EDUCATION BLOG

Accredited distance learning may provide the boost to a new career that you've been looking for. Solid instruction and good education is the key to unlocking your potential for moving up the ladder or entering a new career. You can earn income and study part time through distance learning courses, working towards your goal of a better job while still meeting financial responsibilities. The choices available for accredited distance learning are vast.

In fact, there are so many distance learning programs out there that it is easy to see why one can be overwhelmed when attempting to choose one. People interested in medicine can take a distance learning nursing program. Some pursue a distance learning engineering degree. Others sign up for computer technology or criminal justice. The top schools in the nation with solid reputations offer accredited distance learning programs to satisfy almost every educational need, from psychology to golf.

Accredited distance learning programs and online education promise to assist with future goals, but you need to note that you will be investing time and your hard-earned money to obtain a distance learning degree. Considering that, choose wisely. Which ever distance learning school you choose, be forewarned. They are not all created equal. Do some background research to ensure that a potential employer will view your qualifications as viable, due to the credibility of the institute you have chosen.

In order to establish this type of credibility, you will need to be particular about the distance learning school you choose. When looking at potential distance learning programs that interest you, note if the school is a reputable one for distance programs and how applicable or transferable their degrees are. An accredited distance learning school ensures that all the curriculum they offer is keeping up with the changing times. The world changes very quickly as new technology comes out and this increases the demand of many different types of jobs. It is essential that the accredited distance learning school reflect this trend in their organization. Good facilities offer distance learning programs that enable students to graduate with a degree that provides fully transferable and applicable skills.

An unknown distance learning school may offer an interesting program or might seem to provide you with the online learning degree you're looking for, but be wary of institutions that are new or don't seem to have a background or history. Check to see whether the school has been offering traditional classroom learning for some years and is just breaking into accredited distance learning courses. Use the internet to research various schools and see if the one you're interested in is mentioned on many reputable websites. It may be best to choose a widely recognized distance learning school over one that only seems to be mentioned every now and then.

Choosing to obtain your education through accredited distance learning is a wise choice that can boost your career success. That is, if you choose a distance learning school with a good reputation at being a leader in education and providing students with skills they can apply to many different areas of a working environment. An accredited distance learning education shows potential employers your training and instruction is valid and affirms that you've been careful in your choices. While there are distance learning courses that don't provide accreditation but merely educate or teach something fun, accredited courses will be the ones that further your career success and your potential to land a good job.

Learn more about distance learning styles at http://youcanlearnmore.com/

          Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was established in September 1985 by an Act of the Parliament to advance and disseminate learning and knowledge by a diversity of means including the use of all possible information and communication technologies (ICTs). In the process it has to increasingly aim at democratization of higher education and maintenance of high standards covering larger segments of population, vocations and professions. Besides, it has to encourage and strengthen the open and distance education systems in the country and even outside the country.

       IGNOU provides access to higher education to all those who desire and need to improve their qualifications, skills and competence. The learner is free to study at his/her pace and time his/her studies according to his/her convenience. The important features are:

Ø  Relaxed entry qualifications for specified groups,

Ø  Study according to learner’s pace, place and convenience,

Ø  Flexibility in selecting courses and

Ø  Use of modern and appropriate educational and communication technologies.

School of Science

            The University has been offering various programmes of studies. Presently it has eleven schools of studies and School of Sciences is the principle school in developing programmes in science discipline. The various programmes, Diplomas and Certificates, on offer by the school are:

Ø  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Botany

Ø  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Chemistry

Ø  Bachelor of Science (Mathematics)

Ø  Bachelor of Science (Physics)

Ø  Bachelor of Science (Zoology)

Ø  Bachelor of Science (General)

Ø  Certificate Programme in Laboratory Technician (CPLT)

Ø  Certificate in Teaching Primary Mathematics (CTPM)

Ø  Diploma in Aquaculture

Ø  Postgraduate Diploma In Intellectual Property Rights (PGDIPR)

Ø  Postgraduate Diploma In Environment And Sustainable Development (PGDESD)

Ø   Awareness Course On Intellectual Property Rights (AIPR)

Ø  Appreciation Course on Environment (ACE)

               The School has developed courses in science at various levels (preparatory, electives and application oriented) for distance learners at different entry levels in two languages i.e., Hindi and English. The School has also contributed courses for various programmes for the University, namely, Preparatory program for Bachelor degree, Computing and Certificate in Environmental Studies programmes.

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

            The School has been involved in launching and implementing the Bachelor’s in Science programme (B.Sc). This program was the pioneer programme of the School and also of the University in offering science courses through open and distance mode. The course development pertaining to these courses takes place in respective disciplines.

             The first science programme was started in the pilot phase in 1991. The first batch had 1100 students in 29 study centers scattered all over the country. Today there are about 6000 open science learners pursuing Bachelor in Science through 146 study centers in the country. The open science education programmes for undergraduate level of the University are given below:

Ø  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Botany

Ø  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Chemistry

Ø  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Mathematics)

Ø  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Physics)

Ø  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Zoology)

Ø  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (General)

            This Bachelor Degree Programme in Science is a three years programme with 96 credits weightage. In the University learning load has been quantified in terms of credits. A credit worth of learning material signifies learning time of 30 hours for an average learner. It includes all activities pertaining to study one credit worth of learning material i.e., going through the material, doing assignments, viewing telecasts, listening to broadcasts and audio programmes in cassettes, radio and conventional counselling, library consultations, laboratory and other field based practical activities and so on.

Merit scholarships are typically awarded on the basis of academic, athletic or artistic merit, in addition to special interests. Some merit scholarships also consider financial need, but rewarding talent is the primary objective.

In most cases the scholarship sponsor has a set of criteria they use to select the winners from among the qualified applicants. (This is in contrast to scholarship lotteries which select winners randomly.) So a key to winning a scholarship is to identify the sponsor's criteria and tailor your application to those criteria.

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Today, I did it!!! I finally took the plunge!!!! I sent off my tuition for the chidiet.com HomeStudy program, which is Ann Wigmore-focused. I have looked at a number of programs, both "on location" and homestudy, and about a year ago, I finally homed in on this program as the best one available for someone of my focus. (There are some others I hope to study, but I am happy to start with this one).

I'm looking forward to sharing what I learn here, as well.
M

I am really psyched now because I have something to look forward to in the New Year. One day soon, I'll receive a package of materials to study. The idea takes my breath away.

I look forward to hearing some things I already know, and learning some new things right from the start. This is exciting.

FlashMeeting home. Useful for distance learning.

As an instructor at a state college I know that today's college student is just as likely to be middle-aged (or older) as a teenager. Yet, I frequently find myself counseling adults who are thinking about returning to school to further their education. Actually, it is not so much a counseling session as it is a bit of a pep talk. One of the major reasons many adults hesitate before going back to school is the simple fear that they will not be able to keep up intellectually with their younger classmates. Well stop worrying about that. Here are three reasons that the majority of older students actually out perform their younger counterparts in the college classroom.

First, the simple truth is that in most cases the older student is more motivated than the younger student. It is more likely that the older student is footing the bill so values their education for that reason and wants to make sure they get the most out of their investment. Also, older students have also experienced the working world without a degree and so are very motivated to gain the financial and professional advantages of an education. This motivation is what gets older students through the challenges that college throws at them -- challenges that might derail a younger, less experienced, student. In addition, nontraditional students have usually learned the hard life lesson that having the right attitude is half the battle.

Second, nontraditional students usually know much more about time management than traditional students. Most nontraditional students are balancing work, school, and family so they are very efficient and effective managers of their time. Older students are also more effective at prioritizing their various commitments based on their greater life experience. I see so many more younger, more traditional students getting themselves into trouble with their classes and assignments and observe in many cases the problem is one of simple time management and priorities.

Finally, the greater and more diverse your life experience then the more you know. It is really quite simple. If you have worked, raised a family, and served your community then you know more than most teenagers about a number of things. It just stands to reason. While the younger student might have the advantage of knowledge of certain scientific principles or mathematical rules as well as more recent practice in writing and studying. The older student knows more about people and interpersonal dynamics, their own personal strengths and weaknesses, and historical events as well as current events.

These are not universal truths. Obviously there are younger, more traditional students, who are mature enough to be properly motivated as well as good time managers. Equally there are older students who are not properly motivated and no little about time management. Similarly some older students have lead sheltered lives and some younger students have lead lives of variety and challenge. As a rule, however, I can pretty confidently state that many nontraditional students can find these three strengths -- motivation, time management, and life experience -- can help them outperform their more traditional counterparts in the college classroom. If your age is all that is holding you back from pursuing your degree then remember that age offers advantages as well as disadvantages.

Deanna Mascle shares more about adult education and other advice in her blog at http://dawggone.net

You feel your current status in your work area is taking you absolutely no where some people choose to get some type of distance education by the use of the Internet. However, in some areas this isn't possible for the simple fact that most of these distance educations are somehow connected to local community colleges or vocational schools as well. Although in some states, there are ways of going through college courses by the use of the Internet but designed as distance education for the simple procedure that it isn't some big state college usually. They are considered local or under a government program however completely legitimate in obtaining a degree on the Internet. Some people are capable of getting assistance to further their learning with distance education programs while others pay monthly installments after a small initial fee to begin your distance education. This also depends on what it is you plan on taking as far as courses and how long you plan to take. Some colleges offer distance education programs and courses for 12, 18, and 36 months. Whichever one you choose is ultimately up to you in most cases, however there are exceptions to some of the courses. Meaning, in some courses the time frame may be limited to a certain period of time for the distance education, while others may be offered for longer periods of time, or you can receive extensions on your distance education courses. This of course all depends once again, on which college you choose to go through. When searching for the right college on the Internet you don't have to go with the first college you see in the search results. Do some reading and compare a few, to see which offers the distance education courses that will ultimately benefit you in the long term effect of your future.

Fundamental reasons to keep your desire to learn. Have you ever thought upon how essential learning is to your life in terms of your ability to not only survive but also to thrive both professionally and personally? Becoming a lifelong learner is important to your health, your success, and your happiness, but if that is not enough reason to learn more then consider these three essential reasons to keep your desire to learn and to live and learn.

Change is healthy. Change is healthy for your diet, your physical well being, your mental state, and your brain's health. While change is not always comfortable its benefits usually far outweigh its challenges. We know change is good for us but that doesn't make it easy to force ourselves to change.

Learning can decrease your weaknesses. Most of us spend a lot of time and effort trying to conceal or compensate for our weaknesses when that time would be much better spent simply learning more about that particular aspect of our lives and learning how we can decrease that weakness. Perhaps with time and effor that weakness can become a strength.

Learning and challenging ourselves can protect against memory loss. It is important to remember that the brain is a muscle and we must exercise that muscle regularly if we want it to retain its strength and resilience. Learning new skills, enjoying new experiences, and offering our brains new challenges can all contribute to a long, healthy life for our brain. Just as you protect your body and health watch out for your brain's health as well by becoming a lifelong learner.

These are just three essential reasons to keep your desire to learn that should give you food for thought and hopefully start you on the road to learning more and improving yourself today, tomorrow, and all the tomorrows to come. Now go forth and live and learn so you too can reap the benefits of becoming a lifelong learner!

Learn more about adult education at http://adultslearnmore.com/

Necessary reasons to keep your desire to learn. Have you ever dwelled upon how key learning is to your life in terms of your ability to not only survive but also to thrive both professionally and personally? Becoming a lifelong learner is important to your health, your success, and your happiness, but if that is not enough reason to learn more then consider these three key reasons to keep your desire to learn and to live and learn.

Change is healthy. Change is healthy for your diet, your physical well being, your mental state, and your brain's health. While change is not always comfortable its benefits usually far outweigh its challenges. We know change is good for us but that doesn't make it easy to force ourselves to change.

Learning can decrease your weaknesses. Most of us spend a lot of time and effort trying to conceal or compensate for our weaknesses when that time would be much better spent simply learning more about that particular aspect of our lives and learning how we can decrease that weakness. Perhaps with time and effor that weakness can become a strength.

Learning keeps your mind sharp. Study after study shows that when it comes to the brain it really is use it or lose it. Challenging your brain by learning new skills and experiencing new things can foster brain growth and development no matter what your age. One of the reasons why young children's brains grow at such a rapid rate is because they are constantly learning new things. As we grow older we tend to slow and even stop learning which is damaging to our brains.

These are just three key reasons to keep your desire to learn that should give you food for thought and hopefully start you on the road to learning more and improving yourself today, tomorrow, and all the tomorrows to come. Now go forth and live and learn so you too can reap the benefits of becoming a lifelong learner!

Find more inspirations and daily motivational inspirational quotes at http://dailyquoteonline.com/

Unlike Yale, Harvard and MIT, Princeton University administrators have not jumped on the distance learning bandwagon. 

This article in the Daily Princetonian offers some interesting quotes from administrators at both Yale and Princeton about the value of online learning.

Princeton, with its $10 billion endowment (one of the highest in the US) certainly has the means to implement an online learning program for students.  The administration's resistance seems to be centered around the idea that they are protecting their students by avoiding distance learning options. 

Unlike many other top universities, which are offering lectures online and via podcast (iTunes University) to anyone at no charge, the leaders of Princeton are still in caught in that idea that giving something away for free might dilute (or cheapen) the high-priced education their students are receiving on campus. 

They should be considering, at the very least, what value the courses could bring to the students who are right there.

Podcast lectures and online courses that don't include any interaction with professors or assessment of learning aren't going to replace a campus experience.  These should be seen as a part of public service and frankly, public relations. 

Too bad Princeton is choosing to resist.  It makes them look cheap, fearful and just plain snobby.