Where to Find Free Online Libraries

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Lisa Thornberg

Before you hop in the car for a drive to your local library, you might want to check out what the web has to offer.

EduChoices.org reports:

"Think it's impossible to find free books online? Think again. There are tons of online libraries that provide fiction, nonfiction and reference books at no charge. Here is a list of the best 25 places to read free books online."

Take a look at their new article for links and summaries of 25 online libraries available at no cost. These sites are a great resource for online learners, as well as anyone who just wants to read without fines and due dates.

Is Online Learning a "Green" Choice?

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Konstantin Inozemtsev

Several articles this year have explored online learning as a way to help the environment.

A recent TechWhack press release explains:

"When the world is chanting the mantra of "Go Green", do we consider the amount of carbon produced in the classic mode of imparting education? Be it traveling to the campuses, paper used and energy consumption, we are increasing our carbon footprints. But online education is one of the most effective ways an institution can reduce its carbon footprint."

In many cases, online college allows students to use less gas for commuting. However, many traditional colleges still need to keep their facilities running despite their use of virtual programs.

Free Online Finance Classes

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Tomislav Forgo

With the current recession, many are struggling to pay the bills. If you want to find a better way to manage your money or just want to learn more about banking or economics, take a look at my new list of free online finance classes.

Here's a blurb:

"Want to learn the basics of stock trading, savings accounts, or personal financial planning? Check out these free online finance classes. Free online classes won't give you college credit. But, they can be a risk-free way to explore your interests and give online learning a try."

There are many quality finance courses to choose from, including options from CNN Money and Investopedia University.

Online Learning Gains Popularity in Hawaii

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Justin Horrocks

Many Hawaii residents are skipping the commute and taking advantage of convenient online classes.

The Honolulu Advertiser reports:

"Between shuttling her two kids to school, working full time and sitting in rush-hour traffic to and from Pearl City, Kammie Wilson barely had time to think about going back to school, let alone spend hours in a classroom each day.

That was before she discovered she could get a bachelor's degree from Chaminade University from her computer at home.

"They have classes all over the island, but I think it's good when you can be at home in your home clothes," said the 26-year-old receptionist and single mom.

Wilson joins a growing number of students in Hawai'i and across the nation who are enrolling in online courses to save commute time and gas money."

In some Hawaii programs, over half of all students are enrolled in online courses. Take a look at the full article to see some surprising statistics.

The College Opportunity and Affordability Act Becomes Law

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto,

The College Opportunity and Affordability Act became law last week after being signed by the president. This law has several clauses that may affect online students.

My latest article explains:

"This renewal of the Higher Education Act of 1965 has been controversial due to its new rules for online schools. Most notably, the law requires accredited schools to prove that the person completing the work is the same person who is enrolled in the program. Some complain that this may lead to intrusive student surveillance, such as the use of webcams."

Take a look at the full piece to learn more about the new law and how you may be affected.

Comparing Online Colleges

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Tom England

Choosing an online college can be a difficult process. If you're currently searching for a virtual program that fits your needs, check out my latest About.com article – How to Compare Online Colleges.

It will lead you through 5 important considerations including accreditation, residency requirements, course scheduling, testing procedures, and admissions.

Here's a blurb:

"Comparing online colleges can be a challenge. You may know the type of program you're looking for, but narrowing your list of potential programs can be difficult. The five considerations below can help you compare online colleges based on what each school offers. Before enrolling in a virtual program, make a list of possible schools and see how they measure up."

Take a look at the full article to learn the basics of online college comparison.

Rewards for Online Discussions?

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 5893466

Would you try harder if your online course discussions were rewarded through a point system? The Journal of Online Interactive Learning recently published a study examining this question.

They report:

"When asked if the availability of points affected their performance, nine students felt the points did not affect their postings and two students tried harder because of them. While these results do not capture a link between receiving rewards and improved quality in online discussions, this exercise may capture the process whereby compliments for good postings may set the standard for how graduate students think and contribute online."

According to the study, most online students don't put more effort into posts due to a point-based system.

This seems in line with what I've experienced in virtual courses. Mandatory or graded discussions often seem forced and unproductive. The best online course discussions I've encountered have been optional and thrive on the enthusiasm of participants who actually have something to say.

Free Online Lectures on iTunes

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Chris Bernard

If you haven't already checked out the free online courses from iTunes U, you're missing out. Their online store offers tons of no cost downloads featuring lectures from top schools.

Mercury News reports:

"At Apple's iTunes online store, Britney Spears and Shakespeare are separated by just a few clicks.

While an episode of "Desperate Housewives" will cost $1.99, a series of lectures by renowned University of California-Berkeley philosophy professor Hubert Dreyfus is absolutely free. A single song by pop diva Rihanna is 99 cents. The price of a course on modern theoretical physics by Stanford University quantum mechanics professor Leonard Susskind? Nada."

Take a look at the Apple website to learn more about iTunes U.

Online Learning With Skype

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Rich Legg

As a Skype user, I've been able to make long distance phone calls for only a few bucks a month. This new age phone company uses the internet to offer national and international phone service at a huge discount. Now, some classrooms are using internet phone companies to enhance their online learning.

A School Library Journal article reports on the benefits of Skype, and similar companies:

"Who's your favorite character?" "Where do you get ideas?" Imagine your students having the opportunity to ask an author these questions directly-without breaking your library budget. You can do this-and a whole lot more-with the free Internet telephony service called Skype.

Through Skype, my students at Westlake High School in Austin, TX, were able to "visit" with Cynthia Leitich Smith, award-winning YA author of Rain Is Not My Indian Name (HarperCollins, 2001) and Tantalize (Candlewick, 2007). Smith, who is based in Texas, believes that events like these "reinforce the idea that books and technology don't have to compete. They can be celebrated together," she says."

If you're an online student, you may be able to use Skype to conference with your peers nationwide – without being charged per minute.

New Bill May Threaten Online Student Privacy

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Angel Herrero de Frutos

Many online learners are concerned about The College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008, passed by Congress last Thursday. The bill could result in the use of surveillance technology such as webcams and thumbprint readers, in order for online colleges to prove that the student enrolled in the school is the person actually completing the work.

For more information on this new legislation, check out my latest About.com article: How The College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008 Affects Online Students.