All About Indiana University High School

Indiana University High school is a regionally accredited program offering self-paced diplomas. About half of their courses are online while the rest are carried out through mail correspondence.

Here's a snippet about Indiana University High School from my new profile:

"Indiana University High School offers regionally accredited diploma programs using both online classes and correspondence courses. Students enrolled in Indiana University High School can choose from a basic diploma or an academic honors diploma. All courses at this school are self-paced, making it a good fit for independently motivated students. Since Indiana University High School allows students to transfer up to 35 of the required 40 credits, the school is a favorite of seniors looking for a place to graduate."

Check out the full article for more details on Indiana University High School's curriculum, costs, and admissions policies.

Open Textbook Movement Gaining Popularity

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The open textbook movement seems to be gaining fans, as more students struggle to make ends meet.

USA Today explains:

"As textbook prices skyrocket, college students and faculty seeking more affordable options increasingly are turning to "open textbooks" as an alternative.

Open textbooks are free textbooks available online that are licensed to allow users to download, customize and print any part of the text. Professors can change content to fit their teaching styles. Some authors offer a print-on-demand service that produces professionally bound copies for $10 to $20."

It may be unreasonable to assume that all textbooks will one day be opensource. However, as publishers see the demand for no cost materials increase, hopefully they will make their prices more reasonable. After all, it's difficult for anyone to dish out $150 for a simple math book.

Choosing an Online Class Schedule

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If you're looking for an online college, one aspect to consider is class scheduling or pacing. My latest About.com article explores some of the most common types of online class scheduling. Here's a blurb:

"Whether you want to meet deadlines or learn at your own pace, there is an online class schedule to fit your learning style. Choosing a schedule that fits your needs will help you manage your time and stay on top of your assignments. Use this article to learn about popular online class scheduling including self-paced learning, follow along work, and real-time classes."

Check out the full descriptions to learn more about each type and choose a schedule that works with your work, family, and social obligations.

A Friendly Blackboard?

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Content management giant Blackboard has never been known for its friendliness with other websites. Blackboard has been extremely aggressive in defending its copyrights and doesn't shy away from lawsuits against similar companies.

According to some reports, however, Blackboard may be opening up to social network linking. The Washington Business Journal reports:

"Blackboard is vowing its new education software will not only focus on improving student assessment capabilities and interactive features – it also will operate more easily with other vendors' systems.

For example, students and administrators will be able to log on to Blackboard's system and access information from other learning systems, as well as from social networking sites such as Facebook."

If these plans are really carried out, this seems like a major step forward for a system that is often criticized for its archaic closemindedness.

Free Online Photography Classes

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If you're taking a break from online college courses this summer, there's still a lot you can learn online. Consider taking virtual lessons on a subject that interests you such as cooking, computers, or history.

My latest About.com article lists ten free online photography classes you can take any time. Here's a blurb:

"July is the perfect month to brush up on your photography skills. Our new list of ten free online photography classes can help you improve your picture taking technique and get some memorable summertime shots.

If you've never enrolled in an online class, completing free lessons can help you get a feel for the method without the pressure or the cost of enrolling in a traditional class. Some students decide to give online colleges a try, while others decide that the format isn't best for their learning style."

Check out the article for links to the best photography lessons on the web.

Excellence in Online Education Scholarships

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Need some cash to fund your online learning? GetEducated.com is now accepting applications for their $1,000 Excellence in Online Education Scholarship.

To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen enrolled in accredited U.S. degree program. You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

The application requires a 500-word essay on "What a College Application Means to Me." Students must also submit a copy of their most recent fafsa form as well as a copy of their most recent transcript.

The scholarship deadline is October 15th, and recipients will be notified by the first of December. Good luck online learners!

Fewer Banks Offer Federal Student Loans

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Online learners enrolled in accredited programs can qualify for federal loans and grants. But, according to a recent NPR article, some lenders have pulled out of the federal student loan program due to the credit crisis. They report:

"…With the economy in a downward spiral, lenders have been pulling out. Funding for new loans has dried up, and public confidence in the program seems shaky for the first time.

Since its creation in 1965, some experts in the banking industry have called the federal student loan program the most successful public-private partnership ever created. Until now.

"What the future is going to be is questionable," says Harrison Wadsworth, special counsel to the Consumer Bankers Association. "Lenders have pulled out. Some of them won't come back."

If you're a student relying on aid, there's no need to panic. There are still many lenders offering aid and your school's financial aid counselors can help you navigate all of the necessary forms. To beat the student rush, consider getting an early start on your application.

Teens Learn Online This Summer

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A growing number of high school students are using the summer to take required courses online.

The Dallas Morning News reports on the popularity of online summer schools in Texas:

"Summer is a popular time for students to jump online and grab the courses they need to graduate, said North American Council for Online Learning President Susan Patrick.

"The format lets the students move through the material faster," she said.

Next spring, the state plans to start offering courses to high school students through the Texas Virtual School Network. State officials say they wanted to create a central location for classes that are deemed to meet certain quality standards.

Kate Loughrey, TEA's director of distance learning, said new requirements that high school students take four years of math and science will probably mean more students will turn to online courses to free up their schedules."

Texas charges tuition for their online summer school courses, as they do with traditional courses during the off season. However, many other states allow students to take online public school courses for free.

All About HETA

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The Higher Education Transfer Alliance is an organization of colleges dedicated to supporting credit transfers between schools. My latest About.com article explores this useful group.

Here are the basics:

"Schools belonging to HETA agree to consider transfer credits and degrees from any college that receives accreditation from an institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (USDE)."

Take a look at the full article to learn more about HETA and what it can do for you.

Rising Gas Prices Fuel Online Class Enrollment

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When a tank of gas costs fifty dollars, it can be difficult to make a long college commute. That's why a lot of students are choosing to take online courses – even if they're enrolled in a traditional program.

New York's News 10 Now reports this story:

"Daniel Kiniry takes classes at Onondaga Community College almost every day, but he might not always be on-campus.

OCC offers numerous online courses, which many students are starting to take advantage of because of high gas prices.

"For me to drive here from home is about five dollars each way. Plus, it takes about a half an hour, so for me to take online classes, that's going to save me at least 10 dollars a day," said Kiniry."

Especially during the high-priced summer months, taking online classes from home can save students a lot.