UC-Berkeley Moves Forward with Opencast Matterhorn
August 2, 2009
The University of California at Berkeley recently received a $1.5 million grant that will allow the university to develop open-source software that would let colleges around the world easily post lectures from their most popular professors. The new software should be available for release in July of 2010.
A Site for Peer-Reviewed Articles that is Student-Friendly
June 16, 2009
A trend among top-tier universities is developing to share some of their research results and scholarly publications through open-access formats. An example of this trend is a site introduced by the Nature Publishing Group at: www.scitable.com. This site initially contains approximately 200 articles that concentrate on genetics, but plans have been made to significantly expand the scope of their offerings.
With some prestigious peer-reviewed professional journals charging universities in excess of $10,000 a year for subscriptions, my institutions are seeking ways to share research in a more cost-effective way. The Obama Administration has expressed its commitment to fund university-based research, but they want to be certain the results are shared.
In addition to the fact articles found at the scitable website are free; they are also presented in a clear and concise format when compared with many peer-reviewed journals. Science is an intimidating subject already, so students will appreciate this simplified format and style. Too many scholarly journals are written primarily for academics and researchers, when they should be more concerned about furthering learning and education among students.
The ACLU Sues School Districts for Blocking Students’ Access to Certain Websites
May 20, 2009
As many as 100 school districts in Tennessee are using special software that blocks public school students from accessing certain websites containing inappropriate content through the Internet. While this practice makes sense, it inevitably raises issues about what content is appropriate and what is not.
Earlier this year, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) warned school districts in Tennessee that the blocking software they were using was inappropriately denying students online information about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues. The ACLU warned that if this practice contuse, they would take appropriate legal action.
On May 19, the ACLU sued Metro Nashville and Knox County schools in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. The group filed its lawsuit on behalf of two high school students in Nashville, one student in Knoxville, and a high school librarian in Knoxville who is the advisor of the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA).
This may become a landmark case that could have a dramatic impact on what online material public school students can see. An ACLU spokesperson expressed hope this issue can be resolved, at least in Tennessee, in time for the 2009-2010 school year.
Enrollments in Online Accredited Degree Programs Increasing
May 9, 2009
Online accredited degrees are now more popular than ever before for working adults who want to continue their education, but have a job and family obligations to maintain. Accredited online degree programs are good for people with busy schedules or those who can’t attend a traditional college due to geographic considerations. These distance learning programs are fast becoming the preferred method of study among many people all over the world because of the convenience and cost savings.
Online learning has come of age, in no time. A few of the benefits of online accredited degree programs include:
1. Tend to be less costly than traditional on campus programs.
2. Are available in nearly every subject you could imagine, including nursing, business, psychology, healthcare, and law.
3. Available to anyone who has access to a computer with an Internet connection.
4. May be finished quicker than traditional on campus degrees because most programs are self-paced, offer accelerated programs, or offer credit for life and work experience.
5. Offered by some of the best accredited universities and colleges. These schools generally utilize the same curricula for online courses as they do for classroom courses, so the quality of education is the same.
Obviously, the benefits of distance learning have expanded exponentially. Getting an online degree is convenient for students who cannot attend formal classes for various reasons including work, family, travel, geographic location, or ill health. Getting a degree online is equally as good as earning one in person, but only if it comes from an accredited university.
Online degrees are wonderful for anyone who wants to either jump-start or change their careers, and that’s no surprise.
Is Online Education Based on “Slave Labor?”
May 7, 2009
A large proportion of tenured and tenured-track professors at traditional “brick and mortar” universities belong to the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). Martin Snyder, of AAUP’s Department of External Relations, recently described professors who teach online courses as “part-time professors who can’t get full-time work and are forced into taking a lot of part-time positions in order to make an equitable salary.
I think there is little doubt that online professors work harder and are paid less than faculty who are members of the AAUP. One has to wonder, however, if we can conclude from this that online professors are underpaid or AAUP members overpaid? While I have never been a member of the AAUP, I have taught at both traditional and online universities. Based on my experience, I think the both statements are true – online professors are generally underpaid while AAUP professors are generally overpaid.
As distance learning continues to expand, online universities will find it more and more difficult to recruit qualified faculty without paying higher salaries. Traditional universities, on the other hand, must find ways to reduce their tuitions or watch larger proportions of students choose to pursue their degrees online. The business model for traditional universities has a much larger fixed-cost component, so they must find ways to reduce their faculty expenses.
Online Degree- Convenient and Affordable
May 7, 2009
Pursuing an online degree is faster and easier than it has ever been before. Technology has afforded many benefits to online education. The innovation of PCs and the advances of Web 2.0 allow an amazing amount of convenience in getting a higher education degree.
Sometimes it is very hard for people to obtain higher education degrees because of time and money, especially in the current economic crisis which is set to continue for years to come. In the past those two elements made getting a college education virtually impossible for some people. Today getting a degree is obtainable by everyone no matter where they come from or their current situation.
Getting an online education can make a huge difference in your life. It opens up doors that wouldn’t necessarily have opened before. And, the choices you have are vast and varied. Unlike traditional degree programs where to get a certain degree you may have to relocate and uproot your whole life, online course allow you to enroll in any college anywhere and do the work right from your own home. All you need is a PC and an internet connection as well as a desire to succeed.
In fact, even if you don’t have a PC or internet connection you can always use a public one like at your local library. There are no excuses when it comes to online degrees. online degree programs are typically more reasonably priced than regular college degrees. And, if you need to get financial aid you can do that right online too.
Everything that you could possibly need in a college education is right there online. You can work with classmates and professors, set up study groups, and participate in discussions, just like you would at a traditional college. You can even find career counselors and advisors that can help you find the right path for your education and career goals. There are really no disadvantages to online education.
All it takes is a little time to find the right program and then a commitment by you to make that program work. Usually, you can get set up in an online degree program right away. Unlike regular colleges online schools have a lot of flexibility in how their classes run and there are no set enrollment dates or class start dates. You could start school today.
An Online Degree: A good choice for you?
May 3, 2009
While many traditional colleges are struggling to attract students in a stagnant economy, most online colleges are experiencing significant enrollment growth. In fact, one online college has now become the largest private university in the United States.
Does that come as a suprise to you? It probably doesn’t if you remember that online college programs are generally far less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And, they are far more flexible and convenient. But, despite their advantages, online colleges are not the best option for everyone.
So, before you decide to pursue anonline degree, ask yourself these questions.
1. Will an online degree help you achieve the career and/or financial goals you have set for yourself?
2. Can you reserve at least six or seven hours a week for your studies?
3. Are you willing to undertake the expense of a degree program?
4. Do you have the determination and focus that earning an online degree requires?
5. Do you have easy access to a computer and suitable study area? A suitable study area, which can be in a library, an office, or at home, requires a comfortable chair, a writing surface, a quiet environment, and Internet access.
If you answered all five questions positively, you’re fully prepared to get started on an online degree. All that is left for you to do is investigate your options until you find the college or university which best meets your individual needs. Good luck.
Bachelor Degrees Online – How to Successfully Complete an Online Bachelors Degree Course
April 24, 2009
So you’ve decided to pursue your bachelors degree online. Thats great, you’ve taken the first step towards improving your future, and with a little work and commitment, the world can be yours! There are a host of options available for completing your degree, as there are numerous online degree programs offered by both independent, and highly reputable universities, as well as community colleges, and many of them offering online courses at reasonable rates.
The only catch is that it’s not easy to complete these courses. In fact, many people have a lot of trouble with it because when studying at home, there are many more distractions, such as children, television, games, and food.
This may make classroom work much more preferable to those who need to be able to concentrate and get their work done. There may be other problems such as your access to a computer or the Internet. The ability to pay the bill is one such problem.
But if this works for you it will be a great opportunity and quite rewarding. The path is in front of you for the taking. The tips listed will be a big help to get you on that path.
Find a Respectable School
Check into which programs have the Counsel by Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) because many do not. If not, be leery of these programs. Schools that are out of the country, schools that do not supply contact information or those that are willing to sell you a diploma are considered suspicious. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has information on most schools. When searching online and you think you have found a good choice, do your investigating and make sure before deciding.
Getting Your Academic Records Together
A reputable school will want to see any certificates or diplomas you have (especially high school) to make a determination of what, if anything for which you may qualify. These records should be gotten in order first thing.
Check Out the Campus
If there is actually a physical school that you will be considering you should make a visit and see what impression you get of the institution. If not and it is an online college, do a little research and see what you can find. One way is by contacting former students of this program and ask them if they had any problems. By doing a fair amount of research this should tell you if the school is going to be a school you want to attend.
Financial Help is Available
Just because you’re struggling financially doesn’t mean that you can’t obtain a higher education through an online bachelors degree and enrich your life. Most schools offer some sort of financial aid through reputable banks, and they have a program for just about anyone provided your credit is decent, and even if it isn’t you may just have to pay a little more out of pocket than you’d like, however you’ll still be able to attend school.
Is This the Right Time?
When you decide to go to school make sure this is the right time for you. You must be at your best in order to pass the courses required for a bachelor’s degree. Dropping out should not be an option. Make sure there is no major stress in your life and that you are going to be all right with studying and the cost of the course.
Make your Final Arrangements
Check with a financial adviser, fill out the online applications, and pay the tuition fees, if you’re sure this is what you really want, and if you’re prepared for it. If you can finish an online bachelors degree program, then you’ll have opened the doorway to the rest of your life, paving the way for success and happiness.
Taxing Online Education
April 21, 2009
It is not yet law, but the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance issued an opinion earlier this year distance education courses are subject to state sales tax. Some states already impose a sales tax on educational software. The New York opinion discounted the value of the faculty interaction aspect of the educational service provided by a certain distance education provider by the name of SkillSoft. Even though students can only access the learning resources provided by SkillSoft online this opinion in New York states, “constitutes a transfer of possession of the software because the customer gains constructive possession of the software and gains the right to use, or control or direct the use of the software.” So just by having access to educational software, even though such access is part of an educational service that includes mentoring/teaching by an educator, the State of New York believes students should pay sales tax for this distance learning experience.
Of course these are challenging economic times and state governments are looking for ways to find new sources of revenues, but adding sales tax to online education makes little sense. A tax consultant who is familiar with this case believes there was insufficient human interaction in this online course to justify the purchase of this course as being a non-taxable educational expense. One has to wonder exactly how much interaction between students and teacher is sufficient to deem online education an educational experience or the constructive possession of software.
When asked for a comment, Michael Lambert of the Distance Education and Learning Council (DETC) indicated his belief that this opinion of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance will not survive legal challenge. Still, this is a quite disturbing development. We need to be finding more cost/effective ways to deliver education, not looking for new ways to make it more expensive.
Netbooks Are Perfect for Students
April 18, 2009
One of the reasons why netbooks are so popular these days then the bigger, more functional laptops is because of their relative cheapness to said laptops. The cheapest ones cost about $300-$500 per unit, and a student can buy it with a few weeks of allowance money. On the other hand, notebook computers are priced at least $1000; and the price discrepancy is clearly defined.
A student’s life is becoming increasingly dependent on their Internet connection. They need to stay connected as frequently as they can. Professors these days even accept written requirements via e-mail and will give assignments on text from an online website, assuming that the student has Internet access. Without a laptop, the student will most definitely find himself at a big disadvantage.
So these are two reasons right there; it is necessary for a student’s life, and affordable as well. But then, if it’s so important to be online these days, you might as well look good while you’re on it, right? That is the third factor that makes these small laptops desirable; for on the world of gadgets, small is sexy. There’s nothing geeky about them, so students can be proud of their fashionable netbooks.
With that, people who are in the market to buy these cheap and affordable netbooks should know what they want. With the number of preconceptions about these computers is the notion that they are just miniaturized laptops. Their main difference is the functionality. If all you need out of a laptop is quick Internet access, Instant Messaging and to check your e-mail, then this machine is perfect for you.
But if your needs as a student extend to intensive applications like Photoshop or if you’d like to be able to do some gaming adequately, then you should look for a full-pledged notebook instead. They will deliver you what you need better; it just won’t be as affordable, and it’ll be harder to bring it around.
Want a Better Job and Better Pay? Earn Your Online Accredited Degree
April 18, 2009
While many people dream of getting a college degree, it is often impossible to quit your job to go to school. Most people work, and the strict hours of traditional on-campus college classes often do not fit into their busy schedule. Many individuals have family responsibilities and don’t have the time to attend a university. Non-traditional adult students are becoming more prevalent, and many colleges are recognizing this fact and responding to it by providing online courses.
One good option for adult students is to earn an online accredited degree. This is a degree from a college or university that been accredited, which means it meets established criteria for accreditation for each degree it offers.
Online degree programs vary. It is best to learn as much as you can about each school before selecting an online college. Request information from each one, and study it carefully to make sure they offer the degree of your choice. No matter what kind of degree you want to get, you will most likely find an online college that offers it. Get an Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate degree, or just a certification that you need to get a better job. Many of these online schools offer financial aid assistance, as well.
There are so many advantages to earning an online degree. You do not have to travel to a campus location. You can schedule your classes around your life, not the other way around. Distance learning via the Internet saves you both time and money by allowing you to study at your convenience, and at your own pace. This flexibility is one of the greatest advantages of online degree programs. And, having a degree usually means having access to getting better jobs and better pay.
It is imperative that you make sure that your online degree program is accredited. It does you no good to earn a degree from a non-accredited institution. Increasing your education through distance learning is the key to improving your future, so you need to make sure that it is a good education.
If you want to get your degree to get a better job, there has never been a better time to do it. Online accredited degrees are getting more attention, and are widely accepted by employers. Whether you sit in a classroom or study at your computer, the same academic standards and curriculum are applied to online degree programs. Start earning your degree today!
How to Find an Affordable Online College Program
April 17, 2009
Are you a student searching for a college degree program that will fit both your budget and schedule? Why not consider an online degree program as an alternative to traditional classroom studies? Here are some possible ways you can find a great online college program that will work for you and the financial help you need to pay for it.
If you haven’t already noticed, online degree programs are getting much easier to locate. That’s because many traditional colleges and universities are including virtual learning as part of their curriculum. Many of the schools in your hometown or state probably offer distance learning or online coursework. There are even programs that can be taken entirely online. One great way to search for these programs is by checking out online resources for a list of schools and universities that provide distance learning opportunities. This form of learning is perfect for busy adults who have other responsibilities like working jobs, raising kids and community activities. Online programs just seem to work better.
Online degree programs are more affordable than traditional brick and mortar institutions. That’s mainly due to the lower costs associated with online programs, where instructors may teach from the convenience of their home offices, teach more courses and not require much in the way of salaries. This is as opposed to traditional learning environments where there is a building to maintain, lights to keep on and many staff members such as campus security, library personnel or other adjust faculty that must be paid for their time.
Getting financial aid to cover the costs of an online program is actually a simple process. Not only are accredited online programs eligible for grants, financial aid loans and other sources of assistance, but there are many more opportunities for students to qualify for scholarships. An excellent resource when searching for these scholarships is by heading to your computer and searching online, where you can locate possible sources of financial help in just minutes.
If you are working for an employer who offers tuition reimbursement, then you may want to take advantage of that as well. Many employers value higher education and training for their staff, so they are more than willing to help you pay for your education. Better educated employees are much more effective problem solvers and productive assets of the company. Look for many employers to finance at least $5K annually or more. Some will help with books and other college fees to make sure you reach your goals. After you do, be sure to work for your employer for at least a year or more to let them know you appreciated their help.
Generally, it’s not that difficult to find an online degree program that will work for your personal and financial needs. By using all the online and offline resources available today, you will have a head start on getting your degree sooner than you can imagine.
Quickest Accredited Degrees – 5 Steps to Attaining a Bachelor Degree Fast!
April 8, 2009
It truly is a bold new world for those who have their college degree. It’s true that when you hold a bachelor’s degree in a profession that is in demand, that doors will start to open for you. But to have the benefits from the degree you have to complete the program all the way through first.
With this in mind, you need to know that the more time it takes you to complete on your degree, the more chance there is that great opportunities will get away from you. This is the reason many choose the quickest way to get a bachelor’s degree. It is important here though, to point out 5 useful steps to ensure you earn your bachelor’s degree as quickly as possible.
Step Number 1: To Receive Credit, Pass the Advanced Placement Tests
For all degrees including bachelor’s degrees certain requirements are needed for the degree, these are usually called core courses. While all students usually understand this point, they do not always know that there are some courses that you can be tested on externally to get credit. You get tested on your knowledge on the subject, and if you manage to get a high grade, then you do not have to complete the subject, and you still get your credits. For some students this has helped erase complete semesters from their path to earning a bachelor’s degree.
Step 2 – Enroll In An Online Bachelors Degree Program
Enrolling courses online can also help you speed up your bachelors degree program. Namely, online course provide an opportunity to take courses at your own convenience. This is perfect not only for those who work full-time, but those who wish to load up on their credits in order to acquire the quickest bachelor degree. Yes, it can be a lot of work to add online classes to your schedule; but, the end result could be a degree achieved a year or more earlier.
Step 3 – Be Flexible
Avoid any school that has programs that are not flexible. Many universities have great programs setup but the way they schedule classes does not work for people trying to get a bachelor’s degree quickly. Sometimes the core courses are only held during the daytime, which means you have to work all other classes around them. Most of time, you wind up having to put off something you want to take until another semester. This slows down your efforts of attaining your bachelor’s degree the quickest way.
Step 4 – Study 12 Months Per Year
Work on your courses all year long. This means take courses in the summer too not just fall, winter and/or spring. This will give you a full 4 semesters instead of just 2 or 3 semesters like some do. This will definitely speed up your trek to getting your bachelor’s degree.
Fifth Step: Enroll into Accelerated Programs
Search out those universities that have an accelerated program. These are specially designed to allow the student to move through to graduation much faster than standard programs. For people looking to get their bachelor’s degree quicker, this offers the advantage of not having to figure out how to fast track. All the planning is done for you, along with the counseling to help with achieving your goal.
Do you think obtaining the quickest bachelor’s degree is easy to do? Well it is not, it takes some hard work and the right strategy to succeed. Keeping the steps discussed here in mind will ultimately help you attain your degree in a reduced time frame. If you want to earn your degree in the quickest time possible, getting started is the key. The sooner you seek out a suitable course, enroll and get started, the sooner you will have your degree and the qualifications you need to land the job of your dreams.
ePortfolio Programs: A Mainstay of Higher Education
March 29, 2009
There is a clear shift in emphasis by academics away from teaching to learning. What are growing in importance these days are student outcomes. Perhaps no single tool is more useful in emphasizing learning outcome and promoting their development, than ePortfolios.
Either in movies or in life, we have seen the beautiful models hurrying to meet with a prospective employer with large, thin black leather portfolio in which they transport their most flattering photographs. They use the contents of their portfolios to convey a sense of the value they represent to potential employers. ePortfolios are simply an electronic version of a model or photographer’s portfolio used to document the competencies, skills, and knowledge developed by a person – focused on a specific career objective or path.
According to research conducted by the Campus Computing Project www.campuscomputing.net/survey, the number of U.S. colleges and universities using ePortfolios has more than tripled over the past five years. Soon, students will accept ePortfolio systems as an integral element of their college experience and an important mechanism to translating at college experience into a rewarding career.
Most ePortfolio programs encourage students to start the design and development of their ePortfolios at the outset of the academic programs to begin the process of establishing academic goals, to make the best choices with respect to specialized majors and elective courses, and to create a context in which to judge their progress through their educational journey. ePortfolios promote student engagement with their learning, facilitate appropriate student choices, and help students keep their professional goals in clear view while taking courses.
Universities derive benefit from ePortfolio programs because they provide a means of documenting, organizing, and assessing evidence of student learning and outcomes. ePortfolios are not just a fad, but rapidly becoming a mainstay of higher education.
Questions and Answer
January 16, 2009
Is this an expensive solution in search of a problem or is online cheating a serious problem that needs these kinds of costly solutions?
