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Sep 30th, 2006
And now, thanks to online degrees, it is possible for them to do so. No longer restricted by the walls and stringent schedule of a classroom, 'returning adults' are able to reach their educational goals without sacrificing work or family.
Even in a time of wide public concern about the rising costs of higher education, the study found that American adults overwhelmingly believe that advanced learning is an investment that pays. Nine out of 10 (89%) said that the benefits of higher education are equal to or greater than the time, money, and energy invested.
"One of the big surprises was the mix of reasons why people thought it would be beneficial to get more education," said Lyungai Mbilinyi, PhD, author of the study report. "We thought that the prospect of a higher income would come out on top, and although 71 percent did think additional education would help them earn more, several intangibles were rated even higher. Eighty-one percent associated higher education with a personal sense of accomplishment and 78 percent believed education would help them better develop their talents or pursue their interests."
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Sep 30th, 2006
The best thing about online degrees is the flexibility they offer to a wide variety of students. It seems 'minority' groups are finding online courses especially helpful.
A black woman, Estes recalls feeling some professors judged her by skin color as she earned a chemistry degree at the University of Illinois. That's not an issue as she seeks her doctorate in epidemiology through Minneapolis-based Walden University.
"Everyone, to me at least, is judged on a fair basis," Estes said. "When you're online, nobody's a minority."
Colleges long have agonized about how to get more minority students into advanced degree programs. A recent report by the Council of Graduate Schools shows some encouraging growth, but overall enrollment remains low.
At a few institutions, though, the numbers are surprisingly large. That includes Walden, a for-profit, accredited school where nearly all the work is done online.
Have you noticed a difference in how you are treated in online classes?
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Sep 30th, 2006
Online students are known for their diversity. The convenience of 'electronic degrees' has allowed people of all ages and levels of education to further their studies. Now, you can even do it from inside a prison.
ohio University has allowed inmates to take classes through correspondence since 1974, and is now moving into the modern equivalent with online degree options.
These students can take classes from 50 different subject areas that range from accounting to women's studies. Each student is assigned to an adviser whom they communicate with through mail. The program doesn't ask the students of what crimes they have been convicted, but Ken Armstrong, director of the OU Independent and Distance Learning Program, said it ranges all across the board.
Education has proved to reduce the risk of an inmate returning to prison after release, said Jerry McGlone, director of education in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
"For every dollar spent on education, it saves taxpayers $2," McGlone said.
But not all inmates are so drawn to nor successful in these programs.
"Academic success isn't exactly thought of in a prison environment as something to be admired," said Jane Penwell, who taught in prisons for eight years before becoming an educational adviser in the OU Independent and Distance Learning Program.
What do you think? Should online degrees be this accessible?
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Sep 29th, 2006
(This previous listing contained errors and has been revised with corrections.)
Northcentral University offers highly respected online degree programs. Northcentral University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. They offer the following degrees:
PhD in Psychology
masters in Psychology
Bachelor in Psychology
PhD in Business
MBA
Bachelor in Business
DBA in Business
MA in Education
Ed.D. in Education
PhD in Education
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Sep 28th, 2006
It seems lack of ethics in education may be found anywhere.
Superintendent David Borrer received his Ph.D. from LaSalle University in Mandeville, Louisiana. The school has never been accredited by a nationally recognized agency, and is now out of business.
Still, the superintendent said he had no idea that the university was fraudulent and has the Dissertation to prove it.
"When I started my coursework it was rigorous. It was difficult. I spent six or seven months writing my dissertation which you have a copy of. I did not just pay money and pick up a diploma," Borrer said.
Who do you think is telling the truth? How can we erase the stigma from online degrees?
(Photo Source: Wellesley)
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Sep 19th, 2006
This is the perfect example of how online college courses can change the face of education. Complete story here.
As Indiana Wesleyan University prepares for the official installation of its eighth president this weekend, the school's influence is reaching students who had no part of the school 20 years ago, the last time an inaugural ceremony was held on campus.
The adult education program currently numbers 10,500 students, about 2,500 of whom are enrolled in online degree programs.
"It's unique," Smith said of IWU's structure of a College of Arts & Sciences, College of Graduate Studies and College of Adult & Professional Studies. "We can't be compared to a state school, and we can't be compared to a private college, whether that be a Huntington or an Anderson or a Taylor or a Bethel. We're much broader in terms of what we do."
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Sep 19th, 2006
Even though online degrees are often respected these days, the stigma caused by illegal "diploma mills" still exists. Colleges are doing something about that.
David Wood, director of distance learning at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, said all sorts of students enjoy online courses. He said the quality of the courses is as good as traditional classes.
"We take great strides to ensure that it is exactly the same content," he said. "We're really working to provide additional tools and resources for online learners to make sure that their experience is also the same."
It's nice to see these efforts. It would be a shame for a student to miss out on these options.
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Sep 19th, 2006
More and more students are eschewing traditional courses for the convenience and variety of online options. And it shows no signs of stopping.
But more students are choosing a different option: Sitting at home or in their office and studying when it's convenient for them.
In the past few years the number of students taking courses via the Internet or another distance-learning method has skyrocketed.
Distance education has been around in some form for about a century, but the delivery methods and quality of the education have changed significantly.
With the rise of the Internet, students can get degrees from prestigious universities in the comfort of their own homes, though the programs still carry some of the stigma of the correspondence courses Sally Struthers used to promote on late-night television commercials as a way to make more money.
That stigma has been exacerbated in recent years by online diploma mills, which essentially sell diplomas with little or no college coursework.
Local colleges and universities are trying to erase that image and are jumping at the chance to increase their enrollments and provide students who may not have the time for a traditional college education a chance at a degree.
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Sep 19th, 2006
Five things you don't know, anyway. Or perhaps you do know. Either way, be sure to check out this interesting and informative article.
2- You can get a degree in as little as five days
Yes, in less time than it takes to get your tax refund or hatch sea monkeys, you can buy — ahem, earn your degree. Mind you, the five-day turnaround is courtesy of none other than Rochville University, a reputed diploma mill (such a kind way to phrase it).
Nevertheless, even the classes at legitimate schools are usually accelerated due to fewer breaks during coursework. This allows students to earn a real degree in a fraction of the time. Two-year completion of traditional four-year degree programs is typical. Two-year studies at a brick-and-mortar school can take 12 months to 18 months online. It all depends on what you're studying and the school's time frame. Not as fast as waiting on Uncle Sam or hatching aquatic novelties, but fast.
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Sep 19th, 2006
Now there's no excuse for not pursuing an education. Age certainly isn't a factor! This inspiring story points out just why online degrees are so wonderful.
