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To meet the needs of adults ages 22 to 75 and beyond who are flocking back to school, nearly every college and university has established a Continuing Education division or program. Yet until now there has been very little education for leadership in this rapidly growing field. That’s why readers at all levels of higher education will find this book so valuable. The book’s extraordinary contribution is a wealth of detailed information on the specifics of creating a… More >>

Leadership in Continuing and Distance Education in Higher Education

Accelerated college degree online programs fall into four basic categories.

The first option you have is known as the no “residency” requirement. Most schools require you to attend a minimum amount of classes at the school itself, but there are a few who do not. These schools offer college courses online without the requirement that credits be earned on campus. You can transfer in previous college credits, and gain credits through challenging exams, life experience assessments, military service, job training and continuing education. You can also gain credits by demonstrating college level knowledge in different areas. Because of these unique methods, you can complete the requirements for a degree in as little as a few months! The only downfall is that some of these “schools” are scams, and you should investigate them fully before giving them your money, or credit card information.

Another way to get your degree would be to use the “pay your fee, get your degree” method. This method just involves giving you a degree based on life experience, and cost. You pay a certain fee and they give you your degree. For an additional fee, they will backdate your degree and provide you with a transcript of classes with grades and verify your “education” to your employer. This method is sometimes called unethical and also illegal in some states.

Many colleges and universities offer adult learners accelerated college degrees online. This could be considered the most legit way to earn your college degree outside of attending the college full time. You can usually earn your degree in about two years of college. This cuts the cost and time to get your degree in half.

The final way to get an accelerated college degree online is to work your buns off. You can enter an accelerated program, work really hard, and finish in less than two years. This is one of the better ways to get your degree because your life is disrupted for only a small amount of time.

With technology consistently changing the shape of the landscape of nearly everything, the history of e-Learning has evolved and continues to evolve into great legitimacy in the world of education. While conventional classrooms still have their place, the virtual classroom is seeing more and more students each year. With the accreditation of online schools offering not only a number of degrees and qualifications, the opportunity for financial aid also makes online venues even more attractive. For some, there is just no beating the practical experience one receives in online degree programs. This is especially true when career advancement hangs in the balance.

Whether opting for a particular qualification or needing to get a general education online, prospective students will find just the right courses they need in almost every subject. For some, online education can offer a chance to either broaden horizons or narrow down career options. Selecting a variety of subjects can help define a career path when a student finds they gravitate more toward certain subjects more than others. Often, online credits are considered transferable and can help in achieving one’s degree.

It is doubtful that distance learning could have ever reached the level of effectiveness that it has without the help of the internet. Though this type of learning has been in place for a great number of years, it is the information superhighway that has changed the face of education from a distance forever. Where students waited weeks and months for correspondence from distant universities, one now merely needs to take a few seconds to log on to their virtual campus to get assignments. The virtual learning environment provides not only learning tools but collaborative software featuring such options as chat, discussion boards and even audio-conferencing. This can make long distance learning seem like anything but.

The advent of computer-based testing allows for students to gauge their skills and focus attention right where they need it. This leads to another bonus in the world of online education in the form of handy online tutoring. Students will find that supplemental learning options are readily available to those who may need the extra help from time to time. Many have come to realize that the only way to get around the frustration that sometimes comes with learning new skills is understanding the material better.

Most online programs generally consist of CBT (computer-based training), WBT (web-based training), interactive media, educational animation and a whole slew of other types of educational technology. Rapidly improving technology continues to develop these features at every turn, making online learning more and more efficient. Learning management software allows students to take control of their education and organize it right down to the specifics of career planning using ePortflios.

Of all the things the internet has proven itself to be useful for, online and distance learning continue to make their appearance at the very top of the list. The ability to cut across the distances in the blink of an eye and share common information also crosses the borders of the amazing. Every new technological enhancement ensures there will be no stopping the world of continuing education.

They say that you should do what you love and the money will follow. This is very good advice, especially when it comes to working through the wide variety of options available in today’s online learning environment. The Internet provides us with the tools and teachers to completely retrain us to become anyone we desire.

So that desire is what seems to be important. As you begin to look into the various fields, be sure to pay attention to how you feel about a particular area. If you just find yourself repulsed at the thought of having your hands in someone’s mouth, perhaps becoming a dental assistant is not the career path you’ll want to take.

On the other hand, if you love cooking and are relatively adept at preparing wonderful food, culinary school may just be your dream job. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to be a doctor, nurse, or just had the desire to work in the growing health care industry. You love the idea of providing compassionate care for those who are ill or injured.

Some of the areas available in online medial school programs might surprise you. Advanced occupational therapy is a very popular field that is experiencing continued growth year after year. If you have ever visited, or known someone that needed occupational therapy, you understand the joy of doing a job so well that someone gets a new chance on being able to get back to working with renewed passion and vigor.

Doctors are in constant need of assistance in their practices. Advanced physician assistant programs will get you ready to provide your doctor and patients with the very best care they need in order to find good health and happiness.

There are even some areas of online medical school that you might not have considered. The study of human movement will prepare you to become adept at learning about advanced human movement services and providing your patients with the very latest techniques to aid in their recuperative therapies.

Even if you are currently licensed and working in an area of medicine, there are online medical school programs that can make your future brighter. Transitional physical therapy will allow you to enhance your knowledge and experiences while continuing to work in your practice.

Literally thousands of audiologists have taken transitional audiology degree programs that have aided them in the process of becoming a Doctor of Audiology. When you can spend some of your free time taking online medical school classes that will eventually translate into career advancement and extreme job satisfaction, you know your spending your time wisely.

As you move towards getting your initial online medical school degree or are simply looking to enhance your current career position with an advanced degree, realize there are some very exciting online courses available from accredited and respected schools. There is no reason to suffer in a dead end job with all that online Internet learning has to offer. Go ahead and make the decision to attend medical school online and get on with your life.

Customized for healthcare professionals and persons working in the medical sector, online continued medical education programs include a large variety of online coursework including but not limited to alternative medicine; bioterrorism; critical care; emergency; geriatric; gynecology; hematology; HIV/AIDS; infectious diseases; internal medicine; neurology; oncology; obstetrics; pediatrics; primary care and even trauma medicine.

Other specialty online continued medical education units consist of learning programs in cardiology; chronic care; contraception; critical care; gastroenterology; and psychiatric medicine. Each cost-effective course usually offers a number of continuing education credits and/or certifications; and can be finished in a matter of hours or weeks, depending on selected curriculum.

Medical professionals who actively participate in online continuing medical education programs can apply these new skills and education in their business practices.
If you are interested in learning more about continued medical education online and other programs of study, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

Getting your CPA license was only the beginning of your educational journey. Because finance laws are some of the most complicated in the country, and because new laws regulations and tax structures are always being instituted you will need to constantly update your knowledge to stay abreast of the latest. This is where Continuing Professional Education (CPE) courses come in. By dedicating a few hours each year to education you can be assured that the information you are passing on to customers is the most current and up-to-date. In addition to refresher and standard update courses you can find a host of professional development courses online.

Studying online couldn’t be easier. Interactive menus and course screens guide you through each module, leading eventually to a section quiz or a course final test. Each course is designed to give you the proper number of credit hours for your CPA license continuing education requirements. You can review sections you find difficult, or work quickly through areas where you have high competency. Courses online are available at anytime night or day throughout the week. There is literally no time that is off limits. Online course providers will also have 24 hour technical support available to help if you encounter any technical difficulties.

Whether your CPA license is due for renewal or not it is wise to get a jumpstart on the continuing education credits that your State requires. To find you what you will need to do check with your State licensing board. Then log-on to an online learning portal and begin the next phase of your educational journey. Without ever leaving the comfort of your own home and without disrupting your daily schedule you can undertake continuing professional education training. Follow the online road to flexible and convenient continuing education.

With the global economy being as competitive as it is, people from all over the world can learn online. Online education doesn’t just mean college courses. The sky is the limit on the certifications you can gain online. There are people right now taking courses for careers covering every aspect of our economy. Distance learning can educate people in fields such as:

Computer Certifications

There are hundreds of thousands of online students taking Microsoft training courses, Cisco, Internet Security, Web Design, Programming, and on and on…

Computer degrees are the most sought after certifications in this ever growing IT economy. With requirements always evolving, students must have the current certifications covered.

Healthcare and Nursing

The healthcare industry has not stopped it’s expansion. Courses related to home care, nursing and more can be delivered online by distance education schools. This is especially helpful to full or part time mothers that are unable to go to a traditional school.

Medical Billing and coding courses are very popular online and can assist a stay-at-home parent by allowing them to earn their certificate from home.

Finance and Investments

Courses to become real estate agents, appraisers and home inspection are available. These online programs can earn the student a license and gain continuing education credits in the real estate market.

Investment brokerage licenses such as the Series 7, Series 6 and CFA exam can be learned using distance home study courses and interactive multimedia programs.

The insurance industry has been a leader in the online programs that are available. Virtually every large insurance company in the country utilizes distance education online for educating their agents and managers. Continuing education is vital for them.

Accounting

Passing the CPA exam and be a major challenge. Their are several very successful home study providers for this exam. Most will have DVD video classes along with text books and testing CD’s.

Sales and Marketing

There are excellent schools that specialize in professional distance education for sales training and marketing. These types of courses are always good to consider, because they cross over industries. Everyone could use a sales a marketing course. This would include small business owners who find it difficult to break away and go to a traditional school.

High School and College Degrees

Thousands of learning institutions allow you to earn a high school diploma and college degree by utilizing distance education methods. There have been wonderful advancements in this area. Home schooling for kids has never been easier as well. Parents can enroll in accredited distance schools and be assigned homework, participate in web based classes, and take their required courses all on online.

Not much is certain in life, but the growing market of online education programs is sure to grow more each year. For the individual, it allows for easier career changing. Working a full time job and earning course credits on-line is a mainstream way to improve your career goals and possibly change your life.

Good Luck!

In addition to the over 3 million college students who are taking at least some of their classes online, there are online high schools, online career training schools and courses and continuing education for adults online.

A 2005 survey by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 44% of American adults, almost 93 million people, were pursuing some type of continuing education.

They also note reported that 32% of these adults had participated in some form of distance or online education. This means that almost 30 million adults were involved in learning or taking a class online.
Why do people take online continuing education classes?

The NCES survey found that 27% of continuing education students were taking work-related courses or training programs, While 21% were taking courses to pursue personal interests, and 4% were part-time students working on a university degree.

Dr Kenneth Hartman, director of academic affairs for Drexel University Online says “Online learning is the fastest growing area in higher education today. As more and more adults look to higher education to expand their knowledge base for promotional or new career opportunities, they will look to online learning as a convenient and viable way to continue their education.”

It is now estimated that the average person will change careers 3-5 times during their lifetime. Online classes and training can allow you to prepare for a career change without quitting your job and going back to school. You can take university or college classes online that will count towards a degree, or career training classes, which generally are not transferable to universities.
What kind of personal interest classes are available online?

The second most common reason people take continuing education classes is for personal satisfaction or personal interest. In this area, the choices are tremendous.
Have you always been fascinated by ancient Egypt? Would you like to learn about the history of Egypt, study hieroglyphics and archeological discoveries? For only $149, you can take an interactive online course in Egyptology.

Or have you dreamed of tracing your family tree and exploring your family history, if you only knew where to start? You can take a 4-week online genealogy class that explains records searches, tips, chats and more for less than $30.

Or maybe you’ve always wished you could speak Italian or Spanish. You can take an online class, complete with instant translation features and become proficient in a short time. Courses are available in 7 languages for under $30.

Are there practical or hobby classes available online?

Oh, yes. There are hundreds of choices in the continuing education or noncredit field, and some of them are very practical and helpful. For example, would you like to learn how to prepare your own taxes instead of paying someone to do it? You can take an online course in Tax Preparation for around $50 that will teach you about forms, filing status, income, credits, pensions and more.

If you are over 50 and want to save some money or just refresh your driving skills, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) offers an online Driver Safety class for around $20. This could get you a discount on your auto insurance and make you feel more comfortable on the road.

Now that spring is on the way, are you thinking of gardens? Perhaps you live in an apartment or don’t have much of a yard. You can still have a beautiful garden in containers. The Horticulture Gardening Institute can teach you which plants to choose and how to care for them in their online class “Art and Science of Container Gardening” for around $70.

A more expensive option is an online class in digital photography. While the beginning class is around $300, it is an 8-week class and includes critiques and instruction from professional photographers. If you would like to learn photography on this level, this could be a great opportunity.

Or, if you are mainly concerned with learning how to use the digital camera you got as a gift, you may want to check out “The Art of Digital Photography” at UniversalClass. This class covers areas such as using the camera, scanning images, printing pictures and choosing cameras, along with basic photography for around $99.

If we haven’t mentioned an online class that interests you, check out universal class.com, as they have more than 500 classes available and most of them are reasonably priced. You can choose from areas such as cooking, pet care, fitness, web development and many more. (www.universalclass.com)

So, no matter what your educational level or interests, there will be an online class that will be right for you. Whether you use it to get ahead at work, obtain a college degree or simply make your life better through learning something new, online classes truly offer something for everyone.

If you too, are an online student, you could probably relate with me. However, if you are considering an online education, there are 7 important tips to know about continuing your education online, and how to be a successful online student:

1. You must be able to communicate through writing. As you are attending a virtual classroom, nearly all communication is written, and in order to fully participate in classes, it is critical that you are able to express yourself effectively through writing.
2. Motivation and self-discipline. When you attend a conventional school, you have your friends and teachers to motivate you and even ‘punish’ you if you do not complete your assignments. Not in the world of online education. You must therefore be highly motivated and disciplined, and take responsibility for your own education.
3. Learn to ’speak up’. In the traditional world of education, if the teacher sees that the students look confused or unsure of what has been taught, he/she will repeat it until the students are clear. However in the online world, the instructors are unable to know if the students are able to keep up to speed with the lessons, unless the students ’speak up’.
4. Have a different attitude towards online education. Most students nowadays think that online education is the easy way to get an education. That is far from the truth. In fact, continuing your education online may be harder than a normal education, due to the strict quality control most online schools enforce. Therefore, view it as a convenient way to get an education, and not an easy way.
5. Practise critical thinking and decision making. The online learning process requires the student to be decisive in making decisions based on information provided, along with experience. And making the right decision requires critical thoughts.
6. Participate. One of the most important tips is to participate actively in a virtual classroom. You can learn alot from your peers as well, and this makes continuing your education online a much more fun process.
7. Be polite and respectful. Although you are anonymous, be wary of your language. You are after all dealing with real teachers and students, and it is crucial to have a productive and supportive online environment. In such positive environments, you will feel more valued, and your own work will have higher value naturally.

Online education is starting to take the world by storm, and more and more students are turning to virtual schools to get their accredited online degrees. If this sounds good, you can always request for your free online education match, and decide for yourself if continuing your education online is suitable for you.