Advancing Careers With Online Education and Distance Learning Programs

Do you feel stifled in your current career? Are you stuck in a rut and find yourself unable to move up the corporate ladder? Are you looking for better job prospects and a higher salary? Do you believe that having only an undergraduate degree is preventing you from accomplishing your career goals? Then, maybe its time to look at the best possible solution to your professional problems! The answer lies in online learning and what it can offer you in terms of career advancement.

Now, you might think that you are just too busy to resume your education. Juggling your job along with responsibilities at home may be preventing you from enrolling for that college course you have been toying with. Or taking time off from work to complete your education may just not be an option in today's competitive market. It is in situations like these that an online degree program becomes an ideal solution. No doubt, earning a living is important, but nowadays this does not necessarily imply giving up your dream of a higher education. You can attend college after work with an online education school.

Online education is growing fast with many schools offering online degrees. Many colleges now offer courses and methods of studying that are easier and more enjoyable. You will receive the same quality education and degree as attending a campus. The difference is that your online degree is earned from home in your own time.

There are so many options when it comes to an online degree. You can choose from an Associate, Bachelor's and even a Master's degree. But the biggest plus point in favor of online education is the convenience. There are no set times and class schedules and you can work faster or slower depending on the pace you require. You can complete your degree in lesser timeframe, which allows you to re-enter the work arena in a shorter time frame than with a traditional college program. You can attend class whenever you have the time and without having to commute or spend on gas or public transport. All that you require is a computer with an Internet connection to access all your course information online. A good program will promote communication between lecturers and other fellow students through email, forums, message boards and chat rooms. For those on a budget, most online programs offer flexible payments and are, as a rule, less expensive than a normal school program. Financial aid is also available for online education, so check out your options before registering.

Therefore, the highlights of online education are:
- A school that is open round the clock
- No traveling or commuting fees
- Less expensive course fees
- Study at your own convenience
- Access to the curriculum and course material is always available

In terms of today's shaky economy, you might be struggling to hold onto your job and stay afloat. It's in such situations that you need to boost your job skills and optimize your resume by adding new up-to-date skills through the variety of online degree programs available. Regardless of what you are interested in, the odds are that you will be able to find an online degree that meets your needs. Another benefit of choosing long distance education is that you are not limited by the programs offered by the schools around you. You can choose a program, no matter how obscure the field, rather than settling for programs available only through your local college or university.

In many careers, promotions are limited for individuals who do not have degrees. Working professionals should choose an online degree program to get out of a dead-end job. Choose a program that offers training that will benefit you with your career goals as well.

At the end of the day though, online programs are not an easy option. All said and done, completing any online degree program requires commitment and determination. You need discipline to stay on track but when you finally graduate, you will reap the benefits of online education that make all the difference to your career ... and your life.

Stevens-Henager College was established in 1891 and is distinguished as one of the oldest colleges in Utah. It has trained generations of graduates through its on-campus and online programs for Master's, Bachelor's, and Associate's Degrees. Stevens-Henager College also offers FastFlex online degree programs for working professionals. Stevens-Henager's online degree program and FastFlex degree programs help enhance your career and your qualifications, while placement staff helps to find exciting job openings and even setting up interviews as well.

Two Perspectives on Blended Learning

If you've been researching web based education and training methods, you've undoubtedly encountered the term "blended learning". You might wonder exactly what the expression means. There are actually two different approaches to the concept. Understanding that may give you a better idea of what any individual source means when they use the term.

Some people refer to blended learning (or blended elearning) as a way of combining traditional "in person" educational opportunities with online lessons and instructional materials. They advocate a "blend" of traditional and web based techniques to improve the quality of education and the efficiency of its delivery.

This version is often mentioned in academic settings where it seems as though the drive to maintain levels of traditional face-to-face contact is stronger. This desire to maintain interpersonal contact stems both from pedagogical belief and the fact that many universities and other schools are not technologically prepared to move to a wholly Internet based method of instruction.

Blended classes might start with a series of traditional face-to-face classroom gatherings, during which core information and prerequisite information is supplied to students. The class would then move online for the bulk of the term. It might then close with another series of traditional meetings.

We can contrast this outlook with another perspective on blended learning. Many in the elearning field consider blending a matter of combining multiple online delivery methods as part of an educational or training program. When the term is used this way, the entire course is presented via the Internet.

You'll often see this perspective on elearning mentioned in more business-oriented situations. Companies often seek to develop web based training opportunities that eliminate the need for travel and other expenses inherent in face-to-face contact situation. It's also advocated because researchers have discovered that blending multiple tools and presentation methods has a positive effect on learning, engagement and retention.

The best way to determine exactly what a writer or speaker means when he or she mentions "blended learning" is by context. Try to determine if the individual is discussing situations that are likely to involve traditional face-to-face teaching and/or classroom methods. You can usually contrast that perspective on blending with that of those who are discussing completely web based systems

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