Education tips and articles » Distance Education

Tips For Those Studying Online

admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:52:32 +0000

Everyone dreams to hold college degree, but sometimes taking out time from daily work schedule becomes a trouble. Lack of interest towards the conventional way of studying also restricts many people to pursue career further. In either of the cases, learning online can be the most suitable option. For any busy student who is juggling school, work and a house hold life, obtaining an online degree through a distance education program fits into their hectic schedule. In fact, it is getting huge popularity in the United States as the number of people engaged into different online degree courses is increasing. Nonetheless, engaging into online degree course is not enough, but a proper planning and awareness is necessary to complete your degree program successfully. Below are some of the pointers that are aimed to help you study successfully whether you are studying at work, at home or in transit.

1.) Have adequate equipment- You can your save time in other way by having at least the minimum technical requirements for the selected course. Make sure you own adequate equipments such as enough modem speed, memory card, broadband connection, fax machine, scanner etc.

2.) Dedicate your quality time- Dedicating quality time periodically is an essential part of studying online course in a proper way. Hence, break your time into modules according to the course and prepare yourself to commit between 4 to 15 hours a week.

3.) Maintain consistency- Maintaining regular daily schedule can help you create momentum of habit. Try to select a regular place to work so that you can be ready to pick up learning as soon as you start your online distance learning study.

4.) Find a peaceful place to study- Studying at home can be convenient option, but it may quickly become the greatest cause of distraction. Thus, in order to avoid the distraction it is better to find a quiet place for your work and set rules for the family so that you do not face any interruption. If possible try to avoid watching TV while you study, it may eat away your time more than you fix for your entertainment.

5.) Keep on updating yourself- Keep in touch with related websites, your discussions, messages/mails, staffs, schedules and other students. Always, be aware of changing course schedules, deadlines, etc.

6.) Set goals on weekly basis- Complete manageable amount of work at regular interval to make your learning process more effective. Don’t pressure yourself with an untouched mountain of work and looming deadlines.

7.) Know about the websites- Visit websites regularly and as much as possible to make yourself familiar to them. This will allow you to find what you need in quickest possible time.

8.) Be active and participate- Participation of students in study activities enriches their experience. Show your activeness in discussions even if you generally hide at the back of the classroom. Don’t shy if you make mistakes, we learn from our mistakes. Visit chat rooms and set up email links as a solid course buddy can be your best tool.

9.) Cope-up with your learning style- Distance learning should match your learning style. You can easily adapt and maximise the course to your needs if you are aware of your strengths.

10.) Read the resource section – Reading resource section can further help you in providing extra information on the subject at hand.

Certainly, little effort and conceptualised study can make your online study more effective. Above tips are simple yet important guidelines that can become torch light to your success path. Hence, following these valuable tips can help you face the challenges on the path of online study with ease.

By: Amit Kothial

Distance Education at Madras University

admin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:46:28 +0000

The Institute of Distance Learning at the University of Madras offers a number of graduate and post-graduate levels. Established in the year 1981, the institute has a proud backing of alumni scattered all over the globe. Through distance education system, the institute has courses in both regular and Open University streams.

A typical academic year at the Institute of Distance Learning begins in July/ August and extends till April/ May. In addition to graduate and post-graduate programs, there are courses spanning one year (from January to December every year) as well. The Chepauk Campus of the University of Madras is the main venue for admission along with a number of Spot Admission Centres spread all over India.

The Open University System of the Institute of Distance Learning was introduced in Madras University in the year 1985. This is aimed at providing educational prospects to people who do not have any basic qualification but aspire to go for higher studies. The only prerequisite for admission in the Open University system is that the aspirant should have completed 18 years of age as on July 1 of the year of admission. However, there is a basic entrance examination to test the literacy level of a candidate to join a particular course.

The various course curricula in the distance learning mode are designed keeping in mind the industry needs. The certificate and diploma courses are also meant to enable students inculcate a particular skill set.

All in all, the Institute of Distance Learning of the University of Madras is one of the upcoming institutes of its kind in India.

By: Jasdeep Kaur

Online College Education – The Pros and Cons You Must Know

admin — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:09:42 +0000

One of the benefits of an online college education is that your chances of getting a lucrative and enjoyable job will increase. I’m specifically talking about cases where a job is only available to candidates who (for example) hold a university or college degree. The average person will see an income difference of approximately $1 million dollars over their non-degree competition over the span of a lifetime.

As you are probably already aware online learning can be a great way to get a new diploma or upgrade from your previous education. For someone considering this option the internet is a great place to find relevant and up to date information regarding learning online. The internet does not discriminate against religion, race, education, class, or background which helps build a sense of equality in bettering a student’s education.

Due to the positive atmosphere the internet can create, online education will produce a healthier learning environment and a greater quality of education to all society. Sure, you can always go back to school in a traditional setting, but you can also take classes online. The internet is a powerful education tool.

Distance education teaches various subjects through various correspondence methods. Audio and videotapes, telephone conferences, cable or satellite television, fax, electronic mail and the Internet are the main means of this type of education. It should be noted, though, that not all education programs and training over the Internet are reliable. Also if your computer is over two years old, it could be outdated and unable to handle the demands of attending an online institution.

By: Derek Dexter

St Louis Schools and Virtual Education

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:24:29 +0000

St. Louis Schools are bravely going where no man, or school, has gone before. They’re going virtual. Simply put, they’re offering more classes online for children in the K-12 school system in order to provide distance education and more educational diversity for all the students in their area. What is it? They’re classes online made specifically for different age levels. Content is different for every grade and developed to facilitate learning and pique the interest of students in the St. Louis Schools area.

Is There More Information Regarding Virtual Education in St. Louis Schools?

Of course! St. Louis Schools have provided the answers to a number of different questions because of the newness of virtual education, especially in the lower grades.

Ï Grades and Subjects: Starting in the 2008-2009 school year, St. Louis Schools will be offering virtual education to children in grades K-12. The subject list is easy because it’s the same as in a normal classroom. Language Arts, Math, Science, Health, Music, Art, and History can all be taught in a virtual St. Louis Schools classroom.

Ï Materials: St. Louis Schools provide all their virtual students with the materials they need to be successful in virtual education. The lower the grade, the more books they will have because St. Louis Schools understand that younger students need more educational diversity because their attention span is shorter. It is recommended that no more than 20-25 minutes a day be spent on the computer. Yes, a computer is needed for virtual education. Just how much though, depends on the age of the student. Younger students get less time, older students get more time. A high school aged student in St. Louis Schools will spend almost all of their time working on the computer.

Overall, it seems that St. Louis Schools are providing a better education for all of their students by making virtual education available for all grades in the public school system. But, there is more to be learned in a classroom than just facts and figures. The problem with virtual education in St. Louis Schools is that there is very little interaction between a student and his peers. Since the classroom setting is also a place to learn valuable social skills, a virtual education student would need some sort of an after school program to interact with other children his age. This ultimately the job of the parent since there is very little, if any involvement, by the school itself. Do the positives override the negatives? That’s a question for you and your child to discuss at great length before deciding on enrolling in virtual education. Call your child’s school and discuss it with a professional, they may be able to help guide you more.

By: Patricia Hawke