Online Education: Past, Present, and Future

Education through electronic means, or E-learning, has come a long way as it has evolved alongside the Internet. From humble origins as a simple tool used to contain and emit information upon command, E-learning technology has become a way for virtually anyone around the world to conceivably become connected to a shared learning experience. It’s an interesting series of transitions that speaks volumes about the grander scale changes in our society as we near universal global connectivity. And the story of online education is far from over.

Computers as Teachers

Stanford University psychology professors in the early 1960s were the first to implement computer-based learning in a classroom setting, using a primitive processor to teach grade school kids math and reading skills. It was this model that would dominate the philosophy of E-learning for the duration of the pre-Internet computer age. Education through this method was a mere matter of knowledge transfer, much like the traditional teacher-classroom approach. Government entities such as law enforcement agencies and the armed forces were the primary users of computer-based education during this period.

Then Came the Internet

When the World Wide Web started to string itself into homes and ordinary lives towards the end of the 21st century, it became overwhelmingly obvious that this new breakthrough could be used for academic purposes. In 1993, a man by the name of William D. Graziadei had already outlined the educational possibilities of email, which included the ability to send lectures via document and provide tutorship. These early years saw the creation of the founding principles of what came to be known as Computer Supported Collaborative Learning, or CSCL.

Unlike E-learning, where the computer becomes the instructor, CSCL supports the concept that computers and the Internet should be used to promote a shared learning experience. This, in its present form, typically entails a teacher acting as a tutor/lecturer and the student body working together in a social networking cloud of sorts. Contemporary implementation can be seen from as early as preschool all the way to online PhD degree programs; however, this type of education is still growing in popularity and use.

E-Learning’s Future

Currently, movements, such as that promoted by The Khan Academy, encourage a complete transformation of the entire education system starting with kindergarten through the complete realization of online education possibilities. Those in favor of such a revolution claim that the current model of classroom education doesn’t account for the wide range of learning speeds among human beings. Online classrooms enable people to learn at their own pace. Opponents make the charge that students need to experience real-world social interaction. They argue that learning through the computer hinders on important brain development. In order to truly know, years of amassed research will have to be conducted.

In the meantime, we can only hope that online education can in some way help the failing state of our national academic performance, and improve knowledge gaining and knowledge sharing on a global scale. As we adjust to an increasingly connected world, we have the option to use it to a universal advantage. Let’s hope our love of sharing transfers into a respect for learning.

When Applying for Colleges Beware the Gospel According to Google

What determines whether or not you qualify for enrollment at any given college should simply be a matter of your preceding grades and merit versus others for limited space. It’s how who’s accepted and who isn’t at universities for decades. But now that we are in the age of the search engine, where your name may or may not exist in cyberspace, admissions workers can conceivably perform their own outside research on you. What your name is attached to when someone searches it on Google has the potential to seriously undermine your effort to get into the college of your choice.

Ideally, when an admissions office employee Google searches your name, things that promote your eligibility for enrollment are what pop up. Mentions of awards on your hometown news website, a blog or two about interesting and relative topics, and a respectable looking Facebook profile can all contribute to you getting into a good school. It’s important to think about this aspect before applying. You might want to talk to your high school about possibly posting something that mentions something you did on their website, or round up a body of journals you can convert to a blog sans the private details. In case an admissions office or employee has a policy about researching prospective students in the Internet, you want to have results that shine.

You might have a problem, however, if instead of accolades, an admissions office uncovers negative information about you when performing a Google search. Such “bad” press has become such a common problem for individuals and entities that operate via the Internet that reputation management has sprung up as a viable online business. While such a drastic and relatively pricey step might be outside the range of possibility of the potential college student, you should definitely be considering what to do in the event that a Google search of your name turns up bad information. Maybe an ex went on a rant about you somewhere, or maybe a Facebook photo album shows you taking full advantage of kegger when it’s clear you’re not 21 yet. If you can get these things removed off the web yourself, definitely do so. If not, consider getting outside help if what Google shows you is something a school would reasonably reject an applicant for.

The best way to avoid having to worry about an admissions office doing a Google background check on you is to never allow negative or otherwise racy and potentially offensive content online associated with you to exist. It’s not always possible, especially in a world where others have the potential to post such things instead of you. But if you are always wary of the potential harm online activity can do to your reputation even before you take your first college course, you should develop an instinct that will properly safeguard you against such an event from occurring.

What to Do With a Master’s Degree

There are several types of master’s degrees. The most well-known are the Master of Science, the Master of Arts and the Master of Business Administration. There are also several more specific titles associated with advanced study, such as the Master of Fine Arts. To determine what to do with a master’s degree, a candidate seeking this level of higher education should consider the possibilities inherent in each type of title.

The Master of Arts (MA) degree is available in most subject areas. Usually a candidate for the MA has chosen to study something in the humanities. These subjects include English, education, the social sciences and theology. With an MA in one of these areas, a graduate can get a job teaching in that area of study. A master’s in education will facilitate certification to teach in a public school.

The Master of Science degree, or MS, typically attracts students who have a bachelor’s degree in a field that involves the hard sciences or finances, though this is not always the case. Possible subjects include engineering, accounting and nursing. With an MS, a graduate is qualified to work in that particular field. For a nurse, a master’s degree is key to advancing to the highest rank in that occupation.

People who wish to demonstrate preparedness for the competitive world of business often seek a Master’s in Business Administration degree. The MBA, as it is known in abbreviation, actually draws students with backgrounds in many different subject areas. Graduates with an MBA can return to their original fields with a new perspective on the business end of their operations.

A master’s degree in the Fine Arts (MFA) is for students who wish to deepen their knowledge in areas such as creative writing, theater, dance or any other visual art. Graduates with this degree may use the information gained through instruction to enhance independent performance. They may also try to gain a teaching job at a university while on track to complete a Ph.D., or they can take education courses in order to teach in a public school.

When considering what to do with a master’s degree, a graduate of any program can choose between taking a position in their field, continuing study for an even higher degree, or teaching the subject he or she has studied. Each of these courses can be worthwhile. The individual may need to take out a student loan in order to achieve this goal. Financial institutions offer different types of student loans, including the graduate school loan and special financing for an advanced education program.

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Advance In Your Career With A Higher Degree

If you find yourself waking up each day and going to work out and coming home at night with little to no excitement or fulfillment, it’s time to shake up your routine! There are a few ways to do so, but most involve getting into a position that fills you with excitement and positivity. Whether you are fresh out of high school or have been working for several years, it’s never too late to return to school and earn your college degree.

Although you may have thought about doing so before, returning to school can help you reach personal and professional goals. Why is it so important now, you might ask. Well, there is never a great reason to leave your job, unless it is for a better one. There will be many more opportunities for better jobs once you are well-educated and ready to advance within your career field or transfer into a new field after you graduate with a brand new skill set.

So, you’ve made a plan to go back to school, but how do you know which school to attend? There will be plenty of options for anyone pursuing an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree. Decide which degree level is best for you. Consider the amount of time it would take to earn each degree and also what the cost will be for remaining in school for that number of years. If you know which position you would like to obtain, you will have a better idea of what kind of a degree you will need to obtain it.

If you have decided on an Associate’s degree, one in business administration, you will commit to two years of coursework. Enrolling in a community college is a great option because you will not have to spend time or money commuting or relocating to be near a regional campus. There are community college campuses located in every county in most states. Check local community resources or the internet to locate the campus nearest you. The idea behind community colleges is that you will have a great place to start that does not require you to uproot your life.

Once you graduate with an Associate’s degree in business administration, you may feel yourself wanting to know more. Enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree program to earn your B.A. will open more doors and opportunities for advancement. Signing up for online courses will also allow you to work while taking your classes.

Once you graduate with a Bachelor’s in business administration you may feel inspired to open your own business. With a great knowledge of basic marketing and accounting principles, you should be able to achieve success. You may even want to go into the corporate world and be a part of a major corporation and join a team.

Many working professionals enjoy their fields so much that they want to advance. There are many options for earning an online MBA (Master’s of business administration) degree that would allow you to move into a management position within your company.

The opportunities for advancement are limitless once you earn your education. There are many degree types and programs available. If business administration happens to be your ideal degree, then start by taking an introduction to business class. You can sign up for it through one of the accredited online universities. You should consult with a career counselor if you are unsure of which degree level is best for you and the career goals you have in mind.

 

 

Apply for College Grants – Get Started Today!

It’s important to apply for college grants. In fact, it could mean the difference between being able to afford school or not. Grants help pay for tuition, books, housing and food. There are thousands of grant programs out there, just waiting to award you money. So why wait?

Tuition is expensive; many students use college grants and loans to pay for their books and education. It is also a great way to get the money you need without having to have a full-time job (which may take away the time you need to dedicate to your education).

Apply for college grants through your school’s tuition and scholarship department, or seek private funding through organizations that award scholarships based on experience, talent, background, ethnicity, and even eye color!

The most common type of grant is the Pell Grant, which you can apply for through your school. There are also three main types of federal grant options offered by the U.S. Department of Education: The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), the National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant), and The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG).

Most grant applications will ask you for information like name and social security number, standing in school (full- or part-time), family income information (including tax statements, if applicable), other scholarship information, and possibly even about your academic records from high school.

Prepare to fill out the application early; make sure to get the money secured before school starts so you don’t miss tuition deadlines. Also, be aware that the grant money can and does run out… if you apply too late, you may miss the opportunity to get funding. Check with your school’s registrar’s office or the financial aid department.

The only students who are not eligible are incarcerated students and students who owe on a Title IV grant, in most cases.

The money you receive when you apply for college grants is often determined by how much your family can contribute, how much school and books cost, and whether you are a full- or part-time student.

While many students apply for college grants, many also get loans. The difference is that you don’t have to pay back the grant, while you do have to pay back the loan. Loans also require a good credit score and other eligibility requirements.

Get started today-apply for college grants and see what money you can get to start (or finish!) that college education.