Friday, November 2, 2007

Online College Degree - How To Negotiate The System

If you are considering an online college degree program, you may have a number of questions about the process. Many questions can be answered by reading the frequently asked questions that are generally detailed on each college's website. However, it is difficult for a FAQ to address all of the concerns that new students may have. Here is an insider's guide to the world of the online college degree.

Research the technical concerns. The vast majority of online college degree programs require students to use an in-house software program. This streamlines course lectures, assignments, discussions and tests by putting everyone involved onto the same system. Even your school-related email will probably go to an assigned email address on the school's server.

The streamlining benefits of using a standard software system cannot be denied. However, since everyone's computer setup is different, getting the software to work on everyone's computer can be tricky. Tech support departments vary widely, with some seemingly able to fix even obscure problems and others unable to fix even glaring errors.

In order to lessen your chances of technical difficulties, perform a tune up on your computer prior to installing the school's software. Read the computer hardware specifications carefully, and be sure that your computer exceeds (rather than just meets) the specifications. RAM quantity and processor speed are the most common causes of difficulty, so do not skimp in these areas.

Run a system maintenance tool along with antivirus software on your system just before installation. Fix any errors in your computer. Also consider de-fragmenting the hard drive. A freshly cleaned hard drive is much more likely to run new software without difficulty. Also follow any specific technical recommendations from disabling antivirus programs to allowing pop-ups on the site.

Learn the class requirements. Once the software is installed and properly running on your system, take the time to thoroughly explore your class website. Read the welcome notes. Find the syllabus and read through it. Post in the Getting to Know You folder. Send a hello message to your professor and fellow classmates.

These activities have a twofold purpose. First, they help with class cohesion. In an online college degree program, it can be difficult to gel with classmates through the anonymity of the Internet environment. Posting in discussion forums can help build relationships through common interests. Equally important is the familiarity with the software that these exercises will build. Your first assignments will be nerve-wracking, but a thorough knowledge of the process of completing them will lower your stress level dramatically.

Ask Questions. Office hours are an important part of any professor's schedule, and online classes are no exception. Your professor's welcome notes will probably detail ways in which you can contact the professor. Take advantage of these channels to ask any questions that you may have. Most website concerns are generally addressed by the tech support staff. Find out who they are and how to contact them. Also find out the professor's policy on work that is turned in late due to technical difficulties. You may need to document your experiences with tech support and submit a job number that is generated by the tech department. Take the time to discover and learn this process.

Earning an online college degree is a terrific option for working professionals and those who have been out of school for some time. However, the relative newness of the format means that many students are completely unfamiliar with the process. Follow the tips above to help make your transition to the world of online education as easy as possible. Some apprehension is normal, but with a bit of work you can be a success.

Andy West is a writer for Virginia College. Virginia College Online offers many online college degree programs. Visit Virginia College Online to select the online program that is right for you.



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Online Bachelors Degrees Open Doors For Those With Limited Mobility

Students pursuing on online bachelors degree have always tended to be from a different demographic than the standard college student. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of individuals with limited mobility or various handicaps who have signed up for online educations.

There are a number of reasons for this, but all of them are signs of increased awareness that individuals with physical disabilities or limitations of any kind can certainly excel in a learning environment that is more comfortable for them and that presents fewer obstacles in terms of their mobility limitations.

Although there are federal laws requiring proper accommodation of those with disabilities (wheelchair access, etc.) at colleges and universities, there are still complications for many who would like to attend school. Carrying books, getting from building to building and braving inclement weather can all be difficult. Classrooms can also be uncomfortable with those who have arthritis, MS or other health problems.

Pursuing an online bachelor's degree gives individuals with disabilities or limitations the ability to create or modify their learning environment for more comfort. For those with back problems, chronic pain or severe arthritis, changing position, getting up to stretch and laying down for breaks can all be helpful. While it would be disruptive in a normal classroom, it is fine when you are studying online because you are pacing yourself and not interrupting a lecturer or teacher.

Being able to work on their own schedule and pace themselves is a great advantage for students with disabilities or physical restrictions. They can also arrange their home study space to suit their needs and avoid missing classes because they aren't feeling well or because they are at a disadvantage in a lab or classroom.

Those who are housebound, whether because they are bedridden or have psychological limitations, can also benefit from online schooling. The mental stimulation and sense of accomplishment can be particularly profound for those who are frustrated daily by the limitations on their ability to interact with the world at large. Online bachelor's degree programs open doors for them that were closed a generation ago.

Thirty years ago, it was felt that persons with physical disabilities were limited as to what they could do for a living. Fortunately, attitudes toward those who have certain limitations have changed drastically. Most people with physical disabilities can find rewarding careers because they have access to computers and the Internet. They can work from home, from their beds or virtually anywhere. To get started on these careers, many of these individuals get online bachelor's degrees as their first step toward independence.

Another group that is traditionally less mobile is senior citizens. While disability or illness accounts for some of this, it is also a fact that some seniors lose mobility because of simple aging. They can no longer drive or are living in assisted living facilities and just don't have available transportation. Active senior citizens are now enrolling on online colleges and universities to pursue degrees for the sheer pleasure of learning. Many have worked hard all their lives and are now taking classes that interest them, the kind of things they always wanted to learn but never had the time for.

Online colleges and universities are responding to the varied needs of students by offering more degree programs every year. Students with disabilities or who cannot get to a traditional campus will find that pursuing an online bachelors degree or certification is an ideal solution. Everything they will need is right there on their computer.

Virginia College Online offers many Online Bachelor Degree programs. Visit Virginia College Online to select the online program that is right for you.



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Online Associate Degree - Three Popular Careers You Can Obtain After Graduation

Perhaps you've seen advertisements for an online associate degree program and are thinking about looking in to what your options are. The first question that most people ask about getting a two-year degree through an Internet program is, whether or not they will be qualified to obtain the job they desire. Despite the fact that technology is expanding educational options, many people still think that there is a stigma attached to getting a degree through a virtual college. In a few industries, this may be true. However, there are three career fields in which it is commonly accepted that there are good online associate degree programs. Students entering these fields tend to find that they can easily compete in the job market using the degree that they obtained from an online college.

Although there are many different careers that you can get after obtaining an online associate degree, the three most common fields entered after graduation are business fields, paralegal positions and certain aspects of the health care industry. These are general areas of study which each offer their own unique programs. For example, business students may use their degree to get jobs in accounting, office administration, or marketing. Likewise, healthcare students may focus their studies on a particular area of the industry such as work as a dental assistant or massage therapist, securing a job in their specialty area upon graduation. Paralegal studies is a more specific degree with a more focused job goal; however, many students in this area use it as a stepping stone to other career goals such as becoming an attorney or working from home doing legal research.

The reason that these industries are the ones most commonly entered upon graduation from an online program is that they have come to widely accept that an online associate degree is just as valuable and demonstrative of professional ability as is a standard campus-based associate degree. Other fields are starting to come around (particularly computer-based fields and creative/artistic industries). However, these three remain at the top of the list. As a result, there are numerous different online schools that you can attend in order to obtain one of these related degrees. This only serves to boost the value of the online associate degree because increased programs mean better competition, which means an improved educational environment.

Students who have a strong interest in getting an online associate degree should carefully consider what courses they are going to want to take and which specific degree they are going to get. A student interested in business may think that a general business degree is the way to go. Another may think that a more focused degree in marketing or in business administration will better assist them in getting a job. This all depends on the marketing in the area that the student is going to be seeking a job after graduation. Doing research into the job market ahead of time, with a specific focus on which job managers will hire someone with this kind of degree, is a wise time investment in the future of where that education can lead.

The online associate degree gives many students the flexibility that they need to get themselves on the way to a fulfilling and well-paying career. Many students simply can't attend a conventional college for one reason or another and so choose to make use of the increasing acceptance of the online college to obtain the education that they need to get a better job. For now, the best jobs to be looking at remain business, paralegal and health industry jobs. But as time goes on, more and more opportunities will open up for these students.

Andy West is a writer for Virginia College. Virginia College Online offers many Online Associate Degree programs. Visit Virginia College Online to select the online program that is right for you.



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Online Associate Nursing Degree - Choose The Right One

Thousands of applicants are turned down every year due to the lack of proper infrastructure. Under these circumstances online associate nursing degree programs and other nursing degree programs offered by online nursing schools have proven to be a boon for those seeding for higher education.

Make Sure Of Accreditation

With so many online schools coming up, it becomes very important that you choose the one that is accredited by proper authorities. Accreditation ensures that the degree you earn will be recognized by employers and professional organizations. Online nursing schools offer programs in Public Health and Safety, Mental Health Services, Medical Administrative Services, Therapeutic Rehabilitation and Nursing Assistants, and many more. Many regular colleges are offering online nursing education programs. You should choose a school that provides the program that would meet your professional goals. It is best to compare couple of schools before you make the final choice. One of the best ways of determining the quality of a school and its programs is by talking to students. This will give you an idea as to what is taught and how it is taught.

Another factor that attracts students to online associate nursing degree programs is the cost. Online associate nursing degree and other nursing degree programs are cheaper than the regular college nursing degrees. Students can be expected to pay anywhere between $100 and $200 per credit with online nursing schools.

Financial assistance is also available to students of accredited online universities. You should also check with your student advisor about various scholarships that you might qualify for. Students can also apply for federal and private student loans. The greatest benefit of online associate nursing degree is that students do not have to leave their present jobs to successfully complete the coursework. It really helps when your regular income is coming in while you are studying.

LPNs are required to put in long hours at work. This leaves them little time to pursue a degree from a regular nursing college. This means that their careers would stagnate. This is no longer the case today. Working nurses can opt for an online associate nursing degree program and take their career to new heights.

When you choose an accredited online associate nursing degree program, you are increasing your worthiness and competitiveness levels. Employers will choose you over those who do not have an accredited degree. If in the future you want to pursue your education further, only an accredited degree will be accepted as a qualifying degree. It cannot be stressed enough that you should go for an accredited nursing degree.

Nursing degree info is an online information bank for people who wish to make successful career in nursing. Know more about prerequisites for Online Nursing Degree. Choose from best Online Nursing Degree Schools.



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Get Online Nursing Degree

With the growth in the aging population, nurses have become a high demand in the hospital nowadays. If you are interested in pursuing your career as a nurse, then you can opt for online associate nursing degree. The future for nursing degree has reached the zenith. The average annual earnings of a nurse have reached up to $49,840 almost next to accountants. So you can always choose online associate nursing degree.

Opportunities in nursing program
There are plenty of opportunities available nowadays. Girls do not have enough time to go for a full time course in nursing. So, they go for online associate nursing degree program. This helps her to save time and also acquire her degree online. The course runs for two years where the student has the option to start her work immediately. And as a career in nurse, you will be highly appreciated by your dedication and hard work.

Saves time and money
Online associate nursing degree helps you in saving a lot of money and also because of shorter duration, you get ample of time to do your other household chores. You just have to fill a form online when you go for online nursing degree. After that you need to submit your educational certificates. The process is very simple.

So go for online studies in nursing and serve the needs of the aging patients. You must be sure that this profession suits you because there are some who become nurse for the sake of it and afterwards they begin to ignore their duties and become harsh towards the patient. Go for online associate nursing degree and try to make a head start to your career. So, be kind and helpful so that you can discover yourself being a true professional in the field of nursing and hospitality.

Associate Degree Nursing Online caters to the need of people who have interest in acquiring professional qualification in nursing field. Take a road to successful career in Medicare industry with Online Associate Nursing Degree. Know more about Online Associate Nursing Degree Schools.



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