In Demand IT Certifications
By Kris Powers | December 2nd 2014
Obtaining certification in the IT field can increase your earning potential as well as show both current and future employers dedication to your field.
Online Education Fills a Need for Special Education Students
By Kris Powers | October 28th 2014
Every student has unique abilities and a distinct learning style. We’ve talked in past blogs about why online education is such a good fit for busy adults, who may be trying to fit their learning in around family and work commitments. Special needs children can also benefit greatly from online education. According to the website, Learning Lift Off, “Special needs children often struggle in traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Whether they have autism, dyslexia, or ADHD, children with learning disabilities often need an education that suits their unique needs.”
What is Web 3.0 and How Might it Affect Education?
By Kris Powers | October 22nd 2014
What is Web 3.0?
Web 3.0 is the next step in the evolution of the Internet and Web applications. Technology entrepreneur, Nova Spivack defines Web 3.0 as “connective intelligence; connecting data, concepts, applications and ultimately people”.
The website, HowStuffWorks.com offers the following suggestion: “Think of Web 1.0 as a library. You can use it as a source of information, but you can't contribute to or change the information in any way. Web 2.0 is more like a big group of friends and acquaintances. You can still use it to receive information, but you also contribute to the conversation and make it a richer experience.”
Ten Habits of Successful Students
By Kris Powers | September 16th 2014
Whether you are a recent high school graduate, or you are taking courses while in the workforce, there are steps you can take to make your learning experience more successful.
1. Take care of yourself. While in college or taking college courses, there is no one to stand over you and tell you what to do. Eating properly, getting enough rest, going to class, studying, turning in assignments -all of these are things you're going to have to do without a teacher to remind you. It is up to you to take control and take responsibility!
The Benefits of Volunteering by Ingrid Herrera-Yee
By Guest Blogger | August 19th 2014
With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. Many know of the benefits to their community. But did you know that as a volunteer, you gain many benefits as well? Volunteering can help protect your mental and physical health; it can improve your social and even your career networks and so much more!
According to Help Guide and a Harvard Study the many benefits of volunteering to you can include:
Why I Turned to Online Education by Kate Slawski, Military Spouse
By Guest Blogger | July 15th 2014
Military life is difficult and adding going back to school can seem like an extremely daunting task. The first challenge is finding a school that is not only flexible but also offers the degree you desire and that fits with your budget. The first time I went to college it was a brick and mortar school. Online education did not really exist at the time making it the only option. I was young and had fun. I played a sport, lived in the dorms, and went to class. I had very few responsibilities, however that quickly changed. After graduating I had a degree and with it came a job and lots of bills and eventually an amazing husband which brought with it a very challenging life. The degree which I had worked so hard for was not applicable in most locations the military could send us. That was when I turned to online education.
4 Online Education Trends for 2014
By Kris Powers | May 27th 2014
We all know that online education allows for learning flexibility. Whether taking courses for professional development, continuing education, certification or credit, eLearning provides a convenient way for a student to meet their learning objectives. The media company, Tech Cocktail, recently compiled a list of what they feel are 2014’s top projected learning trends for online universities and course creators to keep in mind in order to meet the needs of online students.
“Learning on the go” - Today’s students utilize media on a variety of mediums and have become used to “instant gratification” when searching for answers, information or material. Today’s online universities will need to provide courses and materials that are mobile friendly and that can be accessed on tablets, phones and other smart devices.
Choosing a Career or Field of Interest
By Kris Powers | April 29th 2014
The field of work you choose is important. It not only determines where you may spend a good deal of your working life, but it also opens you up to other opportunities should you decide to branch out and use your skills in connected occupations.
Whether or not you are just beginning your training; it's helpful to take the time to assess your goals, interests, strengths as well as the areas of opportunity available to you for enhancing your current skill set.
You may find it helpful to run through these career step exercises every once in awhile:
1. Determine what you like to do. What sorts of things interest you, excite you and make you want to learn more about them? For example, do you like:
Learn to Take a Break by Angela Caban
By Guest Blogger | April 1st 2014
We all need breaks in between work, studying, and writing papers. Not only did I go to school online but I also worked from home full time. What does this tell you? I was at my desk a lot and learned the hard way about what it meant to schedule “break” time.
Because online students don’t have the “mandatory” breaks in between classes we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to step away and just take a break. Why do we make ourselves feel guilty? We are so much more productive when we have those 10-15 minute breaks to refresh. It is a proven fact that breaks encourage brain stimulation if only for just a few minutes.
Some people take walks, others veg out in front of the TV, and others read for pleasure. If you’re not a “reader” there are plenty of other activities to keep your mind stimulated while you step away from your classwork.
Can Online Learning be as Effective as Classroom Learning?
By Tricia Seymour | February 25th 2014
In 2103, Ed4Career launched the first in our series of ‘In Your Opinion’ polls. The first question we posed to the public was, “Can online learning be as effective as classroom learning?” The results, while revealing, mirrored the heated debate that is still taking place in academic circles – with 68% of respondents indicating “Yes, it can be” and 32% having serious reservations and even outright hostility to the concept of online learning. With many more college students taking online courses, we must continue to have these discussions.