Saturday, September 29, 2007

Scope of Online MBA Degree Programs

At some point during your college education, students may wonder whether to pursue MBA Degrees. In this day and age, prospective college students can pursue MBA degrees through an online degree program, entirely via distance education. Because online learning isn’t any different than a traditional classroom setting, you can obtain and MBA degree completely online and still receive the same level of education you would in a brick and mortar institution. What’s more, there are a lot of benefits to pursuing an MBA degree through an online degree program and the breadth and scope of information you’ll learn is on par to that of a classroom setting.

There’s no denying that online learning is convenient, and that’s no different when pursuing an MBA degree. Because people in the business world have very hectic lives, it can be hard to schedule traditional means of schooling around a full-time job and a home life. Thankfully, going through a reputable online degree program for MBA degrees will allow you to schedule your coursework around a time that’s right for you, whether that’s 4 in the afternoon or 4 in the morning. Provided you have a reliable computer with internet access, you can obtain your degree completely online.

For those in the business world, networking is key to getting ahead. With an online degree program, students are given the opportunity to network across a broad range of people, because they are studying with students from all around the globe. MBA degrees obtained online means you are not limited to networking with people within your county. This provides you incredible opportunities to connect with people in positions all across the country and acquire invaluable contacts within the business world.

MBA degrees acquired through an online degree program also tend to mirror the business world. For example, people involved in business as their career work with contacts all over the world and never actually meet those people. Through an online degree program, students work with other students across the globe that they have never seen. Learning through the online environment is a key factor to understanding how to connect and work with people in other states, even in other countries. In the business workforce, this is a valuable skill to possess.

Additionally, MBA degrees obtained online allow students to learn from a variety of top level professionals across the country. Because online colleges recruit professors, teachers and top executives from all around the world, students are able to interact with a variety of people completely through an online degree program. Anyone who desires to share their real world experience and are learned and experienced in their field can be a candidate for a teaching position at one of the top distance learning institutions. As a result, a student can have a professor from Stanford University for one class and another from Harvard the next. For more information about Online MBA Degrees, Please visit http://www.speedydegrees.com/

While MBA degrees are not cheap, pursuing a degree online is significantly more cost-effective than attending a traditional school. Tuition alone can cost upwards of 70,000 dollars, but online that price is drastically lowered. While you’ll still pay somewhere around the 20,000 dollar mark, the price decrease is definitely an advantage when thinking about attaining an MBA degree. Regardless of your current life situation, you’ll be able to attend school online while holding a full time job and managing a home. Because you’ll receive the same level of education online as you would in a traditional classroom setting, MBA degrees acquired through an online degree program are a cost-effective and convenient way to further your education.


http://www.articleson.com/Article/Scope-of-Online-MBA-Degree-Programs/16376

Nursing School – Get Off to a Good Start

Ever thought of Nursing as your occupation? Taking care of the elderly, playing with children, consoling a sick person, being there for someone when they're on their death bed? These are some of the things that you would do being a nurse. The bond that builds up between the patient and his caretaker - the nurse, is something to be cherished. The patient becomes dependent on you, and as long as he is under your care, you become his guardian angel.

Many people also go for nursing as their second career. To become a qualified nurse, you have to take nursing education from any recognized nursing school or nursing college. Nurse education is just like any other education, where you would be taught and prepared for nursing care. The students will be given lessons on various health education and medicines by qualified doctors, experienced nurses, and educators. Almost everywhere around the world the basic courses are similar; like general nursing, mental health nursing, and taking care of sick children. The courses are usually three years long.

Nursing is taught in nursing schools. You can also get a post graduate qualification in any specialist subject within nursing from a reputed nursing college. In the past, the emphasis was more only on the practical part, but now all nursing schools are focused both on the theoretical as well as the practical part, as nurses have to deal with so many types of patients. They have to know what to do and what not to, incase the doctor is not around. They are given basic education on medicine as well. Nurses today are not just a helper of the doctor concerned, but they are trained so that they would be able to contribute equally to the team.

Nursing education:

The first nursing school was set by Florence Nightingale at St Thomas' Hospital, London. The curriculum in those days was just focused on hygienic factor and task competence. Nursing at that time was mainly adopted by girls, often taken in religious orders, but now we find many male nurses in all the hospitals, especially in mental health services. So many nursing schools and colleges have come up with the increasing need of nurses all over the world. It is recorded that in America itself there are about 45,000 nursing schools.

A lot of arguments still surround nursing education. Some believe that practical knowledge is what is most important, but some argue that with so many advancements coming in the medical world, these nursing schools should be able to teach them to manage health care and also to see the "future picture". So to meet all these needs, nursing schools aim to train nurses who can be nurtured and trained to be life long learners, so as to meet any changes in both theory and practical parts of nursing.

Things to remember:

There are some points that you should remember when going for a nursing education:

• Decide on what program you want to take, and then decide on a school that matches.
• Look out for the featured schools around your area.
• Some people want the close attention of a small school, while others prefer the intellectual stimulation of a large institution.
• Make enquiries about the school, and the school's reputation.
• It is better to take a school where the ratio of the students and the faculty is good. It is better to be in a small class size so that each student will be given equal attention.
• See that the school meets the standards of education set by a national accrediting organization.

To become a nurse you would need to dedicate your time and care whenever there is a need. Remember you can be a nurse at any age. If you are in your thirties or forties, this doesn’t mean you are not eligible. As long as you are ready to dedicate your life into this profession, you can become a nurse.


http://www.articleson.com/Article/Nursing-School---Get-Off-to-a-Good-Start/16458

How Do Employers View an Online Degree?

If you considering pursuing an online course of study, there are probably several major questions on your mind. Most likely, the biggest of these questions is how will your current or future employer view an online degree. Although there is no clear cut answer to this question, there are several major factors you can take into consideration. It is important that you take the time to thoroughly consider and understand all of these factors.

The first factor that you need to take into consideration is the generation gap. The generation gap refers to the distance between generations. For example, if you are a twenty-five year old, there is an obvious gap between you and someone that is fifty-five. The generation gap applies to online education in the way that older generations view the internet and anything that is part of it. For some older generations, they do not actually understand the internet or what it can do, and therefore they are threatened or even almost afraid of it. For this reason, they may view something like an online degree as trivial or not even legitimate. Although this may seem like a major problem, it is probably not as bad as you may think.

The generation gap factor actually leads into the second factor that you need to take into consideration when taking a look at how employers view an online degree. The second factor that you need to be aware of is accreditation. Accreditation is what separates legitimate online education programs from scams that are worth more than taking your money. It is vitally important that you choose an online degree program that is accredited. By choosing an accredited program, you can ensure that you are investing your time and resources into the correct program. Now, you may be asking yourself how the generation gap and accreditation are related. Accreditation is one factor that can help ease the worries of members of older generations. An accredited program allows an employer to look at the program of study that you followed to earn your online degree. By having access to this information, an employer (even one that is a member of an older generation) can see that the online education you received was just as valuable as the education that someone attending a four-year college or university receives.

When determining how an employer views an online degree, the final factor you need to take into consideration is your own performance. This factor is arguably the most important of all the factors that have been discussed. When an employer is evaluating your online degree, once they get over any initial apprehension that your degree was obtained via the internet, they will be scrutinizing your personal performance in your program of study. Just as they would look at someone’s grades at an actual four-year, your employer will be very interested in how well you did in the courses you took in order to obtain your degree. Therefore, it is very important to take your online education very seriously. It is not enough just to obtain an online degree, it is necessary that you excel in the program that you study. By performing to the best of your ability, your employer will see that you are a committed individual that takes important things seriously. For more information about online degrees please visit http://www.speedydegrees.com

As you can see, there are quite a few factors that impact how an employer will view your online degree. Although there is not a specific answer, as long as you choose an accredited online program and take your online education seriously, any employer that reviews your resume will give your online degree the same respect that they give to a degree obtained from a four-year institution.


http://www.articleson.com/Article/How-Do-Employers-View-an-Online-Degree-/18670

5 Effective Work Habits For Fresh Graduates

Being new in the working world, I am sure you are eager to show off your newfound skills and knowledge. However, out there in the working world some basic work effective habits can increase your productivity. By being consistently effective at your work increases your chances of success in your career.

The 5 effective work habits are:

1. Volunteer for Assignments
One of the best ways to signal that you are a keen learner and are not afraid of hard work is to volunteer for assignments. Especially assignments that no one seems interested to do. However, before that do assess your own skills and knowledge to see if you can confidently accomplish it. If you are confident in completing the task in full and perfection, go ahead and volunteer for it.

However, do remember one thing. Under promise and over deliver on the assignment you volunteered. Do not be too confident that you turn a perfect opportunity into mess. Once you start the project, see it till the end. You would be seen as someone who is courageous enough to take on additional assignments. You would also be seen as someone who follows through in your work. This is the first habit you need to internalize.

2. Be Nice to People
I am sure we have all heard this often enough. Be nice to people regardless of their rank and designation. It sounds philosophical but when you are nice to people they go out of their way to help you. And being new in an organization you would never know what sort of help you would need. Colleagues often like to work with nice talented people. When you have this effective work habit you increase the chances of people wanting you to work on their team.

Being nice to people is just common courtesy. There is nothing extra ordinary about this particular habit that you need special skills. A smile in the morning and a “Good Morning” is a good start. In this day and age, people working in pressurized environments often use stress as an excuse when they blow up. Is this necessary? Nice is often reciprocated by nice. In fact, it can lower your stress level.

3. Prioritize Your Work
We all love to start work on things that are close to our hearts. However, often these may not be the most urgent and important in our list of tasks in the workplace. When you select things you are more interested in rather than work that is more important or urgent, you lower your chances of success.

Have a list of things to do according to its strategic importance to your company. Know your role in completing the tasks at hand in order to achieve that corporate goal. When you prioritize your work, you are more productive and that increases your chances of career success.

4. Stay Positive
As someone new in the working world it is very easy to feel down because you are new. You are not used to the work system. You have new people to deal with and people in the working world who behave very differently from school. It takes a lot of getting used to. There will be office politics to deal with regardless of how little.

Be above all these and stay positive in the face of challenges. When you are positive you remain focused on your goals. You make better decisions and therefore become more productive.

5. Highlight a Problem but Bring Solutions
The last effective work habit of the five effective work habits is to bring solutions each time you highlight a problem to your boss or management. You need to remember that when you bring problems and not solutions, it is often construed as complaining.

To avoid that label, offer solutions. A range of possible solutions also indicates to your boss that you have thought this through before approaching him/her with a problem. Have in mind a recommended solution amongst those you suggested.

These are the 5 effective work habits I constantly drill into new employees who are fresh graduates in our company. At first glance, these may seem like common sense. However, in actual working environment people tend to sometimes forget these very basic effective work habits, and don't practice them often enough. Internalize these and consistently practice them to increase your chances of success.



http://www.articleson.com/Article/5-Effective-Work-Habits-For-Fresh-Graduates/18806

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Online Courses?

There are both advantages and disadvantages of online courses. We are in a whole new era of learning where everything is available on the internet. Although it is a rich source of knowledge, online learning is not for everyone.

Advantages of Online Courses

Online courses are a form of distance learning. The courses are portable and available where you are. You don't have to go somewhere to take the course; it comes to you. You can access an online course at the time and place that is most convenient to you. You can move around, be transferred anywhere in the world or travel extensively and still access online classes.

Another advantage of online learning is that you can go at your own pace. Whether your busy schedule leaves you little time for learning, or you need more time to learn a particular concept, or you want to accelerate through the material, online learning offers the flexibility you need.

Typically, online courses are structured for adult learning. That makes it easier for most people to learn the material and helps you apply the material in the real world. You learn what you need to know when you need to know it.

E-learning is often used for workplace training because workers can take the class when it is most convenient and workers can access information when they need it to do their jobs.

Online courses are usually more affordable than traditional courses. Not only are the course fees often lower, but you also don't have transportation costs to figure into the mix.

Disadvantages of Online Courses

Online learning has some disadvantages, too. Some people learn better in a traditional classroom. They need the live interaction with an instructor and other students. Online classes may try to simulate classroom interaction, but they cannot duplicate it.

In order to succeed at online learning, you have to have some specific skills. You have to be self-motivated, responsible for your own learning and have good time management skills. If you don't have those skills, traditional classes may be a better choice for you.

One huge disadvantage of online courses, especially if you are talking about e-learning grids and virtual educational communities, is accessibility. Not everyone has ready access to a computer with an internet connection. Without that access, online learning is hard.

Online education is so portable and flexible for so many people that it's easy to miss the disadvantages. If online education were the best choice for every person every time, we wouldn't need brick-and-mortar schools, would we? There are both advantages and disadvantages of online courses.


http://www.articleson.com/Article/What-Are-The-Advantages-And-Disadvantages-Of-Online-Courses-/23103

Sail through the HOBET

The Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (HOBET) measures the skills that a high school graduate should possess before entry into higher education. The HOBET objectively evaluates a student’s skills in fields that will prove valuable should he or she choose to carry out clinical practice after college.

Although HOBET is not a placement exam, it is advantageous as it helps to identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses in mathematics and reading comprehension.

Mathematics

HOBET Mathematics test often include questions that fall under the following categories:

Basic Operations
Percents, Averages and Weighted Averages
Factoring, Line Plotting
Basic Geometry- Areas, Perimeter, Circumference, Volume, Angles, and Properties of Parallel lines
Probability

Like most Mathematics tests, it is often helpful to remember that Mathematics questions test your logic and the way you understand the relationship of numbers. Usually, you will be given at least one minute per question. Budget your time wisely by answering the easy questions first, leaving you with more time to answer the harder math questions.

Mathematics tests often begin with basic operation questions such as addition and subtraction. Shortcuts such as “even plus even is equal to an even number” may help in saving your time through the process of elimination.

Prepare yourself by memorizing the basic geometric formulas for Areas, Perimeter, Circumference and Volume and by acquainting yourself with basic geometric theorems. In answering word problems, tables and drawings might be helpful. Always remember the basic patterns for factoring and the basic formulas for problems on mixture, ratio and proportion, mixtures and speed.

Reading Comprehension

As in most exams, preparing for Reading Comprehension exams starts years before the exam day itself. The best preparation is always creating a habit out of reading by reading as often as possible.

Some of the most basic reading comprehension questions ask for the central theme, general mood or the significance of passage. It is therefore important for one to fully understand the passage by reading it thoroughly.

Another kind of reading comprehension question asks for the meaning of a word. By reading the passage twice before answering the question, it would no longer be difficult for you to locate the word within a passage and see how it was used in the sentence. Do not rely on your own understanding of a word. Remember that many words have double meanings so it would always be helpful to check its context within the passage.

Sometimes, the passage would provide information that are factually correct but are actually wrong. Remember that the passages given in the exam are not there for argument. The HOBET measures your ability to process information that is given to you therefore; you must read passages as they are.

Remember that the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test was not created to keep you out of college but to point out the areas that need to be improved before you go into advanced education. With the diagnostic report produced by HOBET, you and your teachers would be alerted as to what areas would need more assistance. The constructive method of HOBET is sure to guarantee your success in college.


http://www.articleson.com/Article/Sail-through-the-HOBET/24289

Common Sources of Error Whilst Assessing NVQ or SVQ Candidates in Social Care Common Sources of Error Whilst Assessing NVQ or SVQ Candidates in Social

When working as an assessor in social care two of the values we apply in the assessment process are fairness and consistency. However errors and subjective views can and do occur at any stage of the process.

When assessing the candidate’s competence, as they work through the Health and Social Care NVQ or SVQ, it is important to be conscious of the common types of error so that you can guard against committing one of these errors yourself.

If you are new to assessing you could also feel a pressure to decide every candidate you assess is competent otherwise it reflects badly on you. This is not the case. We need to have good practice in health and social care services. There is a certain standard of competence that has to be reached. It is in applying this standard that the fairness and consistency are so important.

Some of the most common errors are as follows.

First Impressions

This involves a Social Care NVQ or SVQ assessor ‘taking a liking’ to a candidate (or the opposite) and on the basis of this first or early contact viewing the candidate’s performance more or less favourably than should be the case.

If you imagine a candidate who is warm and welcoming when you first meet him/her you can also imagine how difficult it is to be objective, especially if being objective means perhaps jeopardising that warmth.

Halo/Horns Effect

The ‘Halo’ effect involves assessors inferring good social care practice on the part of a candidate on the basis of previous good performance by that candidate, without him/her actually being required to demonstrate the performance to the current standard. The previous performance may not have been associated with the criteria now being assessed.

The ‘Horns’ effect is similar to the halo effect, only the opposite. On the basis of previous ‘not-competent’ performance by the candidate an expectation exists that future performances will also be ‘not-competent’.

Instead of waiting for the performance, the assessor infers (probably wrongly) that these future performances will be ‘not-competent’.

Similar to Me

This involves judging a candidate favourably because they carry out a piece of work like we would or have values which are just like ours. ‘Ours’ may be the wrong way or not the required way!! It is also important to remember that there are often many ways of carrying out a task. Just because a candidate does something in a different way doesn’t mean they are not competent

Stereotyping

Stereotyping is always dangerous and directly contravenes the professional value base. In relation to assessment, stereotyping can occur in terms of assuming a certain level of competence (or lack of competence) based on an apparent characteristic of a candidate. An example would be an expectation that a young person might not be expected to be competent in assisting a bereaved person, on the grounds that they don’t have sufficient ‘experience of life’.

It is not only the assumption itself which is dangerous, but also the way in which it might lead an assessor to look for certain pieces of evidence.

Remember: whenever we assume it makes an ASS out of U & ME

Contrast Effects

This arises when one candidate’s performance is compared to that of another candidate by an assessor. The inferior performance may then be deemed not competent, no matter how it stands compared to the performance criteria and evidence requirements. Social care NVQ and SVQ Candidates must be assessed against criteria, not against each other.

Experimenter Effect

If you’re not normally around the candidate whilst they are working, then your observing him/her will possibly intimidate the candidate – your presence influences the performance. We all do strange things when we are intimidated! This may also have an effect on the way others involved in the observation (eg: service users, colleagues of the candidate) act. This can also affect the candidate’s performance. One way to check that the experimenter effect hasn’t been an issue is to ask the candidate after an observation “Did anything surprise you?”

The Assessment Process in Health and Social Care

These are just some of the errors that can arise in the assessment process. To support assessors and help them to gain insight and knowledge about the assessment process, the book Improving Assessment Practice by Siobhan Maclean is available from Kirwin Maclean Associates at a cost of £10. This is a comprehensive guide to the assessment process and has been commented on for its accessibility and realism. Siobhan Maclean continues to assess NVQ candidates in Health and Social Care which has enabled her to write this applied and useful book.

Assessors who work in Scotland can buy the book Developing SVQ Assessment Skills which is also written by Siobhan Maclean and costs £10.

These books are especially good for new assessors since they relate directly to the A1 Award. These books are also good for experienced assessors as a useful prompt for themselves as they explain the assessment process to new candidates.


http://www.articleson.com/Article/Common-Sources-of-Error-Whilst-Assessing-NVQ-or-SVQ-Candidates-in-Social-Care/24762

All You Ever Wanted To Learn About The Military Academy Preparatory School

The United States Military Preparatory School (USMAPS) is just what the name implies - it's a preparation school for candidates that want to go to a united-states military school.
It's also called the WestPoint Prep sometimes, as most of the graduates of this prep school will attend the West Point army academy after they graduate. A few will attend other military schools in the US.

The USMAPS was established in 1946, and it's current location is on the Fort Monmouth Army base, in Eatontown, New Jersey. The official mission of the establishment is: "to provide academic, military and physical instruction in a moral-ethical military environment to prepare and motivate candidates for success at the United States Military Academy"

The students of the USMAPS are defined as "Cadet Candidates" (CC's), and enjoy free tuition and board. The program lasts for 10 months and it's aim is to prepare the students to the rigorous academic and military demands they will meet when the finish the Prep stage, and attend West Point academy.

The Program:

The Cadet candidates start the 1 moth program in early July, when they arrive at the facility. They start with a four week intensive basic training that puts them into shape. This part of the program is called CCBT - Cadet Candidate Basic Training. Immediately after the CCBT, The classes start and they end in mid-May. The curriculum includes English, mathematics, physics, military history and military training. Most of the CC's will go to West Point academy, but some will attend other establishments.

West Point Applications:

There is no separate application for USMAPS, only the West Point application. The 10 month training program at USMAPS is offered to candidates to West Point who lack the grades or skills necessary for West Point. During the Prep school year, the CC's must file a new application to West Point. It should be noted that almost all of the CC's who finish the prep school are granted to attend West Point.

Athletics Activity:

The USMAPS also have an extensive athletic program including football, women's volleyball, cross-country, track, men and women's basketball, soccer, lacrosse, swimming, and wrestling. The USMAPS primarily competes against the other prep school's teams, especially their rival the Naval Academy Preparatory School.

Location Change:

The USMAPS has gone through a few location changes since it's establishment.
It was founded in June 1946 at Stewart Army Air Field, Newburgh, New York - just a few miles away from West Point.
In 1957, it moved to Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
And finally, moved to Fort Monmouth in 1975

Shutting Down:

Due to the Base Realignment and Closure, 2005, Fort Monmouth is currently in the process of being shut down. USMAPS will continue, however, to operate at the Fort Monmouth campus for several more years.


http://www.articleson.com/Article/All-You-Ever-Wanted-To-Learn-About-The-Military-Academy-Preparatory-School/25094

3 Steps To Getting An Online High School Education

Online high school education might make it possible for you to get your diploma. After you have left school, finishing your education is hard. There are a lot of barriers you have to overcome. High school doesn't fit well into the adult world you live in now, but you need that diploma in order to do what you want to with your life. Here are some ideas for getting your diploma using online high school education.

Step 1: Assess

Start by looking at where you are and where you want to be. If you are only a couple of classes short of the requirements for high school graduation in your school district, maybe they offer the classes over the internet, and you could finish up and graduate from your home high school.

If you need more than a couple of classes to graduate, you could earn your diploma and graduate from an online high school, taking classes to meet their graduation requirements.

Look at where you want to be, too. If you are finishing high school for your own self development, or so that you can advance in your present job, online high school education classes might be what you need. If, however, you want to go to college after you get your diploma, you might be able to find "double duty" classes that will give you both high school and college credit, so that you can enter college ahead of the game.

Step 2: Gather Information

There are four places you should look for online high school education classes: your local school district, community education in your area, local colleges and online high school education providers. Compare the requirements each program has for high school graduation, and what you would have to do to complete those requirements.

Look into ways to pay for your online high school education. If you are under 21, your local school district may be a good place to look for funding. Whether you get help from a local school district or not, you should be able to find a way to complete your high school education for free or at a low cost.

If you plan to enter college when you are done, find out what the entrance requirements are for your top three or four college choices. If they require two years of foreign language, for instance, it is much less expensive to take the classes as part of an online high school education than it is to make up the deficiency later.

Step 3:

Get started. Put together all the information you have gathered, and decide how you will go about getting an online high school education. Do the paperwork, go through the hoops and enroll in a class. You are on your way to completing your diploma through online high school education.


http://www.articleson.com/Article/3-Steps-To-Getting-An-Online-High-School-Education/25414

Valuable Tips To Help You Prepare For Your Online Degree

Most working people realize at one point or another, that gaining a degree will help them make progress in their career, or job. In almost all cases, a degree (first or second) will help you get a promotion, a pay raise, or a better job at the first place.

The catch is that most people don't have the time to attend collage while they work. Possibly, they have other things in their lives, such as family, or other obligations. This is why the option of attending an online class and getting a degree thorough online education is so appealing to many. You can do all your studying while you choose, and are not restricted to attend classes in a collage that you have to commute to.

But, for too many students, the idea of online degree seems like "easy degree". It's not. The acidic demands form an online degree student are the same as a regular student.

Plus, there are specific difficulties that are typical of online degree. For example, you have to have the discipline to study the required materials every week, so you don't fall behind. Since you are busy with other things in your life, the amount of hours you can dedicate to your online education every week is in most cases - fixed. So if you fail to meet your obligation one week, you will have no time to catch up the next week, will you?

Another challenge is that the teachers are "online" and cannot be reached instantly. If you have questions about the materials learnt, you need to contact the teaches and ask them your questions. This is not always easy, and the response it delayed.

There are, however, solution to these challenges. The first thing you need to do if you are doing an online degree, is to set a specific time in your daily schedule for studying. This specific time must never be used to other anything but studying. If you let other things interfere with that time of day, you will quickly find that you are falling behind and your academic performance will suffer.

The second thing you should do is set up a supportive system. By that I mean you should have a few "online friends" that study for the same degree, that you can consult with when you have questions about the material. Another possible support net is to find online forums that discuss your degree. There are quite a few of them that have great help on board.

The most important thing is to make sure you are on track. Don't accumulate any setbacks, or you will risk achieving your goal. Remember - your degree is going to push your forward in life, so treat it with proper respect.


http://www.articleson.com/Article/Valuable-Tips-To-Help-You-Prepare-For-Your-Online-Degree/25849

Religious Degrees - Distance Education And Faith

For people of faith who want religious degrees, distance education is a viable option. It's often hard to find faith based education that is convenient. Traditional schools that offer religious degrees may not exist in your community. If they do exist, they are frequently more financially challenged than other schools, and offer fewer classes when non-traditional students can take them.

People of any faith can find distance education particular to their faith. You can learn Hebrew or Arabic online...or you can learn in Hebrew or Arabic online. There are three basic categories of religious education that you can access online.

Religious Degrees From a Religious Worldview

People of faith have a particular worldview, and sometimes you want an education that is consistent with that worldview. For example, an evangelical Christian might want to go to an evangelical Christian school, or an Islamic student might want to go to an Islamic school. For the most part, religious schools don't reinforce biases and prejudices. Instead, they begin with a certain set of assumptions, usually about God and the universe, and learning is shaped by those assumptions.

There are some good reasons to take online classes from these schools. If, for instance, you plan on a career related to your faith, a faith-based degree might enhance your career opportunities. Sometimes people attend religious classes because it's just easier and more comfortable to learn with people who are like you and believe like you do. And sometimes they want to explore their own faith in greater depth, and choose a religious degree program for that reason.

Religious Degrees That Apply Your Faith

Another reason people might want to pursue getting a religious degree is to prepare for a career. It's very common to use online learning or distance education for this. Christians can attend Bible school and seminary through online learning to prepare for a variety of ministry jobs.

People of faith get religious degrees to prepare for other careers, too, such as counseling. A Hindu may choose to get a degree in ayurveda, a vedic system of natural healing that has its roots in Hindu faith. Counseling and ayurveda are both practical degrees that allow you to use your faith in your career.

Religious Degrees for Scholars

Some people pursue religious degrees to satisfy their intellectual curiosity, or to do advanced study in some facet of religion or just to learn more about religion in general. They may or may not practice the faith that they are curious about.

Distance learning is a great way to engage in scholarly religious study. Through distance learning you can not only get a degree, but you can also study with experts all over the world. You can take a class on the Talmud from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, or study the words of Jesus from a Jesus Project scholar.

Whatever your reason for getting a religious degree, distance learning will make it an obtainable goal for you.


http://www.articleson.com/Article/Religious-Degrees---Distance-Education-And-Faith/26179

Earn Your Diploma With Online High School Classes

You can complete your diploma with online high school classes. Online classes work well for those who left high school early and need to complete their education, those who want to graduate from high school early and homeschoolers who need a recognized high school diploma.

Left School Early

If you left high school early, you have probably already discovered that you really need a high school diploma. Not having one severely limits your employment possibilities. You cannot enter the military or go to college without a high school education. You're really stuck, and completing your education is the only way out.

You can earn your diploma by taking distance learning classes online. That way, you can take the classes when it's convenient to you. You take the classes by computer, and your classroom is wherever you can access a computer with internet service. You take online high school classes at your convenience and at your own pace. You can accelerate through the classes, or take as much time as you need.

Early Graduation

Most people who want to graduate early want to enroll in college. If that is your goal, e-learning will help you get graduation requirements completed on your timeline. You can accelerate through the required classes and graduate one or two years early. Your home school district may even offer free online classes that will help you graduate early.

If you are hoping to enter college after early graduation, online education allows you to explore college classes at the same time you are completing your high school classes. Even before you are formally accepted into a college, you can take classes online from accredited universities. These classes will transfer to your college after you are accepted.

Homeschoolers

The rules for homeschooling vary from state to state, but wherever you are, one of the dilemmas homeschoolers face is high school graduation. Few states recognize homeschool courses, so most states won't grant a diploma to homeschoolers. Some homeschools and homeschool organizations issue their own diplomas, but they usually aren't accepted as valid. The military, colleges and employers may refuse to accept a homeschool diploma.

Some homeschoolers take the GED to validate their education. The GED doesn't have the same acceptance as a high school diploma, though.

Online high school classes are a good option for homeschoolers. They can complete the requirements for a recognized high school diploma while homeschooling by using online learning.

Taking high school classes online is a good option for any non-traditional student. It's a good way to complete high school on your terms, in a way that fits into your lifestyle.


http://www.articleson.com/Article/Earn-Your-Diploma-With-Online-High-School-Classes/26545

What Will You Learn In An Online Real Estate Training Course?

An online real estate training course will teach you what you need to know to prepare for the real estate exam in your state. Real estate licensure requirements vary a great deal from state to state because real estate laws vary so much. Some states may simply require that you pass a real estate exam, and you can prepare for the exam anyway you want. Some states, however, require you to take specific courses, and you have to provide proof that you've taken the course before you can take the exam.

The State of Texas, for instance, requires 60 hours of basic real estate courses, 60 hours of real estate law courses, and an additional 90 hours of real estate electives. The classes have to be approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) to be acceptable.

The State of Florida, on the other hand, has exacting and complex course requirements. Classes are required before taking the exam, and you can start your career as a Real Estate Associate or as a Real Estate Broker. After taking the exam and completing the proper paperwork, you receive an initial license. More classes are required for you to renew your license. And you have life-long continuing education classes after that.

Who Benefits From An Online Real Estate Training Course?

Anybody who is interested in learning about real estate could benefit from an online real estate training course. An online course is especially helpful for certain groups of people, however.

Anybody who has trouble learning in a traditional classroom benefits from online courses. Online learning is a different kind of learning than in a classroom, and it works better for some people's learning styles.

Anybody who can't fit a traditional real estate course into his or her schedule benefits from online learning, too. Online learning is flexible, and you learn when your schedule allows. You learn at home, over the internet, so you don't have to go to a class. Your classes are available when you are.

If you are in the military and preparing for a post-military career, an online real estate course is perfect for you. You can access your classes anywhere, so even if you get deployed or transferred, you can continue to prepare for the real estate exam. Online real estate courses are usually accepted for DANTES training, too.

If you plan to relocate to another state, an online real estate training course will help you prepare for the real estate exam in that state.

An online real estate training course will prepare you to meet the requirements for a real estate license in any particular state. It is a flexible, adaptable form of learning that will help you become a successful real estate professional.



http://www.articleson.com/Article/What-Will-You-Learn-In-An-Online-Real-Estate-Training-Course-/27021

The Value Of Online Technology Management Courses

Taking a few online technology management courses can help you keep up to date in a rapidly changing profession, or you can get an advanced certificate or degree in technology management. Whether you take online technology management courses as part of your initial degree, or to keep up with your profession, you will definitely experience a good ROI (Return On Investment) on them.

Formal Education

If you are beginning your college education, you might consider a degree in technology management. It is an exciting, fast-moving field with good employment opportunities. Technology Management professionals are in demand in all fields, so you have career portability, too. You will be at the cutting edge of developing and implementing technology solutions for business, education, government or healthcare, and your skills will be in demand anywhere you want to go.

If you are an IT professional, learning about technology management will give your career a big boost. Whether you pursue a Masters or Doctorate in Technology Management, or an MBA with an emphasis in technology management, you will make your self a valuable employee. Even a graduate certificate improves your employability.

Keeping Up

Technology management changes at the speed of light-or electrons-literally. If you are an IT professional you know that you are flooded with new information daily. There are new products, new procedures, breakthroughs in science and engineering, new regulations, new acronyms, new standards...there is absolutely no way you can stay abreast of all the information.

Online learning can help. You can access information and classes as you need them, where you need them. You can take online technology management course to keep up with industry trends. And you can read a white paper on the latest application of technology in your field. You can learn how to develop e-learning solutions, or how to implement the latest ISO (International Standards Organization) Standards.

Online technology management courses can establish you in an exciting profession, or they can help you stay up to date. When change happens at the speed of light, online learning keeps you from getting left in the dust of the movers and shakers.


http://www.articleson.com/Article/The-Value-Of-Online-Technology-Management-Courses/29265

Understanding Social Care Policy and Law for NVQ and SVQ Candidates and Assessors

When staff are just starting out on their NVQ and SVQ in Health and Social Care, or when new staff who have qualified from abroad start working in the UK they can be uncertain and confused by the different terms, such as policy, regulations, legislation, etc. NVQ and SVQ Assessors can also be uncertain of the differences.

In many ways the starting point to understanding the differences is actually Government policy.

The Government decides it wants certain things to happen in health or social care. Examples could include:

** more older people to be cared for at home, rather than in residential care
** more children, who are looked after by local authorities, to be cared for in foster care or adopted
** more adults with learning disabilities or mental health problems to be assisted into employment

Whatever the intention the Government’s aim becomes a policy. Sometimes this policy is a Green Paper or a White Paper.

The Government then has a choice as to how it pursues its policy. From the Government’s perspective it will rely on other organisations to actually apply the policy on a day to day basis. If the policy relates to health it is an NHS organisation. If the policy relates to social care it is likely to be local authorities that have to apply it or the local authority will have to make clear to organisations it contracts work to that various expectations need to be met.

The Government can get local authorities or NHS organisations to apply the policy in one of several ways. These include:

** by publishing the policy as ‘statutory guidance’. Local authorities have to follow statutory guidance issued by the Government. In England one example of this is the policy on protecting vulnerable adults titled “No Secrets”
** by offering lots of money! The Government says it will give local authorities lots of new money to be spent on certain policy initiatives. One example of this is the Sure Start and Children’s Centres initiative. When it started the policy was driven by money ** by introducing legislation that gives the local authority the power to do something or making it a duty to do something. A power means the local authority can do it if it wants to. A duty means the local authority must do it. An example of this is direct payments. The Government originally introduced direct payments as a power. But then the Government made it a duty so that local authorities must offer direct payments (since so few direct payments were offered when it was only a ‘power’)

Acts of Parliament

The Government may therefore decide to introduce legislation. This is the classic Act of Parliament.

In recent years legislation has got increasingly detailed and specific. Even with this detail, legislation can be quite cumbersome. It is also quite an involved process to introduce it. Therefore the Act of Parliament usually gives the Secretary of State (in England) or the Scottish Minister the power to make regulations and/or a code of practice.

Regulations (Also Known as Statutory Instruments)

Regulations are also called Statutory Instruments. Regulations are laid before Parliament but are not debated. They are considered law although not quite as strong as the original Act.

Regulations can be altered more quickly and are now extensively used (for example health and safety regulations).

Statutory Guidance

In addition the Secretary of State or Scottish Minister has the power to issue statutory guidance to local authorities. Local authorities are under a legal duty to follow this guidance. In other words the local authority social services or social work department must follow this ‘statutory guidance’.

Code of Practice

The Secretary of State (or Scottish Minister) could also issue a code of practice relating to an Act of Parliament. These codes do not have the full weight of law but they explain and clarify the law and offer guidance on good practice. They are often realistic and applied and can be very useful.

Good Practice Guidance

The Government department (either in England, Wales or Scotland) could also issue good practice guidance. This is not the same as statutory guidance. It is often meant to be read by social workers, first line managers (and others) since the guidance commonly gives case scenarios explaining how service users should benefit from any recent changes in the law.

One complicating factor in understanding the present legal framework in social care and children’s services is that often one Act of Parliament does not fully replace a previous Act. Commonly an Act of Parliament amends or alters an existing Act. Keeping track of this can be very difficult.

Therefore for social care staff (including staff working with children) who are NVQ or SVQ Assessors or are starting out on their Health and Social Care NVQ or SVQ some of the best resources are the law handbooks from Kirwin Maclean Associates.

These law handbooks are updated every year. They are focused and applied.

There are specific books for:

** staff who work with adults in England and Wales – called Social Care and the Law
** staff who work with children in England and Wales – called From Birth to Eighteen Years
** staff who work with adults or children in Scotland – called Social Care and the Law in Scotland

These books make clear the way laws have been amended and what new laws have been introduced. Social care staff working on their Health and Social Care NVQ or SVQ who are worried about questions from their NVQ or SVQ assessor need worry no more. If your assessor asks you about what national or European law or legislation you are working under you will find the answer in the book relevant to your area of work.

These books are equally useful for social workers or social care staff who have recently arrived in Britain from other countries. They give you an overview of social care and social work law.

Additionally one of the books (Law and the Management of Care Services) gives a synopsis of a whole range of Government policy initiatives that are shaping social care and social work services in England. If you hear a passing reference to a Government social care policy but don’t really know what it involves then this book will be able to help you.



http://www.articleson.com/Article/Understanding-Social-Care-Policy-and-Law-for-NVQ-and-SVQ-Candidates-and-Assessors/31595