Sunday, January 20, 2008

Earn a College Degree Online from Your Own Home

You can get a college degree online from the comfort of your own house. Now earning your degree is now way easier than ever before. You do not have to spend your days on a college campus; instead you can keep your current job and take classes from home. Most courses are similar to on-campus courses, except you do all the work from home. These convenient varieties of pursuing a college degree are also available for individuals working towards certain graduate school degrees.

Schools That Offer On-Line Programs

There are two main types of colleges that offer degrees you can complete from home. Regular universities and on-line universities usually offer a variety of on-line programs. Both programs are extremely flexible and available at a very inexpensive price. Because students are requesting a more flexible schedule many schools are adapting their regular curriculum.

Many campus school courses are now available in both the on-campus and online forms. So students who cannot attend a regular campus version of the class can still take it through the on-line form. Campus programs have had to add degrees online in order to keep up with the changing needs of their students.

The other main type of school that offers low cost on line degrees is a distance education college. These colleges specialize in a variety of different distance education courses. They usually offer teleconferences, virtual classrooms, and online courses. Many of these colleges have locations in major cities across the country. Students can then choose to attend classes at the physical school location or online.

Cost

Online universities do not usually charge more than a regular four-year school. In fact, many online universities are cheap compared to the high price of four-year schools. Both types of school offer assistance through federal financial aid, which can make college possible for low-income families.

Because of the financial aid and grants that are available to students, online degree programs are an affordable online college degree option. Most students who want to attend either type of university can apply for financial aid from the federal government. Some forms of financial aid are need based and some forms are given to all individuals who request it.

Busy Schedules

With the busy schedule that many individuals have today an online educational program is a great way to get the degree that is needed in order to move ahead in their current position. Most people who attend an online degree program will complete their bachelor's degree in a similar amount of time as students who go to regular class meetings.

Online programs are a great alternative to the regular four-year university. Students need a variety in their education and can benefit from the degrees offered through on-line programs. Not all degrees can be offered through on-line training, but many programs can easily transfer from an on-campus course to an on-line course.

Before settling for an on-campus degree program, consider looking into online programs that might fit your busy schedule better.

An affordable online college degree is not a myth! For help finding an inexpensive, convenient and quality higher education option that is right for you please visit us at: http://www.affordableonlinecollegedegree.com/

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Why Online Colleges Make A Good Choice

Admittedly, an online education is not for everyone – even though online schools are the future of education.

On one hand, it is possible – and even probable – that a form of “brick-and-mortar” public school will always exist. Social skills and learning to interact with others are important, and will become ever more vital as society (hopefully) moves from the destructive, greed-driven, self-centered “winner-take-all-you’re-on-your-own” mentality of mindless globalization and predatory free market hypercapitalism toward a more cooperative, localized, community-based model focused on human needs rather than those of the market.

However, these public schools of the future are likely to focus on traditional group activities, such as ensemble music, team sports, theatre and industrial skills – endeavors which require co-operation and live interactions.

On the other hand, there are many academic subjects that can be studied more effectively without the usual distractions. This is one reason that college degrees online are becoming increasingly popular (and high school degrees are following suit). Many people find it easier to focus on their studies in the peace, quiet and privacy of their own homes. This is one major advantage of online college degree programs.

The challenge lies in the fact that there is nothing to force one to study – no bells, schedules, live professors, senior classmates, nor any of the other people and things that normally motivate us. Pursuit of an online degree requires a high level of intrinsic – that is to say, internal – motivation, or locus of control.

That said, the fact that you are reading this indicates that you are already have the intrinsic motivation to pursue studies online, on your own.

In fact, if you are a working adult with a family, studying at an online college makes a great deal of sense. Not only do you set your own schedule, you set your own pace as well. Most online courses allow a student up to an entire year to complete class requirements – which are pretty much the same as they are in a traditional brick-and-mortar setting; you’ll be expected to read text assignments, hear lectures (either in some type of audio/video format or via podcast), complete written assignments (yes, term papers) and take exams.

Of course, online education isn’t just for older, “non-traditional” students. High schoolers can get a “running start” on their college degrees online. In fact, increasing numbers of high schools around the nation are coördinating just these sorts of programs. Young people of high-school age should check with their counselors about such opportunities at their schools.

Completing college courses online can also save a great deal of money. Up to the first two years can even be completed by examination through the College Level Examination Program, or CLEP. Successful completion of these exams enable one to earn from 6 to 12 credits for a small fraction of the cost of a traditional college course.

Anne Harvester has attended three online schools and has been able to obtain her Bachelors Degree online, while having the flexibility of raising her children. online college degree programs have provided her with the opportunity to further her education with a schedule she could follow.

Community College Mission - Determines Future

Throughout the history of community colleges, there has been an overriding issue of change. From their inception, community colleges have been in influx. The numerous functions of a community college, such as vocational-technical education, continuing education, developmental education, and academic transfer preparation have created confusion, as to what is the mission of a community college. Confusion has led to problems within the system.

This constant turbulence is even evident when looking at how community colleges have developed over time. In the early twentieth century, community colleges were created to promote business and industry in the United States. Society would benefit from the masses gaining knowledge. By providing education, the workforce would be better trained to keep up with new technologies.

Another popular belief was to allow everyone an opportunity to meet their potential. Community colleges were given the task of making sure all individuals were offered choices to further themselves through education. This has required community colleges to provide remedial or basic skills studies, in order to meet the needs of these students. From this end of the spectrum all the way to the other, with the function of community colleges being community service, colleges today serve a wide range of needs. Schools were open to the public. Soon, short courses, workshops, and non credit classes were also offered.

An additional function of community colleges became collegiate transfer. Community colleges served as a lower-cost alternative to individuals, who eventually planned on attending a university. Universities, on the other hand, viewed community colleges as a place for adolescents to gain the skills necessary to progress forward in the educational process. Allowing universities to raise the bar for admission requirements and making research the focus of university campuses.

Added to all of those functions, community colleges also undertook the assignment of relieving society of its ills. Long ago, community colleges were given the task of rectifying social issues, ranging from racial integration to educating the young on teen pregnancy.

The community college has been the resource that many turn to help solve the problems that plague the nation.

Over the years, it seems that this lack of mission has hurt community colleges. Coupled with the changing economy and society and the lack of a clear mission, two problems have surfaced. These concerns are operations and funding. Today, these concerns are at the forefront of discussion at all community colleges. How these problems are addressed will set the future course of higher education. Operations and/or governance have been the pitfall of many community colleges today. Although there are three models of governance, there are two that apply to community colleges.

The bureaucratic and political models are most often found on today’s campuses. The bureaucratic model is a formal structure that has a leader at the top making decisions. In the political model, the idea is to have a shared learning community working together to make decisions. Both of these methods of governing have draw backs. The structural and legal constraints of each method have proved detrimental to community colleges. In order to be successful, community college leaders need to address quality of programs/research, create policy, set values, and support collaborative leadership styles both within and outside their institutions.

The problem of funding is found at all community college campuses. Colleges have seen a flood of new students entering their doors, yet monies to provide their education has not followed. At one time, community colleges were small campuses requiring minimal support from public funds. Today, campuses are bursting with enrollment and diverse needs. Significant state aid and federal funding are required in order to meet the current demands. Recently, community colleges have been forced to increase class size, reduce the number of low enrollment classes, offer minimal student support services, decrease full-time faculty, and increase part-time faculty.

These are just some of the responses that schools have been forced to exercise in order to solve the problem of reduced budgets. Community colleges along with government agencies must work together to develop an increased and equitable funding model. Without additional funding, community colleges will not be able to continue.

We are at a crossroads. Combining the multiple missions of community colleges into a focused clearly stated mission is a necessity. Once there is a focus, the next steps are apparent. It is time to find solutions to operations and funding. This will not be an easy road. However, losing an American institution, community colleges, would be devastating.


Amy Chapman writes the college search engine and profile site www.helpaboutcollege.com provides visitors with 1,000 college and university profiles, covering private and public schools. The distance learning search engine enables students to find those hard to find programs.
When not writing about education, Amy writes for the Arizona relocation site, www.arizonan.com provides those moving to the Phoenix Arizona area with information on 170 communities, new home developments, rental homes and much more. There is a full Arizona MLS online, complete with virtual tours of Arizona homes and condos. All sites are managed and operated by Arizona search marketing and optimization company, Chapman Interactive Inc Chapman Interactive manages websites for clients across a wide range of fields, including law, real estate, education and finance.

Attending Community College Online

In order to succeed in the workforce, it is often necessary to be educated past the high school level. In order to earn better pay or be promoted to better positions, sometimes more educational training is required. Receiving an Associate’s degree from an accredited community college is a step in the right direction. A community college is a post-secondary institution of higher education that offers many options to a person who is looking to earn more than minimum wage. Attending community college through an online program is a flexible and convenient way to supplement your education from the comforts of home, and without sacrificing work or family commitments. This innovative and exciting method of professional development is an ideal option if you are looking for a promotion, or if you are looking for a new career entirely.

There are many advantages of opting to get an education from a program offered through an online community college. Earning an Associate of Arts degree, Associate of Science degree, or a certificate in a specialized field from online program allows you to study at your own pace. There is no need to live near or commute to a college when all classes can be attended and all work submitted online. Attending school online is a great option for those who might have uncertainties about going to college as an older student or returning after many years. Attending community college online can be an easy way to ease into the routine of class work and projects, and can reduce the stress of feeling the need to fit in with younger students. Further, course availability is often convenient for those who work full time or care for a family. Often, community colleges offer evening and weekend classes.

There are many subjects offered to study online at community college. Associate’s degrees and certificates available include General Studies, Accounting, Computer Networking, Information Systems, and various healthcare programs. These are but a few of the subjects in which you can earn a college education by choosing an online program. Many online programs are delivered through colleges and Universities accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation is an important credential to look for when choosing an online program if you have prior college credits you wish to transfer. Accredited institutions are also more readily recognized and accepted by employers and professional organizations. And if you are concerned about affording community college, don’t be. Often, financial aid is available to students in the form of grants, loans, even scholarships. Also, many employers are willing to pay for part or all of an employee’s tuition and fees.

The misconception of attending an online community college program is that the experience might not be as enriching or legitimate as attending campus-based classes at a traditional community college. This just isn’t the case. Programs offered online present the same opportunities for group work, independent study, and interpersonal communications as their traditional counterparts. While it is true that being an online student requires a certain amount of self-discipline and organization, receiving your Associate’s degree online will probably help to facilitate the learning process as well as develop your time management and self-motivation skills.

With the prevalence of the Internet and advancements such as teleconferencing in both education and the business world today, it is possible to come away from the experience not only with an Associate’s degree or certificate in a specialized field, but also with greater knowledge and comfort with technology. Receiving your Associate’s degree online from a community college is a valuable, convenient, and flexible way to broaden your career opportunities, and have the career you have always dreamt about.

Learn the essential information for picking the right online degree course at
Community College Online

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