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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Environmental Training - Becoming EPA Certified

Getting the right environmental training can make all the difference in your EPA certification. When it comes to something as serious as working with the environment, there is a lot to learn. There are procedures and regulations that are not flexible that must be taught by a qualified professional training center in order to get them exactly right. Some people think that any program will do, but there is something to be said for finding the best environmental program to gain EPA certification. Not only will you be better educated, but you'll likely also have a more reputable stance within the industry because of the training that you received.

If you want to be the best in your industry, you need to train with the best. Becoming EPA certified is not a difficult task, and when you choose a top-rate training program, you can guarantee that it will be that much easier. The field of environmental courses covers policies, regulations, and practices of environmental work. The training in this industry is largely regulated by the (NESHTA). This group was established by the EPA in 1977 to promote trainee competence through five areas of education.

Skills training, certification, continuing education, networking, and standards adoption are the five areas that the NESHTA bases training competence on. OSHA courses, drinking water, wastewater, solid waste, source water protection, and preventing pollution are other topics that should be covered in environmental courses. Hazardous waste and materials courses might also be offered for those seeking environmental certification, depending on the program that is sought. Obviously, the more training a person has, the more useful their certification will be. Working within the EPA industry is all about understanding environmental issues. If you go the extra mile to learn more about these topics, you'll likely find better careers and higher positions available to you.

Whether training is required or not for your job, it can improve your standing within the industry. If you take the steps to become EPA certified and properly trained, you will likely have a much better career. Every state and specific job will dictate what you need training, depending on the statutes and regulations of their area, state, or industry. If you are aiming for a specific position, you need to get the right course for that particular career. If not, EPA certification and environmental training can still be beneficial to your career.

Join EPAcampus.com to get the right Environmental Training and EPA Certification.

Online Training - 80% of the Results For 20% of the Price

Under the current economic circumstances it is only reasonable to consider alternatives to traditional methods as a means of providing training. It is not really necessary to cancel in-service training events for staff to save costs since knowledge will still be required for efficient work and this situation is not changing. However, modern technology may be used to save time and money on training costs in a variety of fields.

E-learning stands for learning through the use of cutting-edge technologies in order to economise on time and money and reach 80-100% efficiency compared to traditional methods of training.

E-learning opportunities in general:

Video training - almost as effective as a seminar or a conference. The difference lies in the fact that a video can be rewound and stopped unlike a seminar or conference. Frequently it is possible to contact a presenter for asking additional questions or exchanging opinions with other viewers.

E-books - a great way for undertaking learning while travelling e.g. on a bus, train or plane. E-books can be read on modern smart phones (iPhone), some video players (iPod), laptops and e-book readers. As a rule, purchasing costs of e-books are considerably lower than those of traditional books since printing, distribution and other costs are negligible.

Tests - when there is a necessity to check one's knowledge, e.g. when learning for certification examinations, the best option is to take trial tests which are similar or coincide with the actual tests. Primary fields of use currently are examinations of driving schools, language tests (TOEFL), IT tests and job suitability certificate tests. The scope of the use of test learning will certainly increase.

The e-learning opportunities described above may be available on the internet, on CDs, DVDs or other types of data storage devices. How e-learning is accessed in today's world is rather irrelevant; the quality of materials and whether the training meets your needs are much more important.

Web conferencing - possibilities to view materials and simultaneously communicate with one's group peers and teachers via an online messenger programme or a forum. This may also include video clips and tests.

Interactive learning - this a hybrid means of learning combining written materials, lectures, video training, tests and a number of other methods. In the best training courses the computer programme makes enquiries in order to give the learner further directions, responds to questions and offers testing opportunities. More expensive courses offer opportunities to receive answers directly from lecturers or other learners. It is the best way to save time when studying complicated topics.

Specialist fora (forums) - an amazing amount of knowledge can be obtained through discussions and blogs. Information gained may not be 100% proven but one's knowledge can be successfully improved through learning about other specialist's views or experience. Many such fora are free.

4 major advantages of online training:

• Flexibility. You can always stop or resume your learning process when it best suits you and pace your learning.
• It is cheaper in comparison to traditional training. Quality e-learning costs on average 20% of the price of traditional training. There is no need for a full-time lecturer, renting rooms and equipment, providing snacks, etc. It saves time and money - no need to travel to the place of training either.
• Accessibility - e-learning materials can usually be accessed again later although this may depend on the training provider, but as a rule, upon purchasing a course you can repeat it free of charge or for a small fee.
• Several providers of e-learning have a money-back guarantee. Providers of traditional training do not usually offer such guarantees.

3 major disadvantages of online training:

• One should display interest and sufficient self-discipline for not postponing the learning. While one might be tempted to quit an e-learning session, you cannot walk away easily from a traditional classroom session.
• In the case of most forms of e-learning there is no opportunity for putting questions across immediately, the networking effect of seminars and conferences where specialists share experience, is also absent. Fora or chat rooms are an exception to this.
• E-learning offers few opportunities for a break from office routine since however complicated the training course might be, it does mean getting away from the normal work pattern for a while. There are few such breathing occasions in e-learning.

If the acquisition of knowledge is seen as more important than face-to-face communication with specialists, e-learning should be considered instead of traditional learning.

How to select e-learning

• Decide what you need to achieve through training, how much time and money you should allocate.
• Look for various options, compare their descriptions and fees, there are numerous providers at varying quality.
• If possible, watch a sample training session or request to see a sample. A number of training companies offer viewing of short courses free in order that you may assess training format and quality

Annar Merirand, E-Learning Evangelist, Don't Panic Media Ltd., http://www.trainingcourse.eu

Online Degree Programs Free Useful Info

Obtaining an online degree certificate is far cheaper than going to a university moreover; the former involves less hassle because you have to make choice of time to take your lessons. Due to all these good attributes, individuals who are busy, some handicapped people as well as people who are always at home, have to opt for an this degree program.

Online learning programs are now being run by large high institutions as revealed by current studies. As a consequent everybody who wants to get an online bachelor degree can obtain it even at a very convenient condition.

There are legal laws guiding the management of online degree programs which ensures that schools offers accredited online learning degree programs. Be sure you enroll in an online school that is far and wide accepted and particularly accredited for the degree you desire to earn.

Many researches have indicated that this program is very good, so the beneficial aspect of it is that when you earn an online degree, it is the same with someone who went to university to get the same degree. People who have secured degrees online are more and more being employed by employers from good companies. The employers usually recognize pleasing qualities needed from a good employee such as assiduousness, self-determination and sincerity.

Having a comparative investigation of the credit per cost for each of the degree courses you want to enroll for is essential. Doing this will enable you make a choice of the best degree you can pay for.

Fleming passionately writes to enlighten people about Online Degrees and has made tremendous success as an online tutor with several years of experience. Recommended: Visit http://myonlinedegree.fateback.com for more information and also see his personal blog http://on-linedegree.blogspot.com which has many free useful online degree resource materials.

How Words Can Affect the Outcome of Your Ecourse

Most basic ecourses start with words one a page or words on a computer screen. Either way, there are written words involved, right?

To understand what I"m talking about, let's outline a theory about visuals. If you have a dirty car, people notice how dirty the car is which sticks in their mind, right? But the person who has a clean car hardly gets a second look. The theory is, the dirty car is remember more than the clean car. In other words, people remember the negative rather than the positive.

The same goes for text ecourse, or ecourse in general for that matter. If you have several mistakes, such as typos or major grammatical errors throughout your ecourse, people will not think so highly of you. Matter of fact, some people may get turned off and leave you altogether.

If you are unclear whether something you write sounds correct or not, don't hesitate to change the wording. Oh, don't change you message or the concept of what you're writing, but make sure it's correct.

Now, I understand there probably corrections that can be made in almost any ecourse you find out there, if you go looking for it, you'll certainly find it. And, if you create ecourse, understand the there are "internet police" out there that will point out every single little typo or error you make. Learn to embrace it and correct it.

The point is, if you have a choice to use a word or phrase in your ecourse that may stand out as being negative, people may remember that more. The question isn't whether you want people to remember you or not, the question is, how do you want people to remember you? Going back to the car analogy...do you have a dirty car? Something to think about.

Want to know about other people's internet business? There are interviews happening all the time with some of the internet's best folks. Check out http://www.EcourseInterviewSeries.com and find out who they are and when they'll be interview.

Pursuing a Career in Early Childhood Education

If you are a friendly person who likes to help people, a career in early childhood education might be a good fit for your personality. Teaching is both an exciting and rewarding career where you get to watch young people develop as a result of your teachings. With a teaching degree in early childhood education you can work at daycares, you can become a preschool teacher and sometimes can even qualify to teach kindergarten.

Because daycares typically limit the amount of children per adult, you are going to really get to know each individual child. This is a huge plus to many potential daycare owners as with the limited size of daycares you get an opportunity to really build a bond with each child. As a day care worker you can either work at an existing day care or you can start your own from the comfort of your own home. Being a day care worker provides great flexibility if you want to take care of your own kids but still generates an income. Not only will having your own daycare generate you an income, but it will also save you money by allowing you to take care of your children instead of somebody else who you would normally have to pay.

Becoming a preschool teacher is extremely exciting for people who love kids. In preschool you will be teaching your students the fundamental social skills they will need to be a functioning member in their future schooling. Since preschool is typically most children's first time attending classes with other groups of children, each day at school is a new adventure which not only makes it fun for the kids, but also for you as their teacher. Preschool teachers will provide basic education to their children, spend time creating interesting crafts and will help their students learn how to socially interact with one another.

While not all people with early childhood education diplomas are able to teach kindergarten, in some cases you may be able to. Kindergarten is one of the most rewarding grades to teach as you get to be the children's very first impression of what school is all about. You will teach the children the basics behind the alphabet, counting, and further their social skills. After a year with you in kindergarten, children will be prepped to learn how to properly read and write.

If you love kids, have patience and love to teach, take a look at the Early childhood education program

If you're looking to become a teacher but need to stay at home with your kids then find out how you can get your teaching degree online.

Choosing a Degree That Will Make You Rich

As a student or someone considering obtaining a degree or career change, you have a lot of options. Unfortunately too many options can create uncertainty and confusion, but ultimately you want to select a career path that you will enjoy and allow you to make a healthy income. Degree programs and particular schools are charged with recruiting as many people as possible to make their institution profitable. That means you have the challenge of tuning out the marketing gimmicks and pay close attention to what is best for you.

Just because you have a degree does not mean you will make money or that you will enjoy your job. For instance, you could spend years working towards a master's degree in social work. Social workers, however, on average make a relatively low income. On the other hand, you could spend many years studying to become a doctor or a lawyer, yet you may be hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. So not only do you have a stressful career that consumes every waking moment of your life, but you're deep in debt.

Meanwhile, there are people making six-figure incomes and enjoying what they are doing by earning a certificate in information technology or automotive mechanics. Some people have an ability to motivate and make millions of dollars giving speeches as they travel the world. The bottom line is that there are many options for you, and you'll want to closely assess your skills, interests and goals before you decide on a degree. Your decision can make you a millionaire.

Find the highest paying careers before you spend your time and money pursuing a degree. Before you continue to invest in an education, don't make the fatal mistakes. Discover the best degree for you...

The Use of Podcasts in Education

Education researchers have discovered there is more to learning than meets the eye and that just telling or showing students information in the form of lectures and presentations may not produce as good a performance from them as finding a way to keep repeating that information without boring them to tears.

The basic premise is that when a student is shown information, they will absorb, at best, just 20% of the content. When lecturers, for example, combine showing information with giving the same information verbally, the retention rate rises to 30% but when students are able to return to that same information, over and over again, their ability to absorb it more than doubles to 70%.

With this in mind, a growing number of study courses, particularly those aimed at adults re-training or returning to the classroom are introducing Podcasts so that students can return, at their leisure, to lectures they have already attended or may have missed due to other commitments.

So what is Podcasting, according to Wikipedia a podcast is a series of audio or video digital media files which are distributed over the Internet by syndicated download, through Web feeds, to portable media players and personal computers.

Many of the students who sign up for the intensive, year-long Postgraduate Diploma in Residential Landscape Architecture course are switching careers and juggling family and other responsibilities alongside their garden design studies so introducing "anytime, anywhere" access to "repeats" of information will now form a key component of the learning tools available to them.

We would be interested in any feedback from readers on their own experiences of this type of learning mechanism.

The tutors at the Oxford College of Garden Design, for example, are currently working on a comprehensive range of Podcasts that, in effect, capture all the lectures given on the UK's top-rated garden design course.

The next intake for the diploma course, which is run from the Oxford Brookes University campus in Oxford, will be October 2009 but before then, Duncan Heather will be running a series of four-day "taster" courses which gives prospective students the chance to see if they have an aptitude for design. The taster mini-courses this year will run in March, May, July and September.

Earning Your College Degree Online - A Better Option During a Recession

More students are expected to go for college degree through online education due to the economic recession. Seeing the demand of more students deciding their college degree online, more universities and colleges are starting to offer more online degree programs. Therefore, you now have more options to choose a college degree online that will fit your goals.

The economy crisis that causes the world to enter into a recession has no sign to recover in the short period of time. Following more and more announcements on the job cut decision by the companies, parents are facing great pressure in funding their children education cost with a tight budget. Online education as an alternative to traditional campus-based education has become a more popular option as it costs less comparatively.

If you are one of students who can't escape from bad economy situation, then earning your college degree online will help to cut your education cost down. Since, most online courses can be log on from home, you don't need to travel from and to the college which will save you in travelling costs that include transportation and car maintenance cost if you drive to school. In additional, most learning materials for online courses are in electronic format, which helps to save money in buying the printed books and reference.

For those students who want to work for any reason, earning their college degree online can be the best option as flexibility and remote login to the online classes are the two key advantages of online education that will benefit most working individuals who want to earn a degree. During the time of recession, job market and companies are becoming more selective, many people can't afford to loss their job, they need to stay competitive to keep themselves continue being hired. More working individuals are going back to study for a degree in their career related field to maintain at advantage edge, but most of them dare not quit their job just to go back to school. Hence, earning a college degree online becomes their best option that enabling them to pursue a degree without giving up their pay check.

There are students who are interested to pursue their college degree online but worry about the acceptance of online degrees in the job market. According to the various survey reports found, most employers have no concern where the degree is from, either online or campus-based college or university, as long as the interviewee shows that his/her degree is from a legitimate accredited school. Since the concern about the acceptance of online degree in the job market had been eliminated, earning your college degree online can be a better option, especially in the time of recession.

Summary

In the time of recession where everyone faces a tight budget in everything, earning a college degree online can be the best option for most students as it is a more cost effective while it provides various advantages that fit the students in a tough economy situation.

Find free information and resources about online degree programs offered by top accredited online colleges and universities at http://www.your-online-degree.info More tips about finding the best online education degrees are available at the website.