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in
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Jul 23rd, 2007
The next time you're given a group assignment for an online class, check out one of the many collaborative tools available via the internet.
These tools make it possible to write a group paper, schedule a calendar, create a timeline, edit a spreadsheet, draw a mindmap, and more. There are even programs that allow users to synchronize multiple off-line projects. Check out the descriptions of over sixty online collaborative tools from this recent Mashable article – Work Together: 60+ Collaborative Tools for Groups.
Posted by
in
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Jul 20th, 2007
Over the last couple months, I've blogged about a lot of useful, free tools available to internet users who want to learn without paying tuition (See: 10 Free Online Classes, Free Online Video Lectures, Free Videos from Columbia University).
These tools won't give you an accredited degree ("took free online class" doesn't look so hot on a resume). But, they are useful resources for people preparing to take for-credit courses or just wanting to learn a new skill.
A recent article from Media Shift explores the idea of free, open learning material in more depth. Here's a blurb:
"A college education in the United States can be one of the most costly in the world. For many young people, college isn't an option because of the economic strain it represents for their families. And many older people who would like to attend classes must forego studies to make ends meet.
But thanks to the power of voluntary collaboration, technology tools and the reach of the Internet, college-level classes and learning resources are becoming more and more accessible to anyone who has the interest and an Internet connection."
Read the rest of the Media Shift article here: 'Open Universities' Try to Take College to Masses. And be sure to keep reading this blog for regular links to more helpful (and free) learning resources.
Posted by
in
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Jul 20th, 2007
A new online degree database from Distance-Education.org lets users search for the cheapest online degrees in any subject. Simply select a subject and a specialization – the website will generate a list of online degrees from least to most expensive. Here's how they explain their new feature:
"Distance Education, a new resource website sets out to help college students make better financial decisions when it comes to choosing online education providers. The website, which took over six months to research, began in the mind of its founder, Benjamin Pfeiffer, nearly two years ago, when he discovered more and more online institutions were making it difficult to figure out exact tuition, materials, and school costs."
I wouldn't use this program as an authoritative source (don't sign up for the "cheapest" program on the list without doing some research on your own). However, it looks like a great way to get a start. Check it out here: How Much is Your Distance Education Worth?
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in
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Jul 19th, 2007
According to industry professionals, the workforce is entering a technology skills shortage. More employers are looking for new hires that have technological know-how. Demand is causing job numbers and salaries to increase.
Technology is one subject that works especially well with online learning. Many computer science topics, for example, can be learned just as well (if not better) sitting in front of a computer screen.
Take a look at any list of online technology degrees and you'll find dozens of programs available. In addition to undergraduate and graduate studies, there are a variety of professional technology certificate programs at all levels.
If you're interested in pursuing an online technology degree, check out Network World's list of in-demand technology skills: 12 IT Skills That Employers Can't Say No To.
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in
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Jul 19th, 2007
Following a long line of genuinely helpful articles, the Online Education Database has added a new addition to its site: a list of web 2.0 applications aimed at improving student (and professor) productivity. Here's what they have to say about it:
"Being productive and getting things done both rely on planning and being organized. But with the hustle and bustle of courses, it's sometimes easy to forget what you have to do and when. So here are 25 Web 2.0 applications (mostly free) that should help you on your quest as a student or professor in being productive."
Included in the twenty-five links are applications that let students manage assignments, record grades, keep a calendar, take notes, create charts and more. Check it out here: Top 25 Web 2.0 Apps to Improve a Student's or Professor's Productivity.
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in
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Jul 18th, 2007
If you've been thinking about optimizing your computer to make the most of your online classes, now's the perfect time. A growing number of programmers are releasing open source software programs for free.
Take a look at my list of commonly needed software programs for distance learners, and find out where you can download their open source equivalents at no cost: Software Suggestions for Online Students.
You may also want to check out IT Management's new list of 100 open source software programs: 100 Open Source Downloads.
If its hardware you need, don't forget to check your city's Craigslist.com before hitting the tech store. By checking the free section regularly, I've been able to acquire working computers, monitors, and printers, all in good condition. Not a bad way to start a home study if your money is needed for tuition bills.
Posted by
in
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Jul 17th, 2007
Drexel has begun offering a new online master's degree – the Master of Science in Learning Technologies. Here's how they describe it:
"The online Master's in Learning Technologies program prepares students for careers such as technology coach, instructional design leader, learning coordinator, director of integrated technology, as well as positions with for-profit learning organizations, corporate training divisions, and others.
Similar to Drexel's other Online Degree Programs, this fully-accredited master's degree in learning technologies is intended for working professionals. Students will have 24/7 online access to class materials, group discussion, instructor feedback and exams."
This online degree consists of 45 credits and may be completed by full or part time students. It may be the perfect match for online teachers looking to take their careers to another level. For more information check out: Master of Science in Learning Technologies.
Posted by
in
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Jul 17th, 2007
Studying on your own with opencourseware (free online content from universities) is an easy way to brush up on a subject and explore your interests before enrolling in a for-credit course. Watching video lectures is an especially effective way for audio-visual learners to study a topic of interest. A new website, FreeVideoLectures.com, offers links to dozens of free online video lectures from universities around the nation. Here's how they describe their site:
"This is a comprehensive site providing Video lectures, Audio lectures, animations and Text materials on new technologies in the fields of Electronics, Communications, Computer Science, Networking and mechanical engineering. The site also provides Video and Audio lectures on various Sciences: Biology, Psychology, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry etc…"
Interested? Check out the free online video lectures here: FreeOnlineVideoLectures.com.
Posted by
in
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Jul 16th, 2007
A recent Yahoo Education article discusses the growth of online classes aimed at preparing students for top careers. Here' s a blurb:
"Impressive growth in the availability of accredited online classes has made a difference to people who can't stop in the middle of their busy family and professional lives to re-train for the workplace. Whether you already hold a college degree, are looking for an advanced degree or credentials-or if you're leaping into a new profession entirely-online colleges have tailored degree programs to provide accelerated training for what are predicted to be the best, highest-demand jobs through the next decade."
Among the top 10 careers listed are accounting, web graphic design, culinary management, human resources recruiting, and network security specialists. For the full list check out: Prepping for Top Careers Through Online Degree Programs.
Posted by
in
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Jul 15th, 2007
If you're writing a paper or doing research for an online class, you know how difficult it can be to find authoritative, relevant sources online. Often, students have to sort through thousands of non-credible opinion-based websites before finding anything that could be used as a source.
Fortunately, Google Scholar makes finding sources easy. This search application allows users to search for scholarly papers on the internet. Currently, many of the search results yield only the paper's abstract (a brief summary of paper contents). However, there are also a number of full scholarly papers available at no cost.
For step-by-step directions on making the most of Google Scholar, download a free Google Scholar poster from Google for Educators (the poster is available as a PDF file on the top right of the page). Online teachers may also be interested in sharing this poster with students.
Be sure to check out these other resources: How to Use Google to Find Research Paper Material, Google Scholar Advanced Search.
