Web 2.0: Learning Tool or Distraction?

© flattop341

Over the past few years, there's been a lot of talk about the value of web 2.0 technology in the classroom. Many believe that social technology is the future of online education. But, according to a new Telewest Business survey, not all educators are convinced.

They report:

"Teachers are split over the merits of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom, according to research conducted for ntl:Telewest Business. Half of teachers questioned believe that Web 2.0 applications, such as Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and Wikipedia are valuable educational tools, yet the rest felt they are a distraction with no real academic benefit."

While I certainly believe that web 2.0 has its place, I agree that these technologies aren't always properly applied. Teachers should choose the delivery system based on the content – the delivery system should never influence the material.

BBC Investigation Finds Professionals Using Fake Degrees

© Conor Lawless

A recent investigation by the BBC found close to 150 British residents using illegitimate degrees from St Regis University, an American-based diploma mill.

They report:

"An investigation by the BBC has found that academic qualifications sold on the internet by a fake university are being used by thousands worldwide, including almost 150 in Britain. St Regis University, allegedly based in Liberia, was shut down in 2005 after the U.S. government found that it was actually being run by fraudsters based in Washington State."

One British woman was even using her fake doctoral degree to work in a pharmacy.

Remember: before enrolling in any online school, be sure to double-check its accreditation status.

Free Online Engineering Classes

© bbaunach

If you're considering an engineering career, take a look at this collection of free online engineering classes. Several schools offer no-cost learning material to anyone interested in the topic.

Diploma Guide explains:

"Free courses can be utilized to build a foundation of knowledge in different areas of engineering. This knowledge can be very helpful if you are getting ready to take a formal engineering course or if you are currently employed and looking to expand your understanding of specific topics."

Although these no-credit courses can't earn you a degree, they're a good way to explore the subject and give online learning a try.

Ning for Learners

© fczuardi

Ning is the most promising social network site since Facebook. Anyone can create their own network or choose other networks to participate in.

It has a ton of potential for online schools, classrooms, and group projects. Here's what a new Educause report has to say about it:

"Ning is an online service that allows users to create their own social networks and join and participate in other networks. No technical skill is required to set up a social network, and there are no limits to the number of networks a user can join. Users of Ning social networks have access to functionality similar to that of more well-known social networks, such as Facebook and MySpace. Various features allow users to read news or learn about related events, join groups, read and comment on blog entries, view photos and videos, and other activities as set up by the network creator."

Check out the full report for ideas on new was Ning can be used.

Teachers Twitter

Hundreds of educators and online learning specialists are publishing regular updates on Twitter. The Centre for Learning & Performance Technologies now offers a list of over 100 professionals with accounts:

"I am often asked for the names of (e-)learning professionals – from both education and corporate learning – as well as other related professionals to follow on Twitter. I started this list with 101 names on it, now thanks to many people who have submitted recommendations, it has grown considerably."

Choose the educators that interest you and make an account to follow their feeds.

Free Online Class Collections

A growing number of traditional colleges are now offering free online classes to the public. Want to find a class that fits your interests?

Take a look at The Top 5 Collections of Free University Courses. They explain:

"As you'll see, each collection offers countless hours of free, high quality content. Download the audio and video to your iPod or computer, and you can get lost here for days, weeks, even months. A perfect way to distract yourself on the cheap during the recession …"

Take a look at the full list – there are dozens to choose from.

School Review: Florida Tech Online

Are you looking for a technology degree from a respected university? Take a look at Florida Tech Online.
My new Florida Tech Online review explains:

"Florida Institute of Technology's distance learning division, commonly known as Florida Tech Online, offers highly-regarded degrees in the fields of science and business. Students enrolled in Florida Tech Online are able to receive undergraduate and graduate degrees from a respected brick-and-mortar university, without stepping foot on campus. Weekly coursework at Florida Tech Online generally consists of lectures available in streaming video and Mp3 format, message board / chat room discussions, and assignments."

Take a look at the full article to learn more about the school's programs, tuition charges, and admissions requirements.

Are Admissions Officers Checking Your Facebook Page?

© daveynin

Online college applicants beware: school admissions officials may very well be checking out your social networking pages on sites like Facebook and MySpace.

A new survey shows that this type of "research" is rather common when it comes to deciding which students to accept. Kaplan reports:

"A Kaplan survey of 320 admissions officers from the nation's top colleges and universities revealed that one out of ten admissions officers has visited an applicant's social networking Web site as part of the admissions decision-making process.

The good news: a quarter of those who report viewing applicants' sites say that these viewings have generally had a positive impact on their evaluation. The bad news: a greater percentage (38 percent) report that applicants' social networking sites have generally had a negative impact on their admissions evaluation."

Before applying to any school, be sure to review your social networking accounts. Delete any information or pictures that may cast you in a poor light. Or, consider setting your accounts to "private," allowing only your real-life friends access.

Does a New Federal Law Question the Validity of Online Learning?

© Eleaf

This August, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act became law. A clause in the new law mandates that accredited online colleges prove that each student completing coursework is the same student who is enrolled in the school.

Now that they've had a chance to throughly examine the law, many critics are complaining that the clause inherently questions the trustworthiness of online programs.

eSchool News reports:

"The legislation promotes use of the latest monitoring methods, such as web cameras and keystroke recording, to ensure that test takers are, indeed, the students enrolled in an online course. Some campus officials and experts in online learning say distance educators have always taken precautions during exams, and they say the law questions the validity of distance learning itself-implying that online students cheat, while failing to impose strict anti-cheating policies on students in a traditional classroom."

Take a look at their article for an in-depth look at the ways this new law may affect distance learners. It's definitely worth a read.

Online College Review: Argosy University

© suchitraprints

My latest online college review covers Argosy University, a school with several strong graduate programs. Here are the basics:

"Argosy University is a collective of 19 campuses across the United States, with a strong distance learning division. Argosy University is targeted towards working adults seeking to further their education in the fields of business, education, and psychology. Once a student enrolls in an Argosy University online program, he is personally assigned an Assistant Director of Admissions, a Student Financial Planner, an Academic Advisor, and a Mentor Professor to help guide him through the degree earning process."

Take a look at the full Argosy University profile to learn more about the degree programs currently available.