Sunday, July 20, 2008

Getting an Accredited Online Bachelor Degree

by Roger Overanout

An accredited online bachelor degree is now much more available as a result of the very significant improvements there have been with both the personal computer and communication technology.

If you decide to enrol in an online university degree program, you can access all the course work provided by your chosen university via Internet, email, discussion forums etc. With the passage of time, the online university degree programs have gained immense popularity. There are many reasons for the growing popularity of the accredited online bachelor degree programs. Lets take a closer look at the advantages of an online bachelor degree and the online universities.

The most important advantage of getting your degree online is the flexibility offered by the online universities. You can work at your own pace in your courses. They do not demand any stringent commitment to specific times. Also, if you wish to do the work you can get your bachelor degree faster than with a traditional university. They can be completed in as little as 18 months but it does require at lot of hard work.

An accredited bachelor degree is recognized all over the world regardless of whether it was earned online or in a traditional classroom setting. So you need not worry about the authenticity of the online university degree programs. There is a wide range of options for online bachelor degree and online universities. So make sure that you spend adequate time on research and enrol in one of the best, most reputable universities.

An online university degree program will also allow you to earn a living while you are studying. Because there are no time restrictions, you are free to do what you like and take your own time to finish the courses. One of the best things about e-learning is that you don't have to travel or relocate to study for your bachelor's degree.

You won't find much difference between an online bachelor degree and a regular campus bachelor degree so it is ideal for students who are working or have family commitments. Regular attendance at a campus doesn't play a role in an online degree program.

There is absolutely no reason for not choosing an online program. The certificate that you will get at the end of the course from the online university will not specify whether you earned an online bachelor degree or a traditional degree. So think before you actually dismiss the idea of earning an accredited online bachelors degree.

Remember, you have nothing lose and everything to gain!



For all the latest information about online degreesvisit www.find-online-degree-information.com

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Earning an Online Degree - The Psychology of Distance Learning

If you've decided to return to college online you've doubtless spent a long time analyzing the reasons you need a degree. Perhaps you want to enhance your career; or instead you may be looking for an intellectual challenge for its own sake. But have you thought about the psychology of studying online?

Choosing distance learning will involve facing some different situations than those faced by most traditional students. A clear sense of what's ahead of you, and some thought-out strategies for approaching any problems, will be valuable assets as you begin your online degree program.

- Motivation

Simply wanting a degree isn't going to be enough. The work required to get your degree is substantial, and you have to be sure that you're committed to putting in the hours. When you're faced with a daunting task -- a major essay that's due, an exam for which you need to study -- do you have the self- discipline to buckle down and get the job done?

Or will you fall victim to the many avoidance techniques that will stop you achieving your goals? At times, you'll need to turn off the television; ignore the pile of laundry that needs folding; and be willing to make your excuses when friends invite you out for pizza and a beer.

- Social isolation

One of the most obvious psychological pitfalls of studying online is isolation. Instead of the hustle & bustle of a busy campus, with all its opportunities for chatting, socializing, and just generally hanging out with friends, you're going to be spending long periods of time alone with your laptop.

It'll take a conscious effort on your part to get out of the house once in a while and see friends. Despite the time constraints of a demanding study schedule, it's important that you find at least some minimal time to get together with actual real people, away from the computer.

- Adaptation

Adaptation is the skill of handling new situations by changing your behaviour. In order to study online effectively, you need to learn new skills of time management, organization, and research. Do you have the flexibility to adapt to this new way of studying?

Or will you be stuck in the old patterns you learned in high school, where much of the information you needed was spoon-fed to you by willing teachers?You're going to need to be more self- sufficient, now that you're in a mode of study that demands greater independence.

- Communication

Communicating online takes different skills to that of a regular classroom. While most online degree programs will facilitate quite a lot of interaction, both amongst students, and between students and faculty, it's likely to be via your computer. Whether you're using simple email, or advanced software for collaborative study, your writing skills are going to be vital.

Online communication often lacks nuance, and subtlety. The body language that tells us that the person we're talking to in real life is amused, or intrigued, or bored, is almost completely absent online. A gentle joke, or innocent question, may be read as a snippy insult without the context of live interaction.

The psychology of online learning is only just beginning to be studied in any real depth. As you begin an online degree program your mindset needs to reflect this very different way of studying, and you may have to modify your approach as you progress.

Whether you plan to study psychology online or to earn an online college degree in another subject, you can learn more about studying online at http://www.EarnAnOnlineCollegeDegree.com.

Learn Mandarin Using Phonetic English

By using English phonics, you can eliminate many of the complications of learning to speak Mandarin. Native English speakers no longer need to trudge through the old fashioned and ineffective Wade-Giles method, or struggle with the current, but just as difficult Pinyin Chinese to speak Mandarin. There's an easier way! Words and phrases can be sounded out exactly the same way we learned to read and speak English in grade school.

The Romanization of Chinese Characters
Mandarin Pinyin is called Putonghua, or The Common Language, and is widely used throughout China. Its four tones, level, rising, falling, and high rising, distinguish many words and syllables with the same consonants and vowels but with different meanings. It deciphers the Chinese characters and symbols into a Romanized alphabet, eliminating the abstract strokes completely unrecognizable to foreigners.

Prior to the use of Pinyin, westerners depended upon the Wade-Giles Romanization system that was initially invented to simplify Chinese characters into their English counterparts. British scholar Sir Thomas Francis Wade created the method, and it was later modified by Herbert Allen Giles in 1912, and it became the preferred transliteration method among scholars. But what it truly gave the western world was a systematic and consistent method of butchering the Chinese language through mispronunciations for more than a half century. Why did it fail so miserably? Learners of Mandarin relied upon the pronunciation guide, but were seldom educated properly on how the system worked. Inevitably, most words were grossly mispronounced.

Other attempts were made to integrate a Latin alphabet for the Mandarin language during the 1920's and 30's, but most were unsuccessful. Finally, in 1985, the Pinyin Romanization system officially replaced the Wade-Giles method. The Chinese government's commitment to promote a standardized Latin alphabet for westerner and the country's minorities promoted the adoption of Pinyin Putonghua, and it is used extensively throughout the country.

Unfortunately, native English speakers who study Mandarin quickly discover that many of the vowels and consonants used in Pinyin are pronounced differently than their English counterparts. This means that English speakers, who have been trained since primary school to sound out words phonetically, first need to learn Pinyin in order to speak correctly and clearly in Chinese.

A Better Way
The good news is that there is an easier and faster way of learning Mandarin. Native English speakers can by-pass Pinyin and immediately concentrate on reading and speaking Chinese by using the familiar English phonics system. For example, the Chinese word for 'next', when written in Pinyin is: xi ay i ge. Using English phonetics, you would say: shee-ah ee guh. Congratulations! You have just pronounced the word correctly! So as you can see, if you are searching for a simple way to speak Chinese effectively, the English phonetic system makes the learning process an easily attainable goal.

Timothy Green is the co-author of SPEAK E-Z CHINESE In Phonetic English. You can find fun and easy Mandarin lessons, as well as great travel and culture tips about China at http://www.CathayCafe.com. In China, visit the authors at http://www.CathayCafe.net.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Earning An MBA Degree Online - Is It A Good Idea?

Whether you get your degree online, or in a traditional college program, the MBA degree has become the entrance ticket to corporate life. Without a Master's in Business Administration it will be difficult for you to be taken seriously as a candidate for management jobs; for promotions; or even for challenging assignments. If you want to take your career to a higher level -- whether at your current company, or with another employer -- you should seriously consider getting your MBA.

The problem for most students, however, is how to add the time commitment of graduate school into their lives. Some will choose to return to school full-time, but for many a two year break from a corporate salary just isn't feasible. For these students, earning an MBA degree online has become an attractive option; but there are several questions you should ask yourself before you make the decision to do this.

- Will an online MBA be accepted in the corporate world?

When distance learning first became popular, some of the schools that initially offered students the opportunity to study online were, let us say, not of the first-rank academically. The worst of them were simply degree mills, businesses willing to sell a diploma to any willing buyer. Even the more legitimate operations had yet to be accredited.

As time moved on, the world of online education attracted more established colleges and universities into the marketplace. Although less reputable operations still exist, it's now possible to earn an online MBA from some of the most prestigious businesses schools in the world. A degree from such a school, or indeed from any properly accredited school, will be accepted by employers without question. More to the point, your diploma will simply state that you have your MBA; neither it nor your transcript is likely to specify whether you studied online or not.

- Will I miss out on networking opportunities?

Simply put, yes. Business school offers unparalleled access to others who, like you, plan to storm the gates of the corporate world. Your fellow classmates may include would-be entrepreneurs who will go on to found the next Google, FedEx, or Home Depot. And a campus environment allows for much easier and more flexible interactions than you can achieve online.

But that doesn't mean that you'll have no opportunities for networking in an online MBA program. Many of your courses will demand participation in discussion forums, interactive chat environments, or video conferencing. Even simple email groups offer the savvy student a chance to meet potential friends, collaborators, or partners. Networking online is slightly different than face-to-face, but it's still important to present yourself pleasantly and professionally; to give more than you receive; and to listen attentively to what you're being told.

- Do I have the self-discipline to complete an online MBA program?

Whether you study on campus or online, business school is hard work; you should expect to put in long hours, both in class and studying independently. But without the discipline of class attendance and a regular schedule, online MBA students face more of a challenge in focusing on their studies. You have to be sure that you can put aside hobbies, a trip to the movies, or even a night on the couch watching the play offs, in order to make time for class assignments, essays, and studying for tests.

Particularly if you're continuing to work full-time during your college program, time management is a vital skill for success in business school. Distance learning lends itself well to flexible scheduling, since you can often choose to listen to lectures at a time that's convenient for you. But you do have to schedule the time to actually listen to them; the work still has to be completed.

If you believe that you can focus effectively on your studies, then you should have no hesitation about beginning an online MBA degree. You can learn more about studying online at http://www.EarnAnOnlineCollegeDegree.com.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Planning To Earn An Online College Degree? Maybe You Shouldn't

If you've decided to return to college, whether to get a bachelor's degree or a graduate degree, you've almost certainly considered studying online. Every web site is full of ads for Capella, or the University of Liverpool, or the University of Phoenix, while newspaper articles sing the virtues of distance learning as a solution for busy management candidates.

There are some advantages to studying online, but the truth is that there is also significant downside. Before you leap on your computer and make a long term commitment to an online university, you should consider some of these problems.

- That degree's not worth the pixels it's printed on

There are some prestigious and well-established colleges that offer online degrees. If your degree is from one of these schools you can be confident that employers and graduate schools will accept it without question. The problems arise however, if you choose a school that isn't so well known.

At the very bottom of the barrel you'll find colleges that are simply businesses; they're unaccredited "degree mills" that will be glad to sell you a diploma as long as you're willing to pay for it. These obviously are worth neither your time nor your money.

But even some more legitimate schools, where you will be required to complete course work, remain unaccredited. It's highly recommended that you avoid these schools, since your hard work and tuition fees may not be recognized by graduate schools, or employers.

- A night in front of the screen doesn't include Jay, Dave and Conan any more

The term "studying online" is two words, not one. Self-evident? Maybe, but a surprising number of people seem to focus on the online aspect of their program, rather than on the studying bit.

Although you won't be leaving the house, heading for a lecture hall, and sitting with a couple of hundred other students, you do still have to attend lectures; you'll simply be watching or listening online. But instead of having a schedule that imposes a certain amount of discipline on you, it's going to be up to you to find the motivation to study; to write papers; to take part in online discussions and yes, to hear lectures.

You need to know whether you have the self-discipline to turn off the TV; to say no to friends who call you for a night on the town; or even to leave the dishes piled up in the kitchen. All of these things can seem very attractive when you've got a paper due (even the dishes) but if you plan to earn that degree, you've got to write that paper.

- A fraternity with only one member doesn't throw very good parties

One of the nicest things about attending a traditional college is the chance it gives you to meet new and interesting people. What a wonderful way to spend a spring afternoon; sprawled out under a tree in the center of a park-like campus, surrounded by other eager students, discussing the meaning of life. And in the evening, strolling down to the Alpha Delta Phi house to share a laugh with your buddies. Doesn't it sound great?

Well, think again. If you choose to get your degree online, you're going to spend the bulk of your college career staring at a computer screen, not at the cute freshman across the room. To the extent that there's any socializing it's likely to be over email and an online forum, not over pizza and a beer.

Before you begin an online degree, it's important that you know whether or not it will be the best environment for you. Are you sufficiently self-motivated to succeed without the structure of a formal schedule? Will you feel deprived by missing out on the social aspects of a college education?

Many students will be much happier studying in a traditional college setting. Earning an online college degree is not for everyone; only you can know if it's right for you. You can learn more about studying online at http://www.EarnAnOnlineCollegeDegree.com.

Interactive Learning Through Online Education

The 21st century is the age of skills. One of the basic criteria to remain alive in the tough competition is skillful education. Educationalists all over the world have highlighted this aspect in the modern education system. And Internet stands as a boon to enrich this system with the advent of online education.

Online education was initially considered to be a monotonous and a one-way mode of learning. What would be the possibility of interaction was still in doubt? Will there at all be any scope of interaction between the teachers and the taught as we are familiar in conventional mode of education was a very big question? Soon all these problems with the online education system were resolved and a very flexible medium named Interactive Learning Guide was introduced. For all sorts of web-based learning, the Interactive Learning Guide is a mode of communicative understanding of the subject providing you with the virtual ambience of an interactive session of a classroom setup yet with the real flavor.

Real facilities

The Interactive Learning Guide is basically omnipresent in nature. You can access it from anywhere at any moment of time only if you have the Internet facility. The concept is to serve the learners all day, all time whenever you need the help. A real classroom teaching can never be shaped in this pattern.

The basis of interactive learning process is instructional and mainly understanding through applications. The teacher and the student share one platform and generate the interaction process. Technological support is always present where in fact the barriers in the traditional classroom structure can be overcome. Practical solutions through application method are easily shown in the form of web modules to the students to get hold of a clear idea about the thing being taught. Though apparently the system may make you feel of something static but in fact the Interactive Learning Guide as the name suggests is one of the best avenues for interactive learning.

Technical support

In a normal class system it is either the board or the LCD projector along with the teacher's lecture that can be supportive to the learning process. But online interactive system has brought a change in the basic conception of learning. It is a two-way process. Various technical assistances in terms of audio, video, graphics, voice-over etc have been incorporated in the Interactive Learning Guide. It's knowledgeable yet loaded with fun.

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Benefits Of Distance Learning Through Online Education

There is definitely a geographical distance between the teacher and the taught in distance education but the connectivity can never cease if it is online distance education. You might not be able to physically meet your guide but you can always have them by your side whenever you need to interact.

Online education is a specific type of distance learning that has brought about a huge change in the system of learning. People are giving up the age-old conventional modes and much more becoming dependable on the virtual setup of online education.

The Internet connection is the most convenient way to arrange for this setup. Being online through e-mails and chats can moderate the entire interaction process and classroom sessions. There are other provisions as well to continue with online learning. They can be cable networking, audio and video arrangements and through direct satellite connection to broadcasting channels.

Easy go with the course curriculum

You need not devote your full energy and time just on studies. With all other engagements in your life you can also be a part of an education system as a student. This is no way represent your low dedication towards your studies rather proves that you are efficient enough to carry out so many things at a time.

Online education gives you ample opportunities to revive your education that you had left on the mid way. You can equally pay attention to your job and your studies if you choose to go for online degrees. Geographical distance doesn't become a barrier in this type of educational provision.

Best option for many

There are many students who are bound to work to earn for the financial support of the family. Again many cannot attend classes because of the distance problem. Once you are engaged in the job structure it is very tough to get back into a regular study pattern. At the same time a particular degree in your resume may help you to get another promotion to rise higher in the ladder of success. For all these dudes there cannot be a better substitute to online education. You can learn, earn and have fun at the same time.

There is no burden and no compulsion you need to follow in your online curriculum. You must be conscious about the simple thing that if you have joined a program, you should complete it with dedication. Basic discipline and honesty towards yourself will make your path easier to reach the goal.

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