as well. It may be hard to get your masters with low baud.

Things to Look Out For

Online education is a very worthwhile trend in the evolution of education in our world and it is conceivable that sometime in the future nearly all official education will take place online. The internet, however, is the real-world equivalent of George Lucas’ Mos Eisley Spaceport; a wretched hive of scum and villainy. As online education becomes more prominent, there will be more companies looking to take advantage of the trend by offering sub par classes and fly-by-night degrees from non-accredited schools. Before you commit to any online education program, do your homework and make sure that the school is accredited. The last thing you want to do is spend your time and money earning a degree online that isn’t worth a byte in the job market or to other educational institutions.

To view our recommended sources for online education and
degrees, visit us here Recommended Sources For Online Education.

Carrie Reeder is the owner ofeZerk, an informational website with articles and the latest news on various topics. Visit eZerk for more information about online education and degrees.

More about education http://chooseeducation.blogspot.com/

Distance Learning, Online Education, Electronic Education, Electronic Learning... (By Barbara Snyder)

Whatever you want to label "learning at home" and however you want to define the latest buzz words for non-traditional education, you can find a program and method that suits your needs. Right now over 1.2 million people in the U.S. participate in some form of distance learning, with a projected expansion to 2.3 million in just a few years.

In looking at this rapidly expanding and viable form of education and training, there are a few basic things you need to consider and some decisions you need to make in order to create the environment that will best suit your needs. You need to know the what, the why, the benefits and the how of the various forms of distance learning.

Distance learning (correspondence courses) started in Europe in the 1800’s and has evolved into a multifaceted term that serves many purposes. Some of the forms of distance learning are: correspondence courses, online education, internet based education, electronic education, e-education, electronic learning, and e-learning. How these terms differ will depend upon how the institution defines and labels the programs which they offer. To simplify the whole concept, let’s say that these terms represent ways of learning away from a "brick and mortar" facility. Some distance learning and/or online programs may or may not be connected to a university or college. There are many programs that are independent and are not affiliated with any institution.

Distance learning offers a variety of paths to personal goals which include: GED, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, graduate certificates, master degrees, doctoral degrees, non-credit training courses, and others. Whether a person is seeking a degree, keeping professional skills updated, or pursuing skills for an interest area or hobby, there is a program or offering that should work.

Why are so many people turning to distance learning? What are its advantages? On a personal level look at such pros as: maintaining privacy; provides convenience; enables a flexible schedule; allows for balancing job and family obligations; working at own pace, going slowly or accelerating learning; can be less expensive; great for homebound individuals; no unnecessary travel; no formal class attendance; and can "learn while you earn." These are a few of the many things that are causing quite a number of people to take an entirely different approach to attaining knowledge/skills and/or earning a degree.

Those who advocate against an alternative of distance learning, often site the lack of socialization which is a part of a traditional type of education. However, not everyone is looking for the classroom activities, college events/parties, and the interactions that are a part of a school campus. Many of the classroom activities such as discussion and support can be achieved online. The other things that an online education will reinforce are: reading - ebooks, up to date
references, current research; listening - through audio lectures or clips; seeing- through graphic illustrations and demonstrations; doing - assignments, quizzes, exams, research papers; and speaking/communication - through email, chats, and electronic discussions. A distance learning program can be far more than just reading and writing.

What are the requirements for becoming a part of a distance learning program? Many programs require a minimum of a GED or taking an admissions test. Usually, the process for applying will include: an application; transcripts; test scores; an essay; and letters of recommendation. The less formal the program, the less formal the requirements. There is a wide range in answering this questions. However, what is necessary for an online program is the right computer equipment with the internet connection (high speed), word processing capability; email; and multimedia player. The program you choose will provide more specific details for recommendation about equipment and software.

In choosing a program there some questions to ask as you do your research and make your selection. Ask about the following: help/support is offered; qualifications of the instructors; number of years the institution has provided services; is it an accredited program; details about the curriculum; and multimedia elements of the program. By the way, accreditation is voluntary since there is no officially sanctioned entity in existence. However, most schools considered the six regional accrediting agencies listings to be legitimate agencies. Ask if it is regionally accredited.

The last thing you need to think about is your motivation and work ethic. If you are a good reader (good reading comprehension skills) who doesn’t procrastinate and can avoid distractions, you will be a good candidate for an alternative approach to education. In this age of global education and the need for current knowledge and skills, this is a fast delivery system that will bring all the technological advancement right into your living room instantaneously. It works for more than a million people, and it can work for you.

Visit our Resource Center on Distance Learning at: http://sbmag.org/distancelearning.html

Copyright usage: No permission is needed to reproduce this story. The About the Author statement must remain in tact. We also request notification of where the article is being used so reciprocal links can be considered. mailto:barb@sbmag.org

About the Author
Barbara Snyder is a retired California Distinguished School Principal and Coordinator For Human Resources. She has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She holds elementary education, secondary, community college, and administrative credentials. She is currently the publisher of http://EducationResourcesNetwork.com, co-publisher of Strictly Business Magazine, http://www.sbmag.org.

http://chooseeducation.blogspot.com/