Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Is Online College the Higher Education System of the Future?

Have you ever wondered what the college system would look like 20 to 30 years from now? What about going back 20 to 30 years and imagining Online Colleges and Universities. Well, it's a reality to have online colleges and universities dominating the higher education system and having great success. Let's take a stroll back 30 years to what we thought would be the college landscape for years to come and couldn't for see anything out of the ordinary changing during that time. Well, also within the past 30 years there has been a lot of changes within our country and work force.

This is not an article debating the two sides of Online College vs. Traditional College. Rather, this is an article focusing on the trends in corporate America, the working mom and the young adult looking for promotion at work. Hearing their point of view will give others knowledge on their journey. Now, there are a lot of great benefits to both. Let's look at the traditional college setting, in which, some like to call it the "College Experience!" During my time in college I can honestly say it was a true experience. From the first time walking on the campus and seeing all of the other students to meeting my best friends in the living hall where I live, it is indeed a moment that stays with a person forever.

With the traditional college education you get the ability to build and foster true mentoring relationships with professors, advanced students and other faculty. Not to forget about the college experience of joining a student organization and meeting countless of other inspiring students looking for a great opportunity. You will get the same education as an online program; however, some might say that it's the experience of traditional college that prepares you for life. The different outlooks from students, professors, conversations and working within group settings you do get more of a life changing experience. There's nothing like face to face communication and hands on experience to insure that you are making the right decisions. Some areas of study can't be taught accurately online.

Now, when we look at the process of Online courses it offers more people than ever the ability to get a secondary education. Because it is a self-directed program, it may not be suited for those that aren't highly motivated and organized. Getting education online offers more than you might have ever thought possible. Think about it you can learn from the comfort of your own home. That's one of the biggest perks to it. Saving countless hours of traveling back and forth wasting money on gas and/or a bus pass would mean better savings for future endeavors. You can avoid any conflicts within your schedule, well most at least.

Friday, January 27, 2012

How Online Education for Military Personnel?

Whether you are in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps, now is a great time for you to continue your education. Going back to school online is a great way for active duty service men and women to get their education while continuing their service.

Military service is tough and time consuming. For active service members who are also taking care of a family, free time is almost non-existent. Going back to school online is a great way to continue your education, while staying home with your family and continuing your service.

One of the greatest benefits offered to military personnel is financial assistance towards continuing their education. Not only do the benefits apply to the service members, but in some cases their depends can benefit as well.

Military tuition benefits and subsidies

In some cases, if you are an active service member, your tuition could be entirely covered by your military branch. For additional financial benefits and aide, there are a number of military financial grants and subsidies in place including:

The Montgomery GI Bill:

The Montgomery GI Bill is available to active duty service members who enroll in the program. The program requires members to pay $100 a month for a 12 month period. After the 12 months and once you have completed a minimum service obligation, the service member is eligible to receive an education benefit each month. You must have a 6 year obligation to be eligible.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill:

If you have at least 90 days of active service post September 10, 2001 then you are most likely eligible for the post-9/11 GI Bill. The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides finances to service members for both education and housing. The Post 9/11 GI Bill can be very helpful for individuals going back to school. The bill will pay your entire tuition up to $17,500 per school year depending on what state you are in - some states offer even more financial assistance.

In addition to your tuition, the bill will also help you pay for your text books. You can receive up to $1,000 for books and supplies each year.

Also, the bill also offers a monthly housing allowance for those service members going back to school. The allowance varies on a number of factors, including where you go to school and what state you live in, but the allowance can be as much as $700.

Lastly, a very unique feature of the Post 9/11 GI Bill is that the benefits are transferrable to dependents. So in the event that your spouse or children are going back to school, they can use the same benefits as the service member would.

The Yellow Ribbon program:

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a unique program and varies on many factors. You should consult your branch's education councilor for further details on eligibility and the program.

Active duty service members are not eligible for the program. Furthermore, the program is not transferrable to their family members like the Post 9/11 GI Bill is.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Ten Steps To Make Sure You Pass the Scholastic Aptitude Test

If you're like a number of high school students, you're going to be looking to go onto get a bachelor's degree to continue your schooling. You will have to determine which school will work best with your requirements and you will have already started looking at how you will pay for this next phase in your life.

But, did you take your SATs yet?

A lot of students will start in their third year of high school preparing for that important exam. They already know that it is vital to receive a high grade. Some will study endlessly and some will suddenly cram only days before the exam date. But, what is the most efficient way to study for this exam?

Starting early, gets the job done.Be certain to have scheduled for enough time to completely and thoroughly review and study for every single section. Don't try to take this test unless you have supplied yourself no less than a few months.

Listed here are strategies to help you learn how to prepare, to get your mind all set for preparing for the test. Most will be so effortless you are going to ask yourself why you did not think about it earlier.

Additionally, keep in mind that you can utilize free SAT test prep, and sites to help in your SAT prep.

So, what are some of the techniques to begin mastering the SAT?

Tip 1: Take out that old library card. You™ll want it when you start this strategy. Look over a work of fiction, or two. It doesn't make a difference what the book is, whether it be a romance narrative, or the hottest sci-fi thriller. There'll be many questions which will examine if your studying and understanding skills are good. The more often you read stories, the more you may be training your thoughts so that when you start the written exam, you won't be left out in the cold.

Tip 2: It's time for you to search for an online dictionary. Many of them have a word of the day. You must have a good grasp on vocabulary along with their significance.

Tip 3: Go out and purchase yourself a note pad. At this time, write something in it regularly for a minimum of 15 to 30 minutes. Perhaps it will seem silly or awkward but the time you take sharpening your writing talents will be worthwhile when you reach that area of the test.

Tip 4: Do not throw away the daily paper once you skim through the sports or entertainment section. Look around, find that crossword puzzle and get through it completely. There are web pages online where you may do a puzzle on a daily basis. This will help to sharpen your skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary. As with writing in your journal, doing a puzzle could be a further tool to make sure you are prepared to do well on the SAT.

Tip 5: Accept it, you only look at the news for the headlines. Explain to yourself that from this moment on, not an entire day will pass where you do not pick up the newspaper. Take a story that interests you and give it a new name or go through to find a method to change a word or sentence. Do this every single day. This is certainly still training your mind to think quickly and cohesively.

Tip 6: You believed that it would be uninteresting to do something to prepare yourself for the test. While you are about to read, compose and do word games, proceed to try logic questions. Each logic puzzle has every bit of information you need to get through it the right way so take the time and take note of what's said.

Tip 7: Got a few crayons laying around? What about colored pens? If not, just go and get them and begin drawing. You don™t really need to be a good drawer, but here is why drawing is wise. When you make it to the math section, you are going to stumble upon problems working with geometry. Occasionally a problem could have a shape and different times it will not. With a couple of weeks, building up your skills at drawing, you should be able to handle the geometry questions a lot easier.

Tip 8: Register online for a SAT question per day. Make an attempt to figure out the problem out on your own. Do a fast search, using words including, online SAT prep, or SAT prep. Pick one that you'll be more comfortable with and enroll. The more often you practice, the less likely the SAT will appear intimidating.

Tip 9: Ensure you are capable of doing fraction to decimal conversions. If you need a person to help, find a tutor locally. Do not allow this part of the test frighten you.

Last but not least, tip 10: from the text that is printed in that now famous book, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, in warm friendly letters, don™t panic. If you invest your time and practice the tips above, you will discover you will be much more comfortable in taking the SAT test for the future academic step.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Do you have the heart to help other people? Do you enjoy taking care of your grandparents more than going out with your friends? If you do, then maybe health training courses are just for you. In this article, you will learn the different ways on how to become a professional health care service provider and how it could benefit you.

Training in health means that you are prepared to face necessary tasks such as waking up early and sleeping late at night. You also have to prepare yourself in long hours of work with your patients only to make sure that they're on a stabilized condition. In order for you to become an eligible health service provider, you must first possess educational qualification and of course experience. You must also be able to pass all written exams that certain governing bodies in health care provide. All health care staff has to undergo classroom training and field testing to gain more knowledge about certain procedures and laws. Another important thing is gaining certification from trusted governing bodies as proof of their eligibility. Although, it's not really required to have certification if you only want to help in taking care of a sick person but having one can put the client at ease. Having a certification lets your client know that they will be taken cared by a professional and that they are in good hands.

Training in health also requires having an up to date knowledge about health services. It is advised that one should take classroom training at least once a year to keep them informed of the new laws and management of the facility. These classes keep health training officers about workplace safety, protection, industrial hygiene, waste safety, indoor air quality, and proper waste management. You will also learn about the basics like maintaining the bed of the client, keeping the room clean and other housekeeping procedures. You will also learn about the proper ways on how to keep your client safe at all times and perform correct procedures in case of emergency. You will also be taught how to transfer a patient from one place to another without the risk of injuring them. You will also be able to read vital signs and become aware of the patient's condition as early as possible.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

How Writing a Statement of Purpose?

Recently we had the opportunity of assisting some professionals with their essays and SOPs for applying to some foreign universities. Needless to say, it was a great learning experience.

An SOP does strange things to you. You write a draft at night and sleep over it. Read it the next morning and everything looks absolutely silly. With my own SOP, there was a stark difference between the 2 versions (2006 and 2009), one was a long 600 word essay while the other a very crisp 300 word describing my ambitions. In both cases, my aspirations and goals were same but both looked equally trivial at this time in 2012!

So we closed my versions and wrote the new essays with a fresh mind. We wrote 7 essays in a span of around 10 days for 3 clients and got an above average (3.5-4/5) rating for all of them. Needless to say, we were satisfied and happy with our work. Now, I am no way an expert in this field, but from my experience, I'll just share a few points on writing a decent SOP or essay for any college that you wish to apply for higher studies.

So what exactly is an SOP?

An SOP or Statement of Purpose is the single most important part of your application while applying to any university to pursue one of its courses. It is a document which tells the admissions committee who you are, what has been your career path so far and where do you plan to go from here and why. What you write in an SOP may or may not be only facts. As it is a subjective document, you are free to write stories, share incidents, provide your opinions, or even talk about your idol! The only thing to keep in mind is that all that you write should in the end connect well with your answer to the question that is asked, i.e. it should give a clear picture to the committee about why you want to do this course and why you should be picked over someone else.

You SOP is a story about you. It needs a lot of information and a lot of thought to be fed for a beautiful product to come out. You may have lived an ordinary life till now, but inside your SOP it needs to be presented in a manner which makes you look unique and different. Only when your SOP impresses the admissions panel, will your candidature be considered for the course.

The most important thing people fail to realize is that your SOP is the only part of your application over which you have a complete control. The test scores can be affected by conditions on the test day, your résumé is what you have already done in the past and cannot be modified, but for your SOP, you have the present and enough time - days and weeks to set everything right in the essay. You can draft, redraft, and have it checked with your professors or friends until you get everything precise.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Seven Advantages of Using the Learning Management System

Academic institutions and corporate organizations use the Learning Management System (LMS) to conduct classes and training programs over the internet. These systems are preferred by most organizations for their ability to deliver teaching-based programs on time. End users also find these learning management systems highly convenient for their flexibility and ease of use.

In this article, I have discussed the top advantages of using an online learning management system.

Cost-effective Solution

The learning management system comes at a low cost. You don't need to get an expensive software or hardware to run the system. Organizations can use this system as long as they like, without thinking of paying any set up, activation, and monthly subscription charges.

Highly Flexible and Customizable

Online learning management systems are extremely flexible and customizable to meet your specific needs. Academic institutions as well as corporate houses can create any type of courses or training materials to suit their specific business requirements. They can even make changes anytime to their course schedule after publishing the same online. Besides, they can also design the class registration page with relevant colors and organizer's logo.

Easily Create Courses

The integrated online registration software lets anyone create courses and training programs over the internet. You can instantly publish the course materials online for people to view and register for your upcoming classes.

Anytime Access

Since the whole learning experience is created and managed virtually, the system lets an individual access the registration pages as well as such other class or training-related resources, 24x7. Hence, people can go through your classes and courses in a more relaxed environment, wherever they wish.

Robust Reporting and Tracking Capabilities

Organizations can easily track the registration and payment process of each individual. Moreover, you can also create endless number of reports based on the progress of each student or training attendee. You can even download the reports for generating its hard copies. Further, organizations can export the reports in a variety of formats such as Excel, PDF, JPEG, PNG, MS Word, and so on with the help of this software.

Immediate Post-class/Post-training Evaluation

The LMS allows organizers to easily and quickly evaluate a course. Automatic online survey forms are sent to participants upon successful completion of the course. Organizations can evaluate the performance of the instructors/speakers by getting instant online feedback from the attendees.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Training Dental Assistant Schools Impart

Given the fact that medical professions are one of those careers that can fetch a handsome amount of salary to a professional, their significance is augmenting in the job market as years pass by. This goes well for dental assistants as well. However, in order to have a successful career in this field, one must have a proper training, responsible attitude and a professional approach. This greatly depends upon the type of institute one chooses to study. In the U.S., there are several dental hygiene schools. If you are interested to make a career in the field of dental assistant, then you must know what all training these schools impart.

First, you must know some primary responsibilities of dental assistants. They help the dentists in maintaining dental records, preparing patients for treatments and comforting them before the treatment. This means their job is basically helping dentists in their work. As per their responsibilities, the curriculum in dental assistant schools is set.

Any dental assistant school in the country will coach the students regarding all the basic functions of the job. They will train the students about preparing trays for dental instruments, procedures for sterilizing and all the necessary things that one must know about oral treatments. Moreover, they will teach the students to make instructions to their patients regarding taking care of their oral health after operation. Good dental assistant schools will teach you other things like application of topical anesthetics, processing x-ray films, taking x-rays of teeth, examining patients, removing sutures, using the software for dental analysis, discarding dangerous materials and many other things.

Not only what is mentioned above, but the schools will also teach you subjects like human anatomy, preventive care, anesthesiology, dental terminology, radiology, pathology, nutrition and diseases. However, if you want to become a certified professional in the given field, it is imperative that you must gain some practical experience in any dental office. However, good schools have a dental office in their premises, so that their students can get the essential experience.

You should also know that the job of a dental assistant also involves some office work apart from the primary responsibilities. These are the duties for the office administration. These schools will also train their students to perform these duties. They will teach the trainees, the right procedures for maintaining patient records, scheduling appointments, ordering as well as stocking supplies and handing out insurance claims.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Make Your Dreams Come True With Part Time Degree Programs

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and the really savvy individual understands that if they are going to be able to compete in this highly competitive world, they must arm themselves with as much education as they can. Sometimes that education is gained through life experiences but for the business minded individual, getting a more formal education is often required. Business professionals may already be very successful in their current positions, but many times all it will take is pursuing a higher degree through a part time degree program.

This is especially true for those who would like to get a bachelors or master's degree. It is not often advisable for an individual to quit an already lucrative position while they take the time to enter a full time degree program. This is typically the case with those who have attained a position as a top executive with just about any corporation. It is through a part time degree program that these individuals can continue to excel in their chosen profession.

Part time programs offer the flexibility needed to carry out the requirements of the job while furthering educational plans. At the same time, they are typically less expensive than other more costly methods of getting an education. Part time programs are generally offered to students at times that are more convenient for them as well, which can mean a lot to someone who is trying to wear many different hats already.

So, what are the advantages of enrolling in a part time degree program?

The individual who chooses to enter a part time program will find that they can continue to receive the same benefits and salary that they are accustomed to receiving while attending the college or university of their choice. Some companies even offer a minimum of partial reimbursement of the tuition paid if they feel that the education will benefit them.

Some students may qualify for financial aid benefits and grants, which will provide them with the funds needed to enroll in their chosen part time degree program.

Final payoff

Once a student has completed the course of study required to complete part time or full time degree programs they will then be ready to compete for higher paying jobs. Most students who have received a MBA can look forward to receiving a minimum of 50 % more in earnings. Of course, this will certainly depend on the industry.

Monday, January 9, 2012

How Getting Into Web Design Schools?

In recent years, the popularity of web design training increases. The web graphic design degree becomes one of the most desired among students. This is due to the various programs that web design schools propose, the short period of training, the constant increase in demand of these specialists in the global business community, and the good chances for professional realization.

The number of schools and colleges that offer web design education, digital photography, computer animation, visual special effects and other similar courses increase. Choosing the best web design educational institution is a responsible job. The valuable suggestions below can narrow your choices down and facilitate decision-making.

Accreditation and Prestige

Check whether the particular web design college offers accredited web design courses. If it is not, exclude it immediately from your list of education providers. In addition, it is important to get information how prestigious are the Web Design Schools. The salary of graduates from top design colleges is higher, and their graduates find job easier than others. According to a recent report, published in "Business Week," graduates from the most prestigious schools earn "over a million dollars more during a 20-year career than grads from less "elite"programs."

Expenses

When you decide to continue your training, you need to know that the college tuition cost is only a small part of the future expenses. In the framework of the main program of training, you should add the funds for everyday expenses, rent, textbooks, and additional courses. It is highly recommended to select a shorter program as a way to reduce costs.

Variety of Programs and Courses

Another indicator, which undoubtedly you need to suggest, is the variety of available programs and courses. The alternatives give you more opportunities; they help you to get the most appropriate qualification that suits your desires and needs. According to Prof. Eamonn Walsh, dean of the Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business, the eclectic programs are more valuable for the students. He is convinced that the education through creative programs improves the positions of the graduates in the labor market.

Financial Aid and Integration

In addition to the purely academic aspects of the evaluation process, it is advisable to consider whether the web design school provides financial aid to students.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Two Major Benefits of Grants for College Tuition

The excessively high costs with regard to college education makes several students to skip this crucial phase of their education. In fact, having a degree can make a huge difference in the career of a student. Today, the job opportunities for undergraduates are becoming scarcer. However, Grants for college tuition have come to become a great relief for students to complete a minimal level of sustainable education.

Advantages over Loans

The Grants for college tuition are far better than student loans in several aspects. They are available free-of-cost to students who can meet the basic qualifications. These grants can finance the entire college educational of a student.

As a student, once you receive College grants your academic record is periodically monitored so as to ensure that you keep fulfilling the requirements. Even though it is a little bit of a strict process, but still there are no financial constraints. This is what makes these grants for college a highly sought after way to finance college education.

2 Major Benefits of College grants

There are 2 main benefits that you can reap from your Grants for college tuition.

1. No Debt and no liability

When you avail a college grant, you are not entering into any type of debt. The process is strict and you have to maintain some minimum grades during your college years. But, the grant is available without any cost on you. You can complete your education and look for a job without any financial burden.

From the perspective of starting your career free from any type of debt, this is a significant benefit. Thus, once you start earning you would not be pulled back by financial obligations which would be the case if you had depended upon education loans.

2. Grants allow for a normal college life

When you have College grants to support your education, you can lead a normal college life. This is because you of the same reason mentioned above. There is no concern of a financial obligation on your head. Not only will you be able to study without any worries, but you can also engage in extra-curricular activities and lead a normal life.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Physician Assistant Schools

You might have come across an immediate concern that bothers most of the people involved in the medical or healthcare industry. It is about the rising vacancies for physician assistant jobs. You may also have come across figures indicating rise in population along with increasing number of aging population. Figuratively, it is quite alarming and it puts most medics in concern about creating skilled practitioners in such a short span of time. Owing to this concern, government introduced new certificate and registered course programs that could boost the current practices in bringing up figures of skilled medical practitioners. Physician assistant schools serve the purpose of building up required pool of talent. To achieve this, they have introduced courses such as physician assistant programs that offer a lucrative career path.

Physician schools equip you with all necessary skills that are important to qualify for the respective job. They teach and make you familiarize with all procedures and methods that are part of the job. A physician assistant requires handling responsibilities such as making reports, attending patients, handling equipment, and overseeing inventories. Thus, you're to require learn about subject concerning science and medicine. You will also need to deal with vast syllabus covering many other subjects such as chemistry, physics, radiology, biochemistry, microbiology, computer sciences, biology, virology, and instrumentation.

Upon completing the course from one of the top school, you can expect to find a decent paying job. Owing to rising demands in health sector for skilled or trained practitioners, you can always find a job with a lucrative salary. Besides, upon completion of the program you get a chance to earn as much as many healthcare professionals and management jobs. Moreover, with rising experience you can expect to have higher salary as well.

In addition, if you like talking and interacting with people and handling clinical responsibilities then physician assistant schools could help you get the training needed to build these necessary set of skills. Owing to constant interaction with people, as a physician assistant you are require to gain good communication skills as well. It is also very imperative to have good understanding of patient's psychology.