The Disadvantages of an Online College Degree Program

Students who are attending online colleges always rave about how they are awesome due to the convenience and flexibility they offer. While an online college degree program can be great, it also comes with disadvantages. Not everything about online classes is perfect and many people try to overlook all of the downfalls that come with online schools. Once students continue wuth their classes, they begin to see the disadvantages. Here are just a few of them. Time Taking an online college degree program requires a great amount of time. This is based on the pace f the student and not necessarily the school. Online schools tend to make students aware that they work on their time and this puts a great deal of stress on students. This is hard on students as some of them may even have jobs or other obligations throughout the day that prevent them from attending classes. Not Completely Free It has been said that some online classes are free and this is not true. Some say they are less expensive as traditional classes and in some cases this is true. While you do save money on things such as driving to class, textbooks, and other school supplies, the cost of the program itself can be a bit pricey. There are application fees as well as other registration fees that students need to pay before starting classes. Internet Required One of the most important things about online classes is that you need to have a reliable internet connection. Without one, you cannot go to school online. It's recommended that you have a computer at home as other places that offer internet are not always open and may not always be reliable for a connection. There are many other disadvantages to an online college degree program. While they are beneficial as well, its more of a personal opinion as to whether you should attend or not.

Online Dietitian Career Courses

The increased interest in healthy eating habits and nutrition has sparked a wave of removing soda machines from schools and individuals diets. Learning how nutrition and diet affect groups of people as well as individuals can be obtained through specific st vedic maths udy. Understanding these issues and more can be learned through online dietitian courses. Learning the aspects that go into becoming a dietitian encompasses a skill set that involves working to promote beneficial dietary eating. The two most common areas of work involve clinical environments and individual settings. Clinical environments make up hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and businesses. The development and implementation of nutritional programs are maintained by professionals to provide the correct diet for different people. Diet programs may look a little different for a high school than a hospital but the same principles are applied. Individual settings often time have trained students working in healthcare facilities or public clinics. In areas like this instruction is given to individuals and families. These two areas only make up some of the opportunities available to trained dietitians. Students can learn how to become a part of this industry by enrolling in online courses. Specific courses can provide students with the chance to gain an education from home allowing them to continue working. Online courses can be entered individually, which is highly beneficial for students that can't devote a lot of time to study. Students can also enter courses to learn principles and concepts that can later be applied to a full degree program offered by an online school. Either avenue promotes the learning of dietary procedures that can leave students with many career options after a certain level of knowledge has been acquired. Food and nutrition make up the main areas of study. Online education also offers courses in physiology and biochemistry to provide students with an overall knowledge base. Food science, nutrition science, and menu planning make up some courses that can be worked through. A food science course is dedicate to teaching students how to develop a process to supply good, nutritious, and steady food options for a variety of agencies. The study of how to reduce the risk of contamination of food supply from organisms and chemicals helps students understand how food is regulated. Many careers deal with providing meals to a community like a hospital or school. To gain a foundation in this area, students may want to enroll in a community nutrition course. Online study shows students how to meet the nutritional needs for a large group of people using available resources. Learning how foods come in and out of style like clothing is available through a 'trends in food' course. The information covered teaches students about current popular food. Topics covered include how new information sways individuals to buy certain foods and scientific studies on nutrition. These aspects are used to develop meals. These courses and more can be taken to provide students with the correct knowledge and skills to enter a career or degree prepared. Becoming a dietitian can help students serve their communities by making them healthier with every bite of food. Students can gain career training through specific courses with an accredited online degree program. Accrediting agencies like the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (www.acics.org) is approved to fully accredit qualifying educational training programs. DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org. Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Online Paramedic Career Programs

Various online schools and colleges allow students the opportunity to enter an accredited paramedic training program. Online educational programs can provide students with the necessary skills to pursue careers as paramedics. Students can learn to assess, recognize, and manage a number of medical emergencies. Those who wish to train for a degree or certificate can study subjects like anatomy, first aid, toxicology, drug administration, and much more. Gaining an education in this area can be done at the students' leisure from the comfort of their own home. Training for a degree or certificate will prepare students for an exciting new career in the medical field. Various online schools and colleges offer a number of educational programs that prepare students to work in the medical field providing care to patients in an ambulance or on the scene of an accident or emergency. In order to become a paramedic students must first obtain emergency medical technician (EMT) training as well as CPR certification. Students will learn that paramedics are responsible for: performing CPR administering medication administering oxygen interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs) transporting victims and many other tasks. A number of accredited schools offer one year EMT Paramedic certificates and two year associate programs as well as other educational options. Paramedic training is available at several levels including EMT - Basic, EMT- Intermediate, and Paramedic. Depending on the level of education and program entered students will have a variety of subjects to study in order to enter the career field. Coursework will involve: anatomy pathology medical terminology stress management first aid, cardiology CPR and much more. With an accredited online education students will learn various skills related to working in the health care industry as paramedics. Students may also receive training in defibrillation, life support, ethics, communication, neurology, hematology, and other related topics. Some hands on training may be required and not all coursework can be completed through an online program so students should verify this before enrollment. With an accredited education from an online program students will have the chance to obtain the certificate or degree needed to pursue a career as a paramedic. Paramedic students can find employment with: police departments hospitals private ambulance companies fire departments and other organizations. Students are required to obtain licensure in order to work as paramedics and levels and titles may vary depending on the state. With an accredited education in this field students can obtain the knowledge needed to become supervisors, dispatchers, nurses, physician assistants, and other medical professionals. Various educational training programs allow students to prepare for the career of their dreams through online study. Online coursework can provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to obtain a career in the field they desire. With online paramedic training students can earn the certificate or degree they need without jeopardizing their current employment or living situation. By contacting a number of accredited online schools and colleges students can request more information about the program that's right for them. Accreditation is provided by agencies like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs ( ), to schools and colleges that can provide students with a quality education. DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org. Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Online Students: Learn to Use a Filter With Your Communication

Online students rely upon written instead of verbal communication for the most part and because they had access to their class virtually any time day students are able to communicate whenever they want to. While online communication allows students to send messages quickly that advantage is often overshadowed by messages and discussion post that are sent or posted without consideration of how the message may be received or perceived. And most of the time there is not an option available for students to delete a message posted in the classroom or recall an email. As an online instructor I've been surprised with some of the messages posted in class and emails received from students that had no thought or consideration as to whether or not the message being communicated was appropriate. From my experience it is becoming more commonplace that students' communication is done without consideration of the tone, which at times may be perceived as being aggressive, hostile, or not suitable for an academic environment. This can result in damaged relationships with their instructors or other students, and it may also warrant disciplinary action if the student code of conduct has been violated. This is also why students must learn to develop a filter for their communication. Forms of Communication Communication is a vital part of the interaction students have in an online classroom. This includes discussion question posts that the entire class is involved with and emails that are sent to their instructors or other students when it is appropriate to do so. Anonymity is the primary characteristic of online communication because there is a name provided without any physical representation. Over time it is possible for those messages to begin to feel as if they aren't real in a sense and as a result any thought about appropriateness is minimized if those messages are communicated quickly. While you aren't present to discuss these messages they represent you and every one of them establishes your image. And whether or not you are present you are still held accountable for the content of that communication. Why Does a Filter Matter? Students are working within an academic environment and professionalism is expected. For example, you owe your instructors a level of respect whether or not you like them. This means that you do not have a right to say whatever you like when you communicate with them, without any consequences. Anonymity is not a valid excuse to say whatever you like and as a reminder, there is a code of conduct in place. It is okay to feel emotions but it is not acceptable to state them in a highly emotional manner. Another instance when a filter comes in handy is during email exchanges with your instructors. I have found that when email exchanges become prolonged, the back and forth nature of the process tends to be challenging for students to get their point across and maintain a proper tone. Learn to express yourself clearly and concisely so you can avoid losing control of the communication. Tools to Develop a Filter A filter is the step that should be taken between what you initially plan to communicate and the actual message that is sent by email or posted. Before you communicate your thoughts take time to write them out and during that brief pause consider if it needs to be edited. It is helpful to read the message out loud to determine if it can be interpreted in more than one way and how the tone of that message may be perceived. In other words, is the message appropriate and professional? Another technique is to approach the message you want to communicate from an objective (logical, rational) rather than a subjective (emotional) point of view. The question you should ask yourself, especially if you are feeling strong emotions, is this: Can you say it better? Alternate Forms of Expression Since the primary form of communication in an online classroom is the written word it becomes extremely important to take time before reacting immediately or posting without giving your messages additional thought. This means that you need to decide what should be expressed and how you will do so. For example if you are unhappy with a grade or the feedback you received from your instructor, don't send an email and make demands or express your anger. Instead ask for assistance, clarification, and resources that can help you improve. Asking a question is always more effective in the long run rather than making demands. If it any time you are uncertain about a message you want to communicate or something you have read that another student has posted, ask for assistance from your instructor. You can also try the traditional form of communication and ask to talk to your instructor by phone. This will be good for your relationship and also allow you to express yourself appropriately. The Impact of Proper Communication When you are communicating in an effective manner you are in control of what you are going to express. You are then able to establish credibility and a positive image, along with developing productive working relationships and meaningful interactions. This applies to all forms of communication, which includes the end of course surveys. Those surveys are not a time to retaliate but instead you can state your views and feedback objectively. By learning to control your emotions and communicating appropriately you are also gaining a skill that will be of benefit in your career where professional communication is also expected. The creation of a filter is not a complex process but one that is intended to help you communicate appropriately.

How to Create Effective Online Learning Courses

Facilities, labor and travel expenses make the decision to build a cost-effective infrastructure of online learning an easy one. That's why many distance education departments and corporate executives turn to Web designers to develop online education courses to train their students and employees. However, this decision, many times, results in a waste of time and money, and can be frustrating to organizations simply because Web designers are not trained in the area of creating effective elearning courses; usually their focus is on visually appealing aesthetics. For successful online course development, you need to work with a course developer that has proficiency in building programs from start to finish, while accomplishing educational objectives in every step of the process. An effective elearning course needs to have the same care and expertise put into the educational aspects as the design elements. Course content must be engaging and presented in the proper sequence in order to maximize a learner's memory retention. Skilled developers build courses that are carefully aligned to students' needs and directly achieve their learning goals, making elearning an essential part of education and training. When it comes to valuable elearning programs, online course development is more than just making the pages look good. Here is how to create an effective online learning course that will successfully meet your goals: 1) Establish your idea - What is the learning objective of your course? What do you want participants to achieve by completing the elearning course? 2) Refine your ideas - Work with a subject matter expert (SME) to determine what the course needs to do to effectively meet your needs. Decide how much information to include in the course and how detailed it needs to be by making a prioritized list of key points you want emphasized in the course. The SME will insure the accuracy and sufficiency of the information you deliver. 3) Decide if your course needs an administrative function - You may simply need a system where participants can take the course without keeping any formal records. Many times, however, training programs need an administrative tool that manages learners and keeps track of their progress across all types of course activities. In elearning, this element is called a learning management system (LMS) or course management system (CSM). It provides a way to enroll students into courses, handle grades, deliver test or quiz material, offer two-way communication between the instructor and the student, upload study resources and keep records and transcripts of content and student-instructor interaction. These systems are designed to your specific training needs and seamlessly move students through the course process and record their progress appropriately. 4) Work with an instructional designer - The instructional designer will ensure that the information is presented in an interesting and successful manner using the established learning principles. They determine how the knowledge is presented, and how it is reinforced through activities, exercises and quizzes. 5) Course production - At this stage, a production team works with the course designer to determine needed illustrations, animation, audio, video or interactive media. Production specialists design the graphics and create the needed media to integrate into each section. They make sure the course is deliverable through the intended target media (local network, CD or DVD, or Internet). The production team is also responsible for quality control. The team checks to make sure the look and style of the course is consistent throughout and all course components are functioning correctly. If a specific LMS or CMS is targeted, they ensure that all components will function properly in that environment as well. 6) Course Delivery - This is the final stage of online course development. If an LMS or CMS is utilized, the course is installed within the chosen system. The course is now made available to the intended students through the previously selected media. A good course development company, such as Brainband Technology Services, can assist you in every step of this process. However, steps one and two can be completed in-house to reduce cost and production time. Keep in mind if the course is for your business or department, you may be the subject matter expert. If you are able to go to a course development firm with your ideas already lined out, a large portion of the work is already finished.

An Online Electronics Engineering Bachelor Degree Not To Be Missed

An electronics engineering bachelor degree that you study online may help those of you who have a lot of working experience but need a legitimate paper qualification to get a better salary and even a better position on the career ladder. Or maybe you studied on a vocational course and want to study more formally. Electronics engineers are required in an industry that is developing at a good pace, particularly on mobile and other portable platforms and multiple modern communications infrastructures. If an electronics engineering bachelor degree studied online is what you are after to help progress your career in the engineering industry then consider this recommended career progression route: The program at the Bachelors in Electronic Engineering Technology (BEET) at World College, a part of the CIE institution; this college comes recommended by students currently on the program. The skill-set provided by an online electronics engineering bachelor degree will raise eyebrows amongst recruiters when you are seeking your next career move. World College are (at time of writing - Fall 2010) offering 35% off tuition, a down payment on fees of just $10 and a 30 day/5 lesson no risk trial period. If you pay your fees online, you will also receive a $15 bookstore gift certificate. Check if the offer still stands. World College is an accredited member of the Distance Education and Training Council which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. So though it isn't always easy to find an accredited online electronics engineering bachelor degree, you can rest assured knowing this is a good choice. If you're tempted to find out more, consider that these benefits will apply to any accredited degree you enroll on at World College. One final tip: World College runs a textbook buyback program. Some textbooks used on the course qualify for this. Selling your textbooks back for tuition credit once you have finished a module is a handy way to pay for your education. You are under no obligation to use this service but if you don't want to keep your textbooks for reference they will be happy to buy them back and give you tuition credit. You can start this program at any time during your course. In conclusion, even as we start the second decade of the new millennium, bachelor-degree-level electronics engineering courses online are difficult to find. If you know of one yourself, please contact us and let us know. We will be delighted to share the information with others on this site who love the field of electronics.

A Few Tips for Selecting the Right Online PhD Program

As the business world is getting tougher, your workplace may need additional qualified workers to survive the competition. Earning a PhD is one of the ways to show that you have the qualification to stay ahead in the business. However, you may believe that it would require a lot of your time if you enroll in a program due to your already tight work schedule, family life, etc. In this situation, it may be a good idea to consider enrolling in an online PhD program. Nowadays, many notable universities offer online PhD programs for those who wish to obtain their degree from home. Enrolling in an online degree program enables you to save time as you can study the coursework whenever you have free time, interact with your professors virtually and access the library online. Some universities even offer a combination of on-campus and online learning. In this kind of program, you will attend physical class as well as virtual instructions. It enables you to enjoy the college atmosphere while at the same time you still have more time for your business. With the rapid growth of online education, it is very easy to find lists of universities that offer online programs. However, finding a legitimate one can be a challenging task. Below I will share some tips on how to select the right online PhD program: 1. Consider Its Accreditation One of the most important aspects of an online PhD program is the institution's accreditation. You don't need to hesitate if the program has been accredited by a recognized accreditation organization. An accreditation organization has reviewed specific aspects of the program such as the faculty credentials, admission procedures, course content and many other aspects. If these aspects don't meet the standards, the university is required to make improvements. To make sure that your preferred program has received accreditation, check with the department of education. 2. Personalized Instructions People may believe that students won't receive personalized instruction when attending online classes. In fact, students that attend online programs, especially PhD programs, still receive individualized instruction. You may not spend very much time meeting your lecturers in person but you will have many opportunities to obtain their assistance through email or online chatting. A reputable online PhD program has instructors who will assist you via email or phone. 3. Consider the Cost Cost is another important consideration in your search to find the best PhD program. You may strive to find a more affordable program but once again check its accreditation. An affordable price may reduce your burden in financing your studies, but it won't benefit you if the quality is below the standards and if the degree is not accredited. If you need help in financing your studies, you can search for student funding of PhD programs. There are some financing programs available for students. You may obtain financing from the institution itself, government grants or federal student loans. To obtain funding from a notable institution, their program should be accredited. 4. Compare Professor's Reputation The reputation of the faculty is the most important thing to consider in studying for a PhD degree. Your advisor will affect your studies, selection of a dissertation topic and sometimes your career. Make sure that the faculty has extensive experience in the field study, are widely published and are known to be helpful to their students.

Online PHD Programs Make It Easier To Extend Your Education

There is no doubt that online education is on the rise these days, with a lot more universities and colleges offering online degree programs. The technology available to us these days makes it all the more possible and easier to conduct online classes that also allow for interaction between students and instructors. This trend will no doubt play a significant role in the development and increased accessibility to higher education, like online PhD programs. Some of the advantages of getting online PhD programs are not so different from the benefits you can get from taking traditional on-campus doctoral degrees. Doctorate degrees enable students to earn the highest possible level of education through several years of research, study as well as scholarly services. Doctorate degree holders, in return, are given the recognition of being academic experts in the field of study they choose. In general, PhDs share their skills and knowledge through teaching, and they are instruments also for the development of new ideas through their research. When it comes to the job market, online PhD programs offer more doors of opportunities in education and research leadership. They can work in universities, government entities as well as private companies. One of the major advantages of taking an online PhD program is the flexibility of the class schedules. When you take a PhD degree program online, you will not be forced to quit your job. You can work and study at the same time. It is true that doctorate programs are demanding and can be very time consuming, but students still have the chance to maintain their jobs and lifestyle. The class schedules for online doctorate programs are set in a way that will be very convenient for the students. As a student, you may also decide how many classes you wish to take per semester. When it comes to the cost of taking an online PhD program, there is not much difference between online and onsite programs. But you can surely cut down on expenses in many other ways. With online education, you won't need to commute or pay for your driving and parking costs. This setup also eliminates the need for students to move to another city and rent a place to stay in. Just like in traditional PhD programs, students of online doctorate degree programs may also apply for some sort of financial aid, like scholarship grants and student loans. There are many private companies that also offer tuition reimbursement to graduates who need to pay back all their loans. Finally, earning an online PhD degree leads to a lot more job opportunities, which means greater possibilities of earning money. A regular employee who has eventually earned an online doctorate degree is instantly eligible for promotion in the company. Aside from working in a private company, PhD holders can choose to work in academia as a professor or a researcher. They may also write articles, journals, and books about their own research and findings. They are also frequently invited to participate in government research projects.

The Benefits Of Doing IT Courses Online

You may be surprised to discover that you could obtain several benefits if you make the decision to take advantage of the IT courses online. Some of the benefits of this training include obtaining high paying jobs; becoming socially acceptable; playing an important role in an organization and become even more productive at your company. As a result of the advancements for information technology systems, performance has increased and this has helped people to lower production cost and increase profits. Based on research, the Information technology could ultimately result in the replacing people slowly but surely in the work place. However a human being will be required to operate any Information technology system. In order to operate an IT system, persons are required to have the appropriate skills to use different systems. In case you don't have the capability to utilize the systems effectively, then you could end up making mistakes which can become expensive and costly for the company. However, with the right training you can become an expert while working with information technology systems. An individual who has completed these courses will be considered much better than an individual who doesn't have a certificate. Managers and supervisors think that people with certification after completing these courses will be more efficient, more experienced and have more credibility. In the end, employers and coworkers will benefit from that expertise. Prior to signing up for any training course online, you need to ensure that you are choosing the right one, so it is important to conduct a thorough research. For one, you need to look for different providers of IT courses. Throughout your preliminary research session it is advisable to keep selected questions in your mind and get answers to satisfy all your concerns prior to taking a course. Some of the things to take into consideration during your research include things like course duration; scope of the course; connection with any university or institute and also if you will be able to obtain a good education.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Online Photography Courses

Photography is a wonderful skill to have. But the art of taking photographs is a very precise art that requires a lot of assistance and guidance. There are a number of classes or courses you can take that will help you become a proficient photographer. Most of these classes are taken in the conventional manner in which a teacher, tutor or professor guides you through the entire learning process. But for those who do not have access to such classes the online courses are quite good too. The courses offered online are extremely beneficial because your location will never be an issue. Plus you have the freedom to learn at your own pace allowing you to learn better. Another great benefit of this course is that it is amazingly cost efficient. Regular courses are far more expensive than the online versions and therefore they are not available to many people because they are not able to afford the regular classes. But the online courses make it possible for everyone to learn. Also the student no longer has to travel to and from the regular classes thus can be time saving. Also, if the student goes away for a brief period of time, there will be no gap in the learning process. But there are a few disadvantages to this course as well. The problem is that this art requires a lot of practice. You need to have hands on experience to take good pictures and to be able to implement all that you have learned. But if you are taking the course online this requirement cannot be fulfilled. Also, in regular classes there is a teacher who can critique your work and tell you where you have gone wrong and how you can improve. This cannot be done on the online courses. Also, since it is up on you to take the classes whenever you want, you could lose the flow by taking too many gaps. In such cases, students typically learn very little and the course is completely lost on them.The course can become a waste of money. Every venture and task always has its benefits as well as a downside. So the disadvantages should not discourage you from taking the course. If you are interested enough and disciplined enough then there is a lot this course can teach you and it can make you a very skilled photographer.