I have read a good deal of traffic on the pros and cons of online learning over the past two years. There are those that feel that such learning lacks value, and for those people that believe this: you are ignoring the future.
As we move forward into an increasingly virtual world, we must accept that all aspects of life will need to evolve to this future. Online learning is not a new concept, and it allows us to bridge the gap that separates so many people of the world. By having this technology, it allows education to reach those that may not be able to participate through traditional methods.
It is important to fill our classrooms with as much diversity as we can, and if one thing is certain about the online environment is that it is diverse. This can be a threat to many people. Education has always been a bit elitist in its form. These barriers must be broken down in order for us to create a more culturally understanding world.
For those who feel that an online education lacks the value of a traditional education- you will be lonely in your future.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Back To School Supplies for the Online Course
It is that time again, when the students return to school for another year of education. And with that return to class comes the need for school supplies. For the non-traditional student, the same is true.
You will need many of the same things that the traditional students purchase: pencils, pens, pads of paper and reams of printer paper. A simple calculator will suffice initially, though one that is more complex may be needed in future courses. For the Online Course, one of the most important supplies will be a good laptop with the Microsoft Office suite installed, and a good thumb drive for saving back-up copies of your work.
When I was purchasing my laptop, I researched my needs for carefully. About.com has a good step-by-step article that helps to identify you needs in a laptop computer. Once you know what you need as far as computing power, and you have identified a few computers that fit that criteria, you should check every store for the best price. I found Newegg (www.newegg.com) to have the best price on the unit I purchased (a Toshiba Satellite), and they shipped quickly and at a very low cost. Just remember to either purchase the Microsoft Office program (it is the most widely accepted electronic media in courses) or have your copy ready to install.
Hope this helps.
You will need many of the same things that the traditional students purchase: pencils, pens, pads of paper and reams of printer paper. A simple calculator will suffice initially, though one that is more complex may be needed in future courses. For the Online Course, one of the most important supplies will be a good laptop with the Microsoft Office suite installed, and a good thumb drive for saving back-up copies of your work.
When I was purchasing my laptop, I researched my needs for carefully. About.com has a good step-by-step article that helps to identify you needs in a laptop computer. Once you know what you need as far as computing power, and you have identified a few computers that fit that criteria, you should check every store for the best price. I found Newegg (www.newegg.com) to have the best price on the unit I purchased (a Toshiba Satellite), and they shipped quickly and at a very low cost. Just remember to either purchase the Microsoft Office program (it is the most widely accepted electronic media in courses) or have your copy ready to install.
Hope this helps.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Decipher Your Educational/Lifstyle Balance
When I first decided that I wanted my MBA, I had an active 4-year old at home, an older home that I was slowly renovating, a loving wife that worked both in Early Childhood Education during the day and at the local community college at night, a standing commitment to my brothers at the Masonic Lodge, and a full time job in the public schools. I knew that the MBA was important to me, but was uncertain how to achieve it.
I knew that the traditional course would not work for me. Committing time during the day was impossible. I had attained my undergraduate degree from the local university, do following into my masters in the same college would limit my new learning (you should expose yourself to as many educators as possible during your education). Plus carving out the same three hours each week to meet in a night course was not realistic given my loaded plate.
I was also well aware that I did have the ability, and the drive, to work 12 months of the year on my degree. I could commit a few hours each night after my daughter went to bed, and had a few hours early each morning as well. I enjoy large amounts of writing, but do not perform well in a testing environment (I also feel that testing is set up to mimic reality- most organizations operate in team environments with good support, the opposite of the timed exam method). And I really like to read multiple view points on a particular topic.
There is the key. Knowing what works for you and what does not. As with many things in life, success comes much smoother if you sit down develop the list of criteria for the decision. This is even more important when you are looking to develop your next level of knowledge. Before you decide on any degree program (and this goes double for one that will cost you $25,000 to $50,000), make certain that it fits with your lifestyle, and with your strengths and limitations.
Intentionally setting yourself up for success is not only wise, but necessary.
I knew that the traditional course would not work for me. Committing time during the day was impossible. I had attained my undergraduate degree from the local university, do following into my masters in the same college would limit my new learning (you should expose yourself to as many educators as possible during your education). Plus carving out the same three hours each week to meet in a night course was not realistic given my loaded plate.
I was also well aware that I did have the ability, and the drive, to work 12 months of the year on my degree. I could commit a few hours each night after my daughter went to bed, and had a few hours early each morning as well. I enjoy large amounts of writing, but do not perform well in a testing environment (I also feel that testing is set up to mimic reality- most organizations operate in team environments with good support, the opposite of the timed exam method). And I really like to read multiple view points on a particular topic.
There is the key. Knowing what works for you and what does not. As with many things in life, success comes much smoother if you sit down develop the list of criteria for the decision. This is even more important when you are looking to develop your next level of knowledge. Before you decide on any degree program (and this goes double for one that will cost you $25,000 to $50,000), make certain that it fits with your lifestyle, and with your strengths and limitations.
Intentionally setting yourself up for success is not only wise, but necessary.
Walden University
There seems to be mixed reviews on the value of degrees earned through online universities. News agencies have run stories about different programs, which sometimes miss the full story. The truth about the value of the degree lies with each person and each program.
I recently graduated with an MBA from Walden University, and at times during the program I questioned the value. It seemed that I was putting forward effort that was not being recognized by the faculty, or that may not be accepted by the community in which I lived and worked. But I came to some very clear understandings as I progressed through the program.
The faculty was there to help guide me if I needed help and to answer questions that the students presented. Ownership over the learning was up to me, and the value of the knowledge was what I carried away with me. It was up to me to recognize that I was learning and growing into a more educated individual, and that praise from the faculty was far secondary to my own wealth of knowledge.
And as for the community in which I live and work? The majority of the community is not concerned with what letters follow my name. Only that I am a productive part of that community.
As it turned out, Walden fit my needs perfectly. The learn-at-your-own-pace was structured in weekly increments to keep you on track. The students that were involved had as much energy as I did, and I made some great connections from the program. And I learned a great deal about business, enough to land myself a new job with a 33% increase in pay!
I recently graduated with an MBA from Walden University, and at times during the program I questioned the value. It seemed that I was putting forward effort that was not being recognized by the faculty, or that may not be accepted by the community in which I lived and worked. But I came to some very clear understandings as I progressed through the program.
The faculty was there to help guide me if I needed help and to answer questions that the students presented. Ownership over the learning was up to me, and the value of the knowledge was what I carried away with me. It was up to me to recognize that I was learning and growing into a more educated individual, and that praise from the faculty was far secondary to my own wealth of knowledge.
And as for the community in which I live and work? The majority of the community is not concerned with what letters follow my name. Only that I am a productive part of that community.
As it turned out, Walden fit my needs perfectly. The learn-at-your-own-pace was structured in weekly increments to keep you on track. The students that were involved had as much energy as I did, and I made some great connections from the program. And I learned a great deal about business, enough to land myself a new job with a 33% increase in pay!
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