Online Universities Weblog

From Insurance and Technology Online …

More companies are turning to online courses for training their employees, especially those out in the field or at locations far from the home office.

Like many U.S. organizations, the Novato, Calif.-based Fireman's Fund Insurance Company's (FFIC, $12.4 billion in assets) response to less than optimal economic conditions was organizational change. So when the carrier's training and development department began to feel a pinch on its resources, the struggling group turned to technology for a lesson in efficiency.

"We did a decent job of maintaining basic [training] programs in our home office, but we struggled to get training in the field to remote locations," explains Rand Libberton, management development and business skills consultant, FFIC. "Resource-wise, FFIC couldn't send one person to a location for the training of just two or three."

After the training and development group decided to "travel" to students via the technological route, Libberton set out to uncover a solution in late 2002. Armed with requirements for an online training system that had growth potential, Libberton's initial objective was to find a system that could be used for training managers. But once he met with AthenaOnline (Oakland, Calif.) and reviewed its online learning solution, it became clear that all of FFIC's employees could benefit from the solution.

The advantages of this type of education are clear. Not only can companies coordinate their training, and thus keep the focus of the message, the brand and the corporate culture intact, but they can also do it more efficiently with less reliance on trainers. This not only cuts the costs of training, but also in paying the trainers. Also, there is the time saved.

Say you have five regional offices and everyone needs to be updated on a new system, or a new direction in marketing, production or otherwise. The home office may have to dispatch trainers to all five regional offices, and if not done correctly there could be miscommunication or counterproductive relaying of the training information that comes along with the interpretation of the materials by those individual trainers in each of their workshops. If you have a designed training program already developed when the concept for whatever production or innovation had been developed, instituting that training is much easier and more focused with the use of an online course where people at the regional offices could interact with trainers at the home office.

That was a bit long and convoluted, but I think you get the picture. There should be a greater need in coming years for programmers and educators who can develop these types of courses on demand, quickly and professionally, directly to businesses. If you're interested in courses in programming or education, browse around some of the links here. It also doesn't hurt to contact any of the schools you may be interested in and request the types of combined programs which may further your attraction to potential employers. That is one thing about online education that could be better developed: the felxibility to design specific programs tailored to your needs. With traditional education, much of the structure is quite rigid and often you can't get the classes you need one semester, and the next semester you can't take them because your courseload is already full. It is your money, and your education. Demand more.

Top Online Colleges

	Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University is a dynamic institution that offers accredited, online degrees to students seeking to jump start a new career. Kaplan University makes it easy for students to get the college degree that they want.
	University of Phoenix - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, & Doctoral Degrees. University of Phoenix shows each student how easy and convenient it is to earn your college degree through their distance learning program. Students can choose to learn at home or from a campus location near you.
	Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University has a rich tradition of online educational excellence. This excellence is shown in the quality of each class that every student receives.
	American InterContinental University Online - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. At American InterContinental University, every individual has an opporunity to receive an excellent college degree and the ability to maximize their human potential. American InterContinental University allows you to pick a time and place that fits your schedule.
	Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. At Liberty University, students educational goals and needs are met by an outstanding faculty and support staff. Any adult learner looking to go back to school will be pleased with the course offerings available at Liberty University.
	Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University is committed to the on-going commitment of providing each student with a high-quality, low-cost online education. Everest University has a well rounded faculty with real world experience.
	Saint Leo University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Reaching students all over the world, Saint Leo University has a truly diverse student body, including first time undergrads and working professionals. The university is dedicated in providing their students with the skills, tools, and knowledge needed to succeed in their desired professional careers.
	Westwood College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Westwood College offers a wide array of programs ranging from Business Administration to Web Design. Students are sure to find the quality education and skills needed in order to succeed and achieve meaningful careers by attending Westwood.
	Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctoral Degrees. As a well-known, accredited online university, Colorado Technical University is committed to developing great leaders. They teach students the latest techniques, methods, skills and experience needed to succeed in the fast-paced economy.
	Grand Canyon University - Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Offering graduate and undergraduate degrees, Grand Canyon University is ideal for any individual, first-time students or working professionals, to pursue a degree toward their career of interest. Their excellence in online education has brought many students to attend the university.
	Virginia College - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Virginia College offers a myriad of online programs for students seeking degrees anywhere from business administration to criminal justice. Their career-focused curriculum provides students with an edge upon graduation.
	DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Students who attend DeVry University are welcomed with an outstanding faculty who put each students needs and dreams first. DeVry University is an accredited university that offers affordable degrees.
	Strayer University - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Strayer University uses a student-centric approach to its educational curriculum and each student benefits from this ideal. Strayer University is an accredited university with degrees in high-growth industries.
	Penn Foster Career School - Certificates. With career-focused programs, Penn Foster Career School is an ideal choice for students who want to pursue their desired careers. The college is staffed with industry and academic professionals who have superior knowledge within their fields.

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